Side:Green Lake Mix Tour – A Day of Nature History & Culture

Imagine a full day exploring some of Turkey’s most scenic spots—crystal-clear lakes, ancient ruins, cascading waterfalls, and local villages—all wrapped into an 8-hour journey that costs just $37. That’s what the Green Lake Mix Tour promises. Starting from Side, this tour is designed for curious travelers eager to see a blend of natural beauty, archaeological sites, and local culture. Led by friendly guides, your day is filled with photo stops, boat rides, and a taste of Turkish life.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are its diversity of stops and the quality of scenic views. You get to sail on the tranquil waters of Green Lake, explore ancient ruins in Seleukia, and enjoy stunning vistas at Green Canyon—all in one day. Plus, the included lunch and boat cruise make this a convenient, value-packed outing.

One potential consideration is the itinerary’s pace. With so many locations packed into one day, you’ll spend some time on the bus traveling between sites, which might be a bit rushed for those wanting a more relaxed experience. Also, the Seleukia archaeological site might be closed on certain days due to ongoing excavations, so it’s wise to check availability beforehand.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of nature and history—especially those eager for a comprehensive day that combines scenic views with cultural insights. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to see some of Turkey’s highlights without sacrificing variety, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Accessible Price Point: At $37, it offers good value for a full day’s exploration.
• Variety of Experiences: From boat rides to ancient ruins, waterfalls, and local villages.
• Scenic Highlights: Green Lake, Green Canyon, and Manavgat Waterfall present exceptional photo opportunities.
• Cultural Touchpoints: Visit a mosque and learn about local traditions.
• Flexible Attire: Be prepared for outdoor activities and modest dress when visiting religious sites.
• Language Options: Guides speak English, German, and Russian, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Green Lake Mix Tour

Starting with Practicalities

For around $37, we found this tour offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, especially considering the inclusive transportation, boat ride, and lunch. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, depending on the starting time you choose; it begins early enough to maximize your day. Pickups are available from various hotels in Side, including Kumköy, Evrenseki, and Titreyengöl, which simplifies logistics for travelers based in those areas.

The transportation is typically in air-conditioned minibusses or open-top cabrio buses, depending on the weather—an important detail if you’re packing for comfort. The tour’s small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, fostering a more personal experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Orange Orchard Visit

Your day kicks off with a stop at a local orchard filled with fragrant orange trees. Strolling among these fruit-laden branches, you’ll get a whiff of fresh citrus and learn about orange cultivation. This might seem simple, but it’s a genuine slice of local life, and many travelers enjoy tasting the freshest oranges they’ve ever had. It’s a peaceful start that sets a relaxed tone.

Seleukia (Lyrbe) Ancient City

Next up is the ancient city of Seleukia, also called Lyrbe. While excavation work might mean this site is closed on some days, when accessible, you’ll appreciate the well-preserved ruins and the chance to glimpse life as it was thousands of years ago. Guided explanations will help you understand the significance of the structures and their connection to the region’s history.

A traveler mentioned, “Cool people, great trip, saw a lot and beautiful nature,” highlighting how informative and scenic this part of the tour can be. The ruins are an archaeological treasure, and even if the site is temporarily closed, the view from the outside and the drive through the area are worthwhile.

Green Canyon (Oymapinar Dam)

One of the tour’s most visually stunning stops is the Oymapinar Dam, commonly called Green Canyon. The turquoise waters and rugged cliffs create a spectacular backdrop for photos. We loved the way this stop allows you to appreciate Turkey’s impressive engineering alongside nature’s grandeur, making it an ideal spot for panoramic shots.

Green Lake and Lunch

The highlight for many is the Green Lake itself—an inviting spot for swimming and relaxing. The included lunch at a nearby restaurant provides a chance to refuel, and the setting by the lake offers a peaceful break from sightseeing. After lunch, you’ll get to enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise on Green Lake, giving you a different perspective and plenty of chances to snap photos of the calm, sparkling waters.

Manavgat Waterfall

The Manavgat Waterfall is a favorite among visitors, who often describe it as “mesmerizing.” The powerful cascade and lush surroundings make for excellent photo opportunities, and the time allocated allows you to soak in the scenery and even get close enough for a splash if you’re feeling adventurous.

Mosque Visit

To round out the cultural experience, the tour includes a visit to a local mosque. It’s a moment to appreciate the serenity of Islamic architecture and learn about local traditions. Remember to dress modestly, as this is a place of worship, and respect the spiritual ambiance.

Logistics & Practical Tips

• Duration & Pacing: With several stops, the day feels full but not rushed. You’ll spend about 45 minutes to an hour at each location, with some travel time in between.
• What to Bring: Pack comfortable walking shoes, your camera, and swimwear if you want to take a dip at Green Lake. Sunscreen and hats are advisable in the Turkish sun.
• Family-Friendly: Infants travel free when carried on an adult’s lap, making this suitable for families.
• Accessibility & Language: The guides speak English, German, and Russian, which helps a lot if you’re not fluent in Turkish.

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What Reviewers Say

Feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views as key strengths. One reviewer said, “Cool people, great trip, saw a lot and beautiful nature,” capturing the tour’s broad appeal. Another noted that it’s a “nice mix, but please leave out the zoo,” indicating the positive reception to the varied stops—though the zoo isn’t part of this tour, emphasizing that the focus remains on natural and historical sites.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $37, the tour is quite affordable, especially considering all the inclusions—transport, boat ride, lunch, and site visits. For travelers seeking a comprehensive day with minimal planning, it offers excellent value. However, the quality of experiences will depend on your interests—if you’re keen on exploring ancient ruins or scenic lakes, this delivers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors to Side and Antalya who want a broad overview in one day. It’s ideal for those who enjoy nature, history, and cultural insights, and prefer an organized, guided experience rather than DIY exploration. Families, small groups, or solo travelers alike will find it manageable and fun.

Those with a curious, adventurous spirit will appreciate the variety of stops and the chance to see multiple highlights without worrying about transportation or logistics. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace or wish to spend more time at one particular site, you might want to consider customizing your day or choosing fewer stops.

Final Thoughts

The Green Lake Mix Tour offers a well-balanced, budget-friendly way to see some of Turkey’s most scenic and historical spots. The combination of boat rides, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and cultural sites makes it a lively, interesting day out. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, which enhances the experience, and the views are genuinely stunning.

While it might be a bit fast-paced for those wanting a leisurely exploration, for most travelers, it hits a sweet spot of variety and value. It’s perfect for those eager to tick off several must-see spots in one go, especially if you’re short on time or on a budget.

If you’re after a memorable, diverse day trip packed with natural beauty and cultural highlights, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to dress modestly for the mosque visit and bring your camera—there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $37 per person, which includes transportation, a boat trip, lunch, and insurance.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 8 hours, depending on the starting time you select.

Are there any special requirements or dress codes?
Yes, when visiting the mosque, modest dress is expected—covering shoulders and knees is recommended.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, your camera, swimwear if you want to swim at Green Lake, and sunscreen.

Are infants allowed to join?
Yes, infants can travel free of charge if carried on an adult’s lap.

Is the Seleukia archaeological site accessible on all days?
Not necessarily; ongoing excavation work may close the site on certain days, so check availability ahead of time.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides speak English, German, and Russian, making it accessible for many travelers.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the best type of traveler for this tour?
It’s ideal for curious travelers wanting a full day of scenic, historic, and cultural experiences, particularly suited for those who value guided insights and stunning visuals.

This tour offers an engaging, practical, and fun way to explore some of Turkey’s most photogenic and historically interesting sites—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler eager for variety, the Green Lake Mix Tour delivers a memorable slice of Antalya’s natural and cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: