City of Side: Eagle Canyon and Selge Ancient City Day Trip

Discovering the Eagle Canyon and Selge Ancient City – A Trip Worth Considering

Hey there, fellow traveler! If you’re exploring the Antalya region and looking for a day packed with history, nature, and some incredible views, a tour visiting Eagle Canyon and the Ancient City of Selge might just be right up your alley. We’ve looked into this experience and it seems to hit a lot of the right notes for those eager to venture beyond the usual beachside hangouts.

Two aspects that caught our attention: the stunning natural landscapes — especially Eagle Canyon — and the fascinating ruins of Selge that bring history to life. Plus, the included lunch by the Koprucay River adds a nice touch of local flavor. That said, it’s worth mentioning that this trip involves a bit of walking, including a short hike to Eagle Canyon, so it’s not ideal if mobility is an issue.

This tour is a solid pick for anyone curious about Turkey’s historical sites paired with its natural beauty. It’s family-friendly for those with active kids who love exploring outdoors, but keep in mind the hike might be tiring for very young children or anyone with mobility concerns. Overall, if you enjoy a mix of culture, scenery, and a bit of adventure, this trip has a lot to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning views of Eagle Canyon and ancient Roman architecture
• Includes a hearty lunch along the Koprucay River
• Expert guides who share stories and insights about the sites
• Hiking involved to reach Eagle Canyon, so comfortable shoes are a must
• Small-group vibe for a more personalized experience
• Good value for the price considering transportation, guides, and meals

What the Trip Looks Like: A Full Breakdown

This full-day excursion from Side offers a nice blend of history, nature, and some light physical activity. You’ll start your adventure with hotel pickup in a comfortable minibus—most likely in the morning, though exact times depend on your booking and hotel location. From there, the journey packs in several memorable stops, giving you plenty of chances to explore and take photos.

Pickup and Early Stops

The trip kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, which is convenient since the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Side and nearby areas like Kumköy, Evrenseki, and others. The first major stop is located near the Koprucay River, where you’ll have about 45 minutes for a break, to enjoy the lunch and stretch your legs. The lunch is described as delicious, featuring local flavors, and is a good chance to relax before continuing. Plus, the scenic setting by the river makes for a peaceful start.

Visiting the Roman Bridge & Selge

Next, you’ll head to the Roman Bridge, where your guide will shed light on its history—it’s a great spot for photos and understanding the engineering prowess of ancient civilizations. Then, the highlight for many is Selge, an old Roman city perched amidst rugged terrain. You’ll have around 40 minutes here to wander, soak in the atmosphere, and listen to your guide’s stories about its past. Reviewers mention that the guides do a good job of bringing the ruins to life, adding context that makes the visit more engaging.

More Great Tours Nearby

Roman Aquaducts and More Photos

After exploring Selge, you’ll visit the Roman aqueducts, another impressive relic that’s perfect for snapping photos and marveling at how these structures have withstood time. These stops are brief but impactful, giving you a sense of the scale and craftsmanship of ancient Roman engineering.

The Adventure at Eagle Canyon

The part many travelers look forward to is the visit to Eagle Canyon. To reach it, you’ll hop into a vehicle and then go on a short guided hike to the canyon itself. Here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and the chance to experience nature up close. The hike is manageable but involves some walking, so comfortable shoes are advisable. Once at the canyon, you can explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery.

Return Journey

After a good dose of nature and history, the group begins the drive back to your hotel, arriving around 5-6 PM. The day wraps up with plenty of memories and, hopefully, a few great photos of the canyon and ruins.

Practical Details & What’s Included

The tour is priced at $45 per person, which many reviews say is fair considering the transportation, guide service, and included lunch. Travel insurance is also part of the package, adding peace of mind.

The tour is led by live English or German-speaking guides, making it accessible for many travelers. The small-group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, which is always a plus.

What to Bring & What Not to Expect

Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, as the hike to Eagle Canyon involves some walking. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera are also recommended, especially since you’ll be outdoors most of the day. The tour does not include drinks or photos—so if you want souvenirs or beverages, you should bring extra cash. Also, pets and baby strollers aren’t allowed, mainly because of the hiking involved.

Flexibility & Cancellation

With a 24-hour cancellation policy, you have some flexibility if your plans change. You can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if you’re still firming up your itinerary.

What the Reviews Say: Honest Perspectives

The feedback from past travelers is quite positive. One reviewer raved, “Papa Charlie and bus driver Adam are amazing! He’s so funny, best guide I’ve ever had.” Another shared, “This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever done,” especially praising the small group size, great music, and the guide’s English skills. Several mention the stunning views of the canyon, calling it unforgettable.

Importantly, many review the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, emphasizing that they enjoy getting plenty of photo opportunities and appreciate regular stops for breaks and photos. The inclusion of lunch and toilet stops helps make the day comfortable and well-rounded.

Potential Downsides

The hike to Eagle Canyon might be challenging for some, especially those with mobility issues. Also, since tips are customary in Selge, travelers are advised to bring a bit of extra euro for their guides and local staff. If you’re not a fan of outdoor activities or don’t like hiking, this trip might feel a little strenuous, but for most, it’s manageable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re after a mix of history and nature, and enjoy a bit of physical activity. It’s well-suited for adventurous travelers, history buffs, or nature lovers seeking picturesque landscapes and cultural insights. Families with active kids who are comfortable walking will probably find this engaging, but very young children or those with mobility restrictions might find the hike a bit tiring.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers good value for the price, combining spectacular scenery, fascinating ruins, and friendly guides. It’s a full day that caters to those who like their sightseeing with a dash of adventure, and who appreciate learning about Turkey’s ancient and natural wonders in a relaxed group setting.

If you’re in Side and craving a day away from the beach to explore some of the region’s best outdoor sites, this trip is likely to satisfy. Just come prepared for some walking and bring your camera — you’re going to want to capture these views.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally suitable for active kids, the hike to Eagle Canyon involves some walking, so it might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with a pickup time that varies depending on your hotel. Expect to be back around 5-6 PM.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and a camera are recommended. Drinks and photos are not included, so bring extra cash if you want souvenirs or refreshments.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in a comfortable minibus.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch near the Koprucay River as part of the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and German, making it accessible for many travelers.

Is there any special outfit I should wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for the hike. Sun protection is also recommended.

If you love combining history, nature, and a bit of outdoor activity, this tour from Side is worth considering. It’s a well-rounded experience that offers memorable sights and stories, all at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: