City of Side: Adler Canyon & Selge Guided Tour with Transfer

If you’re looking to step away from the usual beach scene and dive into Turkey’s wild side, this tour offers a fresh way to experience the region’s natural beauty and ancient history. From the lush, dramatic landscapes of Adler Canyon to the historic ruins of Selge, it’s a well-rounded trip packed with scenic views and stories that will stick with you long after the day ends.

What really attracts us is the authenticity of the experience—it’s not just another sightseeing bus, but a journey through some of Turkey’s most memorable spots. Plus, the expert guides and well-organized itinerary help make sure you get the most out of your 5 hours.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that this tour involves quite a bit of driving and walking, so it might not suit everyone—especially those with limited mobility or small children. But if you’re up for a day that combines nature, history, and good company, this trip is likely to tick those boxes.

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and culture without spending an entire day on the road. It’s particularly great if you’re looking for value for money, with most key sights covered at a reasonable price.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• A well-paced itinerary with plenty of time for sightseeing and photos
• Knowledgeable guides who speak multiple languages, adding context to each stop
• Stunning scenic views of canyons, ancient ruins, and mountain landscapes
• Includes a local lunch with a view, making the day more enjoyable
• Suitable for travelers of most ages but not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour brings together several of the region’s most impressive sights into a streamlined experience. It’s not overly long, but it hits all the highlights, making it excellent for those who want a taste of Antalya’s natural and historical treasures without committing to a full-day adventure.

Our favorite parts? The scenery at Adler Canyon is genuinely beautiful, with the chance to swim in the river and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The Selge Ancient City offers a glimpse into past civilizations, with ruins that tell stories of the Lydian kingdom, Alexander the Great, and Roman rule. And, of course, the Koprulu Canyon provides jaw-dropping vistas that will leave your camera working overtime.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Travel

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pickups from Side between 08:30 and 09:15. The buses are air-conditioned, which is a real plus, especially during warmer days. The roughly 57-minute drive from Side to the starting point at the foot of the Taurus Mountains offers a chance to settle in and get your bearings. Guides often share interesting tidbits about the region’s farming—like olives—and local life along the way, which adds some context before the main sights.

Visiting Selge Ancient City

Most travelers agree that Selge is a highlight. This site dates back to at least 2200 BC and boasts a history deeply intertwined with several civilizations—Lydian, Macedonian, Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman. You’ll get about 50 minutes here to wander around the ruins, including the ancient theater and the impressive amphitheater. As one reviewer notes, “the views at Selge are spectacular,” and they’re right.

While exploring, you’ll learn about how this city once flourished as a trading hub, with products transported via the river to other ancient sites like Aspendos and Perge. Guides are typically very knowledgeable—shout out to Kadir Turkkan, who’s praised for being friendly and multilingual. Expect a good mix of storytelling and facts, making the ruins come alive.

More Great Tours Nearby

Adler Canyon and Koprulu Canyon

After Selge, it’s time to enjoy the natural wonders. The Adler Canyon, also called Tazi Canyon, is Turkey’s largest canyon and a true visual treat. At 410 meters high and 40 meters wide, the canyon’s rugged cliffs and lush greenery create a landscape that feels untouched. We loved the way the tour makes a point of stopping at the summit for panoramic photos.

The canyon is a world heritage site and protected area, so the views are pristine. You’ll take some time here to enjoy the scenery and snap photos—most visitors find this a perfect break from the busier historical sites. Some reviews mention the option of a zipline (paid separately), which adds a dash of adventure—definitely worth considering if you’re into adrenaline.

The Koprulu Canyon is another highlight, famous for its impressive cliffs and clear waters. The tour includes a visit here with a short stop, giving you a chance to soak in the scenery or even dip your toes in the river. The views are breathtaking, and many mention that this stop is a real “photo paradise.”

River Lunch and Relaxation

Lunch is at a local restaurant overlooking the Taurus Mountains and the river, which many find to be a lovely setting. The meal usually consists of fresh, well-cooked local dishes—most reviews say the food is genuinely tasty. It’s a good chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and take in the peaceful environment.

Final Stops and Return

After lunch, there’s a leisurely stop at a village cafe, where you can enjoy natural tea or coffee with mountain views. The entire trip wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Side, arriving between 18:00 and 18:30. The journey back is an opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day, often accompanied by additional stories from guides.

Practical Details and Value

For only $40 per person, this tour packs quite a punch. It includes hotel transfers, a local lunch, and the guidance of multilingual, friendly guides. Given the wide scope of sights—ancient ruins, stunning canyons, scenic mountains—the value appears quite good, especially considering the positive reviews praising the well-planned schedule and knowledgeable guides.

While the tour doesn’t include drinks like beer or soft drinks, it covers all major sights and offers enough variety to keep everyone engaged. The 5-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see everything without feeling rushed.

Transportation and Group Size

Travel involves comfortable, air-conditioned buses, which is a relief during warm days. The group size varies but tends to be manageable, allowing for interaction with guides and fellow travelers. It’s not a private tour, but most find the group atmosphere friendly and lively.

Who Might Not Love It?

Since the tour involves walking around ruins and natural sites, it’s not the best choice for those with mobility issues or very young children. Pregnant travelers are advised to consider their comfort, as the drive involves some mountain roads, and the walking can be uneven.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

If you look through reviews, you’ll find that many travelers praise the guides’ expertise and friendliness—“Yusuf is a great guide,” one reviewer mentions, highlighting how guides enhance the experience. The views and scenery consistently earn high marks, with many saying the trip is “absolutely worth it” for the photo opportunities and natural beauty.

Several travelers also appreciate how well the day is organized, with just the right amount of time at each stop—“the rhythm was okay, not stressful,” as one noted. The included lunch is repeatedly described as fresh and tasty, making the experience more satisfying overall.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local culture, all wrapped into a manageable 5-hour experience. Its strength lies in the expert guides, beautiful scenery, and well-paced itinerary that ensures you get to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for value for money and a meaningful day outside the typical tourist spots.

While it’s not designed for those with mobility challenges or very young children, active travelers and history enthusiasts will find plenty to love. With stops that include an impressive canyon, a UNESCO-listed site, and the ruins of an ancient city, your camera and imagination will definitely stay busy.

Overall, if you want a comprehensive day out that combines Turkey’s rugged mountains with its fascinating past, this tour is likely to give you many memorable moments. Just pack your camera, a hat, and an appetite for adventure—and let the landscapes of Side surprise you.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, with pickups available from Side between 08:30 and 09:15.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and breaks.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English, German, Russian, and Turkish fluently.

Can I book and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay nothing upfront, giving you flexibility.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 or for travelers with mobility impairments. Pregnant women should consider their comfort level.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel transfers, a local lunch, and guides are included. Drinks and personal expenses are extra.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, there’s an optional zipline at Adler Canyon, but it’s paid separately.

What about the scenery?
Expect breathtaking views at Adler Canyon, Selge, and Koprulu Canyon, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Is the food good?
Most reviews agree the lunch is fresh and well-cooked, adding a nice touch to the day.

How do I get back?
The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to Side around 18:00 to 18:30.

This guided day trip from Side offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience for those wanting to see some of Turkey’s best natural and historic sights without overextending their day. It’s practical, well-reviewed, and worth considering if your travel plans include Side.

You can check availability for your dates here: