Rafting in Side: Self-drive off-road & Eurymedon River

You get behind the wheel yourself on terrain beginners can handle.

Rafting on the Eurymedon River combined with self-drive off-road experience in the Taurus Mountains from Side, where you choose whether to drive the vehicle or be driven, paddle through rapids and walk to Adler Canyon and the ancient site of Selge. The full day runs about nine to ten hours and includes rafting equipment, lunch and hotel pickup. Children from age 6 can join, and a valid driving license over three years old is required if you want to take the wheel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Off-road driving and rafting adventure

• Drive on-road and off-road
• Walk to Adler Canyon
• Visit Green Cappadocia and ancient Selge
• Raft on Eurymedon River

The experience

The day splits between two things: driving and rafting. You start in the Anatolian hinterland where the Taurus Mountains rise with peaks and gorges carved by turquoise rivers over millions of years. The off-road routes are graded for beginners, so if you have a valid license you can get behind the wheel yourself. If you'd rather not, the driver handles it. Either way, the vehicle is air-conditioned and the route takes you through Green Cappadocia and past the ancient ruins of Selge before you reach the river.

The rafting happens on the Eurymedon River, where you paddle through rapids wearing a helmet and life jacket provided. Between the adrenaline stretches, the river opens onto private sandy beaches where you can rest and swim. Lunch, local cuisine prepared for the group, happens here. You'll also walk to Adler Canyon, also called Tazı Canyon, where 400-meter walls rise from the riverbed. The canyon sits ten kilometers north of Köprülü Canyon and has become known on social media for its scale.

The full day takes nine to ten hours from pickup at your hotel. Bring swimwear, sunscreen and cash for any drinks you want beyond lunch. If you're driving, your license must be valid and at least three years old. Children from age 6 can join, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

• Standard rafting equipment including helmet, life jacket and paddle.
• lunch prepared on the riverbank.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the mountain portion.
• hotel pickup and return.
• guide in English, German or Dutch.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDepartures at 07:30 and 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Köprülü Turistik Işl.Eml.Inş.Tarım taş.Pet.Turz ve Tic Ltd.Şti.

Is this one for you?The full day, nine to ten hours, leaves little room for other activities, so book this when you're ready to spend most of your day in the mountains and on the river. If you want to drive, bring your valid license. If you'd rather relax, the guide drives the whole route.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, German and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (6 to 13 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I drive the off-road vehicle myself if I've never done it before?

Yes. The off-road routes are graded for beginners, so you can get behind the wheel yourself if you hold a valid driving license over three years old. If you'd rather not drive, the guide handles the vehicle the whole way.

What's included in the rafting part of the day?

Helmet, life jacket and paddle are provided. Lunch is prepared for the group on the riverbank. Drinks beyond lunch cost extra and should be paid in cash.

How long does the whole experience take from hotel pickup?

The full day runs nine to ten hours, including the drive through the mountains, the walk to Adler Canyon, the rafting on the Eurymedon River and lunch on the beach.

What should I bring besides swimwear?

Bring sunscreen and cash for any drinks you want during the day. If you plan to drive the vehicle, bring your valid driving license (it must be over three years old). The guide speaks English, German or Dutch depending on your booking.