Ancient City Perge, Aspendos, Temple of Apollo & Waterfalls Tour

Explore the Heritage and Natural Beauty Near Antalya

This comprehensive tour of the surroundings of Antalya offers an intriguing mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural sights. Covering highlights like the ancient city of Perge, the grand Roman theater of Aspendos, the scenic Manavgat Waterfalls, and the stunning Temple of Apollo in Side, it promises a full day packed with memorable experiences.

What we particularly appreciate about this excursion is the thoughtful combination of natural and archaeological sites, allowing you to see both the timeless ruins and the breathtaking landscapes of the Taurus Mountains. Plus, with a small-group setting capped at just 15 travelers, you’ll enjoy more personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

One aspect to consider is that some travelers found the itinerary a bit ambitious, trying to fit in too many stops, which can sometimes mean limited time at each location. Still, for those keen on exploring a broad swath of Antalya’s surroundings without the hassle of planning, this tour is a solid choice.

If you’re into history, scenic vistas, and want a well-organized day out that includes lunch and door-to-door transfers, this tour hits many of the right notes. It suits travelers who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides, appreciate authentic experiences, and don’t mind a full day on the road.

Key Points

Balanced Mix: Combines ancient ruins, natural waterfalls, and iconic temples for a varied experience.
Small Group: Max 15 travelers for a more intimate, engaging tour.
Expert Guides: In-depth commentary from knowledgeable guides, enhancing your understanding.
Convenient: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.
Value for Money: With a reasonable price point, you get a full-day adventure with lunch included.
Some Overpacking: Be aware that the tight schedule might limit time at each site for some visitors.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Aspendos Ruins – The Roman Theater Marvel

Your day kicks off with a visit to the Aspendos Theatre, a highlight for many. This theater, in remarkably good condition, is known for its impressive acoustics and size — it once hosted 15,000 spectators. As one reviewer pointed out, “Aspendos theater was pretty cool,” and many agree it’s a must-see. While admission isn’t included, the theater’s preservation and grandeur make it worth the few extra lira.

The guide’s commentary adds depth here, explaining Aspendos’ significance as a Roman-era entertainment hub. Expect to walk a fair bit around the site, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll love the chance to imagine ancient performances echoing through the stone.

Perge Ancient City – A Roman-Style Urban Wonder

Next, you’ll head to Perge, about 17 km from Antalya. This site is an archaeological treasure trove and a favorite among visitors, with some reviews emphasizing the well-preserved state of its ruins and sculptures. One visitor loved how the guides brought the city to life: “They made Perge more interesting than Pompeii,” highlighting the personal touch guides bring to these visits.

Perge’s layout is straightforward, with main streets running east-west and north-south, making it an easy walk through history. The well-preserved theater, capable of seating 15,000, is a standout, as is the marble sculpture collection that now calls Antalya Museum home. The tour offers about an hour here, which some found just enough to soak in the atmosphere without rushing.

Manavgat Waterfalls – A Refreshing Break

After exploring ancient sites, you’ll arrive at Manavgat Waterfalls, sourced from the Taurus Mountains. It’s a scenic spot, and with admission included, you can enjoy the rushing water and lush surroundings. One reviewer described it as “disappointing” compared to other waterfalls they’d seen, but most found it a pleasant, relaxing stop.

This break also offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic-like atmosphere. Keep in mind that the van’s air conditioning might not be super effective, especially in September’s warm weather, so pack a fan or dress accordingly.

Side’s Temple of Apollo – Seaside History

The tour concludes at Side, famous for its ancient Temple of Apollo situated right by the water. The ruins here are striking, with their iconic columns and stone structures creating a nostalgic seaside scene. Two hours are allocated, giving a solid window to explore and take photos.

Reviewers appreciated this stop, noting the scenic waterfront and well-preserved ruins. One called it “a scenic waterfront spot known for ancient temple ruins,” perfect for a relaxed stroll and some memorable pics. The nearby cafes offer a chance to enjoy the sea breeze after the visit.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package offers lunch, professional guidance, and hotel transfers, providing good value. The included lunch is a buffet, and while some found it underwhelming, most appreciated the convenience of having a meal sorted. Drinks during lunch aren’t included, so consider bringing water or soft drinks.

Entrance fees for Perge, Aspendos, and Manavgat Waterfalls are not included, so budget accordingly. Keep in mind that some reviews mentioned those sites are worth the extra spend, especially Aspendos with its impressive theater.

The tour is operated by Tourmania, with a maximum group size of 15, which ensures a more personal experience. Pickup is available, making it especially convenient for travelers staying in Antalya.

The Experience We’re Loving (and the Few Caveats)

This tour offers fantastic value for those interested in seeing a broad slice of the Antalya region’s highlights. The guides earn praise for their knowledge, with some reviews mentioning guides like Ibrahim and Ouzhan who seem to bring history vividly to life. Their commentary is detailed and engaging, making the sites more meaningful.

Travelers often mention how the ruins of Perge and Aspendos are remarkably preserved, and the stories shared make them come alive. The natural scenery around Manavgat Waterfalls offers a peaceful break, though some found it less impressive compared to other waterfalls in Turkey.

A few reviews highlighted that the tour tries to pack in too many stops, which can sometimes mean limited time to explore each site fully. This is worth considering if you prefer wandering at a slower pace or want to take more photos. The included lunch can also be hit or miss, with some travelers wishing for better-quality food.

Transportation-wise, the van is comfortable, and the pickups are smooth. A standout is the responsible driving, which many travelers appreciated after experiences with more aggressive drivers elsewhere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those with an interest in history and archaeology who want to get a quick but thorough overview of the region’s ancient sites. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer an organized, guided experience over DIY planning, especially if they’re staying in Antalya.

It’s also suitable for those who enjoy natural scenery, with the waterfalls and coastal settings adding a scenic touch to the historical exploration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting to deepen your understanding of Turkey’s past, this tour offers a well-rounded day.

However, if you prefer more leisure time at each site or dislike long travel days, you might find the pace a tad rushed. The tour’s focus on covering multiple sites in one day means you might not get deep dives into each location but rather a solid overview.

Final Thoughts

This excursion smoothly combines ancient ruins and natural landscapes at an approachable price point. The guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The included transportation and lunch add to the overall value, especially for those looking to avoid the hassle of planning individual tickets and meals.

While it might feel a little rushed at times, most travelers find the trip worthwhile, especially for first-timers eager to see key highlights without extra planning. It’s a good fit for history buffs, scenery lovers, and anyone wanting a convenient, guided day out from Antalya.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be prepared for a full day, some time constraints, and a few optional extra costs for site entrances.

FAQ

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to get to and from the meeting point without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 10 hours, including travel time, site visits, and lunch.

Is entrance fee included?
No, entrance fees for Perge, Aspendos, and Manavgat Waterfalls are not included, so you should budget for those separately.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, promoting a more personal and intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level to comfortably walk around the archaeological sites and natural areas.

What’s the lunch like?
A buffet lunch is provided, which most find convenient, though a few reviews mention it could be better quality.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a guided tour with a set itinerary, customization isn’t available, but guides are generally responsive to questions and interested travelers.

To sum it up, this tour offers a balanced look at Antalya’s rich past and stunning landscapes, wrapped into a well-organized package. It’s especially suited for those wanting to see the highlights without the stress of planning, and who appreciate expert guides and small-group intimacy. While it may push the limits of a single day’s exploring, the experience delivers a meaningful snapshot of Turkey’s historical and natural treasures.