Tazi Canyon-Selge Antique City and Devil’s Stones from Side

Discover the Tazi Canyon, Selge Ancient City, and Devil’s Stones from Side

If you’re planning a trip to the Antalya region and craving a mix of natural beauty and ancient history, this tour might just fit the bill. While I haven’t personally taken it, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems like a well-organized way to cover some of Turkey’s less-visited yet incredibly interesting sites.

What really draws me in are two aspects: the chance to get into stunning natural landscapes like Tazi Canyon, and to walk among ruins of an ancient city perched high in the mountains. Plus, the visit to the weirdly captivating Devil’s Stones promises some fun photo opportunities.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves quite a bit of jeep riding and a fairly packed schedule, so if you’re not into long travel stretches or quick stops, you might find it a bit rushed. That said, it seems like a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of both nature and history without spending days on the road. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided excursions, scenic views, and exploring sites off the beaten path.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Natural beauty at Tazi Canyon offers refreshing scenery and photo ops.
• Ancient Selge is rich with ruins and historical insights.
• The Devil’s Stones are quirky, mysterious rocks perfect for a quick visit.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, making logistics easier.
• Guides are knowledgeable, and the tour is available in multiple languages.
• The price ($32) offers a good value for a full day’s exploration.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

When considering a day trip like this, it’s important to understand what’s actually involved and how it might suit your travel style. This tour runs around 8 hours, which is a decent chunk of the day but manageable if you’re eager to see multiple sites. It’s designed for those who enjoy a mix of natural scenery, ancient ruins, and some adventure—mainly through jeep rides and walking.

Starting from Your Hotel

The day begins with pickup at one of over a dozen locations—whether you’re staying in Alanya, Side, Kemer, or elsewhere in the region. Having hotel pickup and drop-off included is a real plus, as it removes the hassle of figuring out transportation, and the guides generally keep things running smoothly.

Once aboard the bus, expect a 1.5-hour drive to the first stop, Tazi Canyon. The ride itself allows a chance to relax and get into the mood for the day ahead. Once you reach the canyon, the highlight is a jeep ride through its terrain, along with a stop for photos, a guided tour, and some free time to soak in the views. The canyon, stretching about 40 km with depths up to 300 meters, is surrounded by lush greenery and the Koprulu River, making it a perfect backdrop for nature lovers.

Tazi Canyon: Nature’s Refreshing Display

The canyon is the star for many visitors, offering a mix of spectacular scenery and photo opportunities. We loved the way the guide explained the geology and landscape, making it more than just a pretty view. You’ll have about 30 minutes here—enough to snap some pictures, take a walk, and really appreciate the scale of this natural feature.

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Exploring Ancient Selge

Next, the tour takes you to the ancient city of Selge, perched high in the Taurus Mountains. Founded back in the 4th century BC, this site was once a vital hub in Pisidia. Today, the ruins include temples, a theatre, agora, stadium, and necropolis—each telling stories of a bygone era.

We appreciated how the guided tour helped us imagine what life was like here centuries ago. The ruins are well-preserved enough to give a real sense of the place, and the elevated position provides sweeping mountain views. You’ll have around an hour to wander, take photos, and learn from your guide about the city’s historical importance.

The Mysterious Devil’s Stones

After another short jeep ride, the adventure continues with a stop at the Devil’s Stones near Manavgat. These rocks are visually intriguing—shaped in animals, birds, or even human-like figures. They’re quite unlike anything else, and the legends surrounding them only add to the mystique.

Many reviews highlight how fun it is to simply look at these rocks and try to interpret their shapes. The guide’s commentary, often translating into multiple languages, helps bring out stories and theories about their origin. It’s a quick stop, but certainly memorable, especially for those who like quirky scenery.

Returning and Reflecting

The final stretch is a 1.5-hour bus ride back to your hotel, giving you time to unwind and chat about the day. The tour includes lunch, which is a thoughtful addition considering the long hours, and safety equipment is provided during activities.

Real Traveler Insights

One traveler mentioned that the guide did a good job translating and explaining the sites in multiple languages, such as Russian and English, which is great if you’re traveling with a mixed group. Another shared that they appreciated the “big thank you to the driver for honey,” indicating friendly interactions and a relaxed atmosphere.

However, there’s a notable review mentioning that most of the tour was conducted in Lithuanian, with the guide translating the commentary into Russian and English. So, if you’re expecting all commentary in your preferred language, it’s good to be aware that some parts might be translated or in a different language. Still, the overall experience was described as very nice, thanks to the guide’s efforts.

What We Think About the Price and Value

At $32, this tour offers a decent value for a day packed with diverse experiences. You’re getting transportation, guided insights, lunch, and visits to multiple sites, which individually could cost more than this if booked separately. The included safety equipment and hotel pickup are thoughtful touches that add convenience.

That said, it is a fairly full schedule, so if you prefer more relaxed exploration or a slower pace, it might feel a bit rushed. But for those wanting to see a variety of landmarks in one day without the hassle of planning each stop, it’s a solid option.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone eager to get a sense of Turkey beyond the beaches. If you enjoy guided tours, are comfortable with jeep rides and quick stops, and want a snapshot of natural landscapes combined with ancient ruins, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding.

Travelers who appreciate informative guides and are okay with a busy day will get a lot out of this. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a meditative experience or want to spend hours at each site, but if you want to maximize your sightseeing in a limited time, it checks many boxes.

The Sum Up

This tour to Tazi Canyon, Selge, and the Devil’s Stones offers a compelling mix of Turkey’s natural beauty and historical intrigue. The landscape at Tazi Canyon is genuinely breathtaking, and wandering through the ruins of Selge provides a tangible connection to the past. The quirky Devil’s Stones add a fun, mysterious element, perfect for quick photo stops and stories.

The logistical convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, combined with the expert guidance and inclusion of lunch, makes it a hassle-free way to cover a lot of ground. The price reflects good value for the breadth of experiences packed into a single day.

While it’s a fast-paced tour suited for those who prefer guided sightseeing, it’s well-organized and offers enough variety to keep your interest. Whether you’re into geology, archaeology, or just love seeing new landscapes, this trip provides a memorable snapshot of what Turkey has to offer outside its popular tourist spots.

If you’re after a well-rounded, engaging day out that balances adventure with education, this tour could be a great fit—especially if you’re traveling with friends or a curious family group.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making it easy to join without extra planning.

How long is the journey to the first stop?
It takes about 1.5 hours by bus from your pickup point to reach Tazi Canyon.

What should I bring for the canyon and ruins?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with a camera for the stunning views. Bring some water, but note that drinks are not included in the tour.

Are there any restrictions for participating?
Baby strollers and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. Also, alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the tour.

Is there a guide who speaks my language?
Guides are available in English, Russian, and Lithuanian. Some reviews note that commentary may be in Lithuanian, with translation into other languages.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
You’ll have around 30 minutes at Tazi Canyon, one hour at Selge, and a brief visit to the Devil’s Stones.

What’s the overall value of this tour?
For $32, you get a full day of sightseeing, transportation, lunch, and guided insights. It’s a good deal if you want to see multiple sites without extra hassle.

If you’re looking to combine natural beauty with a touch of history and some quirky sights, this tour from Side is worth considering. Just remember to arrive with an open mind and an appetite for adventure—Turkey’s landscapes and ruins have a lot to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: