Perge Aspendos Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour

This Antalya-based tour promises an enriching day through some of Turkey’s most iconic ancient sites, combined with stunning natural scenery. It’s a well-organized experience that appeals to history buffs and nature lovers alike, with the convenience of hotel pickup and a small-group setting. The tour covers Perge, Aspendos, the Temple of Apollo in Side, and the Manavgat Waterfall, making it a comprehensive way to see diverse highlights in one day.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it’s run—everything from pickup to drop-off feels hassle-free, especially with a knowledgeable guide who can bring the sites to life. The inclusion of lunch and waterfall visits adds an enjoyable break from the archaeological sightseeing. However, one thing travelers should consider is that entrance fees to Perge and Aspendos are not included in the base price, so budgeting for that is wise.

This tour is ideal for those who want a structured yet flexible day, packed with history, photo opportunities, and a touch of nature. It’s suited for travelers who prefer guided excursions with all logistics handled, especially if you’re new to the region or don’t want to rent a car. Keep in mind that the tour’s duration is about 8 to 9 hours, which makes for a full but rewarding day.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines ancient ruins, a Roman theater, and natural waterfalls in one trip.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides like Gengis, Ibrahim, and Mehmet enhance the sightseeing with engaging stories.
• Value for Money: Well-priced at around $66, especially considering the included lunch, water activities, and hotel transfers.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 15 travelers, making it more personalized and less rushed.
• Flexible & Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, and the mobile ticket makes it easy to join.
• Consider Entrance Fees: The costs for Perge (€11) and Aspendos (€15) are not included; budget accordingly.

A Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

Starting Smoothly with Hotel Pickup

The day kicks off with a comfortable hotel pickup—a real plus, especially if you’re staying centrally in Antalya. The tour’s small-group format ensures you’re not lost in a crowd and get a little more personal attention. Guides like Gengis and Mehmet are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, making each site come alive beyond just stone ruins.

Perge Ancient City: A Grand Introduction

The first stop, Perge, is one of Antalya’s most impressive ancient cities. As one reviewer pointed out, walking through its well-preserved ruins is like stepping into a Roman movie set. Expect to see grand colonnaded streets, the amphitheater, and remains of baths and temples that whisper stories of a thriving city.

One reviewer, Nadine, raved that guide Gengis was “very well informed and funny,” making the visit lively and educational. The site’s vastness means there’s plenty to explore, though entrance to Perge isn’t included—so you’ll want to have around €11 on hand.

Aspendos: The Roman Theater Marvel

Next up is Aspendos, home to what many consider the best-preserved ancient theater in the world. Built during the Roman era, its remarkable acoustics and architecture continue to impress visitors. It’s a real highlight, especially if you’re into how architecture and engineering stood the test of time.

The theater’s still used for performances today, making it a living monument. Visitors typically spend about two hours here, soaking in the size and acoustics. As Shishir noted, the guide packed the program with insights, making it a thoroughly engaging experience.

Lunch Break and Side’s Apollon Temple

After Aspendos, the group heads to Side for a delicious lunch. While some reviews mention that the restaurant is basic, the consensus is that the food is good and serves as a tasty break before more sightseeing. The Temple of Apollo is next—a majestic site perched over the sea. The columns and scenic views make it a photographer’s dream, and it’s free to explore.

Guided commentary adds depth, with guides explaining the significance of the temple’s location and architecture, enhancing your appreciation.

Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Stop

The final stop is the Manavgat Waterfall, a peaceful spot perfect for photos and a quick rest. Surrounded by lush greenery, the cascading waters offer a refreshing contrast to the ancient ruins. The entrance is included in the tour, and most reviewers find it a lovely, relaxing finale.

While some found the waterfall underwhelming compared to the sites, it’s still a beautiful natural scene and a great photo-op. Spend around 45 minutes here to unwind and take in the scenery.

Returning to Antalya

After a full day of exploring, the comfortable vehicle transports you back to your hotel, typically by early evening. The small group size and prompt logistics contribute to a stress-free experience, even after a long day.

The Practicalities That Matter

Transportation and Group Size

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially during the warm Turkish day. The group is limited to 15 travelers, delivering a more personalized experience. Guests appreciated the prompt pickup and smooth transfers, with many noting that the timing was efficient and well-organized.

Pricing and Value

At $66.21 per person, this tour offers excellent value, considering it includes hotel pickup, lunch, and waterfall entrance. The entrance fees for Perge (€11) and Aspendos (€15) are extra, but many reviewers felt the cost was justified given the quality and quantity of sites visited.

Duration and Timing

Spanning about 8 to 9 hours, the tour is quite comprehensive. The schedule allows enough time at each site to explore without feeling rushed, but keep in mind that some reviewers experienced longer drive times due to the tour’s logistics or traffic, especially for those staying outside Antalya city center.

Accessibility and Suitability

Most travelers can participate, with children needing to be supervised. It’s ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and scenic waterfalls. Be prepared for some walking, and if you plan to explore more thoroughly, bringing comfortable shoes is recommended.

Reviews in Action: Authentic Insights

Many travelers praised the guides—notably, Gengis, Ibrahim, and Mehmet—highlighting how their knowledge and stories made the experience memorable. Nadine described Gengis as “very well informed and funny,” while Bulat appreciated Ibrahim for his passion for history.

The small group setting was a hit among reviewers like Patricia and Kimberly, who felt it made the day more intimate and flexible. The lunch was mostly described as good or better than expected, with some noting the restaurant was basic but that the food was satisfying.

However, some negative reviews did surface—mainly about guide rudeness or organization issues—but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. The tour provider emphasizes their system for pickups, which is organized one day in advance based on hotel locations.

The Sum Up: Who Should Sign Up?

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a comprehensive day trip covering ancient cities, a Roman theater, and scenic waterfalls without the hassle of self-driving or complicated planning. It offers excellent value for money, especially for history enthusiasts and those new to Antalya who want a guided, educational experience.

If you want a well-organized day with knowledgeable guides, scenic photo stops, and inclusions like lunch and waterfall visits, this tour ticks all those boxes. Keep in mind the extra costs for entrance fees and plan accordingly. It’s perfect for small-group adventurers who appreciate a balance of guided insight and free exploration.

FAQs

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from central Antalya hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 8 to 9 hours, providing plenty of time to explore each site comfortably.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Perge (€11) and Aspendos (€15) are separate and need to be paid on-site or in advance if possible.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for entrance fees, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and maybe a hat. A camera or phone for photos is a must.

Can I customize this tour?
This is a standard guided tour, so customization options are limited. However, the small group size allows for some flexibility during the day.

This Perge Aspendos Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour offers a rich, balanced look at Antalya’s historic and natural highlights—ideal for travelers who want an immersive, value-packed day with a professional guide and all logistics handled. Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or someone simply eager to see the best of the region, this trip will leave you with plenty of stories and stunning images.