Duden Waterfalls Temple of Apollo and Aspendos Day Tour

Taking a full-day tour from Alanya for $65.22 per person, the Duden Waterfalls, Temple of Apollo, and Aspendos trip offers a balanced glimpse into Turkey’s ancient sites and natural beauty. This 9-hour experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics smooth. While the tour provides an engaging overview of several key attractions, it’s important to note some limitations, such as the inclusion of a jewelry shop visit and some mixed reviews about the authenticity of certain sites.

Designed for travelers wanting a packed day with guided commentary, entrance fees, and lunch, this tour fits those interested in history, landscape photography, and scenic waterfalls. It’s suitable for most, with hotel pickup available in multiple locations, and caters to those who don’t mind a busy schedule. However, it’s wise to be aware of potential disappointments noted in reviews, especially regarding the actual waterfalls seen and the amount of time spent at each stop.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $65.22 covers lunch, entrance fees, and professional guide services.
• The tour starts at 8:30 am and lasts approximately 9 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Visit Aspendos, renowned for its ancient amphitheater, and explore Duden waterfalls, with a photo opportunity behind the water in a cave.
• The itinerary includes a lunch break and a stop at Side, where guides share insights on the Temple of Apollo and other ruins.
• Be aware of an added jewelry shop stop, which may extend time at expense of other sites.
• The tour has a mixed review score of 4 out of 5, with some noting discrepancies in waterfall images and busy schedules.

Aspendos: The Ancient Theater and Roman Ruins

The Aspendos amphitheater is a highlight of this tour. Known for its remarkably preserved structure, it offers a vivid look at Hellenistic and Roman architecture. The guide provides commentary on the history and significance of the site, enriching the experience. The entrance fee of 15.00 per person is included, so visitors can explore at their own pace.

While Aspendos is a major draw, some reviews mention that the time allocated may feel limited, and certain visitors note that the tour sometimes prioritizes shopping stops over in-depth exploration. The impressive ruins and historical context make this a worthwhile visit for those interested in ancient civilizations.

Duden Waterfalls: Natural Beauty and Cave Photography

The Duden waterfalls are celebrated for their cascading water and scenic surroundings. The tour offers a special photo opportunity from behind the water, in a cave setting, which many find memorable. However, some reviews suggest that the waterfall viewed may not match the images used in promotional materials; instead, visitors may see a small, man-made waterfall.

The waterfalls are a natural highlight, but timing and the actual site visited can vary. The bus breakdown incident reported in reviews highlights the importance of checking the tour’s reliability before booking. Despite this, the natural scenery generally adds a relaxing element to the trip.

Lunch and Shopping Stops

A lunch break is included, providing a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine. The professional guide leads commentary during stops, though some reviews note that time at jewelry and leather shops can feel excessive and detracts from sightseeing. The jewelry shop visit is part of the itinerary, and while it may appeal to some, others find it a less authentic experience.

The shopping stops are included in the schedule, but travelers should consider whether these are a priority, as they can limit time at historical sites like Aspendos and Duden waterfalls.

Visiting Side: Ruins and the Temple of Apollo

The city of Side offers a rich collection of ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The tour guides share insights about the Temple of Apollo, a key monument in the ancient city. Visitors have time to walk among ruins, enjoy the seaside atmosphere, and learn about ancient trade and religious practices.

While the duration at Side is enough for a general overview, some reviews imply that the visit may feel rushed, especially with time spent in shops. Still, the scenic setting and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop for appreciating Turkey’s ancient past.

Transportation: Comfortable and Convenient Vehicle

Transportation is by air-conditioned, non-smoking bus, which is comfortable for the long day. The group size is capped at 27 travelers, maintaining a manageable and friendly atmosphere. The pickup and drop-off service from multiple locations simplifies logistics, making this tour accessible and hassle-free.

Travelers should note that transfer durations can vary depending on traffic, so some flexibility in timing is expected. The start time at 8:30 am ensures a full day of sightseeing without feeling overly rushed.

Guide and Commentary Quality

The professional guide is central to the experience, offering commentary at each stop. This insight enriches the visit, especially at sites like Aspendos and Side. However, some reviews suggest that explanations might be limited or that the guide emphasizes shopping over historical facts during certain moments.

The personalities and storytelling styles of guides can influence the overall experience, but generally, the guide provides enough background to give context to the ruins and natural sites.

Tour Logistics and Additional Inclusions

This tour includes lunch, entrance fees for Aspendos Theatre, Juwelier and Leather shop visits, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off. Drinks are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The confirmation of the booking is provided immediately, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour departs promptly at 8:30 am, and the duration is approximately 9 hours, making it a full-day experience. The availability of vegetarian options means the tour accommodates dietary preferences if advised beforehand.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers an efficient way to see multiple sites, some critics point out that visiting free sites that travelers could explore independently may feel redundant. The time spent in shops and the quality of waterfall views are common points of criticism. Plus, bus breakdowns and discrepancies in site authenticity are factors to consider.

Most travelers can participate, but those seeking an in-depth exploration or avoiding commercial stops might prefer a more tailored experience.

Exploring the Temples, Waterfalls, and Ancient Ruins of Alanya

This tour combines natural beauty with ancient history, making it an appealing choice for those interested in Turkey’s diverse attractions. The aspirations of the tour—covering Aspendos, Duden waterfalls, and Side—are balanced, but the actual experience can vary based on guide quality and timing.

The inclusion of lunch, entrance fees, and hotel transfers offers good value for $65.22, especially considering the full-day itinerary. Still, travelers should approach with expectations of a busy schedule and some shopping-centric moments.

Overall, this tour suits visitors eager to see key sites without extensive planning, but those with a focus on authenticity or quiet exploration might find it less satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from multiple locations in Alanya.

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees for Aspendos Theatre (15.00 per person) are included in the price.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a lunch is included as part of the tour.

Can I customize dietary options?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available if advised at the time of booking.

What should I be aware of regarding the waterfalls?
The waterfalls may not match promotional images, and some reviews report a small, man-made waterfall; timing and site authenticity can vary.

Are shopping stops mandatory?
The jewelry and leather shops are included stops but are optional; some travelers find these add to the schedule’s length.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the full-day schedule may be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended, especially for outdoor sites like Duden waterfalls and Side ruins.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
This experience is offered by Tourmania.