From Antalya: Roman Ancient Sites & Manavgat Waterfall Tour

This full-day excursion offers a perfect blend of history, stunning scenery, and local culture, all within a well-organized, value-packed package. It’s designed for those eager to explore Turkey’s rich past while enjoying some of its most beautiful natural sights, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What we love about this tour? First, it takes you to some of the best-preserved ancient sites like Perge and Aspendos—places that are often missed or rushed through on typical day trips. Second, the guide’s insights really make history come alive, often peppered with engaging stories and personal touches. Third, the inclusion of a delicious local lunch and the chance to relax at Manavgat Waterfalls make for a well-rounded day.

The only consideration? The entrance fees are not included, which could add extra costs if you’re not prepared. It’s also a full schedule, so pace yourself if you’re not used to busy days of exploring.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic experience of Turkey’s ancient past combined with natural beauty, all at a reasonable price. It’s especially good for history buffs, photo enthusiasts, and those looking for a hassle-free way to see key sights.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided tours bring history to life with engaging stories and insights.
• Well-preserved ancient sites like Perge and Aspendos showcase Roman architectural brilliance.
• Natural beauty at Manavgat Waterfalls offers a peaceful, scenic break.
• Delicious local lunch adds cultural flavor and sustains energy for the day.
• Flexible schedule with morning pick-up and afternoon return ensures convenience.
• Additional entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Convenient Pick-up and Transportation

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, making the whole process seamless. The bus is equipped with full A/C, ideal for staying comfortable in Turkey’s warm climate. Groups are kept manageable, ensuring a more personalized experience, with small-group options available if you prefer a more intimate setting. The guide, available in English, German, Russian, and Italian, adds a layer of accessibility and language comfort for diverse travelers.

First Stop: The Ancient City of Perge

Perge is the tour’s premier archaeological highlight. This city, founded after the Trojan War, offers a sweeping view of Roman urban planning and architecture. Visitors can walk among the ruins of columns, temples, and stadiums—and marvel at how well-preserved many structures are. According to reviews, this stop is often the favorite, with many suggesting you ask your guide for at least an extra 10 minutes to avoid rushing through what’s essentially a living museum.

Notably, many statues discovered here are now housed at the Antalya Museum, making the visit even more meaningful. Visitors often comment that the site feels like a step back in time, with the scale of the ruins impressive enough to evoke a real sense of history.

Aspendos: The Roman Theater Marvel

Next is Aspendos, home to what many consider one of the best-preserved ancient theaters of Anatolia. Built during the Roman period, it still hosts shows and concerts, which underscores its durability and ongoing significance. The theater’s acoustics and architecture often draw praise in reviews, with visitors excited to stand on the stage and imagine performances thousands of years ago.

A highlight from reviews is the guide’s detailed commentary on Aspendos’ construction techniques and its role in ancient entertainment. Many travelers find this site inspiring, especially considering that it’s still actively used today, giving a real sense of continuity with the past.

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Lunch: Authentic Turkish Cuisine

After the morning’s exploration, the tour offers a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant. Reviewers describe the food as “decent” and satisfying, providing a necessary fuel-up before heading into the afternoon. It’s a chance to enjoy authentic flavors, often including Turkish staples, in a relaxed setting.

Side: The Charm of an Ancient Seaside Town

Post-lunch, the group visits Side, an ancient coastal town with ruins overlooking the Mediterranean. Expect to see a romantic mix of temples, an amphitheater, and marble columns, with breathtaking views over the sea. Tourists often mention wandering off the main paths to discover old baths or tucked-away corners—something that makes exploring Side quite rewarding.

The guide’s knowledge adds context, explaining how the city’s strategic location helped it flourish during Roman and Byzantine times. Reviewers note the stroll through Side’s lively streets is a highlight, especially when discovering hidden spots not listed on typical tourist maps.

Final Stop: Manavgat Waterfalls

The last stop is Kursunlu Waterfall, set in a national park. The sight of emerald water cascading from a height of 18 meters is stunning, and many find it a perfect photo opportunity. Reviewers often mention the soothing sound of water, the lush greenery surrounding the falls, and the chance to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

It’s an ideal spot for a short break, with enough time to breathe in the fresh air, take photos, and listen to the calming rush of water. The natural scenery provides a peaceful contrast to the archaeological sites.

Returning to Antalya

After a full day of exploring, the bus returns you to your hotel in the afternoon. This organized schedule allows you to maximize your sightseeing without feeling rushed, although some reviewers recommend arriving early for certain sites to get extra time for photos or wandering.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Many reviews mention guides like Kerem and Cengiz, who go beyond basic facts with engaging stories and humor, making the history memorable. Their ability to keep the group attentive and entertained is frequently praised.

Authentic Sites: Unlike some tours that only visit the most touristy ruins, this trip includes Perge, Aspendos, and Side, giving visitors a broader sense of Roman influence and regional history.

Value for Money: For $52, the price includes transportation, guided commentary, and lunch. Considering the quality of sites and the professionally guided experience, many find it excellent value, especially when factoring in the personal insights provided.

Natural Beauty and Relaxation: The waterfall stop offers a peaceful, scenic break, balancing out the more intense archaeological visits. It’s a chance to unwind and enjoy Turkey’s diverse landscapes.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for history lovers eager to see Roman architecture and ancient ruins without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate scenery and relaxation, thanks to the waterfall stop. If you enjoy local cuisine and want a taste of authentic Turkish food, this tour delivers that as well.

However, travelers with mobility issues or those over 70 might find the walking at sites challenging, as the tour involves some uneven terrain and standing around. Also, since entrance fees are not included, it’s best for those comfortable with extra costs or bringing cash for onsite admissions.

FAQs

• What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts about 9 hours, with pick-up in the morning and return in the afternoon.

• Is transportation provided?

Yes, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transported in a fully air-conditioned bus.

• Are guides available in different languages?

Yes, guides speak English, German, Russian, and Italian.

• Is lunch included?

An open buffet lunch at a local restaurant is included in the price.

• Are entrance fees included?

No, entrance fees are not included and are payable on-site. Reviewers suggest budgeting around 26 euros for all sites.

• Can I cancel the tour?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is this tour suitable for children?

Children will need to present valid passports for museum entries. While it’s generally family-friendly, the walking and outdoor activities might be tiring for very young kids.

• Is there a private option?

Yes, private groups can be arranged for a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and culture, making it a compelling choice for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Turkey’s ancient past while enjoying a comfortable, hassle-free experience. The knowledgeable guides, well-preserved sites, and scenic waterfall stop combine to create a memorable day out.

If you’re passionate about archaeology or simply looking for a well-organized, value-for-money excursion that covers key highlights without feeling rushed, this tour is worth considering. It’s a chance to see some of Turkey’s most impressive Roman ruins, experience local flavors, and unwind in nature—all in one satisfying package.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, photo lovers, and curious travelers seeking authentic experiences, this tour packs a lot into one day and does so with professionalism and genuine warmth.

You can check if your dates are available here: