Apollo Temple, Perge Ancient City, and Waterfalls Tour with Lunch

Taking a trip through Turkey’s Antalya region can feel like stepping into an open-air history book. With so many ancient sites scattered around, it’s tempting to want to see them all — but without your own transport, navigating this archaeological maze can become a challenge. Enter the guided tour of Perge, Aspendos, Side’s Apollo Temple, and Manavgat Waterfalls—a well-structured, full-day experience that packs in some of the most iconic sights with plenty of practical touches like hotel pickup and included lunch.

What really makes this tour stand out is the expert guides, who bring history alive with stories and details that you simply wouldn’t get exploring alone. Plus, the combination of ancient ruins, scenic waterfalls, and a delicious Turkish lunch makes it a solid value for just $45 per person. That said, the journey is quite full — with around 10 hours on the road and quite a few walking stops — so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who love history and outdoor scenery.

One thing to keep in mind is that some entrance fees aren’t included in the price, which can add to your total cost, and the tour’s packed schedule means you’ll want to be ready for an active day. But overall, this tour offers a great way to see Antalya’s highlights efficiently and authentically, especially if you’re after engaging guides, beautiful photo opportunities, and a taste of local culture.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers four major sites—Perge, Aspendos, Side’s Apollo Temple, and Manavgat Waterfalls—giving a broad snapshot of Antalya’s historical and natural beauty.
• Expert guides: Guides like Ibrahim and Gamze are praised for their knowledge, storytelling skills, and friendly approach.
• All-in-one experience: Includes hotel pickup, transport, a buffet lunch, and entry to the waterfalls, making it convenient and straightforward.
• Value for money: At just $45, with many reviews indicating the experience is well worth the price, especially considering the rich content and comfortable transportation.
• Authentic insights: Guides share interesting facts, rumors, and local stories, transforming the ruins from mere stones into fascinating stories.
• Moderate physical effort: The tour involves walking at each site; travelers should be comfortable with some light to moderate activity.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

Aspendos Ruins: The Ancient Theater and Beyond

Your day kicks off with a visit to Aspendos, famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theater. Expect to spend around three hours here, wandering among ancient stone structures and imagining performances that once drew thousands. The theater can seat about 15,000 people, and its acoustics are still praised today. While entrance fees aren’t included (around €15), the site itself is a highlight for history buffs and those wanting to snap impressive photos of ancient architecture.

Reviewers like one noting that Aspendos is “very pleasant to walk through” and that the theater’s preservation makes it worth the visit. Keep in mind, this stop is largely outdoor and involves some walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Perge Antik Kenti: A Roman-Style City

Next, about 17 kilometers from Antalya, is Perge, a Roman city that was once part of a thriving metropolis. We loved the way guides like Ibrahim explained the layout—two main streets crossing at the center—making it easier to visualize the bustling ancient commerce. The archeological site is famous for its massive theater, which can hold 15,000 spectators, and its marble sculptures, many of which are now housed in Antalya Museum.

Reviewers appreciate the detailed stories and the way guides point out sculptures and parts of the city, turning a walk among ruins into a storytelling session. Expect to spend about two hours here—enough to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. Entrance fee is about €11, not included in the tour price.

Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Finale

After the ancient sites, you’ll head to Manavgat Waterfalls, about 80 km from Antalya. Sourced from Mount Seytan, these waterfalls are a popular local attraction, with plenty of photo opportunities. The inclusion of the entrance fee makes this stop particularly appealing, providing a chance to cool off and enjoy the stunning natural scenery without extra costs.

Reviewers loved the waterfall’s scenery, describing it as “a nice ending” to the busy day. The sound of rushing water, lush greenery, and a slight breeze make it an ideal spot for relaxation. The tour allocates roughly two hours here, giving ample time for photos and a quick walk around.

Side’s Apollo Temple: Classic Roman-Style Ruins

The last stop is Side’s Apollo Temple, a scenic waterfront site famous for its towering columns and ancient stone structures. It’s about three hours here, giving plenty of time to wander through the ruins, take photos, and enjoy the views over the Mediterranean. The site’s romantic setting makes it a favorite among visitors, especially at sunset.

Reviewers highlight the “pitoresque” ambiance and the guide’s engaging storytelling about the temple’s significance. Entrance fees aren’t included (around €11), but the experience of standing amidst ancient columns with the sea in the background is priceless.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers excellent value, especially considering the hotel pickup and drop-off service that simplifies the logistics. The buffet lunch is consistently praised for its quality, providing a good variety of Turkish dishes that keep you fueled for the day. Drinks during lunch aren’t included, so bring some water or purchase beverages on-site.

While the price doesn’t include entrance fees for the ruins and theater, these are modest (€11-15 each) and are often considered worth the extra expense for the added context they provide. The tour lasts about 10 hours, from 8:00 am start to evening return, and is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, maintaining a relaxed, intimate group size.

The transportation is noted to be comfortable, with reviews mentioning friendly drivers and punctual pickups. The guides, like Ibrahim and Gamze, are described as highly knowledgeable, capable of weaving history into engaging stories that appeal to both history buffs and casual travelers.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

Considering the price—$45 per person—this tour packs in a full day of sightseeing, expert guiding, and hassle-free logistics. When you factor in the entries to Manavgat Waterfalls and the lunch, it’s a cost-effective way to explore several highlights of Antalya without the hassle of booking separate tickets or arranging transport.

The reviews underscore that guides like Ibrahim and Gamze bring the sites to life with interesting anecdotes, making the historical sites more than just ruins—they become stories and legends that resonate. The inclusion of a buffet lunch, often praised for quality and quantity, helps keep travelers energized through the long day.

Summary: Who’s This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and casual travelers who want a comprehensive day out without the stress of planning logistics themselves. If you’re after authentic guiding, scenic ruins, and a refreshing nature stop, this ticks all the boxes. The moderate walking and busy schedule make it best suited for those with decent mobility and stamina.

Travelers seeking a cost-effective, well-organized way to see Antalya’s top sites will find this tour a reliable choice. It also works well if you’re visiting Antalya for a short time and want to make the most of your day with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your central Antalya hotel, which makes logistics straightforward.

What’s the duration of this tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the evening.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for Perge (€11), Aspendos theater (€15), and Side’s Apollo Temple (€11) are not included. You’ll pay these on-site if you choose to enter.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking at each site, often on uneven surfaces. Moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Depending on the season, light clothing or layers are advisable, and don’t forget sun protection.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included and praised for its quality. Drinks during lunch are extra.

Can I customize the experience?
Since the group size is small (max 15), guides can often tailor comments and pacing to suit the group’s needs.

What makes this tour stand out?
The engaging guides, diverse sites, and seamless logistics make this a convenient way to experience Antalya’s archaeological treasures and natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

This Apollo Temple, Perge, Aspendos, and Waterfalls Tour offers a well-rounded day of exploration, mixing ancient ruins with natural scenery and cultural insights. For those seeking an authentic, guided experience with good value, it delivers on multiple fronts. The knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and included lunch turn a busy day into a memorable adventure—perfect for travelers eager to understand Antalya’s past while enjoying its landscapes.

If you’re comfortable with a full day on your feet and love uncovering stories behind ruins, this tour is a smart choice to get a meaningful glimpse of Turkey’s historical heart, all wrapped up in a comfortable, organized package.