Perge Aspedos Anc City Temple of Apollo Waterfalls Tour (all-in)

If you’re after a day packed with history, scenic beauty, and authentic cultural insights, this all-in tour from Antalya might be just what you need. Covering notable sites like Perge, Aspendos, the Temple of Apollo, and the Manavgat Waterfalls, it promises a full day of exploration in a comfortable, small-group setting. For around $38, you get transportation, a guide, and a well-curated itinerary, making it an appealing choice for travelers who want both value and substance in their day.

What really stood out about this experience is the focus on small group touring, which means less crowd and more personalized attention. Plus, the inclusion of a local lunch adds a nice touch of Turkish cuisine, giving a taste of the region’s flavors. Our only minor consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of moving around, so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness willing to keep pace. This tour works well for history buffs, nature lovers, and those looking for an authentic, immersive day outside the city.

Key Points

• Intimate group experience helps avoid the crowds and offers more personalized insights.
• Full-day itinerary covers major archaeological sites, scenic waterfalls, and cultural highlights.
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning keeps you refreshed throughout the day.
• Local lunch included adds value and a taste of Turkish cuisine.
• Expert guides provide in-depth knowledge, enriching your understanding of each site.
• Good value for the price, especially considering transportation, guide, and lunch.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour offers a practical way to see some of Turkey’s most iconic archaeological and natural sites in one day without the hassle of self-driving or navigating complicated logistics. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to maximize their time and get insightful context from knowledgeable guides. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures that you’re not lost in a sea of strangers, making for more relaxed conversations and questions.

The value for money is evident: at just over $38, you get a comprehensive experience that includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and a delicious Turkish lunch. These inclusions mean you won’t have to worry about additional expenses or logistics, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the sites.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: Antalya

The day kicks off early, with pickup from your hotel. The use of air-conditioned transport is a definite plus, especially during Turkey’s warmer months. Your guide, whose knowledge and enthusiasm seem to be well appreciated according to reviews, will be with you from start to finish, offering insights into the region’s history, culture, and the significance of each stop.

Perge Ancient City

Just 20 km east of Antalya, Perge is the first major stop. Historically, it was the capital of Pamphylia and boasts incredible Roman and Hellenistic architecture. Expect to see well-preserved ruins including city walls, theaters, and agora. One reviewer mentioned that the views were amazing, and the guide was particularly knowledgeable about the site’s history, which enhances the visit beyond just wandering through ruins. We loved the way the site offers a tangible connection to what life might have been like thousands of years ago, especially with the open-air layout allowing for plenty of photo opportunities.

Aspendos Theatre

Next comes Aspendos, renowned for its extraordinarily preserved Roman theater, capable of seating 15,000 spectators. Constructed in the 2nd century AD, it’s still used for festivals today, a testament to its durability. The guide’s storytelling helps bring the theater’s history alive, and the site’s impeccable preservation means you can easily imagine the grandeur of ancient performances. Expect about an hour here, perfect for exploring the seating, stage, and viewing points with panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Lunch and Side Antik Kenti

Around midday, you’ll enjoy a local Turkish lunch — a highlight for many travelers and a great way to sample regional flavors. Post-lunch, the tour takes you to Side, a seaside town blending history with relaxed Mediterranean vibes. Here, marble-columned ruins and a harbor tell stories of a bustling ancient trade hub. The reviewer praised the marble columns and ruins, noting that wandering through Side feels like stepping into a postcard. An hour allows enough time to take photos, soak in the seaside atmosphere, and appreciate the blend of ancient and modern life.

Manavgat Waterfall

The day’s natural highlight is the Manavgat Waterfall. It’s less about the thunderous roar and more about the serenity and lush greenery surrounding the cascading waters. Reviewers described the soothing sounds and the peaceful setting, perfect for a short, relaxing break. It’s a great spot for photos and just enjoying a moment of calm after a busy day of sightseeing.

Return to Antalya

After a full day of exploration, the comfortable bus will take you back to Antalya, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Reviewers appreciated the timing and organization, noting that the trip feels well-paced and not rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides: The tour’s success heavily relies on guides who are knowledgeable and engaging. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the guide’s insights made each site more meaningful, especially at Perge and Aspendos.

Authentic Cultural Touches: The inclusion of a local Turkish lunch adds value, allowing you to taste regional dishes rather than just peek at sites. Many travelers enjoy this aspect, as it creates a more immersive experience.

Beautiful Scenery: From the ancient ruins to the lush waterfalls, the tour balances cultural exploration with natural beauty, making it well-rounded.

Comfort and Convenience: The use of air-conditioned transportation, hotel pickup, and a small group size contribute to a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Value for Money: For just over $38, the tour offers a lot—transport, guide, lunch, and entry to several historic sites—making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want quality over quantity.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is highly praised, it’s important to note that the itinerary involves quite a bit of walking and standing. For travelers with limited mobility, some sites might be challenging. The tour’s timing is tight, with each stop carefully scheduled to maximize sightseeing but not linger too long, so patience and moderate fitness are recommended.

Since drinks and personal expenses are not included, you’ll need to budget for refreshments or souvenirs. Also, given the early start at 7:00 am, be prepared for a long day, especially if you’re not a morning person.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and nature lovers eager for a comprehensive day trip from Antalya. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid the stress of planning logistics themselves and prefer a relaxed, guided approach. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of a local meal makes it a well-rounded cultural outing. Travelers with a reasonable level of fitness will get the most out of the walk-intensive sites and scenic stops.

Final Thoughts

The Perge, Aspendos, and Temple of Apollo Waterfalls Tour offers a high-value, authentic experience that combines history, natural beauty, and local flavor. The knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and thoughtful organization make it a standout option for travelers looking to enrich their Antalya visit without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a day that balances cultural discovery with outdoor charm and want to experience some of Turkey’s most impressive ruins and landscapes, this tour is very likely to meet your expectations. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate well-guided, small-group outings that emphasize quality and comfort.

FAQ

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs approximately $38.31 per person, which includes transportation, a guide, and lunch, making it a good value for a full day of sightseeing.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered and included in the price, making logistics hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 8 to 9 hours, from early morning pickup to return in the evening.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll need to bring your own or purchase beverages during the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While it’s generally suitable for travelers with moderate fitness, some walking and uneven terrain at sites may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and weather-appropriate clothing will help, especially if the day is hot.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Yes, the itinerary is designed for balanced visits, with around 1-2 hours at each major stop, enough to explore and take photos without feeling rushed.

In essence, this all-in tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore some of Turkey’s most storied sites and natural wonders—perfect for travelers seeking convenience, culture, and scenic beauty in one package.