Ancient City Perge, Aspendos, Temple of Apollo & Waterfalls Tour

Setting out on a day trip to explore the ancient wonders of Perge, Aspendos, the Temple of Apollo, and the stunning Manavgat Waterfall promises an unforgettable experience. This tour unveils the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Turkey’s Mediterranean region, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the captivating remnants of the past. With knowledgeable guides, delectable local cuisine, and a small group setting, the tour provides a comprehensive and personalized adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip from Antalya covering Perge, Aspendos, Temple of Apollo, and Manavgat Waterfall, providing a glimpse into Turkey’s rich history and natural beauty.
• Tour priced at $36.96 per person with free cancellation and high customer satisfaction (4.8 rating from 395 reviews, 97% recommendation rate).
• Includes lunch, professional guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and entrance fees to Perge and Aspendos, enhancing the overall experience.
• Maximum group size of 15 travelers allows for a personalized experience, with guides praised for their exceptional knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Moderate fitness level required, with some accessibility challenges due to the uneven terrain and inclines at the historical sites.

Tour Overview

The "Ancient City Perge, Aspendos, Temple of Apollo & Waterfalls Tour" is a comprehensive day trip from Antalya that allows visitors to explore some of the region’s most significant historical sites and natural wonders.

Priced from $36.96 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour boasts an impressive 4.8 rating from 395 reviews, with 97% of travelers recommending it.

The itinerary includes visits to the Bronze Age-era Greek city ruins of Perge, the massive Roman amphitheater of Aspendos, the scenic Manavgat Waterfall, and the coastal historical site of the Temple of Apollo in Side.

Key Sites Explored

Perge, a Bronze Age-era Greek city, stands as the first key site explored on this tour. Visitors can wander through the ruins, including a well-preserved ancient theater and the remains of a stadium, shops, and baths.

Next, the group visits Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. This massive structure, capable of seating over 20,000 people, continues to impress with its impressive acoustics and architectural design.

The tour then proceeds to the Temple of Apollo, a coastal historical site in Side, before concluding at the scenic Manavgat Waterfall in the Taurus Mountains.

What’s Included in the Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive experience, with key inclusions to enhance the journey.

The tour includes lunch, allowing travelers to refuel and savor local cuisine. A professional guide leads the way, sharing insights and stories about the historical sites.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day. Entrance fees to Perge (€11) and Aspendos (€15) are covered, granting access to these impressive ancient ruins.

With thoughtful inclusions and expert guidance, this tour offers an enriching exploration of Turkey’s cultural and natural wonders.

Group Size and Guide Expertise

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, this tour offers a more personalized experience compared to larger group excursions.

The guides leading the tour are praised for their exceptional knowledge, engaging storytelling, and attentiveness to the group. Specific guides like Ozzie and Ibrahim are mentioned by name, indicating a high level of expertise and professionalism.

Travelers appreciate the guides’ ability to bring the historical sites to life and provide valuable insights.

The small group size allows for more personalized attention, ensuring a more enjoyable and enriching experience for participants.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Although the tour is designed for a moderate fitness level, travelers with mobility concerns may find some aspects challenging. The tour involves a fair amount of walking, with uneven terrain and inclines at the historical sites. Perge and Aspendos, in particular, require navigating cobblestones and hills.

Site	Terrain	Accessibility
Perge	Uneven cobblestones, hills	Not wheelchair accessible
Aspendos	Uneven cobblestones, stairs	Not wheelchair accessible
Manavgat Waterfall	Paved paths, some slopes	Limited accessibility
Temple of Apollo	Paved paths, some inclines	Limited accessibility

Visitors should consider their physical abilities and limitations when booking this tour.

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have provided extensive feedback on this tour, offering valuable insights into their experiences.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 395 reviews, the tour is highly recommended by 97% of travelers.

Positive feedback highlights the engaging guides, the balance of historical and natural sights, and the overall value for money.

However, some travelers found the visit to Side less meaningful, citing it as a tourist trap.

Concerns about time management at sites and the quality of lunch were also noted.

Top Recommendations and Highlights

The tour’s standout attractions are undoubtedly the ancient Greek city of Perge and the impressive Roman amphitheater of Aspendos.

Perge, with its Bronze Age ruins, offers a captivating glimpse into the past, while Aspendos’ well-preserved theater is a testament to Roman engineering.

The Temple of Apollo, situated along the coast in Side, is another highlight, providing insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Although the Manavgat Waterfall may be a scenic respite, some travelers felt the stop was less meaningful than the archaeological sites.

Seasonal Considerations and Tips

While the tour can be enjoyed year-round, the weather in Antalya plays a significant role in the overall experience.

During the summer months, the region experiences intense heat, which can make exploring the ancient sites and hiking to the waterfalls quite challenging. Travelers may find the tour more comfortable in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder.

Regardless of the season, it’s advisable to pack sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially on warmer days.

The tour’s flexibility allows for adjustments to the itinerary if weather conditions are unfavorable, ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Permitted at the Historical Sites?

Photography is generally permitted at the historical sites, though visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by site management. Visitors are advised to check with tour guides or site staff for any specific photography rules.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guides are multilingual, typically speaking English as well as other languages like Turkish, German, and French, to accommodate the diverse nationalities of tour participants. This provides a more inclusive and accessible experience for travelers.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour provider doesn’t specify dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Travelers with special dietary needs should contact the company ahead of time to inquire about accommodations. The lunch likely consists of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Can Participants Choose to Skip Certain Stops on the Itinerary?

Participants can likely request to skip certain stops on the itinerary, though this may depend on the tour operator’s policies. It’s best to check with them beforehand to understand the flexibility of the tour program.

What Is the Policy for Late Arrivals or Missed Pickups?

The tour operator’s policy typically allows flexibility for late arrivals or missed pickups, but participants should notify the company as soon as possible. Late arrivals may need to arrange their own transportation to catch up with the group.

The Sum Up

This day trip offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Turkey’s ancient wonders. From the impressive Greek ruins of Perge to the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater in Aspendos, and the iconic Temple of Apollo in Side, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s most captivating sites. Complemented by the serene beauty of Manavgat Waterfall and delicious local cuisine, this small-group experience promises an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s past and present.