Manavgat Waterfall & Side Old Town with Apollo Temple

This popular day trip in Antalya Province offers a balanced blend of nature, history, and leisure, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a comprehensive taste of Turkey’s southern coast. From a relaxing visit to the cascading Manavgat Waterfall to exploring the historic ruins of Side Old Town, alongside breathtaking views at the Apollo Temple, this tour packs in diverse experiences at a reasonable price. Its flexible schedule, including free time to explore and optional extras like a boat tour, makes it a versatile choice.

What really stands out for many participants is the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning. However, some might find the timing a bit tight, especially if they want to linger longer at certain spots. This tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, a touch of shopping, and natural beauty, all in one day.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines shopping, natural beauty, ancient ruins, and scenic views.
• Flexible Free Time: Nearly 2 hours in Side Old Town gives you space to explore at your own pace.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are appreciated for their helpfulness and knowledge.
• Value for Money: For $65, you get a full day of diverse activities, plus travel insurance included.
• Optional Extras: An extra boat tour can add a refreshing swim, at an additional cost.
• Great for All: Suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day with varied experiences.

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off with a comfortable transfer from your hotel in Alanya or Side, ensuring you’re well-rested for the day ahead. The group sizes tend to be manageable, making for an intimate experience, and the guide, typically wearing a Turb2B t-shirt, is easy to spot outside your hotel. The ride itself is a chance to chat with fellow travelers and get some initial tips from your guide.

Timing can vary depending on your hotel’s location, but generally, the tour aims to start early enough to maximize the day’s highlights.

Novamall Shopping Break

First stop is Novamall Shopping Center, one of Antalya’s largest malls. This 45-minute stop might seem brief but actually offers a fantastic chance to stretch your legs, browse international brands, and sample some Turkish snacks or meals. The mall’s modern vibe provides a contrast to the ancient sites ahead and is a welcome break for those who enjoy shopping or just want to people-watch.

Travelers who’ve been to Turkey before often mention that this is a good opportunity to pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy some retail therapy. Just remember to keep your receipts if you plan on claiming VAT or making larger purchases.

Manavgat Waterfall

Next, it’s a scenic 45-minute stop at the Manavgat Waterfall. This isn’t just a typical tourist stop; many find it surprisingly peaceful. The waterfall’s steady flow creates a soothing backdrop perfect for photos, relaxing walks, or just listening to the water’s gentle roar. It’s a great spot to take a breather amidst nature and enjoy the fresh air.

Based on reviews, visitors appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the chance to capture some memorable photos. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the waterfall offered a peaceful moment after shopping, and the natural scenery was really lovely.” It’s a short visit but enough to appreciate the natural beauty without feeling rushed.

Side Ancient City and Free Time

Perhaps the highlight for history buffs is the around 2 hours of free time in Side Ancient City. This archaeological site is filled with centuries-old ruins, including an ancient theater, temples, and ruins that tell stories of a bygone era. The area’s charm is in wandering at your own pace, soaking in the sights, and perhaps grabbing a quick snack from one of the many local eateries.

Several reviews mention that guides are helpful with insights during the initial briefing but that you’re free to explore independently afterward. One reviewer said, “We had enough time to walk around the ruins and sit at a café overlooking the sea—truly a highlight.” Keep in mind, some sites, like the ancient theater, close by 19:00, so timing your visit is worth considering if you want to see everything.

Sunset at the Apollo Temple

As the day winds down, the tour moves to the Temple of Apollo, perched dramatically on the coast with incredible sea views. This spot is especially popular at sunset when the lighting makes the ruins and the water shimmer in golden hues. Visitors often remark on the breathtaking scenery and the almost mystical atmosphere as the sun dips toward the horizon.

The sunset view here is considered a major highlight, perfect for photos or just savoring the peaceful moment. One traveler shared, “The temple’s location offers one of the best sunset views I’ve seen, truly unforgettable.”

Optional Boat Tour and Beach

For those wanting an extra splash of leisure, an optional boat tour is available at an extra cost, offering the chance to swim, relax, and enjoy the coastline from the water. This can be a refreshing addition, especially if you love being on the sea or want to take a dip in warm waters.

Be aware that this upgrade is not included in the base price, but many find it worthwhile to extend their day of relaxation.

Practical Details and Tips

Pricing and Value

At $65 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering the diversity of sights and experiences packed into a day. The inclusion of guided service, transfers, and travel insurance adds to the package’s appeal, making logistics hassle-free.

However, entrance fees for Manavgat Waterfall and Side Ancient Theatre are not included, meaning you might want to budget extra if you’re keen to explore these sites thoroughly.

Duration and Timing

The tour typically lasts around a full day, starting in the morning and returning in the evening. Expect flexible timing depending on your hotel location and traffic. The early start allows for a relaxed pace and sufficient time at each stop, but some reviews suggest a slightly earlier start might help maximize time at sites like the amphitheater.

Meeting Point and Convenience

Meet in front of Starbucks at Novamall Shopping Center—an easy spot to find and well-known. The guide will be waiting there, and it’s best to arrive a few minutes early to avoid missing the group. The tour ends back at the same point, making logistics simple.

Additional Considerations

• Shopping and optional expenses: Keep your receipts for shopping, and be prepared for extra costs if you choose to buy souvenirs or join the boat tour.
• Timing tips: To see the amphitheater before it closes at 19:00, plan your free time accordingly or inform your guide if you have specific sites you want to prioritize.
• Language: The tour is offered in English and Russian, making it accessible for most travelers.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Several reviewers praised the guides for their friendly and helpful attitude. One mentioned, “John was really friendly and helpful,” which highlights the importance of a guide who’s approachable and knowledgeable. The guides seem to strike a balance between providing useful info and giving guests space to explore.

The reviews also reveal a common theme: travelers loved the stunning sunset views at the Apollo Temple and appreciated having enough free time in Side to wander and enjoy local cafes. Some, however, wished the tour started earlier to avoid missing out on sites like the amphitheater’s closing time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a well-rounded day with varied activities, without the stress of organizing multiple tickets or transport. If you love a mix of nature, history, shopping, and scenic views, this tour hits all those marks. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy free time to explore independently and want a comfortable, guided experience.

Families, couples, or solo travelers who like a flexible schedule will find it especially appealing. Just remember, if your main goal is to spend more time inside the archaeological sites, you might want to plan additional visits or adjustments.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Manavgat Waterfall & Side Old Town with Apollo Temple tour offers a comprehensive day out that balances nature, history, and leisure. For $65, you gain access to some of Turkey’s most iconic sights, with the convenience of guided transportation and the chance to enjoy a stunning sunset. The inclusion of free time in Side allows visitors to wander at their own pace, making it a flexible and fulfilling experience.

This tour is perfect for those who want a practical, all-in-one day trip that covers key highlights without feeling rushed. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or travelers short on time but eager to see a good slice of Turkey’s southern coast.

If you’re after a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation, and don’t mind a few optional extras, this trip is a solid choice to enrich your Antalya holiday.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, transfers from your hotel to the sites and back are included, making the day hassle-free.

Where do I meet the guide? You meet in front of Starbucks at Novamall Shopping Center, where your guide will be waiting wearing a Turb2B T-shirt.

How long do we stay at each stop? You’ll have about 45 minutes at Novamall, 45 minutes at Manavgat Waterfall, and around 2 hours in Side Ancient City.

Are entrance fees included? No, entrance fees for Manavgat Waterfall and Side Ancient Theatre are extra, so budget accordingly.

Can I join the optional boat tour? Yes, but it costs extra and needs to be booked separately. It offers a swim and a relaxing time on the water.

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is available in English and Russian.

How early should I arrive? Arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point to ensure you don’t miss the group.

Is this tour suitable for kids? Yes, it’s a flexible tour that generally appeals to families, but consider the walking involved in Side.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, some cash for extras, and a light jacket if it gets cool in the evening.

What if I want to stay longer in Side? The tour provides ample free time, but if you wish to explore more, plan a separate visit or extend your stay in the area.