Alanya & Side: Side, Aspendos & Manavgat Waterfall Tour

Exploring the Best of Antalya: Side, Aspendos & Manavgat Waterfall Tour Review

If you’re visiting Turkey’s Antalya Province and want a good overview of its ancient sites, natural beauty, and some shopping, this Side, Aspendos, and Manavgat Waterfall tour might just fit the bill. Offered by Lft Travel Agency, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a mix of history, nature, and a little retail therapy—all wrapped up in about six hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines the major highlights without feeling rushed. You get time to wander around Side’s ancient ruins, marvel at the well-preserved Aspendos Theatre, and relax at the Manavgat Waterfall. Plus, the stop at Novamall Shopping Center offers a chance to pick up souvenirs or browse some local and international brands.

One thing to keep in mind is that, with a packed itinerary, it’s not the best choice if you’re after a deep dive into any single site. It’s more of a “taste” tour—great for first-timers or those with limited time. And if you’re traveling with very young kids or have mobility issues, you might want to consider how the walking and outdoor exploration suit your needs.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a balance of history, nature, and shopping, especially if they like a guided approach with convenient hotel transfers. It’s perfect for those wanting an efficient overview that hits the major spots without missing out.

Key Points

• Historical Highlights: Visit iconic sites like the Temple of Apollo and the Roman-era Aspendos Theatre.
• Natural Beauty: Enjoy the picturesque Manavgat Waterfall and its surroundings.
• Convenient Transfers: Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from multiple regions, making logistics easier.
• Time for Exploration: Ample free time at Side and the waterfall allows for personal discovery and photos.
• Shopping Opportunity: End your day at Novamall, with a variety of local and international brands.
• Languages Offered: Guides speak English and Russian, catering to a wide range of travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Walk Through the Tour: What to Expect

Starting Out: Comfort and Convenience

The tour kicks off with a hotel transfer, so you won’t have to worry about how to get to the starting point. Depending on where you’re staying—whether in Alanya or Side—pick-up times vary, but the overall experience begins smoothly. The transportation is designed to be comfortable, which is a big plus after a morning of sightseeing or travel.

Exploring Side’s Ancient Ruins

Once you arrive in Side, you’ll have about 2.5 hours to walk around this open-air museum. Side’s history is fascinating—founded in the 7th century BC and thriving during Roman times, it’s a place where history is very much alive.

You’ll see the Temple of Apollo, with its towering columns and impressive remains. It’s a site that’s especially photogenic at sunset or early in the day when the light is soft. The ancient theater is another highlight—one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. From reviews, people mention being captivated by how intact and grand it remains, giving a real sense of what entertainment was like thousands of years ago.

The Aspendos Theatre: A Roman Masterpiece

Next, the journey takes you to Aspendos, home to what’s considered one of the finest Roman theatres still in existence. The theatre’s remarkable preservation means you’ll get a clear idea of its original grandeur. It’s a great spot for history buffs or anyone who loves architecture.

Tour guides often highlight Aspendos as a must-see for its excellent acoustics and historical authenticity. One reviewer noted, “The theatre is truly impressive, and you can almost hear the echoes of ancient performances as you walk through.” Expect about an hour here to explore and snap photos.

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Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Pause

After the historical sites, you’ll head to the Manavgat Waterfall for around 45 minutes. It’s a lovely natural setting—perfect for some downtime and photography. The waterfall isn’t just a pretty sight; it’s also an opportunity to feel the breeze, listen to the rushing water, and breathe in the fresh air.

Many reviews mention it as a peaceful spot, ideal for a quick escape from the busy sightseeing. You might find vendors nearby selling local crafts or snacks, so it’s worth bringing some small bills.

Shopping at Novamall: Wrapping Up the Day

The final stop is Novamall Shopping Center, where you can browse for souvenirs, clothing, or gifts. It offers a variety of brands, making it a fitting place to wrap up your day—whether you’re looking for local handicrafts or international labels.

For many, this stop is a highlight, as it combines relaxation with the chance to pick up unique items. Plus, after a day of walking and sightseeing, it’s nice to have a comfortable space to browse at your own pace.

Returning to Your Hotel

After a few hours at Novamall, the bus will take you back to your accommodation, ensuring a stress-free end to the day. The entire experience lasts around six hours, including transfers, leaving you plenty of time to relax in the evening or explore more on your own.

What the Experience Feels Like

This tour’s strength lies in its well-organized balance. We loved the way it seamlessly shifts from history to nature, then to shopping—covering different interests in a single day. The guides are knowledgeable, and the transportation is comfortable, which makes a significant difference in a long day of sightseeing.

Some reviews have pointed out that the tour order might change based on weather or operational conditions, so flexibility is key. That said, the main sights often stay on the list, ensuring you get the core experience.

One reviewer shared, “The free time in Side was perfect to wander and get some photos without feeling rushed.” Others mentioned that the Aspendos Theatre, with its impressive preservation, was “definitely worth the trip,” especially for architecture lovers.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable walking shoes—there’s a fair amount of exploring on uneven surfaces.
• Sunscreen and water are essential—Turkey’s sun can be intense, even in cooler months.
• A camera or smartphone with a good zoom will help you capture the ruins and waterfall.
• The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, so plan accordingly if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.

Considerations

While the tour is generally well-received, some travelers mentioned that the total duration, including transfers, could be a long day, especially if your hotel is farther from the starting point. It’s perfect if you want a broad overview, but not ideal if you prefer to explore sites at your own pace or focus solely on one area.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy compact, guided trips that hit the main sights without the hassle of organizing transfers or tickets, this tour is a smart choice. It’s perfect for first-timers to the region or those with limited time wanting a snapshot of Antalya’s highlights.

However, if you’re someone who prefers slow, in-depth exploration or has mobility challenges, it might feel a bit rushed. The free time at Side and the waterfall helps, but be prepared for a fair amount of walking and outdoor exposure.

This experience offers a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s rich history and scenic beauty, with the convenience of included transfers and guided commentary. It’s a practical way to make the most of a short day and see some of the most popular spots in the area.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t specifically tailored for children, and it excludes those under 3 years old. The walking and outdoor exploration might be tiring for very young kids, so consider their stamina.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Russian, so travelers fluent in either should have no trouble understanding the commentary.

How long is the free time at Side?
You’ll have about 2.5 hours to explore Side at your own pace, which is enough to see the ruins, take photos, or grab a snack.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, a meal is served at a local restaurant. Drinks are not included, so plan to bring some water or additional beverages.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended to stay comfortable during the day.

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

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including hotel transfers, sightseeing, and shopping.

Are the transfers included?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included from multiple regions such as Alanya, Side, and nearby towns.

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see some of the highlights of Antalya Province. It’s well-suited for those wanting a guided, varied experience in a relatively short time, with plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: