From City of Side: Perge, Aspendos & Kurunlu Waterfall Trip

If you’re visiting the Antalya region and craving a well-rounded day of history, nature, and local flavor, this guided tour from Side offers a fantastic mix. It covers three major highlights—Aspendos Amphitheater, Perge Ancient City, and Kurunlu Waterfall—all in one manageable, scenic itinerary.

What we particularly like about this experience is the combination of expert guides fluent in English and German, a comfortable air-conditioned bus, and the opportunity to see both iconic ruins and tranquil natural scenery without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The only thing to keep in mind? It’s a long day—around eight hours—so it’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy a full schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, all-inclusive experience or have mobility concerns, this might not be the perfect fit. However, for those who love discovering history and nature with a knowledgeable guide, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip exploring ancient ruins and natural beauty in one tour
• Expert bilingual guides make history engaging and accessible
• Well-paced itinerary with plenty of time at each stop to explore
• Comfortable transportation enhances the overall experience
• Good value for money, especially considering all included visits and lunch
• Ideal for active travelers interested in history, scenic views, and cultural insights

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Comfort on the Road

Your adventure begins early with pickup from various hotels in the Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, and surrounding areas—pickup times are around 8:15 to 9:00 am. The minibus provided is air-conditioned, which is a relief in the warm Turkish climate, although a few reviews have mentioned that the AC isn’t always working perfectly. Still, the ride is generally smooth, and the driver keeps the journey pleasant.

Having a dedicated guide who speaks both English and German means you’ll get a detailed narration of the sites. Many travelers appreciated the guide’s passion and knowledge, with reviews praising Murat, Borat, and other guides for their storytelling skills, friendliness, and ability to answer questions.

First Stop: Aspendos Amphitheater – Marvel of Roman Engineering

Your first major destination is the Aspendos Amphitheater, a highlight thanks to its remarkably preserved state and legendary acoustics. Expect to spend about an hour here, wandering through the grand structure where ancient performances once drew crowds.

Travelers love the impressive size and preservation of Aspendos, with one reviewer commenting, “This place is truly amazing and well worth the visit.” It’s easy to imagine the ancient thrill of a performance echoing through the stone seats. The nearby Aspendos Bridge, a beautiful Roman engineering feat, adds to the storybook quality of the site.

The entrance fee for Aspendos is 15 Euros per person, which isn’t included in the tour price. Many reviewers found that paying on site was straightforward, and the visit offers excellent photo opportunities. The guide provides insights into the theater’s design, emphasizing its superior acoustics that are still admired today.

Second Stop: Perge Ancient City – A Walk Through Antiquity

Next, your group heads to the Perge Ancient City, a sprawling site that covers ruins of streets, temples, theaters, and mosaics—an open-air museum that showcases what life was like thousands of years ago. The visit lasts around two hours, giving you a chance to walk amongst the stones and imagine the bustling city that once thrived here.

Reviewers frequently mention the beauty and scale of the ruins, praising the guide’s storytelling—“Murat was very knowledgeable and explained all details of history and monuments,” one reviewer shared. You can explore the stadium, baths, and market area, with plenty of photo ops along the way.

For many visitors, Perge’s highlight is the stadium, which is still impressive in its size and preservation. The entrance fee is 11 Euros per person, so bringing some cash is advisable for those wanting to explore further or buy souvenirs.

Lunch Break: Local Restaurant

Following the historical immersion, it’s time for a well-earned meal. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, with options like Fish, Chicken, or Adana Kebap, served with rice, salads, and a buffet-style appetizer. Reviewers have described the food as “better than expected” and appreciated the pre-arranged service that made the process smooth.

Some mention that cash is necessary to buy drinks or additional snacks, so it’s handy to bring some along. The meal provides a nice break before the scenic drive to the waterfall, giving everyone a chance to relax and chat about the morning’s discoveries.

The Natural Pause: Kurunlu Waterfall

After lunch, you’ll head to the Kurunlu Waterfall, a peaceful spot surrounded by lush greenery. Spend about 45 minutes here to breathe in the fresh air, snap photos of the cascading water, and enjoy the calming atmosphere.

Reviewers raved about the beauty of Kurunlu, describing it as “like Indiana Jones adventure,” thanks to the walking paths and scenic views. It’s a perfect place to cool down and connect with nature after the sightseeing. Keep in mind, there’s no swimming allowed, so plan accordingly.

Many guests mention that the waterfall’s tranquility offers a sharp contrast to the busy ruins, making it a highlight for nature lovers. The entrance fee here is 75 TL, so again, cash is useful.

Returning Journey and Final Thoughts

The return trip is about an hour, giving time to relax and reflect on the day. Many reviewers felt it was a well-organized, value-packed tour, especially praising the guide’s storytelling and the comfortable transportation.

The tour wraps up back in Side around 6 pm, leaving you with unforgettable memories of ancient sites and beautiful waterfalls.

Practical Details & What to Know Before Booking

This tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. It involves walking on uneven surfaces, exploring ruins, and enjoying a natural environment, but no strenuous activity is required. If you’re concerned about mobility, keep in mind that this may be challenging, as noted by some reviews.

Transportation is via air-conditioned bus, but a few reviews have highlighted that the AC might not work perfectly on all days. The group size is generally small, around nine people, which enhances the personal feel and allows for more interaction with guides.

The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, an expert guide, and lunch, which many find adds excellent value considering how many sites are visited. However, entrance fees for Perge (11 Euros), Aspendos (15 Euros), and Kurunlu (75 TL) are not included, so budget for those if you’d like to explore further or buy souvenirs.

The tour operates with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and booking options include pay later—great for flexible travel plans.

What to Pack and Tips for the Day

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning sites. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around ruins and waterfalls. Since cash is often needed at entrance points and for drinks at lunch, make sure to carry some euros or Turkish lira.

Be aware that no swimming break is scheduled, so if you’re hoping to cool off in the water, Kurunlu is the closest you’ll get. Also, note that pets are not allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local cuisine, making it a strong choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip from Side. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, turning ancient ruins into stories that stick with you. The natural beauty at Kurunlu provides a peaceful finale, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning of exploration.

It’s particularly good for those curious about Roman and ancient Turkish sites, as well as nature lovers who want to see stunning waterfalls without sacrificing comfort or organization. While it’s a long day, many guests consider it excellent value—especially given the number of sites included and the quality of food.

If you’re after an immersive, well-paced experience that covers the must-see ruins and scenic spots, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to bring your curiosity, some cash, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from all hotels in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, and nearby areas, typically starting between 8:15 and 9:00 am.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, from pickup to return, with most time spent exploring sites and enjoying lunch.

Are entrance fees included? No, entrance fees for Perge, Aspendos, and Kurunlu are not included. Budget around 11 Euros for Perge, 15 Euros for Aspendos, and 75 TL for Kurunlu.

What should I bring? Pack sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes, cash for entrance fees or drinks, and sunglasses.

Is there a swimming or water activity? No swimming breaks are scheduled; Kurunlu Waterfall is a scenic spot for photos and relaxing but no swimming.

Can I customize the tour? The tour offers private group options, which can sometimes be tailored to your interests or schedule.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers? It’s best suited for those comfortable walking and standing for periods; it’s not ideal for mobility issues.

What is the tour guide like? Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, storytelling, and friendliness, with many mentioning guides like Murat as highlights.

How much free time do I get? You’ll have about 30-40 minutes at each site to explore independently, which is usually enough for photos and quick browsing.

Can I buy drinks or souvenirs on-site? Yes, cash is recommended for buying drinks, snacks, or souvenirs at entrance points or lunch.

Overall, this tour from Side strikes a great balance between history, scenery, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see some of Turkey’s most celebrated sites in a single, well-organized day.