Folklore in Side
Nat Geo Day Tour: Women of Antalya, Past to Present
Nearly two millennia ago, Plancia Magna blazed a trail by making an impressive impact on the city of Perge despite the usual passive role of women at that time. She was born into a wealthy, powerful family, but instead of an easy life, she used her privilege to benefit her city. Her courage, independence and character was celebrated long after her time, and inspired women through the ages to seek influential roles in society. Your National Geographic-trained guide will reveal the ancient city of Perge with a focus on the life and legacy of Plancia Magna, an inspirational figure even today. Perhaps Plancia was a source of inspiration for Hatice Adıgüzel, whose workshop you will visit next. Discover the skills and artistry involved in creating lamps and garden ornaments from gourds, and learn from Hatice herself what sets her business apart - her leadership in a male-dominated workforce, her commitment to empowering local women and her choice of sustainable materials. During a hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to create your own decorative gourd and learn more about Hatice's work with the local women's community. She pays her success forward by employing women to grow and decorate the gourds from their own homes for the business. They also make the snacks you'll enjoy during the workshop. Hatice's aim is to help women who are unable to work in regular employment due to childcare commitments or similar restrictions by giving them a convenient way to earn.
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Ormana Tour including button houses and lunch
Uncover the secrets of Ormana village and its surrounds. On this cultural group tour, you'll visit viewpoints and villages as well as have the chance to see the famous Ormana wild horses. There is also a trip to see local caves by boat - summer only - and in winter a local village . This is an experience with a special focus on sustainability and community engagement, but it's also rewarding for you. As Muzzafer, one of our local guides, says, "wild horses running freely and epic natural scenery – these mountains have so much to offer you and your camera."We begin the day by taking freshly brewed Turkish tea in a traditional Anatolian house in Ürünlü, a charming hamlet of red-roofed wooden and stone homes. In the summer months the next activity involves visiting Altinbesik caves by boat, wheras in winter you'll stop at a village and museum. Then, it's on to Ormana, with its wooden mosque and its unusual ‘button houses'. Contributions from this tour support the villagers' efforts to restore these centuries-old dwellings. Soak up Ormana's laidback vibe before sitting down for a lunch of ‘KM0' products in a family-owned restaurant.In the afternoon, we'll head to the nearby ruins of an ancient caravanserai – a medieval motel for travelling traders. To round off this immersive countryside tour, we'll venture to the desolate landscapes of the Eynif Plains, where you'll hopefully witness the majestic wild horses roaming in their natural habitat.
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If you want a top-notch tan whilst trying something new, then a trip to a hammam or Turkish bath is definitely for you. Hammams have existed in Turkey since ancient times, providing locals with a way to relax and freshen up. They're also brilliant for exfoliating your skin so you're more likely to develop a lasting tan.
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Summer tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with Lake Salda
This summer tour takes you to Pamukkale, which means ‘cotton castle' in Turkish – and you'll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you'll also visit Hierapolis, and stop en route at dazzling Lake Salda. Muzaffer, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties.'Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you'll arrive at Lake Salda after a few hours' scenic drive. It's been compared to the Maldives for its long white beaches and multi-toned blue waters. You'll have free time to take some photos of this otherworldly spot. Then we'll continue to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, admire the bright white calcite terraces – they look like icy stalactites dripping from pools of sky-blue water.At the top of these travertines is Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Byzantine Gate and marvel at the ruins as you stroll towards the vast bowl-shaped theatre. On the way back, you'll tuck into a tasty dinner in a forest restaurant, too. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to the TUI Care Foundation charity.
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Hammam and Turkish bath experience
Want a top-notch tan whilst trying something new? Then a trip to a hammam or Turkish bath is definitely for you. Hammams have existed in Turkey since ancient times, providing locals with a way to relax and freshen up. They're also brilliant for exfoliating your skin so you're more likely to develop a lasting tan.
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Fire of Anatolia Dance Show in the Aspendos Ancient Theatre
The ancient region of Anatolia makes up most of central Turkey and its folklore has shaped much of the country's wider culture and customs. And this world-famous show tells you the story of its past through the medium of dance.
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Popular experiences in Side
Side - Nat Geo Day Tour: Women of Antalya, Past to Present
Nearly two millennia ago, Plancia Magna blazed a trail by making an impressive impact on the city of Perge despite the usual passive role of women at that time. She was born into a wealthy, powerful family, but instead of an easy life, she used her privilege to benefit her city. Her courage, independence and character was celebrated long after her time, and inspired women through the ages to seek influential roles in society. Your National Geographic-trained guide will reveal the ancient city of Perge with a focus on the life and legacy of Plancia Magna, an inspirational figure even today. Perhaps Plancia was a source of inspiration for Hatice Adıgüzel, whose workshop you will visit next. Discover the skills and artistry involved in creating lamps and garden ornaments from gourds, and learn from Hatice herself what sets her business apart - her leadership in a male-dominated workforce, her commitment to empowering local women and her choice of sustainable materials. During a hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to create your own decorative gourd and learn more about Hatice's work with the local women's community. She pays her success forward by employing women to grow and decorate the gourds from their own homes for the business. They also make the snacks you'll enjoy during the workshop. Hatice's aim is to help women who are unable to work in regular employment due to childcare commitments or similar restrictions by giving them a convenient way to earn.
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Belek - Ancient Perge and Aspendos Tour
You'll travel back in time to the days of togas and chariots with this half-day excursion to the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos. Among the attractions you'll discover is perhaps the best-preserved Roman theatre of all.
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Antalya - Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience from Antalya
Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it as you soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces, making memories that'll last long after you leave.
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Alanya - Manavgat Market & Waterfall Tour with Riverboat Cruise
Sightseeing and a relaxing river cruise – there's something for everyone on this full day tour, exploring Manavgat bazaar and the beautiful surrounding area. Visit Manavgat Falls and enjoy a riverboat cruise.Everything begins at the Manavgat Falls on the River Manavgat. They're known as the ‘Little Falls' as their fast-flowing waters crash down a ridge into a bubbly, foaming fresh-water pool. Next, you can grab a bargain at a multi-brand outlet store, before heading inland for Manavgat's open air bazaar for more retail therapy. You'll hop onboard a riverboat cruise along the Manavgat next. Sit back and relax in the sunshine as you sail past reed beds and sandy beaches. After lunch on board, you'll moor at a beach, where the sea and the river meet. A perfect swimming opportunity ends this jam-packed day out.
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Side - Antalya Aquarium Ticket for Side Hotels
Boasting the longest aquarium tunnel in the world and a dazzling array of species, Antalya Aquarium is a great day out. The main tank features a life-size aeroplane, a shipwreck and a submarine, and each installation is brimming with dozens of species of tropical fish and sharks. There's also a special tank for jellyfish and a wax museum. For a small extra cost – and if you're brave enough – you can take on the Fear Trophy, a creepy exhibit that showcases the world's deadliest snakes, spiders and more. Or at Snow World, discover a winter wonderland with igloos, Santa's grotto and cafés. You can even have a snowball fight and make snowmen.
Antalya - Turkish sunrise hot air balloon ride over Aspendos
You'll need to rise and shine early to catch this ride, but the wow-worthy views of the ancient city of Aspendos are worth the early wake-up call. As your guide expertly coaxes the hot air balloon skywards, you'll gain a whole new perspective of this beautifully preserved site. Soar over the ruins, enjoying the fresh morning air and the silence it brings, broken only by the occasional blast of the burner and the ‘ooos' and ‘ahhhs' of your group. The Roman theatre is the star attraction. It was built in the 2nd-century BC during the reign of Marcus Aurelius – remember the emperor in the movie Gladiator? That guy. As you gaze down, just imagine those fight scenes playing out to an audience of thousands in the tiered semi-circle. The bird's eye view helps you appreciate the Romans' feat of engineering with the ancient aqueduct snaking its way towards the mountains that once fed it. This is definitely one to have your camera handy for. The surrounding rolling hills and fruit farms, the Mediterranean to the south and the Taurus Mountains to the North frame photos that you'll want to remember. You'll round off the experience with a celebratory glass of fizz and head home with a certificate – just in case you look back and wonder if it was all a dream.
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Alanya - Aqua Fun Park with buggy safari, rafting and paddle-boarding
Dive into adventure on this full-day water-themed tour. After a quick safety briefing, it's time to make a splash. First up is a 13-kilometre rafting route, followed by the wild waters of the Koprucay River. Then, you'll enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding on the final stretch. Back on land, you'll hit forest trails on a buggy safari before cooling off at an inflatable river waterpark. Afterwards, it's time to fish for your lunch. You'll end your adventure soaring over the river on a 300-metre-long zip-line.
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Side - Adults-only sunset gulet cruise with dinner from Side
Set sail on this luxurious adults-only cruise for a laid-back evening as the sun sinks below the horizon. Departing from Side Harbour, you'll hop aboard a traditional Turkish gulet boat and head out into the Mediterranean, before gliding along the scenic Manavgat River.With plenty of space on deck and your own guaranteed sunbed, you're free to unwind, visit the bar for a drink and soak up the coastal scenery surrounding you. The captain will also make a couple of swim stops along the way, so you can enjoy a cooling dip beneath the setting sun.With the sky painted gold, a freshly prepared dinner will be served onboard by the professional crew as you sail. After dinner, there's more time to kick back, sip a chilled drink and relax under the evening sky – the perfect way to wrap up a memorable night at sea before returning to port.
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Antalya - Pamukkale and Hierapolis day trip from Antalya-Kemer with meals
Book your day trip from Antalya and visit two of Turkey's most stunning sites, Pamukkale and Hierapolis, in a single day.
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Side - Luxury Turkish spa experience from Side
Step into a world of R&R with this luxury spa experience. You'll get the traditional Turkish treatment, combined with some more modern techniques, all designed to melt your stress away. Start with a soothing salt sauna, before rejuvenating your skin with a mineral-rich mud bath. Then, you'll have a traditional Turkish bath, before unwinding with a 30-minute massage. Plus, you'll get some personalised skincare recommendations, before ending your visit with a soak in the hot tub.
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Side - Antalya’s Paradise Canyon tour with boat cruise and lunch
See a slice of Turkey's top natural sights by land and sea on this adventurous day trip that's ideal for couples and families alike. You'll ride a monster buggy – think open-air off-road minibus – and take it for a spin on a figure-eight course around dirt trails pock-marked with muddy puddles. Yes, you will get a tad mucky so bring a change of clothes with you. Then, as you reach Paradise Canyon, you'll understand the name. The pine-covered slopes of the Taurus Mountains give way to emerald-green waters, which you'll be cruising along after lunch at a lakeside restaurant. You'll then have plenty of free time for fun in the water, with everything from swimming and fishing to canoeing and riding a banana boat on offer.
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Antalya - Rafting, Buggy Safari, and Köprülü Kanyon National Park
Partake in three thrilling activities amidst the natural beauty of Köprülü Canyon National Park.
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Antalya - Selge Ancient City, Mini Cappadocia, Safari, and Rafting in Turkey
Visit Selge Ancient City, mini Cappadocia, and have fun during safari, and rafting in Turkey.
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Side - Half-day off-roading in the Turkish countryside from Belek, Side or Antalya
Get away from the coast to see a different side of Turkey as you ride the rugged trails of the countryside in a 4x4. It's an early start to make the most of this half-day off-road safari, but after pick-up from your hotel, there's a stop at Kemal's café where you can grab a drink and a snack to set you up for the morning.From there, it's off to meet your vehicle and get a safety briefing from an experienced instructor. You'll be driving a utility task vehicle (UTV) – think of a 4x4 buggy, but with four seats and a roll cage. Once you've got the knack of the controls, you'll head out into the countryside to see what these vehicles are made of.With your guide leading the way, you'll scale mountain paths and ramble through river crossings. Your route could take you through canyon territory, following winding rivers, or out onto the open plains to test your speed. Whichever parts of the hillside you explore, you'll find an adrenaline-fuelled adventure that gives you enviable views of the Turkish countryside.
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Antalya - Organic farm visit with local lunch and trailer ride in Turkey
Escape the tourist traps and step into the tropical magic of Turkey's Wonder Garden. Your adventure begins at your accommodation, where you'll be picked up and taken on a scenic truck ride through some countryside villages. You'll even stop at one along the way. When you arrive at Wonder Garden, you'll explore greenhouses filled with exotic fruits and plants alongside the knowledgeable staff who work here. Afterwards, you'll try your hand at making traditional Turkish flatbread, learning the techniques before tasting what you've created. Alongside your flatbread, you'll enjoy a tasty local lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients which offer a true taste of the region's culinary heritage.After lunch, you'll hop on a tractor and trailer for a leisurely tour of the gardens, with opportunities to feed some animals that live here. For families, there's another special treat – pumpkin painting for the kids.
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Alanya - Green Canyon cruise and 4x4 tour with tree-planting
Man-made engineering and Mother Nature's talents combine in this pocket of Antalya's Taurus Mountains to give us the Green Canyon. While the Manavgat River had been slowly carving the canyon for millennia, it was the Oymapınar Dam, finished in 1988, that flooded it and created the lake you'll be cruising along. Emir, a local guide, says, “the area's been given a protected status to allow animals and plants to thrive and you'll get to play your part as you plant a tree to support the forest.” You'll start this half-day adventure with a scenic 4x4 ride that takes you through the mountains towards the canyon. On the way, you'll hear about the area from your expert guide and get ready to make your own special contribution to the environment here. As you dig into the soil and plant a tree, you'll be supporting one of many reforestation projects aimed at keeping the Green Canyon living up to its name and preserving the area's natural beauty. Next, dust the soil from your hands and get ready to cast off for an altogether more relaxing part of your tour. You'll take a cruise along the Green Canyon and even stop for a dip. As the emerald waters give way to the shoreline, cast your eyes up to follow the towering rocks with spiky green pines, cedars and determined wildflowers clinging to them. The mix of forests and freshwater has attracted migratory birds and even endangered species like the fish owl – your guide will help keep an eye out for any interesting wildlife spots.
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Side - The Land of Legends theme park ticket for Side
Dive into Land of Legends theme park for a full day of family fun featuring 40 water slides, over 35 adrenaline-pumping attractions and endless thrills across six mini worlds. Touch the sky on Adventure Land's Hyper Coaster, soaring 62 metres high, make a splash on the 525-metre-long Typhoon Coaster, and experience one of the world's longest water slides with the Turtle Coaster in the Tropic Lagoon. Junior thrill-seekers will love Nickelodeon Land, where characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Trek™ and PAW Patrol come to life in family-friendly rides. While at Masha and The Bear Land of Laughter, you'll find everything from Bear's Fun House to circus shows to keep the kids entertained. Refuel at the food court, then hit your favourites again.
Antalya - Ormana and Altınbeşik Cave Private Tour from Antalya, Belek, Side
Spend a day discovering the little village of Ormana and visit Altınbeşik Cave on a private tour departing from Antalya, Belek or Side.
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Antalya - Private Konya, Butterfly Garden tour with Whirling Dervishes Show
Explore culture, history, and Mevlana and Shams Tabrizi poets. Plus, increase your knowledge about life in Turkey and be in awe at the Tropical Butterfly Garden.
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