Alanya: Syedra, Iotape, Lie Cave & Antiochia ad Cragum Tour

If you’re looking to uncover some of the lesser-known sights in Turkey’s Antalya Province, this full-day tour offers a great way to see a mix of history, nature, and relaxing spots without the crowds. While it’s not for everyone—especially if mobility is an issue—the experience provides a nice balance of exploration and chill-out moments. Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the chance to walk through ancient Roman ruins with guiding insights and the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters away from busy beaches. The only consideration is that it involves a fair bit of walking and time on the bus, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity.

This is a solid pick if you’re into history and scenic landscapes but want a relaxed, guided experience that covers multiple sites in one day. It’s especially ideal for curious travelers who enjoy both culture and natural beauty, and who are okay with a bus ride to connect everything together. Families with older children or anyone who appreciates a good mix of sightseeing and leisure will likely find this tour rewarding.

Key Points

• Historical exploration: Visit the ancient Roman cities of Syedra and Iotape and see well-preserved ruins.
• Unique caves: Enter the Lie World Cave, an underground marvel filled with fascinating rock formations.
• Natural beauty: Swim in Delik Deniz, a natural rock pool, and relax on Adil Üstünda Beach.
• Local cuisine: Enjoy a hearty Turkish lunch with options like grilled chicken and fresh salad.
• Scenic drives: The tour involves two hours of bus travel each way, so prepare for some comfortable sitting.
• All-in-one: Covers multiple sites in a single day, making it efficient for those with limited time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Real Deal: A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from six different locations, including popular spots like Alanya, Avsallar, and Mahmutlar. This makes it convenient — no need to hunt down meeting points, which is a big bonus. After pickup, you’ll settle into a comfortable bus for a roughly 2-hour drive towards Gazipasa. This might seem long, but it’s a nice chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and get your first glimpses of the landscape.

Exploring Syedra: Roman Ruins with a View

The first stop is Syedra Antik Kenti, an ancient city perched on hills overlooking the coast. Here, you’ll walk through ruins of Roman baths, city walls, and temples. What makes Syedra special isn’t just the ruins, but the breathtaking views of the coastline, which provide a scenic backdrop for photos. Walking around these ancient remnants, you’ll get a sense of how life once thrived here. Visitors describe it as a chance to step back in time, with one reviewer noting they appreciated the “lots of historical information” from the guide.

Iotape: The Ancient Port City

Next, you’ll visit the Aydapnar (Iotape) ruins, another Roman port city. This site offers a chance to walk along what was once a bustling harbor, with remnants of ancient structures and the chance to imagine the city’s past activity. It’s a quieter spot to soak in history and enjoy the turquoise waters nearby. Picture yourself strolling along ruins that once connected this area to the wider Mediterranean trade routes.

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Lunch: Tasting Turkish Flavors

Around midday, it’s time for a local restaurant break. The meal features grilled options—chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes—served with rice, fresh salad, and traditional Turkish bread. Reviewers often highlight the deliciousness of the food, making this a nice pause before more adventures. It’s a good opportunity to refuel and chat about what you’ve seen so far.

Lie World Cave: Underground Marvel

Post-lunch, you’ll explore the Lie World Cave, a fascinating underground world filled with unusual rock formations. Guided tours highlight the mystical atmosphere, with the cave’s interior offering great photo opportunities. Visitors have expressed appreciation for this part of the tour, noting that the cave is “mesmerizing” and filled with unique features. Walking through the cool, shadowy chambers provides a nice contrast to the daytime heat and an immersive experience to appreciate how natural processes created such striking formations.

Antiochia ad Cragum: Ancient Mosaic Marvels

The next stop is Antiochia ad Cragum, famous for its elaborate mosaic floors and spectacular coastal views. Walking among the ruins here, you’ll see remnants of Roman architecture and the opportunity to admire the craftsmanship of ancient mosaics. This site’s coastal setting adds to the charm, and some reviews mention the “breathtaking views”—a perfect photo backdrop.

Relaxing at Gazipasa & Delik Deniz

After exploring the ruins, there’s a brief break in Gazipasa, where you can stretch, take photos, or even browse local shops if time permits. Then, you’ll head to Delik Deniz, a natural rock pool carved out by nature. Here, you’ll have time to swim in the crystal-clear waters, which many find refreshing and relaxing. This quiet spot is often praised for being less crowded than mainstream beaches, giving you a peaceful escape.

Adil Üstünda Beach & Fruit Garden (if time allows)

If the schedule permits, you may also visit Adil Üstünda Beach—a lesser-known stretch of sand perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle Mediterranean breeze. Some travelers take a stroll along Gazipasa’s scenic shoreline or visit a local tropical fruit garden, where you can see and taste fresh exotic fruits grown locally. These small touches add a more authentic, leisurely feel to the day.

Return Trip

The journey back involves another 2-hour bus ride, giving you a chance to unwind and reflect on the day. The tour concludes with drop-offs at your hotel or designated locations, making it easy to plan your evening.

What Works Well

This tour hits several high notes for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and good food. The guided visits to ancient ruins mean you’re not just wandering aimlessly, but learning about the sites from knowledgeable guides. The scenic drives provide a chance to see the landscape change from inland hills to coastal beauties. The swimming in Delik Deniz is a highlight—crystal-clear water in a natural setting beats crowded beaches any day. Plus, the lunch is hearty and flavorful, giving you energy for the rest of the day.

Authenticity and Value

Considering the cost, this tour offers good value; you get entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and guided commentary included. It’s a comprehensive way to explore some of the region’s hidden corners without the hassle of planning individual trips. The reviews reflect satisfaction, with one traveler describing it as a “top tour,” praising the history and the guide’s knowledge.

Things to Keep in Mind

While this tour is enjoyable, it’s not perfect for everyone. The moderate walking involved means it’s best for those comfortable on their feet. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. You’ll be spending time outdoors in the sun, so sunscreen, hats, and water are essential. If you dislike bus journeys or prefer a more relaxed, less structured day, this might not be your best fit.

The itinerary is quite packed, so if you’re someone who prefers more time at each site, you might find it a bit rushed. However, for those wanting a broad overview of the region’s highlights, it works well.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced day of archaeology, natural beauty, and local flavors. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with some walking and bus travel, and if you enjoy learning about history through guided tours. It also appeals to those who appreciate quiet, scenic swimming spots and are happy to spend part of the day exploring ancient ruins with stunning views.

It’s a good option for curious, active visitors looking for variety in their sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple separate trips. If your idea of a perfect day involves a mixture of history, nature, and delicious local food—then this tour likely hits the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel’s security gate at one of six pickup locations.

How long is the bus ride?
The journey to Gazipasa takes approximately 2 hours each way, so be prepared for some time on the bus.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and water are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves moderate walking and outdoor activities, so it’s better suited for older children or teens.

Does the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, there are options for grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian meals during lunch.

Are entrance fees included?
All site entrance fees are covered in the tour price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there free time at the beaches?
Yes, you’ll have some free time to relax at Delik Deniz and Adil Üstünda Beach.

Is photography allowed?
Absolutely, bring your camera to capture the ruins, caves, and scenic views.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and German, making it accessible for many travelers.

In sum, if you’re after a day that combines history, nature, and local flavor in a manageable package, this tour offers a compelling option. It’s a great way to see some of Gazipasa and Alanya’s lesser-known treasures without the stress of planning every detail yourself. Just be ready for a fair bit of walking, enjoy the scenic stops, and prepare to indulge in Turkish hospitality and warm sunshine.

You can check availability for your dates here: