Full-Day Tour of Kursunlu Waterfalls, Aspendos, and Ancient Ruins of Side From Alanya

Experience a full-day exploration of Turkey’s historical sites and natural beauty with this comprehensive tour from Alanya. Priced at $65.35 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, making it a convenient option for visitors staying in Alanya. The trip covers Aspendos, famous for its well-preserved Roman theater, the Kursunlu Waterfalls, and the sprawling ancient ruins of Side. It features a Turkish lunch and entrance fees at all locations, making it a straightforward way to combine sightseeing, history, and nature in a single day.

While the tour has a solid 4.0/5 rating based on 35 reviews, it’s worth noting that some guests raise concerns about group sizes and timing. However, the friendly guides and rich variety of sites offer a worthwhile experience for those interested in history, scenic waterfalls, and ancient architecture. Perfect for travelers seeking a full-day trip with guided commentary, this tour delivers a mix of cultural insights and natural beauty, tailored to those comfortable with a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Price of $65.35 per person covers transportation, lunch, and entrance fees
• Approximate 8-hour duration with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Visit Aspendos, famous for its Roman amphitheater listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Stop at Kursunlu Waterfalls, surrounded by pine forests and teeming with turtles and trout
• Explore Side’s extensive ruins, including Roman baths, temples, and the nymphaeum spring
• Guides are professional, friendly, and informative, enhancing the experience

Aspendos Ruins: An Architectural Landmark Built Under Marcus Aurelius

The tour begins with a visit to the Aspendos ruins, located 58 miles from Alanya. Known for its spectacular Roman amphitheater, this site is considered one of the best-preserved theaters from antiquity. Built during the era of Marcus Aurelius, the amphitheater impresses visitors with its size and preservation. You have about two hours to explore the site independently, taking in aqueducts, temples, and the ancient theater.

The admission fee for Aspendos is 15.00 per person, which is not included in the tour price. The guide provides context about the site’s significance, but you’re free to roam and photograph this impressive structure. Some reviews note that timing can be tight, so quick visits are common, but the magnificent ruins make the visit worthwhile for history buffs.

Visiting Kursunlu Waterfalls: Nature’s Tranquil Cascade

Next, the tour heads to Kursunlu Waterfalls, located amidst pine forests in Antalya. This spot offers a peaceful break in nature, with picturesque cascades that provide excellent photo opportunities. The waterfalls are wrapped in lush greenery, and visitors can descend a staircase to get close to the water. Wildlife such as turtles and trout are visible just beneath the surface, adding to the natural charm.

You have approximately two hours at this location, enough time to photograph the waterfalls, visit a historic mill, or simply enjoy the fresh air. The waterfalls are accessible, but travelers should be aware that some walking and descending stairs are involved. The waterfall entrance fee is 2.00 per person, not included in the tour price.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Turkish Cuisine and Souvenir Shopping

After the waterfalls, the tour offers a lunch break at a nearby restaurant. Guests can choose from salad, fish, chicken, or pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread. The included meal caters to a variety of tastes, with vegetarian options available upon request.

Following lunch, there’s a visit to a leather and jewelry shop, where you can browse and purchase local souvenirs. This stop is also an opportunity for a brief rest before heading to the next major attraction. The shopping stop is integrated into the tour, and guests find it a good chance to pick up unique keepsakes from the area.

Exploring the Ruins of Side: An Ancient Roman City

The final major stop is Side, a sprawling archaeological site with well-preserved walls, an agora, Roman baths, and the nymphaeum spring. Visitors have about four hours to explore this ancient city on their own, seeing the history of Roman Turkey. Major landmarks include Roman temples, the amphitheater, and public squares, all offering insights into ancient urban life.

The admission to Side is free, which adds value to the visit. The site’s expansive layout provides plenty of space to wander and admire the historical architecture. The guide offers commentary along the way, but guests are encouraged to explore at their own pace during this longer stop.

Logistics: Transportation, Group Size, and Timing

The tour departs from Alanya at 8:15 am, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya. The mode of transport is a climate-controlled bus, accommodating up to 27 travelers. The total driving distance to Aspendos is about 94 km (58 miles), and the schedule is structured to balance sightseeing with enough time at each site, though some reviews mention that tight timing can be a concern.

The duration of transfers depends on traffic and weather, which can influence the overall pace. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with vegetarian options available and no specific physical requirements. However, wardrobe choices should consider walking and some stairs at waterfalls.

The Guide: Friendly, Professional, and Informative

The tour features an experienced guide known for being friendly and knowledgeable. The guide explains the history and significance of each site with clarity, enriching the visit. Guests appreciate the professional attitude and the helpfulness of the team, which enhances the overall experience despite some minor issues with timing and group size.

Value for Money and Included Features

The $65.35 cost covers all entrance fees (except Aspendos theater and waterfalls), lunch, transportation, and hotel transfers. The tour provides a comprehensive itinerary, combining natural beauty with historical exploration. It’s particularly appealing for visitors who want a full-day, guided experience without worrying about logistics or parking.

The inclusion of lunch and transportation adds convenience, but travelers should budget extra for drinks and souvenirs. The group size of up to 27 ensures a somewhat intimate experience, though reviews mention that some groups can feel crowded.

Limitations and Considerations

Some guests express disappointment with timing issues, especially at Aspendos, where limited time may restrict exploration. The waterfalls are not as grand as some might expect, according to a review, and the admission fees are extra if you wish to visit certain sites in full detail. Also, language barriers might occur if guides are not fluent in French, as noted in some reviews.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This trip suits history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those interested in Turkish culture. It offers a good balance of archaeological sites and scenic landscapes. Active guests should be prepared for some walking and stairs, particularly at Kursunlu Waterfalls, but the overall pace is manageable for most.

Final Thoughts on the Aspendos, Kursunlu Waterfalls, and Side Tour

This full-day tour from Alanya delivers a rich combination of ancient ruins, stunning waterfalls, and local cuisine. Its affordable price and inclusion of hotel transfers, lunch, and entrance fees make it convenient and cost-effective. Despite some concerns about timing and group size, the guide’s professionalism and the diversity of sites visited make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to explore Turkey’s historical and natural highlights in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya are included, providing a hassle-free start and end to the day.

How much does the Aspendos theater entrance fee cost?
The admission fee is 15.00 per person and must be paid separately if you wish to visit the Roman theater in detail.

What are the meal options during the tour?
Guests enjoy lunch with options including fish, chicken, salad, or pide, with vegetarian options available if requested.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, admission fees at Aspendos and Kursunlu Waterfalls are not included in the tour price, costing 15.00 and 2.00 per person, respectively.

How long is the driving distance from Alanya to Aspendos?
The trip covers about 58 miles (94 km), with the entire day’s schedule structured around these travel times.

Can children participate in this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for those comfortable with walking and some stairs.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 27 travelers, ensuring a relatively small group for easier interaction with guides.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
The experience is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, guests will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the advantage of this tour?
It combines cultural sites, natural scenery, and local cuisine with professional guides and convenient logistics, making it an efficient way to see key attractions in one day.