Perge Aspendos Side Waterfall Tour

This full-day sightseeing tour in Antalya promises a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and local flavor. Covering four standout attractions—Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall—it’s a comprehensive way to get a sense of the region’s ancient past and stunning landscapes, all in one day. With a dedicated guide, comfortable transportation, and a delicious Turkish lunch included, this tour is designed to give travelers both an authentic and hassle-free experience.

What we particularly like about this experience is how well-organized it is. The itinerary flows smoothly, with enough time at each site to appreciate their significance and beauty without feeling rushed. The inclusion of entry tickets, insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off makes it a great value, especially for first-timers who want to explore without the stress of planning each detail.

One consideration is the early start—8:00 am pickup means an early rise, but it’s a small trade-off for a full day packed with sightseeing. Also, if you’re staying in areas like Belek or Kemer, expect a small extra transfer fee, so it’s worth factoring that into your budget. This tour suits history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a well-rounded taste of Antalya’s coastal region in a single day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers four major sites—Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall—delivering a full picture of the region’s highlights.
• Well-organized: The schedule balances sightseeing, lunch, and leisure time, with good time management praised by many travelers.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Genghis and Gil enhance the experience with engaging stories and insights.
• Value for money: Includes lunch, entry tickets, guiding, and transfers, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice.
• Authentic experiences: Small group sizes (max 16) allow for personalized attention and a more intimate feel.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of ancient ruins, the impressive Aspendos amphitheatre, and the Manavgat Waterfall’s cascading waters.

A Deep Dive into the Day’s Highlights

Start with Hotel Pickup and Morning Drive

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, which is very convenient if you’re staying in central Antalya or nearby areas. The drive out of the city is about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to wake up and prepare for what’s ahead. The small group size—up to 16 travelers—means you’re not lost in a crowd, and guides like Genghis and Gil are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach.

Exploring Perge: The First Stop

Perge is often described as the most well-preserved of the ancient sites on this tour. We loved the way this massive archaeological site transports you back in time—columns, Roman baths, and the grand stadium all tell tales of a bustling ancient city. Reviewers like Simon_B mentioned that their guide’s expertise made the visit especially enlightening, helping them understand the significance of each ruin.

Travelers generally stay about 1.5 hours here, enough time to wander freely and appreciate the scale and detail of the ruins. It’s a great start because it sets a historical tone for the day and offers some fantastic photo opportunities.

Aspendos: The Spectacular Theatre

Next, the tour heads to Aspendos, famed for its remarkably preserved Roman theatre, considered the best-preserved in the world. Many reviews highlight how breathtaking the theatre is—its acoustics, size, and architecture are awe-inspiring. The guide’s insights make the visit even more interesting, explaining how the theatre is still used for performances today.

The visit lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to sit in the stands and enjoy the views or take photos. The nearby aqueducts and remains add context to the site’s grandeur, and many guests note that the guide’s storytelling really brought the place to life.

Lunch with a View

Around 1 pm, the tour pauses for a Turkish lunch—options include chicken, lamb, or fish. Reviewers like Shrey_M raved about how delicious and plentiful the meal was, often mentioning the good value of including lunch in the price. The restaurant offers a chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and take in coastal scenery, which many find a lovely break before heading to the next sites.

Side: The Largest Ancient City in the Region

After lunch, we drive about an hour to Side, the largest ancient city in the area. Here, free time allows for wandering the ruins, exploring the harbor, or simply soaking in the seaside views. Reviewers appreciated the balance of guided insights and free exploration. Some wished for more time here, but given the full day’s schedule, the allocated hour was generally considered generous.

Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Refresh

The final highlight is Manavgat Waterfall, a stunning cascade set against lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, take photos, or just listen to the rushing water. The reviews note the clean, well-maintained area, and many mention how relaxing it is after a busy day of sightseeing.

Return to Hotel

The tour wraps up with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel around 5 pm, giving you time to freshen up or enjoy your evening in Antalya.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of history and nature, packaged in a well-organized, value-packed experience. The inclusion of entry tickets, lunch, and insurance in the price adds peace of mind, and the small group size ensures a more personalized interaction with guides who are clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge.

Many travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides—Genghis, in particular, was singled out for his passion and storytelling skills. Such guides don’t just recite facts; they bring the ancient sites to life with stories and context that engage both history buffs and casual visitors.

The Transport and Timing

The transportation is described as comfortable, with timely pickups and drops. The schedule is tight but manageable, with enough breaks for photos and rest. The early start might be a challenge for late risers, but it ensures you’ll avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.

Price and Value

At just over $87 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering all that’s included. Entry tickets alone can be costly if you were to visit these sites independently. Coupled with lunch, guiding, and transportation, it’s a cost-efficient way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those wanting a comprehensive day out with minimal hassle. It’s perfect if you prefer guided tours that balance structured sightseeing with free time, and if you appreciate knowledgeable guides who can enrich your understanding of the sites.

Travelers in Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Side, or Manavgat will find it especially convenient, though note that additional transfer fees may apply from some areas. The limited group size ensures a more intimate experience, suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers.

The Sum Up

The Perge Aspendos Side Waterfall Tour offers a balanced, insightful, and value-rich way to explore some of Antalya’s most iconic sites. From the grandeur of Roman theatres and ancient cities to the tranquility of waterfalls, it provides a well-rounded picture of the region’s historical and natural beauty.

If you enjoy learning from passionate guides, taking in spectacular scenery, and savoring local cuisine—all without the stress of organizing your own transport—this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suitable for those who want a full day of sightseeing with a manageable group and meaningful insights.

For travelers seeking an authentic, hassle-free way to connect with Antalya’s past and present, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
Pickup begins at 8:00 am, making it an early start but allowing for a full day of sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Turkish lunch with options including chicken, lamb, or fish is part of the package.

What sites will I visit?
You’ll explore Perge, Aspendos, Side, and the Manavgat Waterfall, each offering unique historical or natural sights.

Are entry tickets included?
Yes, all entrance fees to the sites are covered in the tour price.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the guide mentions comfortable transfers, with pickup and drop-off included, and the group size kept small for personal attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Are drinks available during the tour?
Drinks are not included but can be purchased separately during the day.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect for those who want a well-paced, informative day exploring Antalya’s ancient and natural highlights with a friendly guide and hassle-free logistics.

With a combination of historic grandeur, scenic beauty, and excellent organization, the Perge Aspendos Side Waterfall Tour offers a well-rounded day out that will leave you with lasting memories of Antalya’s treasures.