Perge Aspendos Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour

If you’re visiting Antalya and craving a way to explore some of Turkey’s most iconic ancient sites without the hassle of renting a car, this guided tour might just be your best bet. It offers a well-rounded look at some of the region’s most famous ruins and natural wonders—all in one day. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and logistics to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of historical exploration and natural beauty, plus the value packed into a single day. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) helps keep things personal and relaxed, and the knowledgeable guides seem to make a real difference in the experience. On the flip side, a few reviews mention the timing can feel rushed at certain sites, and some might find the entrance fees for Perge and Aspendos a bit of an extra expense. Still, overall, this is a solid pick for anyone eager to see the highlights without the stress of planning every detail.

This tour is especially good for history lovers, those who appreciate a hassle-free experience, and travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip with good value. It’s a full day out, so be prepared for an early start, but the variety of sites makes it worth it.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Covers Perge, Aspendos, Side’s Apollon Temple, and Manavgat Waterfall.
• Small group size: Up to 15 people, creating a more intimate, engaging atmosphere.
• Expert guides: Reviewers praise guides like Gengis, Ibrahim, and Mehmet for their knowledge and storytelling.
• Value for money: At around $66 per person, including lunch and waterfal admission, it’s a pretty good deal.
• Hassle-free logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it a convenient way to see multiple sites.
• Timing considerations: Some guests felt the site visits, especially at Side, could be a bit shorter than advertised.

Exploring the Itinerary

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup in Antalya

Your day begins bright and early, with a pickup from your hotel. The transportation is air-conditioned, comfortable, and designed to keep the group moving efficiently. This is a real plus because it means you don’t have to worry about navigating or parking—something that can be a headache when visiting ancient sites on your own.

Perge Ancient City: Stepping Back in Time

The first stop is Perge, one of Antalya’s most impressive ancient cities. Here, we loved the way the ruins are very well preserved, allowing you to walk through the grand colonnaded streets, visit the amphitheater, and marvel at the remains of baths and temples. As one reviewer puts it, it’s a huge site with many interesting areas, and signs in both English and Turkish help you understand what you’re seeing.

A common theme in reviews is the high praise for guides like Gengis, who shared insights with humor and clarity. Nadine mentions that her guide was “very well informed and funny,” which really enhances the experience. The entrance fee for Perge is not included (€11), so budget accordingly.

Aspendos: The Roman Theater Marvel

Next up is Aspendos, home to what many consider one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Built during the Roman era, it’s still used today for performances—an incredible sight to behold. The acoustics are often highlighted as extraordinary, and you’ll have time to walk around and soak in the architectural brilliance.

Reviewers rave about Aspendos’s condition, with one saying it felt like they “owned the theater,” especially because it wasn’t crowded. The entrance fee here is also extra (€15). After exploring Aspendos, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, giving you a chance to relax and refuel.

Side’s Apollon Temple: Sea-View Ruins

After lunch, the tour heads to Side, where the Temple of Apollo overlooks the sea. The majestic columns and seaside setting create a perfect photo op. Many guests mention how stunning this site is—an ideal mix of history and scenery. It’s a relatively free visit, so you can take your time wandering around and capturing photos.

Manavgat Waterfall: Natural Beauty

The last stop is Manavgat Waterfall, where you’ll get about 45 minutes to enjoy the lush surroundings, take photos, or just relax beside the cascading waters. It’s a peaceful end to a busy day, and reviews highlight the waterfall as a picturesque spot, perfect for some memorable snaps.

Return to Antalya

After the waterfall, the comfortable vehicle will take you back to your hotel. The ride provides a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures, and most guests report arriving around 7 pm, feeling satisfied with the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides and Engaging Stories

Multiple reviews mention guides like Gengis, Ibrahim, and Mehmet, who bring the sites to life with storytelling. Their passion for the sites makes even the most well-worn ruins interesting. One reviewer writes, “You learn a lot and enjoy taking in the sights,” highlighting how guides enhance the experience beyond just pointing out structures.

Well-Organized and Smooth Logistics

The hotel pickup and drop-off are a big help, especially for travelers unfamiliar with the area or who prefer a hassle-free trip. The small group size maintains a friendly, non-rushed atmosphere, allowing everyone to ask questions and enjoy the sites without feeling lost in a crowd.

Value for Money

At approximately $66.21 per person, including lunch and Manavgat Waterfall admission, this tour offers good bang for your buck. The extra charges for entrance fees to Perge (€11) and Aspendos (€15) are optional but expected, so budget for those if interested.

Realistic Expectation of Time at Sites

While most reviews are positive, some guests mention feeling a bit rushed, especially at Side, where only about 30-45 minutes was spent. If you’re someone who loves to linger over ruins or take a lot of photos, keep this in mind.

Practical Tips

• Comfortable shoes are a must; you’ll be walking on uneven ancient surfaces.
• Bring some cash for entrance fees, souvenirs, or extra snacks.
• Have a camera ready—the views at Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat are photo-worthy.
• Consider your energy level: It’s a full day, so be prepared for an early start.
• Dietary requests: If you have specific dietary needs, let the provider know when booking.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is a solid choice if you want to see multiple significant sites in a single day without the hassle of planning transportation. It’s especially well-suited for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone who enjoys a structured, guided experience. If you’re traveling with kids, the sites are generally stroller-friendly, but keep in mind the walking distances and uneven terrain.

While the tour doesn’t cater specifically to families or children, the sites themselves are generally engaging and suitable for most ages—just be sure to keep little ones comfortable with snacks and breaks.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from central Antalya hotels are included, making the day smooth from start to finish.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 to 9 hours, with most of the day spent traveling and exploring.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance to Perge (€11) and Aspendos (€15) are not included, so bring some cash if you want to go inside these sites.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because there’s a good amount of walking on uneven surfaces. Dress appropriately for the weather—sun protection or rain gear depending on the forecast.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a tasty lunch is part of the package, giving you a break and a chance to recharge.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a guided group tour, the itinerary is fixed. However, most guests find it covers the highlights they hoped for.

What about the waterfall?
Admission is included, and it’s a peaceful spot perfect for photos or just relaxing before heading back to Antalya.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the sites are generally appropriate for most ages. Just consider your children’s stamina and interest levels.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized day trip that hits the highlights of Antalya’s ancient sites and natural scenery, this tour offers a lot of value. The combination of knowledgeable guides, hassle-free logistics, and a varied itinerary makes it an appealing option for many travelers.

It’s especially ideal for those who want to learn about the history without the stress of self-guided exploration. Keep in mind that the timing at some stops can be tight, so if you’re a lingerer or photographer, plan accordingly. But overall, with positive reviews and a reasonable price point, this trip has proven to be a favorite among many.

For anyone eager to get a good sense of Antalya’s archaeological and natural treasures in one day, this tour might just be worth booking.