Duden Waterfalls Temple of Apollo and Aspendos Day Tour

Planning a day trip around Alanya can be overwhelming with so many sights vying for your attention. This Duden Waterfalls, Temple of Apollo, and Aspendos Tour promises a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty, ancient ruins, and local culture—all in one day. While it offers a practical way to tick off major attractions, it’s also designed with convenience in mind, thanks to included hotel pickup, lunch, and guided commentary.

What we especially like about this tour is its balance: visiting both stunning landscapes and historic sites, the opportunity for expert insights from a guide, and the simplicity of having everything organized for you. Plus, the price of around $65 per person makes it a reasonable way to see more than just Alanya’s beaches. That said, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction about the authenticity of certain stops and the time allocated, so it’s worth considering your personal preference for a more genuine local experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want a practical, no-fuss day exploring some of the region’s focal points—especially if you enjoy a mix of nature and history. If you’re after a relaxed day with transportation and commentary included, this could be a great fit. But if you’re looking for secluded or more authentic experiences, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Convenient all-in-one day trip: Combines Duden waterfalls, Aspendos, and Side in one itinerary.
• Guided commentary: Learn about the ruins’ diverse eras from a professional guide.
• Value for money: Includes lunch, entrance fees (except Aspendos theater), and hotel pickup.
• Group size: Max 27 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Potential drawbacks: Some reviews mention time spent at commercial shops and less authentic site visits.
• Suitable for: Travelers seeking a structured, guided tour with ease of logistics.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How the Itinerary Unfolds

Starting bright and early at approximately 8:30 am, the tour kicks off with hotel pickups from various locations in Alanya, making it straightforward for travelers to join without extra planning. The first major stop is the picturesque Duden Waterfalls. Here, you’ll get the chance to photograph the falls from behind, looking through a cave—a feature that many find visually stunning. However, some reviews, like that from Brian_B, reveal a less ideal experience: “This picture was not of the waterfall we saw. We booked because of this photo thinking we would see this waterfall… instead they took us to a small man-made waterfall only 2 meters tall.” So, while the waterfalls are beautiful, be prepared for possible disappointment if expecting a grand natural spectacle similar to promotional photos.

Next, after a brief drive, the group visits Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. The Aspendos amphitheater is a highlight for history buffs, boasting impressive acoustics and architecture. The tour includes an entrance fee of 15 euros per person, which isn’t covered and is an extra cost. Some reviews mention that the time spent here is limited, with one noting that “time at the waterfalls and Aspendos were sacrificed to spend time at the jewellery shop,” highlighting a common criticism: commercial stops take time away from the main sites.

Dining and Shopping

After Aspendos, the group stops for lunch, included in the tour price. The meal is typically a Turkish buffet or similar, offering a good variety to satisfy most appetites. Following this, the tour includes a visit to a jewelry and leather shop—a common feature of organized tours in Turkey. Reviewers like Richard_B point out that these shops can eat into sightseeing time and feel more like a shopping trip than an authentic cultural experience.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In Side, your guide will talk about the Temple of Apollo and other ruins spread across the ancient city. The site, with its Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine layers, offers a fascinating peek into past civilizations. But as Sarah_J cautions, “The guide does not provide explanations on the sites and rushes during visits,” which might be frustrating for those eager to learn more about the history.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Transportation is by air-conditioned, non-smoking bus, which keeps the journey comfortable. The maximum group size of 27 travelers aims for a more intimate experience, but some reviews suggest that the overall pacing can feel rushed, especially with commercial stops taking precedence over pure sightseeing.

What’s Worth Noting?

While the tour offers comprehensive coverage of major sights, some travelers have expressed concern about the authenticity and the quality of the sites visited. The Duden waterfalls are a highlight, but the waterfalls seen might be different from expectations based on promotional images. Also, the Aspendos Theater fee is an extra expense, and time at each location can be limited, making it important to prioritize what interests you most.

Weighing the Value

At $65.22 per person, including lunch and transportation, this tour provides a solid value—especially for travelers wanting an overview of the region without the hassle of planning multiple independent visits. The guided commentary is an added bonus, helping bring the ruins and natural sites to life. However, the emphasis on shopping and the limited time at key sites mean it may not satisfy those seeking a deeply immersive experience or a more relaxed pace.

Practical Tips

• Bring cash for the Aspendos entrance fee and optional souvenirs.
• Be prepared for busy sites and limited time at each stop—plan your photography and questions accordingly.
• Consider dietary preferences—vegetarians should specify their needs when booking.
• If you’re expecting spectacular waterfalls, be aware that some might find the Duden waterfalls smaller or less impressive than anticipated.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for casual travelers who want a well-organized day to see a variety of sights without much fuss. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided visits, storytelling, and having transportation and meals sorted. However, if you prefer more authentic or off-the-beaten-path experiences, or if you’re particularly interested in the history of Aspendos or the waterfalls, you might want to explore other options or private tours.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple locations in Alanya, making logistics simple.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 8:30 am and ending in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a professional guide, lunch, and visits to the waterfalls, Aspendos, and Side.

Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees to Aspendos Theater are not included; they cost about 15 euros per person. Other site entrances are covered.

Can I participate if I have special dietary needs?
Vegetarian options are available if advised when booking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but young children should be aware of the walking involved and the limited time at each site.

What’s the quality of the transportation?
It’s a non-smoking, air-conditioned bus, generally comfortable for the duration of the day.

Are shopping stops mandatory?
The jewelry and leather shops are part of the itinerary, but you are free to browse at your own pace.

How much time is spent at each site?
Time is limited—expect roughly 1-2 hours at Aspendos and the waterfalls, with some reviews mentioning that this is sometimes sacrificed for shopping or other stops.

Is this tour worth the money?
Considering the included transportation, guide, lunch, and multiple attractions, it offers good value for those wanting a structured day of sightseeing with minimal planning.

This Duden Waterfalls, Temple of Apollo, and Aspendos Tour is a convenient way to see some of the highlights around Alanya. While it might not satisfy travelers seeking a deeply authentic or leisurely experience, it delivers a solid overview of the region’s natural and historic treasures—albeit with some compromises along the way.