Discover Ancient Ruins and Waterfalls in a Full-Day Tour from Alanya

The Temple of Apollo, the Aspendos amphitheater, and the Manavgat Waterfalls are among the top highlights on this full-day tour departing from Alanya. Priced at $74.52 per person and lasting around 9 hours, this tour offers a mix of history, scenic natural beauty, and cultural insight. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics smooth for visitors. The tour is particularly suitable for families and history enthusiasts, with a professional guide leading the way.

While the tour provides an excellent overview of these famous sites, some reviews note that the itinerary can vary—including a visit to Korsulu Waterfalls instead of Manavgat Waterfalls—and that organized transportation and communication could be improved. Still, the inclusion of lunch and site admissions at the Temple of Apollo adds good value, especially for those interested in history and scenic spots.

Key Points

Full-day experience lasting about 9 hours from Alanya.
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
Visits to Aspendos Ruins, the Temple of Apollo, and the Manavgat Waterfalls.
Admission to the Temple of Apollo is included, other sites are free of charge.
Lunch is provided, but drinks are not included.
The tour is family friendly and operates with small groups (up to 27 travelers).

Planning more time in Alanya? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Alanya

This full-day tour departs at 8:30 am from Alanya, with hotel pickup offered for ease of access. The group size is limited to 27 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience. The tour includes transportation in a clean, comfortable vehicle, but some reviews mention that pickup times can be lengthy and disorganized, so patience may be needed on busy days.

The mobile ticket and confirmation at booking make the process straightforward. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join, though physical mobility should be considered for walking around ruins in hot weather.

Visiting Aspendos: The Roman Theater Experience

The Aspendos Ruins are a major highlight, especially the famous Aspendos Theater. While admission to the theater itself is not included at a cost of 15, the guide leads you through the site, explaining its history and architecture. The theater is renowned for its excellent acoustics and well-preserved structure, allowing visitors to imagine performances from ancient times.

The Aspendos Bridge, Greek Amphitheater, and monumental fountain are additional ruins included in the tour. These sites offer a closer look at the sprawling ancient city, with opportunities for photos and exploration. The short stop allows enough time to appreciate the grandeur without feeling rushed.

Exploring the Manavgat Waterfalls

The Manavgat Waterfalls are famed for their natural beauty, with the water cascading over rocks creating a scenic backdrop. The tour allocates about one hour to enjoy this spot. However, some visitors note that the waterfalls visited might be Korsulu Waterfalls instead, depending on the day, which can be a point of confusion.

No admission fee is required for this stop, and it offers the chance to relax and enjoy the cool spray of the water. Although the scenic setting makes for great photos and a refreshing break, the timing can be tight, so it’s best to arrive prepared for a quick visit.

The Temple of Apollo at Side: The Site’s Highlights

The Temple of Apollo in Side is the most emphasized site on this tour. With a two-hour visit, it provides plenty of time to explore the ancient ruins and take photos at the seafront location. Admission is included, and visitors spend their time viewing the columns, the altar area, and the surrounding ruins.

Reviews highlight the guide’s detailed explanations and the impressive architecture of the temple. Many find that they could spend more time here given the site’s rich detail, but the allocated time strikes a good balance for the overall schedule.

While you're exploring Alanya, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Aspendos Bridge, Greek Amphitheater, and Monumental Fountain

Beyond the theater, the tour visits other notable Aspendos landmarks such as the Aspendos Bridge and the Monumental Fountain. These sites further showcase the engineering prowess of ancient civilizations and offer more photo opportunities. The short stops are designed to give a glance at the extent of the ancient city.

Guided Commentary: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

The guide is a key part of this experience, with reviews praising their knowledge and entertaining storytelling. Comments mention guides who speak fluently about the history and architecture of each site, sometimes likening their speaking style to a Roman orator.

One reviewer notes that the guide takes time answering questions, enhancing the overall experience, though some mention that the main language during the tour might be English or Russian, and that communication issues occasionally occur.

Food and Refreshments: Lunch Included, Drinks Not

A lunch is provided as part of the tour, adding good value for a full-day experience. The meal typically offers local cuisine but does not include drinks, which are not covered and need to be purchased separately. The hot weather means bringing water and staying hydrated is advisable, especially during walks at sites like Side and Aspendos.

Pacing and Physical Demands

The tour’s pacing is generally considered good, with enough free time for photos and exploration at each stop. However, some reviews mention that the day can be quite long and that walking in the heat can be tiring, especially for families with young children. The bus ride is comfortable but can be affected by long pickup times or organisational issues.

Potential Variations and Customer Feedback

It’s worth noting that some sites visited might differ, such as a visit to Korsulu Waterfalls instead of Manavgat Waterfalls. There are also reports of disorganized pick-up procedures and language barriers, which can affect the experience. Despite this, the major sites remain consistent, and the guides’ expertise often shines through.

The Sum Up: A Rich Mix of History and Nature

This Temple of Apollo, Aspendos, and Manavgat Waterfalls tour offers a solid taste of Ancient Turkish sites alongside scenic natural beauty. The included lunch and admission fees at the Temple of Apollo** make it a good deal for those interested in history and culture.

While some logistical hiccups, like pickup issues and site visit variations, have been noted, the knowledgeable guides and impressive ruins make this tour worthwhile. It suits travelers who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets.

Overall, it provides a balanced experience, blending history, scenery, and cultural insights. Those prepared for hot weather and a full schedule will likely find it a rewarding way to explore some of Turkey’s iconic sites from Alanya.

Ready to Book?

Temple of Apollo, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfalls Day Tour from Alanya

4.0

(59)

“The tour was fine but we were not taken on the tour we paid for! We didnt visit the Manavgta waterfalls but instead the Korsulu ones and were force…”

— Andrea R, Jun 2024