🚌 Best of Side in One Day
Free Cancellation
Side Mix Tour: 5-in-1 Green Canyon, Waterfall & History
The ultimate Side combo: open-top cabrio safari, Manavgat Waterfall, hidden Seleukeia ruins, and a relaxing Green Lake boat cruise with lunch.
Experience Highlights
Free hotel transfer from Side & Manavgat
Fun open-top cabrio bus safari through the Taurus Mountains
Manavgat Waterfall & Central Mosque cultural stops
Explore the hidden Roman ruins of Seleukeia (Lyrbe)
Scenic photo break at the impressive Oymapınar Dam
1-hour relaxing Green Lake boat cruise & swim
Hearty riverside BBQ lunch with unlimited soft drinks
About This Tour
The Side Mix Tour is the ultimate 'best of both worlds' day trip, packing culture, adventure, and relaxation into one seamless itinerary. You will see more in one day than most visitors see in a week, without the hassle of booking multiple separate tours.
Your morning begins with a cultural visit to the Manavgat Central Mosque, followed by the refreshing mist of the famous Manavgat Waterfall. The real adventure kicks off when you board an open-top cabrio bus. This isn't a standard coach; it's a fun, bumpy, and lively safari ride through fragrant orange groves and mountain villages, often featuring legendary playful water fights between buses!
Your cabrio adventure takes you to the hidden gem of the region: Seleukeia (Lyrbe) Ancient City. Nestled in the Taurus Mountains, these peaceful Roman ruins offer incredible photo opportunities without the coastal crowds. After a scenic viewpoint stop at the massive Oymapınar Dam, you will arrive at the stunning Green Lake.
Here, the pace slows down. Enjoy a hearty riverside BBQ lunch, then board a boat for a 1-hour cruise on the calm, emerald waters, complete with a refreshing (and chilly!) mountain-spring swim. A quick, fun stop at a local mini zoo rounds out the day before your comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Morning collection from your hotel in Side or Manavgat (approx. 09:00)
Cultural Stop
Brief visit to Manavgat Central Mosque & free time at Manavgat Waterfall
Cabrio Safari
Fun open-top bus ride through countryside villages and orange groves
Ancient History
Guided free time to explore the mountain ruins of Seleukeia (Lyrbe)
Dam Viewpoint
Scenic photo break at the impressive Oymapınar Dam
Green Lake
Riverside BBQ lunch, followed by a 1-hour boat cruise and swim
Mini Zoo & Return
Quick, fun stop at a local mini zoo before transfer back to your hotel (approx. 17:00)
What's Included
Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned hotel transfer
- Fun open-top cabrio bus safari experience
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- 1-hour Green Lake boat cruise
- Hearty riverside BBQ lunch with unlimited soft drinks
- Full travel and activity insurance
Not Included
- Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee (approx. €2, payable on site)
- Mini Zoo entrance fee (optional, approx. €5)
- Professional photo and video package (available on USB, approx. €10-15)
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Gratuities for the guide or driver
Tour Information
Duration
7 Hours
Pickup Time
08:30
Meeting Point
Green Lake (Oymapınar Dam), Manavgat
Operates
Mon & Tue & Wed & Thu & Fri & Sat & Sun
Child Price
€20
Cancellation
Free (24h)
Local Tip
Pro tip: If you want to join the legendary cabrio bus water fights, sit in the back and bring a refillable water bottle! If you prefer to stay dry and get the best photos of the scenery, sit near the front. Also, the Green Lake water is famously cold—take a quick, invigorating dip and then warm up in the Mediterranean sun on the boat deck.
Good to Know
Know Before You Go
- This is a varied sightseeing tour, NOT a white-water rafting trip. The Green Lake boat cruise is on calm, peaceful waters.
- The cabrio bus ride is fun but can be bumpy and dusty. Playful water fights between buses are common, so expect to get a little wet!
- The Green Lake water is fed by mountain springs and is refreshingly cold (around 18-20°C), even in peak summer.
- Modest clothing is strictly required for the mosque visit: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women should bring a light headscarf.
- Small cash (Euros or Lira) is needed for the optional Waterfall (€2) and Mini Zoo (€5) entrance fees.
- Children under 3 years old join the tour free of charge.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit worn under your clothes & a small towel
- Secure water shoes or old sneakers (no flip-flops for the boat or ruins)
- Modest clothing (long pants/skirt and a scarf for the mosque)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a strap (for the open-top bus)
- Waterproof pouch for your phone (especially if you plan to join the bus water fights)
- A light, dry change of clothes for the journey home
- Small cash (Euros or Lira) for entrance fees and extras
Guest Reviews (4)
Sophie V.
Netherlands
Perfect tour for families! Our kids absolutely loved the water fights on the open bus. The Green Lake boat ride was very relaxing, and the BBQ lunch was surprisingly tasty.
Markus W.
Germany
Great value for money. I liked that they were transparent about the €1 waterfall fee and €5 zoo fee upfront. The guide was knowledgeable and the cabrio ride through the orange groves was scenic.
Emma L.
United Kingdom
Fun day out, but be aware the lake water is quite cold! The mosque visit was a nice cultural touch. Just remember to bring a scarf if you are a woman.
David R.
Ireland
Good mix of activities without feeling too rushed. The bus was comfortable and the driver was safe on the countryside roads. Would recommend for a first-time overview of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the 'Side Mix Tour'?
It is a 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 combo tour that includes an open-top cabrio bus safari, Manavgat Waterfall, Seleukeia Ancient City, Oymapınar Dam viewpoint, Green Lake boat cruise & swim, and a mini zoo.
Is this tour suitable for young children and the elderly?
Yes, it is generally family-friendly. Children under 3 join free. However, the cabrio bus ride can be bumpy, and the Seleukeia ruins involve some uneven walking, so it may not be ideal for those with severe mobility issues or back problems.
Do we really visit Seleukeia Ancient City?
Yes! Seleukeia (also known as Lyrbe) is a highlight of this tour. It is a beautifully preserved Roman ruin nestled in the Taurus Mountains, offering a peaceful and authentic historical experience away from the crowded coastal sites.
Will I get wet on the cabrio bus?
Yes, playful water fights between tour buses are a famous and fun part of this experience! We recommend wearing quick-dry clothes and bringing a towel. You can choose to sit in the front if you prefer to stay dry.
What is the dress code for the mosque visit?
Modest clothing is required for everyone. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Women should bring a light scarf to cover their hair inside the mosque. If you are not dressed appropriately, you may not be allowed to enter.
Is the Green Lake boat trip the same as rafting?
No. This is a relaxing, calm boat cruise on the emerald reservoir of the Oymapınar Dam. It is perfect for swimming and sightseeing, with no white-water rapids.
How cold is the Green Lake water?
The lake is fed by mountain springs, so the water is refreshingly cold (around 18-20°C), even in the middle of summer. It is invigorating, so a quick dip is recommended!
Are there any hidden fees?
We believe in total transparency. The only extra costs are the Manavgat Waterfall entrance (approx. €2) and the optional Mini Zoo (approx. €5), both payable in small cash at the locations. Everything else is included.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour operates in light rain. The cabrio bus has a retractable roof that can be closed if needed. However, in case of severe storms or lightning, the boat cruise may be cancelled for safety, and a partial refund or alternative will be offered.
Can pregnant women join the tour?
Yes, pregnant women can join the tour. The boat cruise is calm and safe. However, they should skip the uneven walking at Seleukeia ruins if they feel uncomfortable.
What is served for lunch?
A traditional Turkish riverside BBQ is included, typically featuring grilled chicken, pasta or rice, fresh salad, bread, and unlimited soft drinks. Vegetarian options are usually available if requested in advance.
How long is the boat cruise on Green Lake?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, with time for a swimming break in the emerald waters.
Is there time for shopping or local experiences?
Yes, there is often a stop at a local tea garden where you can try traditional gözleme (Turkish pancakes) and meet local villagers.
What time do we return to the hotel?
The tour typically ends around 17:00, with hotel drop-off completed by 17:30-18:00 depending on your location.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
You can bring water and small snacks, but the tour includes a full BBQ lunch with unlimited soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased separately.
From
€25
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