Guest Experiences & Forum

1. 

   Matze

   15.03.2024

   Is it possible to cancel for free on a Tour, activity or excursion?

   Hello everyone, the cancellation fee is important to us, as I usually plan my vacation and the excursions I will take during the vacation in advance. I am planning a vacation in Side with my family of four and do not know how high the cancellation fee for any pre-booked excursions in Side is. Does anyone know of a tour operator or travel service provider in the Side or Alanya area that does not charge a travel cancellation fee or allows free cancellation?

   Best regards, Matze

   💬 Reply
   • 

     Carlo Montagna

     16.03.2024

     Hi Matze!

     It is understandable that flexibility in planning your vacation activities is particularly important, especially when unforeseen circumstances could lead to plans needing to be changed or canceled. Regarding tours and activities in Turkey, cancellation policies vary greatly depending on the provider, type of tour, and even the timing of booking. Some general points to consider:

     1. Flexible booking platforms: There are several online travel agencies and platforms that offer a variety of tours and activities with flexible cancellation policies. Websites like *****, ***** or ***** often provide options that can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity starts. It is important to read the specific cancellation policies for each tour carefully, as these may vary.

     2. Direct booking with local providers: Some local excursion providers may offer flexible cancellation policies as part of their customer service, especially in current times to remain competitive. It can be helpful to inquire directly with the company whether they offer special arrangements or are willing to show leniency in certain cases.

     3. Travel insurance: Another option to protect against cancellation fees is to purchase travel insurance that covers cancellation costs. Many travel insurances offer protection in case of cancellations for valid reasons (such as illness or urgent family matters). It is important to carefully review the insurance conditions to ensure that it meets your needs.

     4. Look for providers without cancellation fees: Although it is less common to find providers that do not charge cancellation fees at all, there are companies that use this as part of their marketing approach to attract more customers. However, these offers are often limited to special promotions or specific conditions.

     When searching for the right provider, it is advisable to check the cancellation policies directly on the providers websites or through travel platforms. Contact customer service to clarify the flexibility and possible exceptions. It can also be helpful to research reviews and experiences of other travelers to find out how lenient different providers are with cancellations.

     Best regards, Carlo

2. 

   Farian S.

   28.02.2024

   Dear all,

   By now, I have an idea of which excursions are worth it in Turkey. However, I'm now interested in knowing approximately how much these excursions cost. I will be staying in a hotel in Alanya and plan to take a trip to Dimcay (I'm not sure how it's spelled) and another one to Antalya. Does anyone have experiences regarding the costs of these excursions?

   Thank you in advance and have a great day!

   Okay, maybe my question was too general. Can I expect costs of around 50 Euros per excursion, or are they generally more affordable?

   💬 Reply
   • 

     Oliseibt

     28.02.2024

     Hello,

     So far, I have always booked my excursions directly with the tour guide. In two weeks, my trip to Side is coming up. Many here report that excursions on-site are significantly cheaper. However, I have had concerns about booking with a local provider. Is my booking with a local provider as secure as with a tour operator?

   • 

     Manu77

     28.02.2024

     Hello,

     Until now, we have always booked our excursions through our tour guide. However, this time, we are considering booking through local providers to save some money. We are just a bit skeptical about whether everything will run smoothly. Perhaps someone can recommend local providers that are good in Colakli-Evrenseki.

     Thank you in advance!

     Best regards, Manu

   • 

     Willi

     28.02.2024

     From Alanya to Dim Cay, it's only a few kilometers, while the distance to Antalya is about 200 km.

     You'll need to check the available excursions in Alanya and their prices locally. Costs can vary depending on the season, with some trips possibly offered at particularly low prices during the winter.

     For the journey to Antalya, not only dolmuses may be available, but there might also be buses. There could also be dolmus connections to the Dim Valley, known as a recreational area for Alanya. I also recommend visiting the Dim Cave, a beautiful stalactite cave.

     Finally, I can recommend the following excursion for you: "Alaaddins Alanya", where you can have everything in one and explore everything in a single day. Alaaddins Alanya can be booked in Side and Alanya.

     I wish you a relaxing vacation!

     Warm regards, Willi

   • 

     Mehmet Ö.

     28.02.2024

     Hello Farian,

     Since I have been creating, organizing, and selling excursions and activities for major tour operators for many years, and even previously worked as a certified tour guide personally accompanying excursions, I couldn't resist answering questions on this topic.

     Travelers should not only focus on the price tag when choosing excursions but also consider the content and references.

     Therefore, the following quote fits like a glove:

     "Cheap is not inexpensive but expensive when said quality fails."

     (Willie Benzen, German writer)

     Best regards

     Mehmet

   • 

     Sheilo

     28.02.2024

     Hello,

     During my last vacation in Side Evrenseki, I booked a trip to Alanya with Milo's. The young man approached us during our walk and asked if we would like to join a tour. He managed to convince us to take the trip to Alanya :)

     We paid 29 euros per person. If we had booked with our hotel organizer, we would have had to pay 59 euros. During the excursion, we realized that lunch, the cable car ride to the castle hill in Alanya, and the entrance to the Dim Cave were not included, and we had to pay these fees to the tour guide on-site. That seemed to account for the price difference. In the end, we ended up paying more :))

     The next day, I went to Milo's Excursions and wanted to complain to the young man who persuaded us to take this tour. Well, as you might have imagined, he denied everything. He claimed to have told us these details, etc., etc... :))

   • 

     Petros

     28.02.2024

     Hello Sheilo,
     I regularly vacation in Side Evrenseki and always book with the local tour operator Hasan's Wishing Well. They have their own boat, with which I often take a Blue Voyage from Side. It's half the price compared to the big tour operators. Of course, one can be taken advantage of by some, just like back home. But as Mehmet also mentioned, references are very important when it comes to excursions. And I can only recommend this.

     Best regards

   • 

     Mehmet Ö.

     28.02.2024

     Hello,

     It's me again ;)

     Everyone has their own opinion. Of course, everyone has the right to price research and the desire to buy high-quality services or products as affordably as possible. But before, for example, booking a Blue Voyage, I would like to ask you to consider the following questions.
     1. Are hygiene rules followed in the kitchen during meals?
     2. Are hygiene regulations observed in the sanitary areas?
     3. Is the food sufficient and tasty?
     4. Does the agency selling you the tour have liability insurance?
     5. Are there cancellation conditions? How does the refund work if, for any reason, you cannot participate in the tour?
     6. Do you have to go to the boat on your own, or is the transfer taken care of by the respective agency?
     7. If the transfer is taken care of by the organization, what is the condition of the vehicle that will transport you?
     8. How is the safety of the boat, what precautions are taken during the tour, and what is the maintenance condition of the boat?
     9. Does the person or organization organizing the boat tour grant employee rights, and is the staff insured according to local laws?
     10. Does the organization respect human and animal rights?
     11. Does the organization adhere to fair and honest trading rules?
     12. Does the organization implement green and nature-conserving measures, and are they sustainable?
     13. When I board the boat, are there more customers than it can accommodate?
     14. Could there be inconveniences due to overcrowding during the boat tour?
     15. Can I be stressed by loud music?
     16. Does the boat captain have a license, and is the boat registered?
     17. Are there enough life jackets on the boat?
     18. If the boat tour does not match the description or you are not satisfied, can you find the agency or person you bought it from to file a complaint or get your money back?
     19. From whom do you receive a refund in case of a complaint?

     These are the things that came to my mind in a short time :))
     Given these questions you should ask before booking any excursion, I hope you understand how price differences can arise between tour operators and local providers.

     Best regards and have a great stay

     Mehmet

   • 

     Riviera_Fan

     28.02.2024

     Hello,

     I prefer to book all excursions in Side, Belek, Antalya, or Alanya through the tour operator, as there is at least a recourse claim. With local providers on the street, I am uncertain about the quality and also have no recourse in case of unforeseen incidents. If I have already booked a package tour through an organizer, it is advisable to organize excursions on-site through the representative of the tour operator and not resort to a random street vendor.

     (It should be noted that there are indeed reputable street vendors, but they are rather rare.)

3. 

   Kaspar V.

   28.02.2024

   Hello,

   The price is not necessarily the main concern for me. If, for example, the tour costs 30 euros, I would prefer to invest this money without the negative experiences of a 'coffee trip,' rather than spending 2 hours in shopping centers for 5 - 10 euros, just to observe the production of leather jackets or the work in a goldsmith workshop, especially since I have no intention of buying anything during these excursions.
   I've been told that these factories are often in remote locations, with no alternative ways to reach the destination independently.
   To avoid such inconveniences, I am willing to spend a bit more. I even received a tip on where to look for alternative tours.
   One provider claimed that they are forced to take sales breaks due to Turkish authorities' regulations. However, this doesn't seem logical to me and doesn't appear to reflect reality.
   I mean, offers in the range of 5 euros, as I was often offered last year, are extremely affordable and include everything; that cannot be denied. However, they also come with the guarantee of two hours of boredom, at least for me. It's important to note that other travelers might indeed be interested and would be happy to make a purchase, which I do not want to devalue in any way.

   Thank you in advance for your advice!

   💬 Reply
   • 

     AntonB

     28.02.2024

     Dear Kaspar,

     I can understand your skepticism towards these excursions, but I also fully appreciate the organizers who offer these shopping trips while demonstrating complete transparency, openly and honestly acknowledging the fact that they include visits to shopping centers. And that, for me, is the crucial point.
     I have participated in these excursions several times. One of them, for example, was a trip to Antalya, "Antalya by Land and Sea," through FTI. I booked it not because it was cheap (by the way, it cost 49 Euros last summer, not 5 Euros), but because it was comfortable and very informative. Only one center (Gold Factory) was visited, not two, as it used to be.
     In short, I can highly recommend such a trip, for example, to Antalya. Additionally, the tour guide on the bus and everything he shares is invaluable. I always had good luck with the tour guides.
     As mentioned, it's entirely understandable that you are willing to spend a bit more to ensure a high-quality and enjoyable experience. Other travelers might benefit from the budget-friendly offers, creating a variety of interests within the travel group.
     I hope you find the excursions you're looking for and wish you a wonderful vacation.
     
     Best regards, Anton

4. 

   Moni

   28.02.2024

   Hello everyone,

   In August, I am flying with my family to Side to the Seher Sun Palace Resort and am looking for excursions suitable for young children. Does anyone have experience with the market in Manavgat (I hope I spelled it correctly)? Is it recommended? I would greatly appreciate any feedback and tips.

   Best regards

   💬 Reply
   • 

     Peter N.

     29.02.2024

     Hi Moni,

     The farmers' market in Manavgat takes place on Mondays and Thursdays, each at different locations. On Monday, it's located behind the bridge, and on Thursday, it's in front of the bridge on the right side. The bridge should serve as your reference point :)  You can take the dolmus, but then it's a quite long walk. With children in the heat, the long walk can be exhausting. An alternative would be to book a trip to Manavgat with a tour operator who includes the farmers' market in the program. This excursion usually includes a boat trip on the Manavgat River to the estuary, lunch, swimming breaks, and a visit to the Manavgat Waterfall. Most tour operators also make a stop at a large textile wholesaler called Dikman Textil, located near the Manavgat Waterfall. By the way, I can also recommend Dikman Textil; they pick you up from the hotel by arrangement and take you back. Hard to believe, but the store is as large as two football fields; as far as the eye can see. I have traveled a lot in the world, but I have never seen so much choice of textiles under one roof.

     Back to our topic of the farmers' market ;) The range of goods here is also huge, but about 90% of the clothing is counterfeit. You have to look closely to find good quality. Bargaining is always advisable. If 40 euros are demanded, you can often negotiate down to 20 euros. If the seller doesn't budge, walking away can help. With good weather, you can easily spend 4 hours there.

5. 

   Fridolina88

   28.02.2024

   Hello,

   My family and I (2 adults and 2 children aged 5 and 7) are flying to Turkey in June for two weeks to Side Kumk?y. This will be our first vacation with our children so far away. We are already thinking about which excursions or activities we can do during our stay. We want the children to have fun, and we all want to get to know the land and its people. In my research, I came across the Pirate Excursion from Side, which is said to be very suitable for families with children. The Antalya Aquarium Excursion from Side also seems to be a good choice for families, where you visit the city of Antalya with shopping opportunities and then visit the large aquarium. Does anyone have experience with these excursions?

   And can someone recommend other excursions or share their experience with me?

   Thank you in advance

   Fridolina

   💬 Reply
   • 

     Casimiro_it

     28.02.2024

     Hello Fridolina,

     The Pirate Excursion from Side is just right for you. I won't mention a specific tour operator, but pay attention to the factors listed by Mehmet below. By the way, excellent guidance from him.

     Furthermore, the excursion to the aquarium in Antalya is also good. You will see a lot of the city of Antalya, but inquire locally if this excursion includes a visit to a shop or not. Such a stop can be stressful with young children. On the other hand, spending an hour in a jewelry factory might be manageable, as they usually have a cafeteria where you can sit with the children.

     However, I would like to recommend an excellent excursion for you. Mountain Warrior from Alanya, Side, Belek, and Antalya, as far as I know. I took this excursion last year, and it is exclusively offered by travelassistant24 and its parent company, Meeting Point. I recommend it to everyone, and it is also suitable for families with children.

     Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful vacation in advance.

     Casimiro

   • 

     Nordstern07

     28.02.2024

     Hello both of you :)

     I participated in Mountain Warriors from Side twice within one week last summer :)) Unforgettable experience with breathtaking mountain scenery, great food, and fantastic tour guides...

     Marco

   • 

     Mehmet Ö.

     28.02.2024

     Thank you for your appreciation, dear Casimiro.

     By the way, you can learn more about the Mountain Warriors excursion and even book it through this link: https://www.travelassistant24.com/tours/MOUNTAIN-WARRIORS-from-side. @Fridolina

6. 

   Nino

   28.02.2024

   Hi,

   Planning to fly to Side (Colakli) for the first time next summer for outdoor and nature excursions. Hence, my question:

   I am a nature and outdoor enthusiast. Who can provide beautiful and interesting tips for outdoor excursions around Side?

   Would appreciate any helpful tips and advice.

   Thank you.

   💬 Reply
   • 

     Carlo M.

     28.02.2024

     Hi Nino,

     While I may not know the extent of your enthusiasm, I assume you're not among the daring individuals who race down the mountain at 120 kilometers per hour :) There is an impressive selection of outdoor, adventure, nature, and trekking tours in the holiday resorts of Side, Alanya, Belek, or Antalya and Lara. You can find more information about these tours on Travelassistant24: Side, Alanya, Belek, Antalya.

     I can recommend one of these excursions based on my own positive experience: Mountain Warriors. This excursion involves a day of off-road driving in all-terrain vehicles through the natural landscape of the Taurus Mountains, followed by a thrilling white-water rafting experience on the Köprülü River.

     Best regards.

7. 

   Dania

   28.02.2024

   Hello,

   In May, we will be flying to Side for 14 days. Does anyone have recommendations for interesting excursions? We booked through FTI, but we are also open to suggestions for excursions from Side by other providers.

   Thanks in advance for your feedback!

   Best regards!

   💬 Reply
   • 

     TommyB

     28.02.2024

     Hello Dania,

     Last year, I was in Side Kumköy, and we also flew with FTI. On-site, we booked the excursion "Green Paradise" through FTI. You travel across a huge reservoir, which is truly impressive. Lunch was included, and there are two stops to swim in the wonderfully cool and very clean freshwater. It was really cool.

     Then I can also recommend a trip to Alanya, "Alaaddins Alanya". I booked it through FTI and had a good experience with it. 

     Cable car ride up to the castle hill of Alanya. Visit to the Seljuk Shipyard of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Explore the city on your own, then lunch at Dimçay, visit the Dim or Damlataş Cave, one of the largest publicly accessible stalactite caves in Turkey. After that, a boat trip to Cleopatra Bay, famous for its clear water.

     Best regards, Tommy

   • 

     Steffi G.

     28.02.2024

     Hello Dania,

     I can recommend the excursion Green Paradise. It costs around 69 euros and was only offered by Meeting Point last year. I'm not sure if other organizers will offer this excursion next summer, but it's possible.

     You will be picked up from the hotel around 8:30 AM, then you'll embark on an adventure with open off-road vehicles through the foothills of the Taurus Mountains to the Oymapinar Dam. From there, you'll enjoy a refreshing boat trip through the steep canyon to the source of the Manavgat River. Along the way, there are swimming breaks, great vibes, and you'll get to see and eat a lot :) Before returning to the hotel, you'll also visit an old sesame mill. By around 5:30 PM, you'll be back at the hotel.

     A small tip: The ride can be a bit dusty, so don't wear your best clothes.

     Another interesting option is the trip to the gorge in Sapadere near Alanya. It costs around 48 euros, including entrance fees and meals.

     To escape the heat on the coast in midsummer, I highly recommend this excursion. The Sapadere Gorge allows you to hike on well-maintained wooden paths through the narrow canyons of the Taurus Mountains, experiencing the impressive nature up close and inhaling the fresh mountain air deeply. In one of the numerous waterfalls cascading over the rocks, the brave ones among you can take a refreshing dip in the icy waters. A visit to the Cüceler Cave (Dwarf Cave) with impressive stalagmites and stalactites completes the experience.

     I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

     Have a wonderful vacation! Best regards, Steffanie

8. 

   Phillipp T.

   28.02.2024

   Hello everyone,

   Your experiences and recommendations about excursions and activities are sought after:

   I have already researched the forum to possibly find an answer to my question - unfortunately, without success so far.

   I am planning to fly to the Turkish Riviera next summer but have not been able to decide which region to visit. Since I am particularly interested in Blue Cruises, I would like to ask if anyone here can recommend a "Blaue Reise" (Blue Cruise) from Alanya, Side, Belek, Antalya, or Kemer, preferably as a day trip and not as a multi-day cruise.

   Could someone provide more information about where I can best book this and how exactly this day trip unfolds? Most importantly, I want to know if it's worth investing a whole day in it.

   Thank you very much and best regards.

   💬 Reply
   • 

     Roland

     28.02.2024

     Hello,

     Boat trips for day excursions are offered in every tourist destination. Sellers often roam the beaches regularly to promote and sell these trips. However, I generally do not recommend booking, for example, Blue Cruise from street vendors as it can be too risky. I booked with my operator, Bigextra, and was very satisfied with the service. Additionally, having a contact person can be helpful if things don't go as planned.

     The excursions are quite enjoyable, depending on personal expectations. Various destinations and beaches are offered, and there is even the possibility of seeing dolphins. Typically, lunch is included in the price, featuring grilled fish, chicken, salads, etc.

     We have also taken such trips many times in Marmaris, where it is almost more beautiful due to the numerous coves accessible only by ship.

     In any case, it's worth it and provides a pleasant change of pace.

     Best regards, Roland

   • 

     Jannick H.

     28.02.2024

     Several years ago, we participated in a Blue Cruise from Alanya. You can make a booking either through your tour guide or with a local provider. We opted for a local provider back then as it was more cost-effective.

     The process was as follows: Our journey took us from Alanya to Side. In the morning, you're picked up from your hotel by a bus and taken to the harbor. There, you board one of these motor sailboats, and the entertaining journey begins. With our booking, drinks and meals were included in the all-inclusive package. The route follows the coastline with several swimming stops along the way. Lunch is served with options like fish, pasta, etc.

     After the Blue Cruise concludes, you return to the bus and are taken back to your hotel. In our case, the return journey was by bus from Side to Alanya.

   • 

     Bruno

     28.02.2024

     Dear Phillipp,

     I would recommend a boat trip on the Manavgat River. A wonderful day trip in Side. 

     The trip on the boat takes you along the Manavgat River to a narrow sandbank that separates the river from the Mediterranean Sea. There is a great opportunity to swim in the river as well as in the sea 50m away :) After the boat trip, which includes lunch, you can visit the Manvgat waterfall. After that, there is still time to explore the farmer's market in Manavgat.

     Departure from the hotel is approximately at 09:00, and the return is around 18:00. The excursion cost €45. We really enjoyed the trip.

     Greetings Bruno