Antalya Excursion to Perge, Aspendos, side, Manavgat waterfall

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and want to see some of the area’s most iconic sights in one day, this tour might be just what you’re after. It’s a well-reviewed full-day excursion that promises hassle-free logistics, interesting historical stops, and a taste of nature’s beauty—all for a reasonable price.

What really stands out about this experience are two things: the expertly guided visits to ancient ruins like Perge and Aspendos, and the scenic stop at Manavgat Waterfall that offers a relaxing break from sightseeing. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the timing—around 9 hours, including travel and breaks, means you’ll be on the move most of the day, which might be tiring if you prefer more leisurely exploration.

This tour is especially suited for those who want a rundown of Antalya’s historical and natural highlights without the hassle of organizing separate visits. It’s perfect for first-timers or travelers who love history, architecture, and scenic spots, but may not be ideal for those looking for a very relaxed, slow-paced day.

Key Points

• Hassle-free experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Guided visits provide context and insight into ancient sites
• Includes lunch and entry tickets, making it convenient and cost-effective
• Focus on history and nature, combining cultural ruins with natural beauty
• Group size is limited to 18 people, ensuring a more personal experience
• Good value for the price, especially considering what’s included

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This Antalya day trip is designed to give you a thorough glimpse of some of the area’s most famed archaeological sites and natural attractions. The fact that it’s guided by a driver-guide means you won’t have to worry about navigation, and the logistics are sorted for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying each stop.

The overall cost of $87.10 per person covers a full nine hours of exploring, with organized transfers, entry tickets, and lunch. What’s better is that this tour is booked about three weeks in advance on average, which suggests good planning and popularity. The reviews consistently highlight the quality of the guidance and the variety of sites visited, making it a solid choice for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Hotel Pickup and Early Morning Start

The tour begins early, with pickups starting around 8:00 am from your hotel. This punctual start ensures you maximize your sightseeing time. The driver-guide will greet you, often with some friendly chatter, setting a welcoming tone for the day.

First Stop: Perge

Perge is the first major highlight—and quite possibly the most captivating. This ancient city, which we loved seeing, is remarkably well-preserved and provides a deep sense of what life was like in antiquity. The site features an impressive colonnaded street, ancient baths, and a stadium.

The reviews praise Perge as “amazing to see,” and many wish they had more time there. It’s easy to see why—it’s the biggest ancient city of the Mediterranean, offering a lot to explore in about 1.5 hours. The guide’s commentary adds depth, helping you appreciate the ruins beyond just their visual appeal.

Aspendos: The Amphitheatre Marvel

Next, you’ll head to Aspendos, renowned for its incredibly well-preserved Roman theatre. The theatre is often cited as the most impressive in its class, and standing inside it, you can almost hear echoes of ancient performances.

While some might find the site a bit steep for climbing, the overall experience is highly recommended—many reviews call Aspendos “amazing to see,” and it’s a highlight for history enthusiasts. You’ll spend about an hour here, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Lunch Break: Savor Local Flavors

Lunchtime is around 1 pm, and the tour includes a meal with options like lamb, chicken, or fish. The reviews praise the lunch quality, describing it as “superb,” and many travelers appreciate the convenience of included food. Expect a sit-down meal that lets you relax and recharge before continuing the day’s adventures.

Side: Ancient Port and Ruins

Following lunch, you’ll visit Side, a charming town with significant ruins and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the seaside vibe. You’ll have about an hour of free time here, which is enough if you want to wander around or browse local shops.

Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Pause

The final major stop is Manavgat Waterfall. This spot offers a short break surrounded by lush scenery, perfect for a bit of fresh air and relaxation. Many reviewers mention enjoying the waterfall as a peaceful end to the busy day, with some noting the opportunity to buy refreshments and take photos.

Return: Back to Hotels

By around 5 pm, the tour wraps up with your driver guiding you back to your hotel. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is definitely a perk, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Voices

Multiple reviewers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guide and driver. One mentions, “prompt and well-organized,” with the driver keeping the van cool—important on hot days. Others loved the knowledgeable guides, describing them as “funny,” “interactive,” and full of interesting life messages.

The historical sites themselves seem to leave a strong impression. As one reviewer put it, “Perge was amazing,” and Aspendos was “a must-see.” The inclusion of entry tickets and guided commentary adds value, helping travelers understand the significance of each ruin.

The food gets high praise as well, with many saying the lunch exceeded expectations. However, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some water or purchase drinks during stops.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour’s duration—around 9 hours—is quite full but well-organized. The small group size (max 18 people) means it feels personal without feeling cramped. Price-wise, at just over $87, it offers a decent balance of cost and inclusions, especially considering the guided tours, tickets, and lunch.

One point to keep in mind is that transfers from outside Antalya city center, like Kemer, Belek, or Side, may incur extra fees. Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer transfers from Alanya hotels, so plan accordingly if you’re based there.

If you use a walker, this might not be the best fit, as some sites involve walking on uneven or steep terrain. Plus, the tour is suited for most travelers but might feel rushed for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This excursion offers a thoughtful mix of history, scenery, and local flavor in a well-structured day. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in ancient ruins and want to see multiple sites in one go without the hassle of organizing transport or entry tickets yourself. The guided commentary enriches the experience, turning ruins into stories you can connect with.

If you value good value for money, enjoy exploring historical sites, and appreciate organized tours that handle the logistics, this tour is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer slow-paced, unhurried sightseeing or traveling with very young children, you might find the schedule a bit intensive.

Overall, many travelers find this tour to be a highlight of their stay in Antalya, often citing the knowledgeable guides and the variety of sights as key reasons why it’s worth booking.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and saving you from organizing transport.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, from early morning pickup to returning to your hotel around 5 pm.

What sites will I see?
You’ll visit Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall. Each offers a different glimpse into history and nature.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a meal with options like lamb, chicken, or fish is included, and many reviews praise the quality of the food.

Are entry tickets included?
All site entry tickets are included in the price, so you won’t need to pay extra at the sites.

Can I bring drinks?
Drinks are not included, so you may want to bring water or purchase beverages during the stops.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While not specifically marketed as child-friendly, it can suit families with older children who enjoy history and walking. For very young children or those with mobility issues, consider the terrain and timing.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 18, which helps keep the experience more personal and manageable.

This tour offers a balanced, engaging way to see some of Antalya’s best-known sites, with knowledgeable guides and a good mix of history and scenery. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just want a scenic day out, it’s a solid choice to add to your Antalya itinerary.