Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour with Lunch

Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour: Theatres, Temples and River Spray in One Day

Some corners of the Turkish Riviera deserve a whole day, and the coast between Alanya and the old lands of Pamphylia is one of them. This Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall tour brings together a Roman theatre that has survived almost intact, a harbour city where columns meet the sea and a broad cascade framed by greenery. A licensed guide tells the story, lunch waits halfway through the day and your hotel transfer is arranged for you.

Leaving the Alanya Coast Behind

The tour vehicle collects you from your hotel in the Alanya area and heads west along the coastal highway toward Serik. Please keep in mind that the time shown on your booking is when the activity itself begins at the first site. Hotel pickup happens earlier and the exact time is shared with you after you reserve, because it depends on where your hotel is located.

A Stage Built for Emperors and Echoes

The first great stop is the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, raised in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and designed by the architect Zeno. Its stage building still stands to its full height, and the tiers curve so precisely that a voice from the stage carries all the way to the top rows. Your guide explains how its later use as a Seljuk caravanserai helped protect it, then leaves you time to climb the seats and take in the view.

Turkish Flavours at the Midday Table

After the theatre the group settles into a local restaurant for a Turkish lunch that is included in the price. It is a relaxed pause to refuel and swap first impressions before the afternoon. Drinks are not included and are paid for separately.

The Pomegranate City by the Sea

Side takes its name from an old Anatolian word for pomegranate, and the fruit once decorated its coins. Walking with your guide, you pass the old city gate, the colonnaded street, the agora and the great theatre before reaching the Temple of Apollo, whose white columns rise right at the water's edge. Free time follows, so you can wander around the ancient harbour, browse the lanes of the old town or relax at a seaside café.

Where the Manavgat River Rushes

The final stop is the Manavgat Waterfall, just north of the town that shares its name. It impresses with its width rather than its height: the river spills over a broad shelf of rock and sends up a cool mist that is very welcome on a summer afternoon. Shaded paths, viewing terraces and tea gardens line the banks, making it an easy place to slow down and take the last photos of the day.

Good to Know Before You Book

Entrance fees for Aspendos and the waterfall depend on the package you choose, so please check your booking details before the tour day. Expect moderate walking on uneven stone at the ancient sites. Guests aged 12 and over pay the adult rate, children aged 6 to 11 pay a reduced rate and infants up to 5 join free of charge. The order of the stops may change on the day depending on local conditions.

An Easy Ride Back to Your Hotel

The activity finishes at 17:00 in the waterfall area, after which the vehicle drives you back to your hotel. Drop-off time varies with traffic and the location of your hotel.