Guided Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Kursunlu Waterfalls

This guided tour offers a full-day exploration of some of Turkey’s most captivating historical sites and natural scenery, all for $210 per person. Starting at 8:30 am, the tour covers Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Kursunlu Waterfalls, providing a well-balanced mix of ancient ruins and refreshing nature. The convenience of pickup service, skip-the-line tickets, and lunch in a local restaurant makes it ideal for visitors seeking a hassle-free experience. With a private tour setup, travelers enjoy personalized attention and flexible pacing, making it especially appealing for those who want an immersive day at their own speed.

One of the biggest strengths of this tour is the inclusion of admission fees and licensed guides, ensuring a smooth, informative experience. While it’s designed for most travelers, the tour’s pace and walking involved at each stop mean those with mobility issues should consider their comfort. This package offers a practical way to see key historic and scenic highlights in the Antalya region with a warm, knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Key Points

• Private guided tour with flexible scheduling and personalized attention
• Visits to four major attractions: Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Kursunlu Waterfalls
• All admission fees included, plus lunch in a local restaurant
• Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, with skip-the-line tickets
• Tour departs at 8:30 am and lasts approximately 8 hours
• Suitable for most travelers, with free entry for children 8 years and below

Exploring Perge: A Major Ancient City in Pamphylia

Perge ranks among the largest and most visited ancient cities in the Pamphylia region of Turkey. It served as the capital of Pamphylia before coming under Roman rule in 133 B.C.. This site flourished during the Roman period and hosts extensive ruins, including Roman Baths, Hellenistic Gates, and a stadium. The guide provides context on its history, making it easier to visualize the city’s past grandeur. Visitors get about 2 hours at Perge, with skip-the-line entry ensuring a stress-free visit.

The ruins reveal layers from the Hellenistic era to Roman times, highlighting the site’s long history. The Roman Baths and stadium are notable highlights, and the site’s expansive layout offers ample space for exploration. This stop suits those interested in archaeology, Roman architecture, and ancient history.

The Magnificent Aspendos Theatre Built in the 2nd Century

Aspendos is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre, built in the 2nd century. It can accommodate over 20,000 spectators and continues to host festivals and music concerts today. The tour allocates about 1 hour to this site, with skip-the-line tickets making the visit efficient despite potential crowds.

The guide highlights Aspendos’ architectural excellence and its ongoing use, which adds a contemporary touch to this ancient venue. Visitors can walk through the theatre, marvel at the acoustics, and imagine performances from nearly 2000 years ago. Aspendos appeals especially to those fascinated by ancient entertainment venues and Roman engineering.

Discovering Side: A Classic Ancient City with a Pirate Past

Side is one of Turkey’s most famous ancient cities, known for its classical ruins and storied history as a pirate base involved in the slave trade. The 2-hour stop allows visitors to explore the amphitheatre, temples, and coastal ruins. The site’s history as a Cilician pirate hub adds a layer of intrigue, and recent battles with pirates led to its decline under Roman control.

Walking through Side, you’ll find stunning ruins set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The amphitheatre remains a striking feature, offering ample photo opportunities. This stop is ideal for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in pirate lore and ancient maritime cities.

Refreshing Break at Kursunlu Waterfalls

Kursunlu Waterfalls provides a serene pause in the tour, connecting seven ponds through a cascade 18 meters high. This natural site, surrounded by greenery, offers a cool atmosphere and the scent of pine trees. You get about 1 hour to stroll, take photos, or simply relax by the waterfalls.

The sight of water flowing over multiple ponds creates a soothing environment, perfect after a day of walking through ruins. The setting’s lush nature provides a contrast to the archaeological sites, making it a refreshing highlight of the tour.

Logistics: How the Tour Runs

The tour departs from Antalya at 8:30 am, with pickup service available. The group travels in an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle, and the guides are licensed professionals who lead the visit, explaining the history and significance of each site. The tour’s structure allows for about 2 hours at Perge, 1 hour at Aspendos, 2 hours at Side, and 1 hour at Kursunlu Waterfalls.

All admission fees are included, thanks to skip-the-line tickets secured by the guides. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which enhances comfort and flexibility. The lunch in a local restaurant adds a taste of regional cuisine to the experience.

The Value of a Private Tour Experience

This tour’s private setup offers a more relaxed and customizable experience compared to group tours. The full-day schedule is paced to allow ample time at each site, avoiding rushed visits. Travelers appreciate the expert guides, who deliver informative commentary on the sites’ history and significance.

The cost of $210 covers everything from admission fees to lunch, making it a transparent and convenient package. The option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility for changing plans.

Who Will Love This Tour

This tour suits history buffs, archaeology lovers, and those who enjoy a combination of cultural sites and natural scenery. It’s also well-suited for visitors seeking a personalized experience with the convenience of door-to-door pickup. Since the tour includes most major highlights of the Antalya region’s ancient and natural attractions, it makes for a comprehensive day out.

The private nature and skip-the-line tickets are perfect for travelers who appreciate efficiency and a more intimate experience. However, the walking involved at the sites means those with mobility constraints should consider their comfort.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day of History and Nature in Antalya

The Guided Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Kursunlu Waterfalls offers a compelling way to see Antalya’s top historical and natural treasures in a single day. The professional guides ensure the experience is both educational and engaging, while the inclusion of admission fees and lunch provides great value.

While the itinerary is packed, the private format allows for a relaxed pace and tailored experience. This tour particularly benefits those who want in-depth exploration without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s an excellent choice for visitors eager to combine ancient history with beautiful landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $210 fee covers admission fees, lunch at a local restaurant, a professional licensed guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, free entry is available for children 8 years and below with a passport, making it family-friendly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Do I need to bring anything special?
It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring personal expenses such as drinks and souvenirs.

Are the sites accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is suitable for most, the amount of walking involved suggests those with mobility challenges should plan accordingly.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The private format, skip-the-line tickets, and personalized attention from guides deliver a more tailored and less hurried experience.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, the guides are licensed professionals known for their expertise and friendly explanations.

How do I book this tour?
It is recommended to book 9 days in advance to secure availability, especially during peak seasons.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, the tour’s outdoor nature suggests spring and fall are ideal for comfortable weather and scenic views.

Does the tour include transportation back to my hotel?
Yes, pickup is offered, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, making for a convenient experience.

This comprehensive day trip combines history, culture, and nature in one seamless package, perfect for those wanting to maximize their time in Antalya without missing out on any major highlights.