Temple of Apollo, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfalls Day Tour from Alanya

If you’re considering a day trip from Alanya that combines history, nature, and a bit of sightseeing, the Temple of Apollo, Aspendos, and Manavgat Waterfalls Tour is worth a look. While it’s not perfect and might not suit everyone, it offers a balanced mix of impressive ruins, scenic waterfalls, and local flavor. We found that the proximity to ancient sites and the guide’s knowledge are definite highlights, and the included lunch makes it a pretty good value for a nine-hour adventure.

That said, there are some caveats—like the occasional mix-up with the stops or the travel logistics—that are worth knowing beforehand. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want to see a variety of sights in one day without too much fuss, and who enjoy learning about history from passionate guides. If you’re flexible and curious, you’ll likely come away with some memorable moments.

Key Points

• Great value with an included lunch and hotel pickup making it a convenient package.
• Knowledgeable guides tend to add depth and entertainment to the experience.
• The ruins and historical sites are truly impressive and provide photo-worthy moments.
• Some reviews mention logistical hiccups, so expect a busy schedule and a lot of moving parts.
• Suitable for those who enjoy a mix of culture and nature on one trip.
• Watch out for the heat—some parts of the tour involve walking in hot weather.

What to Expect from the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to pack in a lot of sights and stories into roughly nine hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup and drop-off included. For around $75 per person, you get the benefit of guided commentary, some free time at key sites, and a chance to explore some of Turkey’s most iconic ancient locations alongside natural scenery.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Aspendos Ruins & Theatre

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Aspendos Ruins, specifically the famous Aspendos Theatre, which is often considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. You’ll get about an hour here—not enough to explore every corner, but plenty to take some photos and imagine performances held there millennia ago. Tip: Be prepared for a bit of walking and imagine yourself as part of the audience in the grand amphitheater.

Many reviews highlight the impressive architecture and the guide’s passion when explaining the site. One reviewer noted, “The highlight would be the Temple of Apollo,” which is just a short drive from Aspendos.

Manavgat Waterfalls

Next, you’ll head to the Manavgat Waterfalls—a picturesque spot where the river cascades over rocks, creating a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. Travelers typically spend around an hour here, soaking in the scenery and listening to the rushing water.

Some guests, like Andrea, mention they didn’t visit the waterfalls listed but instead stopped at the Korsulu Waterfalls, which was a disappointment. Make sure to clarify with your tour operator if the waterfalls are a key part of your plan, as some reviews suggest there might be changes.

Ancient Side & Temple of Apollo

Then, it’s time to explore the sprawling Side ruins, which include the Greek Amphitheater, Monumental Fountain, and Temple of Apollo—the centerpiece of the trip. You’re given about two hours to stroll these historic sites, which are perfect for wandering, taking photos, and soaking up the atmosphere.

Reviewers like Thomas appreciated the “great walk around Side,” praising the guides for their storytelling. The Temple of Apollo is especially revered; one traveler raved, “what an amazing place,” and spent over an hour there, wishing they could stay longer.

Additional Stops

The tour also includes stops at Aspendos Bridge, the Greek Amphitheater, and the Monumental Fountain, giving a well-rounded sense of the area’s ancient architecture. These sites are more than just photo ops—they’re windows into the past that bring history alive.

The Logistics and What It Means for You

This tour is organized to maximize your sightseeing while keeping things manageable. The small group size (up to 27 people) means it’s not cramped, and you get some flexibility to ask questions. The bus ride is comfortable, but be aware that some reviews mention long wait times or disorganization during pickups, which can make the start and end of your day less smooth.

Timing is tight but generally well-paced, with most stops lasting around an hour or two. However, some guests found the day a bit long, especially in the heat. The tour starts at 8:30 a.m., so you’ll want to be prepared for an early morning and a full day of activity.

The Food and Guided Experience

A big plus is the included lunch, which allows you to refuel after a busy morning. The guide’s commentary is often praised as knowledgeable and engaging, adding context and stories to the sights. One reviewer noted, “the guide spoke like a Roman orator,” highlighting the entertaining and informative nature of the narration.

However, keep in mind that the lunch isn’t gourmet but is considered good value, especially given the overall cost of the trip. Drinks are not included, so you might want to bring water or purchase something during stops.

Price and Overall Value

At $74.52 per person, this tour offers a fair amount of value, especially when you factor in the included transportation, lunch, and guided commentary. For those interested in history and scenic sites, it’s a balanced way to see some of Turkey’s highlights without the hassle of planning each stop.

Some Caveats and Potential Issues

While many travelers have enjoyed the tour, some reviews mention disorganization, like being asked to change meeting points or not visiting the waterfalls as advertised. One reviewer even mentioned being taken to a jewelry store where sales were relentless, which could be a concern if you prefer straightforward sightseeing.

Plus, some travelers pointed out the lack of air-conditioning on the bus, which could make the trip challenging during hot days—especially in summer when temperatures can hit 34°C or higher.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travelers who want to tick several major sights off their list in one go. If you enjoy learning about ancient civilizations, exploring ruins, or simply soaking up scenic waterfalls, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here.

It’s also good for people who prefer a guided experience to navigate the logistics, as the guides tend to be knowledgeable and personable. However, if you’re sensitive to the heat or dislike long busy days, you might find parts of this trip exhausting.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Temple of Apollo, Aspendos, and Manavgat Waterfalls Tour from Alanya offers a solid mix of history, scenery, and local flavor in a single day. It’s a convenient way to see some of Turkey’s most famous ancient sites, with the added bonus of a scenic waterfall and a filling lunch. The guide’s storytelling and the sites’ grandeur make it worthwhile for many travelers, especially those eager to see a bit of everything without multiple separate trips.

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic—logistical hiccups, heat, and the busy schedule are part of the package. If you’re flexible, curious, and ready to explore, this tour is likely to leave you with some memorable moments. If your priority is a relaxed, unrushed visit or you’re sensitive to long days in hot weather, consider whether this fits your travel style.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free way to start your day.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the tour. You might want to bring water or buy beverages at stops.

Can I visit Aspendos Theatre alone?
Admission to Aspendos Theatre is not included in the tour, so if you want to explore it more thoroughly, you’ll need to pay on-site.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 27 travelers, keeping the experience manageable and somewhat intimate.

Is this tour good for families with young children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, keep in mind the long hours and hot weather. Some reviews mention enjoying the trip with children, but always consider your child’s stamina and interests.

If this sounds like a trip that matches your curiosity and energy level, it could be a worthwhile addition to your time in Turkey. Just stay flexible, dress appropriately for the heat, and enjoy the sights and stories along the way.