Temple of Apollo, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfalls Day Tour from Alanya

Explore the Wonders of Turkey: Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfalls Tour from Alanya

If you’re staying in Alanya and craving a full day of history, nature, and charming coastal scenery, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of Turkey’s most captivating sites. For around $75 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours exploring Aspendos’s legendary theater, wandering through the ancient ruins of Side, and cooling off at the Manavgat Waterfalls. The tour also includes lunch and hotel pickup, making it an easy and convenient way to see these remarkable sights without the hassle of planning transportation.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the expert guidance that brings the sites alive and the opportunity to stand on the stage of Aspendos’s ancient amphitheater, imagining the crowds that once gathered there. Plus, the stops at the seaside Temple of Apollo and the sprawling ruins of Side offer authentic glimpses into Turkey’s layered history.

A potential consideration is the length of the day, which can be quite warm, especially in summer, with some reviews mentioning the heat and long bus rides. Also, some travelers have noted that communication about the tour’s itinerary can occasionally be inconsistent, with the waterfalls visited not always being Manavgat, but Korsulu instead. Still, for those looking for a value-packed day of sightseeing with comfortable transportation and guided insights, this tour can be a rewarding choice.

This experience is best suited for history lovers, families with kids, or anyone eager to see a mix of ancient ruins and natural beauty. If you’re comfortable with a full schedule, some walking in the heat, and enjoy local stories and guides who bring sites to life, you’ll likely find this trip well worth your time.

Key Points

• Historic sites like Aspendos Amphitheater and Side offer a vivid sense of Turkey’s past.
• Guided tours provide engaging stories and insights, adding depth to your visit.
• Comfortable transportation and hotel pickup make it convenient for travelers.
• Lunch included offers a chance to enjoy local cuisine without extra planning.
• Some sites have entrance fees not included in the tour price.
• Tour length and heat are factors to consider, especially in summer.

A Detailed Look at the Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfalls Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The day begins early with hotel pickup around 8:30 am, which is quite helpful if you’re based in Alanya. Expect to spend around nine hours on the road, visiting several key sites that highlight Turkey’s ancient and natural treasures.

First stop: Aspendos Ruins—home to one of the most renowned ancient theaters in the world. Built during the Roman period, this amphitheater is famed for its nearly perfect preservation and exceptional acoustics. Standing on its stage, you’ll imagine the performances and crowds of thousands gathered in this 2,000-year-old structure. One review notes: “The highlight would be the Temple of Apollo,” which you’ll visit later in Side, but the Aspendos theater is equally spectacular. Keep in mind that the admission ticket to Aspendos Theater is not included, costing around 15 TL, so budget extra if you want to explore inside.

Next, you’ll head to the Manavgat Waterfalls. These falls, situated in a lush, green setting, are a popular spot for photos and a quick nature break. Expect about an hour here—sufficient for some scenic shots and a brief stroll. Some travelers mention that the waterfalls visited in place of Manavgat were Korsulu, which indicates that the exact stop might vary slightly, but the natural beauty remains a major highlight.

Following this, the tour visits the Temple of Apollo in Side, which is included in the tour price. This is a seafront ruin, where you can walk among columns and imagine the ancient city that thrived here. The site offers great photo opportunities, especially with the temple framing the sea. One reviewer raved: “We spent an hour and a half there and could have stayed all day,” emphasizing its appeal.

Additional stops include the Aspendos Bridge, Greek Amphitheater, and Monumental Fountain, each offering a different glimpse into the area’s history and architecture.

The Guide and Group Experience

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with some describing their narration as “like Roman orators”—full of character and historical detail. Many mention that the guides are friendly, engaging, and willing to answer questions, which makes the experience richer. However, a few travelers have noted that some tours may have language inconsistencies—mainly in Polish—though others report that guides make an effort to explain in their language of choice.

Group sizes are capped at 27, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and variety. The transportation is described as clean and comfortable, but some reviews note the absence of air conditioning on the bus as a drawback during hot days, which is worth considering if you’re sensitive to heat.

Food and Price Value

Lunch is included in the tour, typically a Turkish meal, giving you a break and a chance to sample local dishes. Many travelers find the overall value for money quite good, especially considering the comprehensive itinerary, guided insights, and hotel pickup.

While the admission fees to sites such as Aspendos theater are not included, the overall cost of $74.52 per person remains reasonable for what is a full-day, guided experience with transportation, lunch, and entry to major sites.

The Downsides

Some travelers have experienced minor hiccups, such as long pickup times and disorganized communication. For example, a review mentions being asked to get a taxi to a different meeting point, which can be inconvenient. Also, the heat and length of the day can be challenging, especially for families or those sensitive to high temperatures, with some saying it’s “a little too long.”

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in history and archaeology, this tour offers a fantastic overview of Roman, Greek, and ancient Turkish architecture. Families with kids will appreciate the large open spaces and engaging guides, although the heat might be a concern for younger children. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want a full itinerary with minimal planning, thanks to the included hotel pickup and lunch.

However, if you prefer more flexibility or less time on the bus, you might find the schedule quite packed. Also, if you’re uncomfortable with the possibility of site entrance fees or minor logistical issues, this is something to keep in mind.

The Sum Up

This tour from Alanya offers a well-balanced mix of ancient ruins, natural beauty, and cultural insights. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transport, and a variety of sights packed into a single day, it provides great value—especially for those keen to see Turkey’s rich past without the hassle of organizing multiple visits.

It’s particularly well-suited for history buffs, families, or travelers eager to combine sightseeing with local cuisine. The inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup makes it a stress-free way to explore, though be prepared for a full day and some summer heat.

If you’re looking for a blend of historical grandeur, scenic beauty, and practical convenience, this tour could very well be your perfect day trip from Alanya.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end without extra transportation worries.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am, which means you’ll return late in the day, so plan accordingly.

Are lunch and entrance fees included?
Lunch is included in the price. However, entrance tickets for Aspendos Theater (around 15 TL) are not included, so you may want to bring some extra cash.

Can I expect to be on the bus in hot weather?
Yes, the bus is described as comfortable but without air conditioning, which could make the journey less pleasant during the hottest days.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Highlights include the Aspendos amphitheater, Side ruins and Temple of Apollo, and the Manavgat Waterfalls – offering a good mix of history, architecture, and nature.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Many reviews mention it being family-friendly, especially with a guide who interacts well, but keep in mind the full day and potential heat.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Also, if you wish to visit Aspendos’s interior, extra cash for entrance fees is advisable.

This tour balances history, scenic beauty, and practical convenience, making it an appealing choice for a memorable day out in Turkey.