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

Exploring Side and Beyond: Perge, Aspendos & Kurunlu Waterfall Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Side into the heart of Turkey’s scenic and historic wonders, this guided tour offers a compelling balance of antiquity and natural beauty. We’ve looked closely at what makes this outing stand out and what might give you pause.

What we love: First, the expert guides who bring history alive with engaging stories and insightful context. Second, the stunning scenery — from the remarkably preserved ancient amphitheaters to the peaceful waterfalls.

One potential drawback? The cost of entrance fees isn’t included, so you’ll need cash on hand for Perge, Aspendos, and Kurunlu. Plus, the tour is a long day — so if you’re not a fan of early mornings or extended bus rides, it’s worth considering.

This tour suits travelers looking for a well-organized, enriching day that hits key highlights without the hassle of planning. Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone eager to see the best of the Antalya region in one go.

Key Points

• Fully Guided Experience: Bilingual guides enhance understanding with detailed commentary.
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned bus that minimizes travel fatigue.
• Rich Historical Stops: Aspendos Amphitheater and Perge Ancient City offer impressive ruins and stories.
• Natural Beauty: Kurunlu Waterfall provides a tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery.
• Flexible & Transparent: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, with optional private groups.
• Value for Money: Good balance of sights, food, and transportation for the price.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering?

This trip is an excellent way to maximize your sightseeing in Antalya Province without the stress of logistics. It’s designed to give you a taste of Turkey’s ancient past and its natural scenery, all in one manageable day.

The guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, are a standout feature. Many reviewers have highlighted how their storytelling and attentiveness add a special flavor to the journey. They help you understand not just what you’re looking at, but why it matters.

The company offers hotel pickup from several side locations, which adds convenience. The bus ride itself is air-conditioned, which is crucial, given the warm Turkish weather during summer months. While some have noted the bus can be a bit dated, most agree it’s comfortable enough for the day’s travel.

You’ll visit three key sites: Aspendos Amphitheater, Perge Ancient City, and Kurunlu Waterfall. Each has its unique appeal, and together they make for a rounded experience that balances history and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup & Transportation

The day starts bright and early, with pickup from your hotel around 8:15-9:00 am, depending on your location. The journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride that helps you relax before the day’s adventures. As many reviewers pointed out, the bus might be a bit older, but it gets the job done.

Aspendos Amphitheater: A Masterpiece of Roman Engineering

Your first stop takes you to Aspendos, famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Here, you’ll walk through the ancient stone structure that still hosts performances today, thanks to its exceptional acoustics. The theater’s capacity and sound qualities astonished visitors, many of whom described feeling transported back in time.

You’ll also see the Aspendos Bridge, a graceful Roman feat crossing the Eurymedon River. With about an hour here, you have just enough time to take photos, explore, and soak in the atmosphere. Reviewers often mention how surprised they were by how intact and impressive the site is, making it a true highlight of the day.

Perge Ancient City: A Walk Through History

Next, a short 30-minute drive takes you to Perge, a sprawling archaeological site. Here, you’ll spend around two hours exploring the remains of a bustling ancient city, which once boasted theaters, baths, temples, and a marketplace.

Many reviewers shared how this site’s mosaics, columns, and ruins brought history to life. The city’s intricate mosaics and the stadium are among the favorites. One visitor noted, “Perge was most impressive,” especially in the quiet morning hours when it felt like you had the ruins to yourself.

Your guide will point out key features, helping you understand what life was like in this ancient city. The combination of well-preserved structures and storytelling makes it a fascinating archaeological outdoor museum.

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Lunch Break: Taste of Local Flavors

After Perge, a quick 10-minute bus ride takes you to a local restaurant, where lunch is included in the tour price. The menu typically offers fish, chicken, or Adana kebap, served with rice, salads, and a buffet of appetizers.

Several reviews highlighted the quality of the meal — “lunch was better than I expected,” one traveler wrote. The pre-ordered food ensures it’s ready upon arrival, making the break efficient and enjoyable. Cash is advised if you want extra drinks or souvenirs, as card payments aren’t always accepted.

Kurunlu Waterfall: Nature’s Calm

The final stop is the Kurunlu Waterfall, a natural haven about 20 minutes from the restaurant. You’ll have about 45 minutes here to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and breathe in the fresh air. Many describe it as a peaceful oasis, with the sound of cascading water providing a calming contrast to the morning’s ruins.

Reviewers raved about the beauty and tranquility: “the waterfall is like Indiana Jones’ adventure with trails among green trees,” one said. It’s a refreshing way to round off the day before heading back to Side.

Return & Drop-off

The bus ride back takes an hour, giving you time to relax, review your photos, or chat about the day’s highlights. Most travelers are back at their hotel by early evening, feeling both exhausted and fulfilled.

Practical Considerations & Tips

• Since entrance fees are not included, budget around €11 for Perge, €15 for Aspendos, and approximately 75 TL for Kurunlu. Carry cash for these.
• Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes, as the Turkish sun can be intense.
• The tour does not include a swim break, so plan accordingly if you hope to cool off.
• Expect a full day — pack water and maybe a snack to stay energized.
• The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, given the terrain at archaeological sites.

Many reviewers mentioned how well-organized the day was, with plenty of toilet stops and opportunities to buy water. The guide’s fluent bilingual commentary was often praised, adding depth and humor to the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of the region’s highlights in one day. History lovers will appreciate the detailed stories behind the ruins, while nature fans will enjoy the peaceful waterfalls.

It’s especially suited for visitors who don’t want to worry about transportation, as hotel pickup and drop-off are included. If you’re comfortable with long hours on a bus and paying a bit extra for entrance fees, you’ll find this a worthwhile excursion.

The tour is also perfect for those who enjoy a small-group atmosphere, with many reviews praising the friendly guides and relaxed vibe.

The Sum Up

This guided tour from Side offers a well-rounded experience blending impressive ancient ruins, stunning natural scenery, and local cuisine. The knowledgeable guides make history engaging and accessible, while the scenic stops provide a peaceful escape from the busyness of modern life.

While it’s a full day, most will find the value justifies the effort — you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s history and landscapes. The cost is reasonable for the quality of the experience, especially considering the convenience of door-to-door service.

If you’re a curious traveler eager to see major archaeological sites and enjoy a scenic waterfall, this tour hits the sweet spot. Just pack your camera, some cash, and your sense of adventure.

FAQ

Are entrance fees included in the tour?
No, the entrance fees for Perge (€11), Aspendos (€15), and Kurunlu Waterfall (75 TL) are not included. You should bring cash to cover these.

What languages are the guides fluent in?
The guides speak both English and German fluently, ensuring most travelers can understand and enjoy the commentary.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch with options like fish, chicken, or Adana kebap, rice, salads, and appetizers is included in the tour.

How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll have about an hour at Aspendos, two hours at Perge, and around 45 minutes at Kurunlu Waterfall, giving enough time to explore comfortably.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s generally not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain at archaeological sites. Children who are comfortable walking and sitting in a bus will enjoy it.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, camera, comfortable clothes, and cash for entrance fees or extra drinks.

Is there a lot of walking?
Yes, at each site, some walking is involved, but the pace is generally relaxed. Expect to walk through ruins and natural trails.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a reliable, enriching way to spend a day exploring some of Turkey’s most captivating sights — a good choice for those wanting a mix of history, scenery, and convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here: