Apollo Temple, Perge Ancient City, and Waterfalls Tour with Lunch

If you’re visiting the Antalya region and craving a meaningful mix of history, nature, and local culture, this guided day tour offers a compelling way to see some of Turkey’s most celebrated sites. With a stellar 5.0-star rating from 23 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this experience worthwhile — and for good reasons.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides ensure you’re not just sightseeing, but truly understanding the significance of each place. Second, the cost-effective price includes entrance fees, a tasty buffet lunch, and hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off. Lastly, the combination of historical sites and natural beauty—from ancient ruins to Manavgat Waterfalls—means you get a well-rounded glimpse of the Antalya area.

However, it’s worth noting that visiting multiple attractions in one day can mean a busy schedule, and some might prefer more time at each site. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, so it’s best suited for those ready for a full day of exploration. This experience is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and travelers who appreciate guided insights without the stress of planning.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided tour with detailed historical insights and friendly narration.
• Cost includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, making it great value.
• Visiting four major sites: Aspendos, Perge, Side’s Apollon Temple, and Manavgat Waterfall.
• Hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off in central Antalya.
• Small group size (maximum 15 travelers) for a more personalized experience.
• Timing and pacing are efficient, but expect a busy day with some walking and sightseeing.

Discovering the Sites: What You Can Expect

Aspendos Ruins — A Theater That Has Held Its Breath

Your day kicks off with a visit to Aspendos Ruins, famous for its remarkably well-preserved theater. While the entrance fee isn’t included (around $15), you’ll get roughly three hours here to wander and marvel. Expect to see an ancient theater capable of seating 15,000 spectators, built in the 2nd century. Reviewers mention that the theater’s structure is still impressive and offers fantastic photo opportunities.

While some travelers like the way the guide shares engaging stories and facts (“Ramsey was a fantastic tour guide,” one review says), others note that the visit is more about viewing than deep exploration. Still, the theater’s architecture remains a highlight, especially for those interested in Roman engineering.

Perge Antik Kenti — A Roman Gem

Next, you’ll visit Perge, located about 17 km from Antalya in Aksu district. Known historically as “Parha” and dating back to the Hittite era, Perge flourished under Roman rule, becoming a well-planned city. Here, the sculptures and architecture draw praise for their quality and detail, with artifacts now housed in the Antalya Museum.

You’ll spend about two hours exploring: the main streets, the large theater (which still stands strong), and the stadium, regarded as one of Turkey’s best-preserved. Reviewers highlight that the sculptures reflect a high level of craftsmanship and that the walking tour offers a good balance of guided explanation and free exploration.

Manavgat Waterfall — A Refreshing Stop

After the archaeological sites, a scenic drive takes you to Manavgat Waterfall—a natural marvel about 80 km from Antalya. This stop, included with no additional fee, offers approximately two hours to enjoy the sound and sight of rushing water. Situated between the Taurus Mountains, the waterfall is praised for its photogenic setting and cooling effect after a morning of sightseeing.

Reviewers often mention that this is a nice, refreshing break from the busier historical sites, and many appreciated the opportunity to take photos or just relax. The waterfall’s location makes it a favorite for travelers seeking a bit of nature amidst their cultural exploration.

Side’s Apollon Temple — A Landmark on the Waterfront

The final major stop is Side’s Apollon Temple, where ancient stone columns overlook the waterfront. It’s a site that captures the imagination with its weathered beauty and scenic vistas. Spending around three hours here, you’ll walk among the ruins, learn about its history, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Multiple reviews note the photogenic quality of the temple ruins, and guides are praised for sharing interesting facts that bring the site to life. While some suggest that more time at the waterfalls or additional local experiences could be beneficial, most agree this is a memorable setting to wrap up your day.

Practical Details and What It Means for You

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off — a big plus in a region where transportation can be a hassle if you’re not familiar. The vehicle is described as comfortable, and the group size limited to 15 travelers ensures the guide can give personalized attention.

Duration and Pace

Spanning roughly 10 hours, the tour is a full-day commitment. Reviewers mention feeling that the schedule is well-organized, with enough time at each site to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Still, it’s a busy itinerary, so travelers should be prepared for a full day on their feet.

Cost and Value

At $45 per person, this tour offers great value: including entrance fees (where applicable), a buffet lunch, professional guiding, and transportation. Some reviews highlight the delicious buffet-style lunch, with one reviewer mentioning the simple but good quality food and lovely river views.

While the entrance fees for Perge and Aspendos are additional, they are modest, and the overall cost remains competitive considering the comprehensive itinerary. The inclusion of food, transport, and guide expertise makes it an economical choice for those wanting a hassle-free day of sightseeing.

What the Reviews Say

• Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, with Ibrahim, Ramsey, and Gamze receiving specific shoutouts for their friendly, informative approach.
• The scenic beauty, from ancient ruins to waterfalls, consistently earns praise, with reviewers remarking on how captivating these sites are in person.
• The lunch receives positive remarks for being satisfying and well-organized, with some noting it’s a simple but tasty buffet.
• Some critique the shorter time at each location or suggest visiting sites closer to Antalya for a more relaxed experience, but most agree the tour hits a good balance for a day trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history enthusiasts eager to see top archaeological sites without the hassle of driving. Nature lovers will appreciate the stop at Manavgat Waterfalls, which provides a relaxing contrast to the ruins.

Travelers who prefer structured, guided experiences with local insights will find this tour highly valuable, especially given the small group size. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see multiple highlights in one day, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Keep in mind, it’s a full day, so comfortable shoes, a hat, and water are recommended. If you’re after a leisurely, slow-paced exploration, you might find this schedule a bit packed. But for those wanting to maximize sightseeing in a short time, it’s a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the price of the tour?

The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, guided explanations, entrance fees for Manavgat Waterfall, and a buffet lunch.

• Are entrance fees for Perge and Aspendos included?

No, the entrance fees for Perge (around $11) and Aspendos (around $15) are paid separately by visitors.

• How long is the tour?

The total duration is approximately 10 hours, from around 8:00 am to early evening, depending on traffic and group pace.

• Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as some walking and exploring are involved, but the tour is manageable for most ages with reasonable mobility.

• Do I need to bring anything special?

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended. The tour provides a nature and history experience, so dress appropriately.

• Can I get this tour if I am staying outside of Kemer?

Yes, the hotel pickup is available for central Antalya hotels, making it convenient regardless of your exact location.

• What if I want to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility if your plans change.

• How personalized is the experience?

The small group size (max 15 people) means guides can offer more tailored insights and answer questions comfortably.

Wrapping It Up

This Apollo Temple, Perge, and Waterfalls Tour delivers a well-rounded, affordable, and engaging way to explore some of Turkey’s most iconic sites. With expert guides, scenic locations, and included meals, it balances educational value with the chance for fun and relaxation.

It’s perfect for travelers who want an organized, insightful day that takes the stress out of logistics. The highlights—ancient ruins, waterfalls, and historic temples—are beautifully curated, making this a highlight for those interested in history and nature alike.

While it’s a full schedule, the overall experience feels thoughtfully paced, especially with the small-group setting fostering a personal touch. If you’re after a comprehensive, value-packed day trip that offers plenty of Insta-worthy moments and fascinating stories, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or simply looking to tick off must-see sites effortlessly, this tour offers a solid, memorable day in the Antalya region.