Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites with Lunch and Guide

Exploring Ancient Rome in Antalya: A Practical Review of the Day Tour of Roman Sites

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and have an interest in history, this day tour of Roman sites could be a great way to spend your time. We haven’t taken this tour personally, but based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, it seems to offer a solid balance of historical exploration, scenic views, and local flavor. The tour’s highlight is visiting Perge, known as the ancient capital of Pamphylia, and the remarkably preserved Aspendos amphitheater, alongside the charming coastal town of Side.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the inclusion of a knowledgeable guide and lunch at a local restaurant, which helps make the long day feel more relaxed and authentic. The scenic stop at Manavgat Waterfalls for a quick photo is another nice touch. However, a potential downside is the variable quality of some stops—one review mentioned the waterfall was closed, and there were comments about small portions and average food at lunch. Still, it’s a tour that seems best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, and those who want a structured day with a mix of ruins, culture, and nature.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about ancient civilizations without the hassle of planning, and you’re okay with a group tour that’s quite full-day, this experience might be just right. It’s also a good pick if you want to see a good chunk of the region’s Roman heritage in one go.

Key Points

• Includes a guided exploration of Perge, Aspendos, and Side, with detailed historical commentary.
• Offers a balanced mix of ancient ruins, scenic waterfalls, and local cuisine.
• Transport is comfortable with air conditioning, hotel pickup, and drop-off.
• Cost-effective at $51 per person, with lunch and tickets included.
• Some reviews mention variable experiences, like the waterfall closure and food quality.
• Ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers interested in Roman architecture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Antalya, making the start smooth and hassle-free. You’ll be guided by an English-speaking guide, which is a big plus for understanding the sites without having to do extra reading. The first stop is Perge, an ancient city that once served as the regional capital of Pamphylia. Here, you’ll walk through 15 km of ruins, including the Roman Baths, Agora, Colonnaded Street, Nympharium, and stadium. The guide’s insights are described as very good, providing context that brings the stones to life.

We liked the idea of spending about two hours here, enough to see the essential parts without feeling rushed. The fact that the ruins are extensive means you get a real sense of the scale and complexity of Roman urban planning, especially with the well-preserved stadium and baths. One reviewer called the visit to Perge “very interesting,” highlighting the guide’s knowledge as a highlight.

Next, you head to Aspendos, famed for its incredible 2nd-century amphitheater. With a capacity of 15,000, it’s impressive that this structure is still used today for festivals and concerts. The hour-long visit allows you to marvel at the acoustics and architecture, which remain largely intact. If you’re into ancient theater architecture or Roman engineering, this spot is a highlight.

Then, it’s time for lunch at a local restaurant, situated by a river. While some reviews mentioned the food was small in quantity and not particularly memorable, it’s still a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy local flavors. The value here depends on your expectations—if you’re after a hearty, gourmet meal, you might be disappointed. But if you’re happy with simple, authentic fare, it’s a decent stop.

Exploring Side and Its Roman Ruins

The next stop is Side, a charming coastal town that was once the region’s largest port and a significant Roman hub, especially as a slave market. The ruins here include the large theater, Roman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo. You’ll get around 1.5 hours to explore these sites, which are quite picturesque against the backdrop of the sea.

Reviews highlight that more time in Side could have been better—that’s a common theme with guided tours that try to cover a lot of ground in a day. But with an hour and a half, you can observe the key ruins and get a feel for the town’s historic charm.

Scenic Stop at Manavgat Waterfalls

The final sightseeing stop is the Manavgat Waterfalls. These are scenic and worth the quick stop, especially if you enjoy nature and photography. However, one reviewer mentioned the waterfall was closed on their visit, which is unfortunate. The tour includes tickets, so if the waterfall is open, you’ll get to see this natural power outlet, adding a different flavor to an otherwise ancient-focused day.

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Logistics and Practicalities

The tour lasts approximately nine hours—a long day but packed with sights. The group size isn’t specified, but most such tours tend to be comfortable, especially with air-conditioned transport. The cost of $51 per person is reasonable, considering the included lunch, guide, transportation, and tickets.

One review pointed out that the mini-bus broke down at the start, but it was quickly replaced. This kind of hiccup isn’t unusual in group tours, but it’s worth noting. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for those with mobility considerations.

What’s the Verdict on the Value?

Considering the price point, this tour offers good value for a day filled with significant Roman ruins, scenic stops, and local food. The guide’s knowledge seems to be highly praised, which can add a lot to the experience. The inclusion of transportation, tickets, and lunch makes it straightforward and convenient, especially if you don’t want to organize logistics on your own.

However, the quality of food and some minor issues—like the waterfall closure or limited time in Side—are worth considering before booking. If you’re flexible and curious about Roman history, these small drawbacks are minor compared to the overall experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is especially well-suited to history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travelers who enjoy a structured day with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re interested in seeing Roman ruins and learning about ancient architecture and history, you’ll find this a worthwhile outing. It also appeals to those who want to cover multiple sites in a single day without the stress of planning transportation and tickets.

It’s less ideal if you prefer more relaxed, leisure-focused days or if you’re looking for gourmet food and exclusive experiences. Also, travelers seeking natural beauty beyond waterfalls—like pristine beaches or hiking—might find this tour somewhat limited.

Final Thoughts

This Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites offers a practical and reasonably priced way to explore some of Turkey’s most impressive Roman relics. The combination of Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfalls provides a solid mix of history, architecture, and scenery. The tour’s success largely depends on the guide’s quality and your expectations about pace and food.

If you’re eager to walk through ancient ruins and dive into the region’s past with a friendly guide, this tour is worth considering. Just keep in mind that some stops may be brief, and the food might not be gourmet, but overall, it’s a well-rounded day that can add a meaningful layer to your trip to Antalya.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It’s generally suitable for most adults interested in history and scenery. While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the sites are outdoor and accessible, but keep in mind the tour lasts nine hours, which can be tiring for young children.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets to Manavgat Waterfalls, and lunch.

Are the entry tickets to Perge and Aspendos included?
No, these are not included and cost an extra 26 TL. Be prepared for that additional expense if you wish to explore these sites fully.

How long is each stop?
Perge is about two hours, Aspendos one hour, Side approximately 1.5 hours, and Manavgat Waterfalls around 30 minutes.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, which are comfortable for a long day of travel.

What if the waterfall is closed?
One reviewer noted it was closed during their visit, which was disappointing. The guide may not always be aware in advance, so it’s a good idea to ask beforehand or be prepared for a quick photo stop instead.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience provider states that it is wheelchair accessible.

What about the food?
Lunch is included but has received mixed reviews—some found the portions small and the quality average. It’s decent for a tour meal, but don’t expect gourmet cuisine.

Would I have enough time in Side?
Most travelers find the 1.5 hours sufficient to see the major ruins, though some wish for more time to explore leisurely.

This guide should help you decide if this day tour hits the right notes for your Antalya trip. It’s a good choice if you want a structured, history-rich day with comfortable logistics—just keep your expectations realistic about food and the pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: