Perge, Aspendos & city of Side Full-Day Tour from Antalya

Exploring Ancient Antalya: A Deep Dive into the Perge, Aspendos & Side Full-Day Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s Antalya region and love uncovering relics of the past, this full-day tour of Perge, Aspendos, and Side offers a compelling mix of history, scenery, and local charm. It’s a well-loved experience among travelers, with a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 43 reviews. We’re here to give you a genuine, detailed take on what you can expect and whether it’s a good fit for your itinerary.

One of the standout features is how much ground this tour covers in just one day. You’ll visit three major ancient cities—Perge, Aspendos, and Side—each with its own story and atmosphere. The other big plus? The chance to cool down at Kurunlu Waterfall, which adds a nature break to the historical sightseeing. The guides are also frequently praised for their knowledgeable commentary and friendly attitude, which really enhances the experience.

A few things to consider: the day can feel a little rushed, especially if you’re keen to linger longer at each site. Also, the tour is mainly tailored for those who enjoy walking around ruins and exploring outdoor sites—so be prepared for some walking on uneven surfaces and the sun. This tour suits history buffs, couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a comprehensive day of cultural exploration without the hassle of organizing transportation and entry tickets themselves.

If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and enjoy learning about ancient civilizations, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s not for you if you prefer relaxed, unhurried visits or traveling with very young children. But for most travelers craving a taste of history and scenic beauty, it hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage: Visit four key sites—Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Kurunlu Waterfalls—in a single day.
• Expert guides: The reviews consistently mention knowledgeable and friendly guides who bring the sites alive.
• Efficient transportation: Includes pickup and drop-off from central Antalya, making logistics easy.
• Value for money: The tour offers a lot of sights and insights for the price, with many reviewers feeling it’s well worth it.
• Time constraints: It’s a packed schedule, so expect a fair amount of walking and limited time at each stop.
• Ideal for history lovers: If ancient ruins and archaeological sites fascinate you, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Full-Day Tour

Imagine starting your day early in Antalya, greeted at your hotel by a friendly guide who’s eager to share stories and insights about the sites you’ll visit. The first stop is Perge, about nine miles east of Antalya. This site was once a thriving Greek city and later a Roman hub, with remnants that echo centuries of history. You’ll wander through colonnaded streets, see well-preserved baths, and admire the impressive agora. According to reviews, the guide’s storytelling makes the ruins much more engaging. One traveler from Mexico appreciated that the tour was “full of stories,” which made the visit memorable.

Perge’s significance isn’t just in its ruins but also in its cultural layers. It was once the capital of Pamphylia and boasted a temple dedicated to Artemis—goddess of wilderness. You might find yourself imagining ancient festivals or daily life here. The guide often points out interesting details, making what could be just a pile of stones feel alive with history.

Next, the tour heads towards Aspendos, about 25 miles east of Antalya. Here, the star attraction is undoubtedly the Aspendos Theater, regarded as one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Built during the Roman period between 161-180 AD, it still hosts performances today. The theater’s size, acoustics, and pristine condition impress many visitors. One reviewer called it “immaculately preserved,” which is spot on. It’s a perfect spot for photos and imagining the performances that once took place there.

The guide usually shares stories about how Alexander the Great’s armies watched performances here, adding context to this impressive site. There’s also an aqueduct and orangery nearby, giving a sense of the scale and sophistication of the ancient city.

After Aspendos, you’ll stop at Side, a city famous for its natural harbor and bustling trade in antiquity. The city’s ruins are spread out along a scenic coastline, with the Temple of Apollo offering stunning sea views. It’s a lively spot, with the old town’s narrow streets, marina, and seaside cafes creating a vibrant atmosphere. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the visit to Side feeling a little rushed—perhaps because there’s a lot to see in a short time. Still, the guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the city’s importance and stories behind the ruins.

A highlight here is the amphitheater, which is quite well-preserved and gives a real sense of the city’s past grandeur. Many reviews mention the scenic beauty of the harbor and how relaxing it is to walk along the coastline after exploring the ruins.

To wrap up the day, your tour makes its way to Kurunlu Waterfall, about 45 miles from Side. This scenic stop offers a refreshing change of pace. The waterfall cascades into clear pools, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a favorite among travelers who enjoy natural beauty and photo opportunities. According to some reviews, the waterfall provides a well-deserved break and a chance to stretch your legs after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour lasts around 9 hours, and the pickup is included from centrally located Antalya hotels—making it super convenient. The group size is limited to 14 people, which means you’re likely to get a more personalized experience compared to larger bus tours. The transportation is comfortable, and the itinerary is packed efficiently to maximize your time.

You’ll want to bring essentials: passport or ID, comfortable shoes for walking, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Since it’s outdoors most of the day, be prepared for sun exposure, especially if visiting in the warmer months. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, as some sites involve uneven terrain and walking.

The tour is operated by Smooth Travel and offers flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment can be deferred until you’re ready to confirm, giving you some peace of mind.

What Do Travelers Say?

The reviews give a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Many praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, with comments like “the guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about archaeology” and “Ibrahim was an amazing guide.” This makes a big difference, turning a sightseeing trip into a more engaging experience.

Travelers also love the scenic spots—the theaters, ruins, and waterfalls—and appreciate the value for money. The tour’s busy schedule means you’ll see a lot, but some mention feeling a bit rushed, especially at Side, which is understandable given the limited time.

One traveler from the UK notes that “we didn’t know it was a private tour that day,” which made it feel more personalized. Others point out the comfortable transportation and how well-organized the whole experience is, making it suitable even for those who aren’t used to long days on the go.

The Bottom Line: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves to see a lot in a single day and appreciates expert guides who can tell stories that bring ruins to life, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for history aficionados or travelers who want a well-organized, hassle-free way to visit multiple ancient sites without the stress of planning individual tickets and transport.

However, if you prefer more relaxed visits or want to spend extra time exploring each location at your own pace, this might feel a little hurried. It’s also mainly outdoors, so if you have mobility limitations or prefer indoor museums and galleries, this tour may not be the best fit.

Travelers who are happy with a full, active day and enjoy scenic beauty will find this a worthwhile experience. The combination of archaeological marvels and a natural waterfall makes for a varied and memorable trip.

FAQs

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup from central Antalya hotels is included, though it’s not available from Belek, Alanya, Manavgat, Side, or Kemer.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is around 9 hours, making it a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Since it’s outdoors most of the day, dressing in light, breathable clothing is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for families?
This tour is mainly for those who enjoy walking and outdoor ruins, so it might not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 14 participants, so it tends to be intimate and personalized.

Do I need to pay for tickets at the sites?
The tour typically includes skip-the-ticket-line access, but it’s best to confirm what’s included when booking.

Is this tour good value for money?
Most travelers say yes—given the number of sites visited, the guide’s insights, and the included transportation, it’s considered a good deal for a full day of exploring.

If history, scenic beauty, and a hassle-free experience appeal to you, this Perge, Aspendos & Side full-day tour in Antalya could be just what you’re looking for. It combines the thrill of ancient ruins with natural scenery, all wrapped up in expert storytelling. Just be prepared for a busy day—and plenty of walking—and you’ll likely leave with a new appreciation for the region’s fascinating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: