Antalya Excursion to Perge, Aspendos, side, Manavgat waterfall

Opting for a guided tour around Antalya’s most celebrated sites often promises a balance of convenience, expert insights, and the chance to see more in a single day. This particular excursion stands out for its well-organized approach, enthusiastic guides, and the opportunity to explore some of Turkey’s most iconic ruins and landscapes—all for an approachable price of just over $87 per person.

What we really appreciate about this trip is the smooth, hassle-free experience it offers, thanks to hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the inclusion of entry tickets and a generous 1.5-hour stay at Perge. On the flip side, some travelers might find the day a bit packed, especially if they prefer a more leisurely pace. However, for those interested in a rundown of Antalya’s ancient history paired with stunning natural sights, this tour hits the sweet spot.

It’s best suited for history enthusiasts, those interested in archaeology, and visitors eager to see Antalya’s diverse scenery without the stress of planning each stop. The tour’s small group size, limited to 18 travelers, makes for a more personalized experience. If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines history, culture, and nature, this excursion is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: The tour includes lunch, entry tickets, guiding, and insurance, making it a convenient package.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Yunus and others make the history come alive, with reviews praising their humor and insight.
• Comfortable Transportation: Pickup and drop-off from hotels ensure a hassle-free experience; the vehicle remains cool thanks to attentive drivers.
• Authentic Cultural and Natural Sites: From ancient ruins to scenic waterfalls, every stop offers something unique.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups mean more interaction and personalized attention.
• Good Timing: The 9-hour itinerary is well-paced, though some stops might feel slightly rushed for those wanting extensive exploration.

A Deep Dive into the Antalya Excursion Experience

This full-day tour delivers an impressive lineup of Antalya’s top archaeological and natural attractions, all wrapped into a roughly nine-hour adventure. It’s designed for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the fuss of organizing transportation or tickets. We’ll walk you through what to expect at each stop, guided by the insights from numerous travelers’ reviews.

Hassle-Free Hotel Pickup and Transportation

The experience kicks off bright and early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup from central Antalya. The small group size (maximum 18 travelers) ensures a more intimate journey, avoiding the chaos of large tours. The comfortable van, maintained by a courteous driver, is noted for being cool and clean—an essential feature considering Turkey’s warm climate around this time of year.

Perge: The First Stop – A Well-Preserved Ancient City

The first major highlight is Perge, an ancient city often considered the largest of the Mediterranean’s archaeological sites. After a 30-minute drive, you’ll step into what feels like a live museum, with ruins dating back thousands of years. Visitors like Teresa highlight how “Perge was amazing to see” but wish they had more time, which is a common sentiment. The 1.5-hour stay allows for a decent exploration, though those with a keen interest in archaeology might want more time to soak it all in.

Perge’s striking features include its well-preserved amphitheatre, believed to be the best-preserved in the region, and the grand agora, where ancient markets once buzzed with activity. It’s a site that vividly showcases the grandeur of ancient Turkey, with its impressive columns and intricate stonework.

Aspendos: An Ancient Theatre Masterpiece

Next, the tour takes you to Aspendos, approximately an hour away. This site hosts one of the most notable Roman theatres still in use today, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Several reviews praise Aspendos highly, describing it as “amazing” and a highlight of the tour.

The theatre’s preservation is impressive, and you might find yourself marveling at how such an ancient structure has withstood the test of time. Travelers recommend taking the time to enjoy the panoramic views from the theatre, which overlook the surrounding landscape. The site also features some ruins of aqueducts and other Roman-era structures, offering a glimpse into ancient engineering prowess.

Lunch Break and Cultural Flavors

Around 1 pm, the group heads for a well-deserved lunch break. The included meal offers options like lamb, chicken, or fish—highlighting local flavors and Turkish cuisine. Several reviews emphasize the quality of the lunch, describing it as “superb” and “really good,” providing a satisfying culinary break after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Side: The Ancient Port City

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Side, a city with a dramatic history and stunning scenery. You’re given about an hour of free time here, which is generally enough to stroll along the scenic harbor, explore the Roman ruins, and perhaps snap some photos of the ancient temple of Apollo overlooking the sea.

Travelers like Emma R appreciate the free time, noting that the “tour guide was amazing and so knowledgeable.” Many mention that the site’s combination of ruins and seaside views makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely exploration. A highlight is the largest ancient city in the Mediterranean along with the well-preserved amphitheater, which provides excellent photo opportunities.

Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Touch

The last major stop is the Manavgat Waterfall, a natural highlight that offers a relaxing contrast to the archaeological sites. The waterfall’s gentle roar and scenic surroundings make for a refreshing break. Visitors can enjoy some free time here to take photos, grab a snack, or simply enjoy the cool mist.

Reviewers like Joe K appreciate the opportunity for refreshments and the chance to cool off, especially since it can get quite hot. Some mention that the guides are attentive, ensuring you have shaded areas and opportunities for drinks (note drinks are extra).

Return and Reflection

By 5 pm, the tour concludes with hotel drop-offs. This well-paced itinerary ensures travelers see a lot without feeling overwhelmed. The entire day is designed for convenience, with included tickets, guiding, and lunch, making it excellent value for the $87.10 price point.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The strong point of this experience is undoubtedly the knowledgeable and engaging guides. Multiple reviews praise guides like Yunus for their humor, insights, and attentiveness, making the historical sites come alive. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged.

The sites themselves are compelling, especially Perge’s impressive ruins and Aspendos’s superb theatre. These are not just scenic stops but are hands-on connections to Turkey’s ancient past. The inclusion of lunch and entry tickets adds value, and the overall organization keeps the day flowing smoothly.

However, some travelers note that if you’re particularly interested in archaeology or history, the 1.5 hours at Perge might feel a little short. The tour’s design is quite full, so expect a brisk pace.

The Practicalities

The tour runs most days with a straightforward start time at 8 am. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is ideal for avoiding the hassle of figuring out transportation. The price covers all entry tickets and insurance, but drinks are on you, so bring some extra cash or water.

For travelers staying outside Antalya city center or in nearby resorts like Kemer or Belek, a transfer fee applies. The tour isn’t recommended for those using walkers, likely due to uneven terrain at some sites.

Final Thoughts on Value

Considering the comprehensive itinerary, expert guidance, and included meals and tickets, this tour offers good value. It’s particularly appealing for first-timers, history lovers, or anyone wanting a broad overview of Antalya’s highlights in one day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This excursion is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, informative day with minimal hassle. History buffs will appreciate the insights into ancient cities like Perge and Aspendos, especially given their superb preservation. Nature lovers will enjoy the Manavgat Waterfall, which provides a scenic and relaxing close to the day.

It’s also a great choice for those on a budget, as the price includes a lot—lunch, tickets, and guiding. However, if you prefer a very slow, in-depth exploration or have mobility concerns, you might find the schedule slightly rushed.

For travelers who enjoy small groups and engaging guides, this tour scores high marks, with many reviewers calling out the guide’s humor and knowledge as a highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel pickup in Antalya and returns around 5:00 pm, making it a full but manageable day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with a comfortable van provided for the entire journey.

What is included in the price?
The price covers lunch, all site entry tickets, guiding, insurance, and transportation. Drinks are an extra cost.

Are there any site restrictions or accessibility concerns?
The tour isn’t recommended for those using walkers, likely due to uneven terrain at some sites. Expect to walk on uneven ground at archaeological sites.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate pace and interest in ancient ruins make it suitable for older children and teenagers, especially those interested in history.

How much time do we spend at each site?
Perge gets about 1.5 hours, Aspendos around 1 hour, and Side offers roughly an hour of free time. Manavgat Waterfall has some free time for photos and relaxing.

Can I customize the tour or extend my stay?
This is a fixed itinerary, so customizing isn’t typically offered. For more time at specific sites, consider a private tour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, some cash for drinks or souvenirs, and a camera. Water is available, but bringing your own is advised.

Final Thoughts

This Antalya excursion offers a well-rounded day of cultural exploration and natural beauty, with strong guides and good value. It suits travelers who want to see the highlights efficiently, enjoy stories from knowledgeable guides, and indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine. While it’s a busy day, the variety of sites and the seamless organization make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those eager to cover a lot of ground in one go.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, engaging, and memorable day out in Antalya, this tour won’t disappoint. It’s a chance to step back into history, marvel at ancient engineering, and relax by a scenic waterfall—all in one well-curated package.