Side: Eagle Canyon & Selge Ancient City

Explore Ancient Rome and Nature at Eagle Canyon & Selge in Side, Turkey

This full-day tour in Side, Turkey offers an engaging combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activity for a reasonable price of $39.50 per person. With an 8-hour duration, it begins at 8:30 am with hotel pickup and includes visits to the Selge Ancient City, the Koprucay River, and Eagle Canyon. The tour features guided commentary, lunch, and entrance fees, making it a well-rounded experience for those interested in both archaeology and nature.

While the trip involves some walking and hiking—particularly to Eagle Canyon—it remains accessible for most travelers, with the tour limited to a maximum of 18 participants to ensure a comfortable group size. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and anyone seeking a day outside the typical tourist spots with a balance of cultural insight and adventure.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience with guided visits and lunch included
• Explores multiple sites: Selge Ancient City, Koprucay River, Eagle Canyon
• Hiking to Eagle Canyon offers a fun outdoor element, with free admission at all stops
• Transport is by cabrio mini bus, with pickup from your hotel
• Tour is suitable for most but not recommended for guests with walking disabilities
• Booking is recommended 12 days in advance due to popularity

Starting the Day with Hotel Pickup in Side

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am with hotel pickup in a cabrio mini bus. This convenient start means you avoid the hassle of arranging transportation and can relax as you leave Side behind. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, with up to 18 participants.

After departing, the first stop is the Koprucay River, where you have about 45 minutes to unwind, enjoy a delicious lunch, and explore independently. The scenic setting along the river provides a peaceful break and the opportunity to take in the natural surroundings before heading to the next stop.

Discovering the Roman Bridge and the Ancient City of Selge

Next, the tour takes you to an old Roman bridge, where you can snap great photos and learn about its history from the guide. This site offers a tangible link to the past and a chance to appreciate ancient engineering.

Following this, you arrive at the Selge Ancient City, where you have 40 minutes to walk through ruins and archaeological remains. The guide shares stories about Selge’s history, giving a sense of the civilization that once thrived here. The atmosphere at Selge is unique, blending archaeological intrigue with mountain views.

Photos at the Roman Aqueducts and the Charm of Selge

The tour includes a photo session at the Roman Aqueducts, a highlight for history buffs and photography fans alike. These well-preserved structures showcase ancient Roman ingenuity and add a dramatic backdrop to your trip.

The Selge site itself offers a distinctive ambiance, with ruins set against lush hills. The concise 40-minute visit allows ample time for sightseeing and taking memorable photos while listening to engaging narratives from the guide.

Hiking to Eagle Canyon at Tazi Canyon

One of the most exciting parts of this tour is the hike from Tazi Canyon to Eagle Canyon. The one-hour walk takes you through scenic terrain, leading you to the impressive Eagle Canyon. The hike is suitable for most, though those with walking difficulties should consider their comfort with uneven ground.

Exploring Eagle Canyon, you’ll find a cool and dramatic landscape, perfect for pictures and creating stories. The guide leads the group, sharing insights about the flora and fauna, and you get time to enjoy the stunning views from the canyon.

Practical Details: Lunch, Transport, and Group Size

The tour includes a lunch at the Koprucay River, offering a tasty meal to fuel your day of exploration. All entrance fees to sites are covered, making this a straightforward experience without extra costs.

Transportation is provided via a cabrio mini bus, which ensures comfort and easy access. The small group size of up to 18 travelers guarantees a more personalized, less rushed atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy each stop thoroughly.

Accessibility and Considerations

While the tour is most suitable for the average traveler, it is not recommended for those with walking disabilities due to the nature of the hikes and uneven terrain. The timing from morning departure to return around 5-6 pm provides a full day of activity without feeling overly rushed.

Weather can affect the experience, so a good weather forecast is recommended. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Side

What sets this Eagle Canyon & Selge Ancient City tour apart is its combination of cultural history and natural beauty. The guided commentary enriches each stop, bringing history alive while the outdoor trek to Eagle Canyon delivers a refreshing, scenic adventure.

The reasonable price tag makes it accessible, and the lunch included adds value, especially for a full-day excursion. The tour’s small group size ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and personalized attention from the guide.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This experience appeals most to history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers eager to explore beyond the typical tourist sites. It’s well-suited for those comfortable with some walking and hiking, but it may not be ideal for visitors with limited mobility. The scenic views and archaeological sites make it a rewarding choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Turkey’s ancient past while enjoying the outdoors.

The Sum Up: A Rich Mix of Culture and Nature in Side

The Eagle Canyon & Selge Ancient City tour offers a balanced day filled with archaeological exploration and natural scenery. At $39.50, it provides good value, covering multiple sites with guidance and lunch included. The tour’s highlights—the Selge ruins, Roman Aqueducts, and spectacular Eagle Canyon—make for memorable moments amid Turkey’s diverse landscape.

While it involves some hiking, the experience remains accessible for most and delivers a satisfying overview of antique sites and untouched nature. Travelers who appreciate a personalized, small-group approach with knowledgeable guides will find this tour particularly enjoyable.

If you’re seeking to combine history, adventure, and scenic beauty in a single day, this trip from Side provides an engaging and affordable option worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, transportation is by cabrio mini bus, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes lunch, entrance fees to all sites, and a guided tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with walking disabilities?
It is most suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for guests with walking disabilities due to the hiking involved.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.