Sightseeing & traditions 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 leading the easy life of the elite, she used her privilege to benefit her city. Her courage, independence and strength of 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 and her commitment to empowering local women. During a hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to create your own small decorative gourd and learn more about both the craft and Hatice's contributions to the local women's community. She pays her success forward by employing local women to decorate the gourds from their own homes and provides them with seeds to help grow the gourds for the business. This helps 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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Northern Cyprus Tour with Flights from Antalya
The tour begins by exploring St. Barnabas Monastery and the occupied northern part of Cyprus's heritage with visits to iconic sites like Othello Castle and Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Experience the eerie beauty of Marash and Varosha - a ghost resort, once a luxury paradise, now a time capsule of history. Enjoy a panoramic Nicosia tour, savour a local lunch, and marvel at the Gothic Bellapais Convent. Cap it off with a Kyrenia Castle visit and an optional harbour cruise.
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Green Canyon Boat Cruise with Lunch and Orange Grove Visit
The star attractions of this full day excursion are orange orchards, shopping and a beautiful, wild canyon. You'll taste fresh orange juice, enjoy a canyon boat trip and stop for a swim at Oymapinar Dam Lake. Narin, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Oymapinar Dam Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in Turkey, covering an area of approximately 19 square kilometres. The lake is fed by the Manavgat River, which flows south from the Taurus Mountains and eventually empties into the Mediterranean Sea at Side.' Your morning starts with a quick visit to a fruit garden for some freshly squeezed orange juice. We'll then call in for a spot of shopping at Dickman Textile Centre. If fashion is your thing, then you're in luck as you can enjoy a stress-free browse for clothing and accessories without the hassle of pushy salespeople. Next, we'll head for a riverside restaurant to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch it's all aboard, ready for a cruise down the canyon waterway. Spectacularly rugged rock formations tower around you and the river, in shades of turquoise and green, snakes away into the distance. It's a tranquil slice of Turkish natural beauty and the colour of the water is spellbinding. You'll cruise the canyon, admiring the views, before the boat slows - you'll be able to swim in these wild surroundings once the boat reaches the Oymapinar Lake.
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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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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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Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring Antalya's Nomadic Culture
The foothills of the Taurus mountains have been a region of travel and trade for millennia. On this tour, get a flavour of the ancient traditions still alive in the region, and visit a Yörük family to experience their nomadic lifestyle in close-up. First, see the unusual Seljuk bridge at Aspendos, whose fascinating story is represented by its zigzag formation. A bridge has spanned this section of the Köprüçay river since around the 4th century, and your guide will explain its significance. Another sign that this region has a long history of comings and goings is the 13th century Kargıhan caravanserai, with most of its original layout still in good condition. Strolling through the ancient inn's bedrooms, guardian's quarters, bathhouse and prayer hall with your guide you'll get a sense of times gone by and all the thousands of people who passed through here for a rest and refuel on their travels. Yörük people have been following the rhythms of their nomadic lifestyle for centuries. Each spring, they move their camps and flocks from the mild coastal plains to the summer pastures in the mountains. Meet a Yörük family to understand more about their low-impact lifestyle and their humble tented homes knitted with wool from their own animals. You'll also have time to explore the pretty Ottoman village of Ormana, known for its ingenious 'button houses' - built only with stone and timber. On the return journey, you will hopefully catch a glimpse of the famous wild horses of the area.
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Head inland from the Turquoise Coast to find a wealth of dusty trails and shallow riverbeds. This two-hour buggy safari lets you explore off the beaten track in the Manavgat region – at great speed.
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Alanya Castle and Cave Winter Tour with Lunch
A tale of two cities, Alanya is a true mix of the old and the new. It's a bustling resort that's home to a medieval castle and picturesque old town, where you'll have free time to explore. To top it off, there are visits to the Damlatas Caves and a shop where gourds are crafted into decorative lamps.With this winter tour, you'll start the day at the Damlatas Caves. Filled with stalagmites and stalactites, the cylindrical chamber within is said to cure asthma. Next up is Seljuk Castle. Topping a headland jutting into the Mediterranean, it was built in the 13th century on the remnants of Roman and Byzantine castles. Explore its watchtower-studded battlements and peer through the holes from where hot oil was poured onto enemies.Then, you'll continue on to a craft shop where gourds are carefully carved into lamps, with great results. After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Go shopping in Alanya bazaar – market day is Friday – or relax in a café. Or go for a stroll on the gulet-crammed harbour or promenade.
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Antalya Shopping & Old Town Tour
Antalya is renowned for its shopping and for being a haggler's paradise – it's not just beautiful landscapes and historic cities. This full day tour combines these two elements, taking you to the best places to grab a bargain and pick up a souvenir, as well as the famous Karpuzkaldiran waterfall and Antalya old town.
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Antalya Family Adventure Experience in Aladdin's Canyon
An experience in the Anatolian wilds awaits with a day of canyoning, swimming, diving, jumping and enjoying the best of nature in the Taurus Mountains. You'll head deep into the countryside to Ahmetler Canyon for an action-packed adventure.
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