Manavgat Waterfall, Side Old Town & Novamall Shopping

Travelers seeking a well-rounded day in Turkey’s Antalya Province will find this tour offers a lively mix of shopping, historical sights, and scenic nature. From browsing international brands at Novamall to exploring ancient ruins in Side, it promises a diverse experience that caters to many interests. What makes it especially appealing is the balance of guided sightseeing, free time, and optional extras like a boat ride.

Three aspects stand out for us: the ease of transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, the opportunity to capture stunning views at sunset, and the chance to wander through Side’s ancient streets at your own pace. That said, a potential drawback could be the extra costs for entrance fees and optional activities, which might add up if you’re on a tight budget.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a full day of diverse experiences without the hassle of planning multiple outings. It suits those interested in history, nature, shopping, and simply soaking in Turkey’s scenic coastal landscapes—all in one smooth, organized package.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary offers a mix of shopping, natural beauty, and historical exploration
• Professional guides provide valuable insights, making each stop more meaningful
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles enhances the overall experience
• Flexible options like boat tours and shopping allow personalized experiences
• Timely and organized pickups and drop-offs make logistics stress-free
• Additional costs for entrance fees and optional activities should be budgeted

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day adventure begins with your hotel pickup, either from Alanya or Side, making the start seamless. The first stop is Novamall, a major shopping center where you get about 45 minutes to browse a wide range of international brands or grab a quick snack. While this stop offers a good opportunity to shop, it’s important to note that the visit is purely for sightseeing and browsing—there’s no guided shopping tour, and you’ll want to ask your guide about receipts if you’re making purchases.

The next highlight is a 45-minute stop at Manavgat Waterfall. Here, you’ll relax amidst lush nature, snap photos of the cascading water, and enjoy the sound of rushing streams. The waterfall’s tranquil setting is perfect for a peaceful break and some memorable pictures. Travelers have noted the scenic beauty as a real highlight, with the sound of water providing a calming backdrop.

Afterward, the focus shifts to Side Ancient City, where you’ll have about two hours of free time. This gives you the chance to wander through historic ruins, see the well-preserved Temple of Apollo, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s insights, mentioning that guides are very knowledgeable and eager to share local stories, elevating the experience.

As the day winds down, you’ll arrive at the Temple of Apollo during sunset, arguably the most magical part of the tour. The panoramic sea views and the golden light create picture-perfect moments, making this a memorable way to end the sightseeing portion. Many guests found this sunset experience to be “unforgettable,” with some travelers quoting that the views are “dramatic” and truly worth the visit.

For those wanting extra fun, an optional boat tour is available—offering a chance to swim, relax on the coast, and enjoy the sea breeze. Keep in mind, this is an additional expense, but many find it worthwhile for the refreshing escape it provides.

The Practicalities of the Tour

The transport is in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort throughout the day, especially under Turkey’s warm sun. The tour is guided, with professional guides offering insightful commentary in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and German—perfect for diverse groups.

Timing is well-organized, with pickup outside your hotel, usually in the morning, and the tour lasting around 8 hours. The price of $53 per person is competitive considering the variety of sights visited and the included transportation. However, the overall value hinges on how much you plan to spend on entrance fees and optional activities. Entrance fees for Manavgat Waterfall and Side Ancient Theatre are not included, so budget accordingly.

The tour’s small group size and organized schedule make it manageable for travelers who prefer not to plan each detail themselves. Plus, the flexibility to book with “reserve and pay later” helps with planning, especially if your plans are still flexible.

Highlights We Loved

Stunning Views at Sunset: Watching the sunset at the Temple of Apollo is a photographer’s dream. The combination of ancient ruins and the sea backdrop creates a truly memorable scene.

Authentic Shopping Experience: Visiting Novamall allows you to browse both well-known international brands and local options. It’s a great way to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a quick snack, with the added convenience of a well-organized stop.

Knowledgeable Guides: Our review mentions a guide named John, who was especially praised for being welcoming and informative. His insights made the history of Side’s ruins come alive and added extra depth to the experience.

Natural Beauty: Manavgat Waterfall is a perfect nature break—relaxing, scenic, and a great spot for photos. Its tranquil atmosphere offers a nice contrast to the busy shopping and sightseeing.

Things to Consider

While the tour covers a lot, some costs are additional—mainly entrance fees for the archaeological sites and the optional boat trip. If you’re on a strict budget, these extras can add up. Also, the free browsing time at Novamall is limited, so if shopping is your main goal, you might want to plan your purchases accordingly.

The schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely experience or wish to spend more time exploring any one site, this might feel a bit rushed. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces at the ancient site and around the waterfall.

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Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day in Turkey with minimal hassle. If you’re interested in history, shopping, and nature all in one trip, this tour offers excellent value. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy guided commentary and appreciate organized logistics.

Families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an active yet relaxed day will find this tour delivers a good mix of sights and leisure. However, if your main focus is solely shopping or exploring at your own pace, you might prefer to customize your activities separately.

Final Thoughts

This tour stands out because of its variety and organized approach. It makes a great introduction to the highlights of the Antalya region, combining scenic beauty, archaeological marvels, and leisure shopping into one satisfying package. The sunset at the Temple of Apollo is a particular highlight, making it a memorable addition to any Turkey itinerary.

The presence of passionate guides, comfortable transport, and flexible options adds to the appeal. While some costs are extra, the overall value is clear when considering how much ground you cover in one day. It’s especially suitable for travelers looking to maximize their time and see a bit of everything Turkey has to offer.

If you’re eager to explore Side’s ancient ruins, enjoy nature’s tranquility at Manavgat Waterfall, and finish the day with stunning coastal views, this tour is a smart choice.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Alanya or Side, making the start easy and stress-free.

How much free time is there at each stop? You’ll have about 45 minutes at Novamall, 45 minutes at Manavgat Waterfall, and approximately 2 hours at Side Ancient City.

What’s the best time of day for the sunset view? The sunset at the Temple of Apollo is best observed in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the season, when the sky turns golden.

Are entrance fees included? No, entrance fees for Manavgat Waterfall and Side Ancient Theatre are extra and should be paid separately if you wish to visit these sites.

Can I do the boat tour? Yes, the boat tour is optional and available at an additional cost. It offers a refreshing swim and scenic coastal views.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, the tour is generally suitable for families, but keep in mind walking on uneven surfaces and the pace of sightseeing.

How long is the entire tour? Expect a full day, around 8 hours including transport, sightseeing, and free time.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a camera, cash for extra expenses, and a charged smartphone for photos.

This tour offers an engaging mix of Turkey’s scenic and historical highlights, with organized logistics and friendly guides making it a worthwhile day trip for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: