Antalya Perge Aspendos Side 1 Day Tours with lunch

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of wandering through ancient cities and marveling at Roman engineering near Antalya, this Perge, Aspendos, Side day tour offers a fantastic way to step back into history. This guided trip is packed into about nine hours, making it ideal for travelers who want an efficient yet enriching experience of Turkey’s archaeological treasures.

Two aspects we particularly like are the expert guide who shares detailed stories behind each site and the chance to see world-renowned Roman ruins—like the spectacular Aspendos theatre—without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets. However, one thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees to Perge and Aspendos are not included, so you might want to budget a little extra for those.

This tour suits history buffs, culture seekers, or anyone interested in seeing some of Turkey’s most iconic ancient sites in a single day with a comfortable, organized approach. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to explore Turkey’s classical past and enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Perge, Aspendos, and Side with a scenic waterfall stop
• Knowledgeable guides who provide context and stories about each ancient site
• Affordable price point with included lunch and transportation
• Flexible for most travelers with pickup service and a manageable group size
• Entrance fees to major sites are paid separately, so budget accordingly
• Beautiful scenery at Manavgat Waterfall makes for great photo moments

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Perge Antik Kenti: A Glimpse of Roman Grandeur

Our adventure begins at Perge, a sprawling archaeological site about a 30-minute drive from Antalya. Known as the second most well-preserved ancient city in the area, Perge’s remains include a Roman stadium, baths, and an agora. We loved the way the ruins are laid out—evoking a sense of walking through a Roman city that was bustling millennia ago.

Your visit here lasts about an hour and a half — enough time to soak in the impressive stadium, imagine the crowds in the Roman baths, and wander through the agora. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included, so plan to pay on-site or in advance if possible. We found that the site is less crowded early in the morning, so arriving promptly, as part of this tour, is a bonus.

Reviewers have praised the site’s beauty and the depth of the guide’s explanations. One said, “the ruins at Perge are wonderful,” emphasizing how walking through the remnants offers a real sense of history. The site’s layout is quite accessible, making it suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations.

Aspendos Ruins: The Roman Theatre Masterpiece

Next, we head to Aspendos, home to what many consider the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. The theatre’s remarkable acoustics are legendary—standing in the amphitheatre, you can whisper and be heard clearly from the top row, a testament to Roman ingenuity.

Spending about an hour here, you’ll get to admire the Roman-built structure, the aqueduct, and the surrounding ruins. Like Perge, admission is not included, but the upfront knowledge that this theater is a marvel of ancient architecture makes it worth the extra expense.

Many visitors describe Aspendos as magnificent—one review called the theatre “magnificent,” highlighting how the preservation of the site allows for a vivid experience. The theatre is not only impressive for its size but also for its perfect acoustics, making it a highlight for many.

Apollon Temple: A Quiet Spot with a View

A brief stop at the Apollon Temple offers a peaceful moment amid the ruins. This site is free to visit and provides a different perspective—less about grandeur and more about the serenity of ancient worship spaces. It’s an ideal place to reflect on the spiritual side of antiquity and enjoy some picturesque photo opportunities.

Manavgat Waterfall: A Refreshing Break

The day’s scenery continues with a 30-minute stop at Manavgat Waterfall. While not a grand cascade, it’s a pretty spot for photos and a quick break from archaeological exploration. The ticket for this waterfall is included, so you’ll get some scenic views and a chance to stretch your legs. Many travelers appreciate this stop as a relaxing moment and a chance to capture nature’s beauty.

Transportation and Comfort

All travel is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the roughly 9-hour day. Pickup is offered, which simplifies logistics—no need to hunt down your transport in the morning. The group size is limited to 25 travelers, maintaining an intimate atmosphere where you can ask questions and get personalized attention.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am, so arriving on time is advised. The vehicle’s comfort and the punctuality of the driver contribute to a smooth experience, as noted by past travelers.

Value and Pricing Analysis

For $18.27 per person, this tour offers a structured, guided visit to some of the most significant archaeological sites near Antalya. When you consider that lunch is included, along with transfers and the waterfall ticket, it’s a reasonable price for a well-organized day of sightseeing.

However, remember that entrance fees to Perge and Aspendos are not included, which could add a few extra euros per site. Still, the overall value is high, especially for those wanting an expert guide who explains the sites in detail.

Multiple reviews commend the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer noting that their guide was “helpful enough to explain the details of each site we visited.” Others mention the comfort of the vehicle and the timeliness of the pickup, which are small details that significantly impact the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see well-preserved Roman ruins without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer a guided experience to enhance their understanding of Turkey’s ancient past.

Those who enjoy scenic stops like waterfalls and appreciate value for money will find this tour rewarding. It’s also suitable for families or groups, given the manageable group size and straightforward itinerary.

However, if you’re looking for a more private, in-depth exploration or want to spend extra time at each site, you might prefer to visit these places independently or with a private guide.

The Sum Up

This Antalya Perge, Aspendos, Side day tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience some of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and scenic stops, it balances education with relaxation.

The tour’s value for money is noteworthy—especially with included lunch and the waterfall stop—and it’s well-suited for those who want a curated, hassle-free day of exploring. The only additional expense might be entrance fees, but even with that, it remains an affordable way to see ancient Turkey.

This experience is best if you’re craving a comprehensive, guided overview of Perge’s ruins, Aspendos’ theatre, and Side’s historic charm. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a mix of culture, scenery, and convenience in a single day.

FAQ

Are the entrance fees for Perge and Aspendos included in the price?
No, the tour price covers transportation, guide, lunch, and waterfall ticket, but the entrance fees for Perge and Aspendos are paid separately.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, with pickup offered, so be ready early in the morning.

How long is the total tour duration?
Approximately nine hours, including travel time, site visits, and breaks.

Is this tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s limited to 25 people to keep the experience personal and manageable.

What’s included in the tour?
Air-conditioned transportation, guide service, lunch, transfers, and the waterfall ticket.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks are extra and not included in the price.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

How much should I budget for entrance fees?
Since the fees for Perge and Aspendos are not included, you should plan to pay these separately, which could be around a few euros per site.

In summary, this tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see some of Turkey’s most striking ancient ruins. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable logistics, it’s perfect for travelers eager to combine history and scenic beauty without the hassle of independent planning.