Ancient Side’s guided tours pack centuries of history and adventure into well-organized excursions. The standout options include three memorable experiences: The Pamukkale day trip showcases Turkey’s stunning white terraces and thermal pools while incorporating vital historical context. For adventure seekers, quad bike safaris offer an exciting way to explore the rugged countryside and hidden villages. The city walking tours excel at bringing Side’s Roman ruins and Ottoman heritage to life through expert local guides.
These tours handle all logistics – from hotel pickups to meals – letting travelers focus on the experience rather than the details. Based on years of firsthand experience and visitor feedback, these specific tours consistently deliver the best value and authentic cultural insights.
Let’s explore Side’s most worthwhile guided tours.
Good To Know
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tours offer a full-day guided experience featuring travertine pools and ancient ruins, including an optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool.
Adventure Experiences in Side include a guided Quad Bike Riding Experience covering 20km near the Manavgat River, suitable for participants over 16 years old.
Scenic Excursions from Alanya and Side to Pamukkale and Salda Lake provide a full-day tour with 3 hours of free time at Pamukkale’s terraces.
Antalya City Tours from Side offer a 9-hour guided tour that highlights the Antalya Old Town and Kurşunlu Waterfall, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Nature and Underwater Experiences include a guided trip to Sapadere Canyon and Alanya City, as well as a scuba diving experience in an underwater museum.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Guided Tour From Side
Although located approximately 300 km from Side, the Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Guided Tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of Turkey’s most iconic sites.
The tour takes travelers to the famous travertine pools of Pamukkale, known as the “Cotton Castle,” and the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Participants can also opt for a swim in Cleopatra’s Pool for an additional fee.
With a professional multilingual guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and all entrance fees included, this full-day excursion provides an all-inclusive experience for just $57.79 per person.
Read our full review: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Guided Tour From Side Review
Book now: Check availability
Side: Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience
One thrilling option for visitors to Side is the Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience. This 20km ride allows up to 50 travelers to explore the stunning natural landscapes near the Manavgat River.
Priced from $35 per person, the experience includes round-trip hotel transfers, training, equipment, and photos. Participants must be over 16, and children can join as passengers.
While the reviews are generally positive, some note the group size and quad bike conditions could be improved. The tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, but most travelers can participate and enjoy this exciting outdoor adventure.
Read our full review: Side: Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Alanya&Side: Pamukkale & Salda Lake Guided Excursion
This guided excursion from Alanya and Side takes travelers on a captivating journey to explore the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Salda Lake.
The full-day tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and an expert guide to provide insights along the way. Highlights include the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale, where visitors can enjoy 3 hours of free time to wander and take photos.
The excursion also features a stop at the picturesque Salda Lake. Despite the long 17-hour duration, the tour receives generally positive reviews for its informative guides and the opportunity to see these magnificent natural attractions.
Read our full review: Alanya&Side: Pamukkale & Salda Lake Guided Excursion Review
Book now: Check availability
Antalya City Tour From Side With A Local Guide
Travelers seeking to explore the vibrant city of Antalya can embark on a guided tour from Side. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned bus, and a professional guide.
Highlights include the Antalya Old Town and the Kurşunlu Waterfall. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller friendly.
Participants should note that the cable car may not be operational until April due to maintenance.
Reviews indicate the tour offers a good overall experience, though communication with the operator and insufficient air conditioning on the bus have been issues for some.
The tour costs $25 per person and accommodates up to 46 travelers.
Read our full review: Antalya City Tour From Side With A Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
9 Hour Antalya City Guided Tour From Side
Although the tour from Side to Antalya lasts a full 9 hours, it provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions.
For £27.97 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to Düden Waterfalls, all entry tickets including cable car, and lunch with a drink.
However, there are a few drawbacks – the cable car wasn’t operational during some visits, an additional fee for the waterfalls was a surprise, and the guide dropped participants off at the Bazaar for 5 hours.
Read our full review: 9 Hour Antalya City Guided Tour From Side Review
Book now: Check availability
From Side: Guided Trip to Sapadere Canyon W/ Lunch Opt. Cable Car
For those seeking a captivating day trip from Side, the guided excursion to Sapadere Canyon and Alanya City with an optional cable car is a must-consider adventure.
This tour provides a comprehensive experience, including lunch, transportation, and guided visits to the stunning Sapadere Canyon and the historic Alanya City.
Travelers can choose to spend free time at the scenic cable car instead of the city center. With a maximum of 45 participants, this tour offers an intimate group setting led by a professional guide.
Pickup is available from various hotels in the Side region, with an 8:30 am start time.
Read our full review: From Side: Guided Trip to Sapadere Canyon W/ Lunch Opt. Cable Car Review
Book now: Check availability
Side: Scuba Diving in Underwater Museum Experience With Certified Guide
Scuba diving enthusiasts visiting Side can enjoy an unforgettable underwater museum experience led by a certified guide.
The activity takes place in Side, Turkey, where participants can explore an underwater museum. The tour includes lunch, transportation, and all necessary scuba and snorkeling equipment.
While the maximum group size is 20 travelers, reviews have been mixed, with one traveler criticizing the long trip duration for limited diving time.
Despite the moderate physical fitness required, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps.
Read our full review: Side: Scuba Diving in Underwater Museum Experience With Certified Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Guided Antalya Waterfalls Tour From Side With Free Time
Travelers visiting Side, Turkey can embark on a guided tour to explore the stunning Antalya Waterfalls. This tour, priced from $17.86 per person, offers hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to the Düden Waterfalls, traffic insurance, a drink, and lunch.
The tour can accommodate up to 44 travelers and departs at 8:30 am. However, it’s not suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or serious medical issues, nor is it recommended for pregnant travelers.
Participants can enjoy free time at the waterfalls before returning to their hotels. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior to the experience.
Read our full review: Guided Antalya Waterfalls Tour From Side With Free Time Review
Book now: Check availability
Salda Lake and Pamukkale Full-Day Guided Tour From Side
Embarking on a full-day guided tour from Side, Turkey, travelers can enjoy the natural wonders of Salda Lake and Pamukkale.
At Salda Lake, they’ll marvel at its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, earning it the nickname “Turkish Maldives.”
Next, they’ll explore the limestone travertines, hot springs, and thermal pools of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour also includes a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis.
With breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off, this guided tour provides a seamless and comprehensive experience.
Read our full review: Salda Lake and Pamukkale Full-Day Guided Tour From Side Review
Book now: Check availability
Adler Canyon and Selge Guided Tour With Hotel Transfers in Side
Situated in the picturesque region of Side, Turkey, the Adler Canyon and Selge Guided Tour offers travelers a captivating exploration of the area’s natural wonders.
Starting at 8:30 am, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and includes hotel pickup, lunch, and a guide.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
Feedback suggests inconsistent treatment and information provided to English-speaking versus Russian-speaking travelers, and the guide’s performance didn’t fully meet expectations.
Read our full review: Adler Canyon and Selge Guided Tour With Hotel Transfers in Side Review
Book now: Check availability
Pamukkale and Salda Lake Guided Full-day Tour From Side
Departing early from Side, this guided full-day tour takes visitors on a captivating exploration of Pamukkale and Salda Lake, two of Turkey’s most remarkable natural wonders.
The tour includes entrance tickets, guiding services, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, though additional drinks and personal expenses aren’t included.
Guests have the option to visit Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and the Cleopatra Pool for an additional fee.
With a maximum of 45 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience for those seeking to discover these stunning natural attractions.
Read our full review: Pamukkale and Salda Lake Guided Full-day Tour From Side Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Village Guided Tour From Side
This guided tour from Side takes visitors on a captivating exploration of Altinbesik Cave and the charming Ormana Village. Priced at $62.79 per person, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, a boat trip through Altinbesik Cave, guiding service, full insurance, and lunch.
Pickup is available at the security gate outside hotels or apartments in or near Side, with a possible 5-10 minute delay. The tour runs from 9:00 am and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate.
Cancellations up to 24 hours before the start are free, and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.
Read our full review: Full Day Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Village Guided Tour From Side Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Side offers a variety of guided tours to explore the region’s natural wonders and historic sites. From the travertine terraces of Pamukkale to the stunning Salda Lake, these tours provide an opportunity to discover the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Whether you prefer an exhilarating quad bike ride or a comprehensive city tour, Side has something to suit every traveler’s interests.