From City of Side: Alanya Guided Tour with Boat Trip & Lunch

Exploring Alanya: A Full-Day Guided Tour with Boat Trip & Lunch

If you’re eyeing a day trip from Side to explore the Turkish Riviera’s highlights, this Alanya guided tour offers a solid way to see the city’s top attractions without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s designed for travelers who want a taste of culture, scenic views, and a bit of leisure, all wrapped into one 9-hour package.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines city sightseeing with a relaxing boat cruise — perfect if you’re into a balanced mix of adventure and downtime. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a real difference according to reviews, keeping the day flowing smoothly and sharing interesting tidbits. On the flip side, the tour doesn’t include some extras like the cable car ride or entrance to Damlatas Cave, so if those are must-dos for you, you might want to plan extra time or money.

This experience is best suited for those who appreciate well-organized days with a variety of stops, enjoy scenic views, and don’t mind a fairly packed schedule. It’s a good pick for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Alanya’s main sights, especially if you’re staying in Side and want an easy way to see the city without renting a car.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip covering Alanya’s main attractions plus a boat cruise
• Expert guides who keep the tour informative and engaging
• Variety of highlights, including Damlatas Cave, panoramic castle views, and a river-side lunch
• Flexible itinerary with some free time for exploring on your own
• Good value for around $40, offering transportation, guided commentary, lunch, and a boat trip
• Note: Entrance fees, drinks, and optional activities like cable car are not included

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Breakdown of Your Day in Alanya

When you sign up for this tour, you’re signing up for a well-rounded introduction to Alanya, suited for travelers who want to see the highlights without the stress of planning. The journey begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel, so you start your day with ease and comfort, leaving the logistics to the tour provider.

The Pickup and Journey to Alanya

Your day kicks off with a hotel collection, often from Side or nearby areas. The transportation is included, which is a real bonus, especially if you’d rather not bother with local taxis or public transport early in the morning. The drive to Alanya takes you through some scenic areas, giving you early glimpses of the Turkish Riviera landscape.

First Stop: Banana Garden and Panoramic Terrace

Your first glimpse of Alanya is often from the Banana Garden, a spot offering some relaxing time — it’s a good chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. Soon after, you’ll head up to the Alanya Castle’s panoramic terrace, the ideal spot for photos and sweeping views of the city, the harbor, and the Mediterranean beyond.

Visiting Damlatas Cave

Next, you’ll explore Damlatas Cave, a favorite for many travelers. It’s famous for its stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, and many find the cool, slightly damp atmosphere quite refreshing after a day in the sun. The cave’s entrance fee (around 2) isn’t included in your ticket, so be sure to have some cash handy. Travelers like Michaela note that the guide and driver took great care of them, which makes exploring easier.

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A Taste of the Riviera: Cleopatra Beach

While not officially part of the tour, many mention visiting Cleopatra Beach while in Alanya, often linked to the Damlatas visit. It’s one of the most iconic beaches, and if you’re lucky, you might find a moment to relax there—though this is more of a suggestion than a scheduled stop.

The Boat Trip: A Relaxing Hour on the Water

One of the highlights is the 1-hour boat cruise departing from the harbor. This sail around the peninsula lets you appreciate Alanya’s coastline and see key landmarks from the water. You’ll pass by sites like the Red Tower, the Seljuk castle ruins, and various caves, including the Pirates Cave, Phosphoric Cave, and the Lovers Cave.

Travelers like Rahman emphasize that the boat trip is a real bonus — “loved the trip to Alanya and the boat trip,” he said. It’s a laid-back way to see the city’s coastline and enjoy some fresh sea air, making it suitable even if you’re not a big boat enthusiast.

Lunch at Dimcay River

After the cruise, you’ll head to the Dimcay River, a popular riverside spot where lunch is included in your tour price. It’s a relaxed setting, with shade and cold water to cool off. The food is generally good, and the atmosphere is laid-back — perfect for a break in the middle of a busy day. Many reviewers, including Sean, appreciate the lunch and the chance to unwind before more sightseeing.

Free Time in Alanya

Before heading back to Side, you get about 1.5 hours of free time. This is your chance to stroll through the city center, browse shops, or just soak in the lively atmosphere. It’s a nice way to get a feel for Alanya on your own, especially if you want to revisit some spots or pick up souvenirs.

What’s Not Included and Worth Considering

While the tour offers a good overview, keep in mind that entrance to Damlatas Cave costs a couple of euros, and this isn’t included. Drinks are also extra, whether at lunch or during the day, so carry some cash if you want refreshments. The cable car ride is not part of the package, even though it’s a popular attraction in Alanya.

Some travelers feel that the lunch at Dimcay is nothing special, but most agree it’s a decent, filling meal in a nice setting. The bazaar visit appears to be brief and might not meet everyone’s expectations, according to a review — so if shopping is your priority, you might want to make extra time for it separately.

Group Size and Pace

The tour is conducted with a professional guide who speaks English and German, and groups are generally well-managed. The pace is quite full, but the stops are short enough to keep things moving without feeling rushed. If you prefer a more relaxed day, this might feel a bit busy, but most reviews indicate the guides keep everyone comfortable.

Cost and Value

At around $40 per person, this tour offers solid value. It includes transportation, a guide, lunch, and the boat cruise — a lot packed into a single day. For first-time visitors or those who want an easy, trustworthy way to see the city’s main sights, it’s a good choice.

Who Will This Tour Suit Best?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Alanya without the worry of planning or navigating alone. If you enjoy guided tours with varied activities, such as caves, scenic views, boat trips, and a riverside lunch, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also convenient for those staying in Side or nearby, as hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

However, if you’re more interested in specific activities like visiting museums, doing extensive shopping, or riding the cable car, you might want to look for a more specialized or longer experience.

Final Thoughts

This Alanya guided tour offers a well-rounded and enjoyable way to explore one of Turkey’s most popular coastal spots. The combination of scenic viewpoints, cultural sights, a boat cruise, and a relaxing riverside lunch makes for a memorable day, especially if you’re traveling with a group or prefer structured excursions.

The knowledgeable guides seem to be a highlight, making even the busy schedule manageable and engaging. While some attractions like the cave entrance fee and optional activities aren’t included, the price still presents good value for what you get.

If you’re after a practical, enjoyable day trip that covers the essentials and leaves you with some free time to explore independently, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suitable for first-timers or travelers eager for a guided overview without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel’s security gate is included, making it easy to start your day without extra arrangements.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience is about 9 hours, with the start time depending on availability and your hotel location.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and cash — especially for entrance fees and drinks. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are also recommended.

Is the boat trip suitable for everyone?
Most travelers find the boat cruise relaxing and enjoyable, with some noting it’s a great way to see the coastline. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider that before going.

Can I visit Cleopatra Beach during the tour?
While not a formal stop, many travelers mention visiting Cleopatra Beach in the area, especially after the Damlatas Cave visit.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch at Dimcay River is included in the tour price, but drinks are extra.

What about entrance fees?
The entrance fee to Damlatas Cave (around 2) is not included, so plan to pay that on site.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the varied stops and scenic boat ride can appeal to a broad age range. Just keep an eye on timing and the kids’ stamina.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at approximately $40 per person, offering a good balance of activities and comfort for the price.

If you’re curious about seeing Alanya in a day and enjoy guided group experiences, this tour ticks many boxes — with a good mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and local flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: