Altnbesik Cave & Ormana Village

If you’re considering a day trip in Antalya Province that combines natural wonders with authentic local flavor, the Altnbesik Cave & Ormana Village tour might just be worth your time. While this experience gets a modest rating of 3.8 out of 5 from a handful of reviews, it offers some genuine highlights that many travelers will find appealing — especially if you’re after a mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances stunning landscapes with meaningful stops — like visiting a village that feels untouched by time, and exploring the world’s third-largest underground lake. The fact that the guides are proficient in multiple languages (English, German, Russian) helps make the experience smoother and more informative.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the drive through the mountains can be a bit swift — some reviews mention the driver speeding through the Taurus Mountains, which might make you feel a little uneasy if you’re sensitive to fast driving. This tour suits those who enjoy scenic, cultural day trips and are okay with a long, sometimes brisk, day on the road.

Key Points

• Beautiful landscapes and mountain views are the main draw of this tour.
• The Altnbesik Cave’s underground lake is a unique experience, especially with the inflatable boat ride.
• Authentic village visits like Ormana and Ürünlü offer a glimpse into local life and architecture.
• Flexible scheduling with hotel pickup makes planning easier.
• The price point ($42) offers good value for the variety of experiences included.
• Keep in mind the driving pace in mountain areas, which may be faster than some travelers prefer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickups and Early Mornings

This tour kicks off between 08:30 and 09:30, with guides collecting guests from hotel lobbies in the Side area. The vehicles are air-conditioned and comfortable, which is a nice touch given the long day ahead. We appreciate that the tour is flexible with pickup times — just ensure your hotel is within the pickup zone.

First Stop: Orange Orchard in Sarlar Village

After a short 20-minute drive, you’ll arrive at a charming orange orchard. Here, the guide shares insights about orange varieties and offers freshly squeezed juice. It’s an enjoyable way to kick off the day, especially if you’re a fan of fresh fruit and want to experience local agricultural life. It’s a brief but sweet start before heading into the mountains.

Avasun Village: Scenic Walks and Local Flavors

Next, the journey takes you into Avasun Village, famed for its scenic beauty. We love the way this stop offers more than just sightseeing — it’s about experiencing local life. You can walk around, see regional flora, and even pick bay leaves or regional fruits during a short stroll. The guide showcases the village’s charm, making it feel like a genuine snapshot of rural Turkey.

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Breathtaking Views from a 1200m Terrace

One of the highlights here is the panoramic view from a high terrace. Standing at 1200 meters above sea level, you’ll get spectacular vistas of Oymapnar and the Manavgat dam lakes. It’s a perfect spot for photography and just soaking in the scenery. Travelers have mentioned how stunning these views are, and it’s easy to see why.

Ürünlü Village: Unique Architecture

After a quick drive, you arrive at Ürünlü Village. Known for its buttoned houses — a regional architectural feature — this village has a quaint, timeless feel. A guided 15-minute walk reveals these distinctive structures, which add a layer of local character to your day. It’s a small but interesting stop that breaks up the drive nicely.

Altnbesik Cave and the Underground Lake

The tour’s centerpiece is arguably the visit to Altnbesik Cave, home to the world’s third-largest underground lake. Here, you’ll get a guided explanation about the cave’s natural formation, followed by a 15-minute inflatable boat ride across the lake. This is a real highlight for many travelers, offering a blend of natural wonder and a bit of adventure. The boat ride is short but memorable, giving you a close-up view of the cave’s impressive features.

Lunch in Ormana Village

Post-cave visit, you’ll head to Ormana Village for lunch. The restaurant is likely to serve hearty local flavors, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. Since lunch is included, it adds good value to the overall experience, especially if you’re hungry after a morning of sightseeing.

Belenalan Village and Historical Sites

The last stop is Belenalan Village, where you can explore landmarks like an Ottoman-era mosque and an old primary school. It’s a quiet, historical ending to the day, providing a relaxed environment for some exploration and photos.

Return to Hotel

Expect to be back between 17:30 and 18:00, depending on your hotel’s location and how long the group stays at each stop. The drive back is a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights — and maybe doze off a bit if you’re tired.

Cost and Value

At $42 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the variety of places visited and activities included — from cave exploration and boat rides to village visits and scenic stops. The price covers entrance fees to Altnbesik Cave, the boat ride, lunch, and professional guiding. For travelers keen on a full-day experience that mixes nature with culture, it’s a decent deal.

What’s Not Included

You’ll need to budget for drinks, personal expenses like souvenirs or photographs, and any additional snacks or tips. The tour doesn’t specify if drinks are provided, so bringing water is advisable.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer mentioned that the landscapes are beautiful and appreciated the opportunity to take photos, highlighting the scenic value of the tour. However, they also pointed out that the driver drove too fast in the Taurus Mountains, which made some guests uncomfortable. This is worth considering if you’re sensitive to quick driving or prefer a more relaxed pace.

Another reviewer noted that the villages are charming and that the trip overall was “a nice experience,” emphasizing the value of the views and the cultural stops. It seems the scenery and local character are the main selling points for most.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, panoramic views, and cultural visits. It’s a good fit if you’re after a day filled with natural wonders and authentic village life, rather than intense physical activity or nightlife. Since the tour involves some walking and boat rides, it’s manageable for most fitness levels but not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

The Altnbesik Cave & Ormana Village tour offers a well-rounded look at some of Turkey’s natural and rural attractions. The highlight for many will be the underground lake at Altnbesik Cave — a genuinely unique experience, especially with the inflatable boat ride. The scenic viewpoints and village visits add richness, making it more than just a cave tour.

While the drive through the mountains might feel a bit hurried for some, the overall experience provides a good blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and relaxed exploration. At a reasonable price, it’s a decent choice for those wanting to see a more authentic side of Antalya’s countryside.

If you’re looking for a day that combines scenic views, local charm, and a touch of adventure, this tour can be a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

FAQ

How early are hotel pickups?
Guides pick you up between 08:30 and 09:30, so plan for a morning departure. Make sure your hotel is within the pickup zone for a smooth start.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers entrance fees to Altnbesik Cave, the inflatable boat ride, lunch at Ormana Village, professional guides (English, German, Russian), and hotel transfers.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks during the tour are not included, so bring water or other beverages you might want.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 6 hours, from pickup to return, with most guests returning between 17:30 and 18:00.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stops involve light walking and boat rides suitable for most ages. Use your judgment depending on your children’s mobility and interests.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case your plans change.

Exploring Antalya’s countryside and caves can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re after diverse scenery and cultural stops. This tour provides a good mix, with some cave magic, mountain views, and authentic village life, all at an accessible price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: