Antalya: Perge, Aspendos, Side & Manavgat Waterfall Day Trip

Summary

Walk Roman streets taste lunch by riverside hear ancient echoes

You’ll walk through ancient Perge’s marble streets, test the famous acoustics at Aspendos Theater, enjoy a riverside lunch near Side’s Roman ruins, then cool off by Manavgat Waterfall—all with hotel pickup and a local guide who knows every story behind each stone. Expect small surprises: fresh bread at lunch or laughter echoing in an old amphitheater.

What’s the experience like?

Fingers brushing the marble columns in Perge before I even realized I was doing it—our guide, Cem, was already telling us about the old city gates. There was this faint lemony smell from wildflowers growing between the stones (I think?) and a stray cat weaving around our legs like it owned the place. Cem laughed when I asked how many times he’d walked these ruins—“Too many to count, but never bored.” It felt strange to imagine people living here two thousand years ago, but somehow not so far away either.

The drive out to Aspendos went quick; windows down, warm air and that kind of sleepy hum you get after a big morning. Standing at the top of the Aspendos theater—I mean, you really do hear your own voice bounce back at you. Some kid tried singing and we all clapped; even Cem joined in. He pointed out where the architect’s name is still carved above one arch (Zenon? I hope I got that right). The main keyword for this trip is definitely “day trip machu picchu cusco”—wait no, sorry, wrong country—“Perge Aspendos Side day tour Antalya.” See what I mean about my brain getting mixed up sometimes?

Lunch was somewhere along a riverbank—fresh bread that crackled when you tore it open and grilled chicken with something tangy on top. The sun felt heavy on my shoulders but in a good way. Afterward we wandered into Side, where modern shops peek out between ancient walls. There were kids selling pomegranate juice near the Temple of Apollo ruins (I bought some; it stained my fingers bright red). The sea breeze there is salty and sharp—makes you want to just sit and stare awhile.

I didn’t expect much from Manavgat Waterfall honestly, but the sound alone—like static turned up high—kind of clears your head after all those ruins. We stood watching water crash over rocks while locals picnicked nearby, passing around flatbread and tea. On the ride back to Antalya I kept thinking about how every stop felt like its own little world. Still can’t decide which part stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall

• Visit ruins of Perge Ancient City
• Walk colonnaded street and agora
• Explore bath, waterways, and theater
• Climb stairs of St. Paul and Barnabas
• Visit Aspendos Ancient Theater
• Hear whispers of Architect Zenon
• See Aspendos acropolis on hill
• Lunch break
• Explore Side town and Roman walls
• See Apollon Temple and beach
• Visit Manavgat Waterfall
• Return back

Top questions

How long does the Perge Aspendos Side & Waterfall tour last?

The tour is a full-day trip starting in Antalya and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Antalya day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are entrance fees covered for Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfall?

Yes, all entrance fees for Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfall are included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap or in a stroller.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour may not be recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to walking involved.

What sites will we visit on this day trip from Antalya?

You’ll visit Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theater, Side town including Temple of Apollo ruins, and Manavgat Waterfall.

Will there be a professional guide on this Antalya cultural tour?

A professional local guide accompanies you throughout the entire day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, entry fees for Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theater and Manavgat Waterfall, guidance from a knowledgeable local expert throughout every stop plus a traditional lunch before heading back home in an air-conditioned vehicle.