Ancient drama, then a cooling waterfall stop. This is a guided day trip that strings together Side’s old streets, the Temple of Apollo, the Aspendos theatre area, and then Kursunlu Waterfalls, all with hotel pickup and drop-off. I like that it mixes big-name sights with a slower break in nature.

What I really like is the value on the basics: lunch is included, and you travel with a professional guide instead of figuring everything out on your own. I also like the family-friendly setup, with time built in for walking around Side and breaks for lunch and site viewing, plus a group capped at 27 people.

One thing to consider is the heat and the “extra” costs: Aspendos Theatre and Kursunlu Waterfalls have entry fees (and drinks aren’t included), and some parts of the day can feel long with limited shade in warmer weather.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Temple of Apollo in Side: a standout stop with a generous viewing window and clear guide storytelling
• Aspendos theatre area plus the bridge: you get multiple related photo/walk moments, not just one quick glance
• Kursunlu Waterfalls for a 1-hour reset: short, manageable, and ticketed separately
• Lunch included: a proper sit-down meal is built in, and it’s part of the value
• Guides with personality: some guides, like Necati, bring history to life in a very theatrical way
• Heat reality check: expect long sun stretches and plan like it’s 34°C, because it often is

A long route that stays structured (and why that matters)

This tour runs from 8:30 am for about 9 hours, starting with pickup from your hotel’s security gate. That structure matters in Turkey’s beach towns, where mornings can get chaotic fast. Having a set route also helps you hit the main stops without hunting for transport between ruins.

The group size is capped at 27, which usually keeps things from feeling like a cattle chute. You’ll also have a professional guide and a bus for the driving legs, so you’re not split up into tiny, hard-to-meet groups. The flip side: a full-day format means you’ll be on the move for most of the day, so go in with a calm, flexible mindset.

And yes, it is listed as English, but real life can vary by departure. Some people have reported guide language changes during the day, so if English is a must, I’d double-check the language setup at booking.

Side Ancient City: the easy win for photos and wandering

Your day begins in Side Ancient City for about 1 hour, with admission listed as free. This is the kind of stop that works even if you just want to stroll, spot photo angles, and get a feel for the area’s layout. Side is also where people tend to pick up souvenirs without feeling rushed into the checkout line.

That hour is short enough that you stay energetic, but long enough to wander beyond the first obvious sights. The practical tip: bring comfortable shoes and sun protection, because the walk around ruins in hot weather can feel intense. One common theme from day-out tours like this is that you can end up moving from shaded car to sunlit stone without much sitting time.

If you like shopping, Side is a friendly place to browse. In particular, some visitors have found the souvenir options here much more pleasant than the more sales-heavy stops that can happen later in the day.

Temple of Apollo: when the guide brings the ruins to life

Next up is the Apollon Temple (Temple of Apollo) with about 2 hours and admission listed as free. This is typically the historical anchor of the route, and the extra time helps. Two hours gives you room to look slowly, not just snap photos and sprint to the next bus step.

I also love this stop because it rewards curiosity. The ruins can feel straightforward if you don’t know what you’re looking at, but when your guide leans into the storytelling, the place becomes more than a backdrop. Some guides on this route have been described as very entertaining, even delivering explanations with a dramatic, Roman-style flair.

What to watch: on hot days, you may not find much shade right where you want it. Plan to slow down your pace at the hottest moments and use the guide stops and bus breaks well.

Aspendos Theatre and Aspendos Ruins: worth it even without the ticket

The tour then moves to Aspendos, with two separate blocks: Aspendos Theatre (about 1 hour) and Aspendos Ruins (about 1 hour). In both cases, admission is not included, which means you’ll have the option to pay on site if you want entry to the specific theatre experience.

This is a key value point. If your goal is simply to see and walk the broader theatre area and ruins for photos and perspective, you may not feel forced to add extra cost. But if the theatre ticket is important for you, budget for it ahead of time: it’s listed at €15.00 per person.

There’s also an extra stop at Aspendos Bridge, which adds variety and gives you another change of scenery beyond just stone walls and seating tiers. In a day like this, these in-between photo and walk moments prevent the itinerary from feeling like one long, identical ruin stop.

Practical drawback: Aspendos can be tough in summer. Some people have pointed out limited shade around ruin areas, plus not many long sit-down breaks. If you’re heat-sensitive, bring what you need (hat, water, sunscreen) and accept that you’ll likely need to rest when you can.

Kursunlu Waterfalls: the cooling reset with a small entry fee

After the Roman stops, you’ll head to Kursunlu Waterfalls for about 1 hour. Admission is not included, listed at €2.00 per person, which is a small add-on compared to many waterfall tours.

This is the stop that tends to feel like a reward. Even if it’s not a long hike, it breaks up the day into something more like nature and less like stone ruins. It’s also usually easier on the body than another hour of walking in the sun, as long as you pace yourself.

What to consider: you still need moderate physical fitness for the day, and you’ll likely be walking on uneven ground. Wear shoes you’re comfortable slipping on if it’s wet, and keep your plan simple: short walk, photos, then back to the group rhythm.

Lunch included: where the day actually gets easier

Lunch is included, and it’s a major part of why this tour feels fair for the price. When lunch is covered, you don’t end up paying tourist-menu prices all day just to stay functional. You also get a scheduled meal, which helps a lot in a full-day itinerary.

The lunch itself has been described as tasty and fresh by people who enjoyed the day. That doesn’t mean you’ll get a five-star spread, but it does mean you can treat lunch as a real break rather than a quick bite.

Drinks are not included, so if you rely on bottled water or prefer other drinks, plan for that cost. A good move is to carry a little cash or a card you’re ready to use quickly when you stop.

Shopping stops and pacing: the one variable you should anticipate

This tour can include extra time spent at shops, particularly a jewellery stop and then a Turkish delight factory-style stop. This shows up in some people’s experiences as time that feels less about the main sights and more about sales.

Here’s the practical way to handle that: if you don’t want to shop, you can still enjoy the vibe without getting stuck. Decide in your head that you’ll browse for a short window, then return to the group. If a salesperson gets persistent, it’s okay to be polite and firm and move on.

Also keep pacing in mind. Several people felt the day ran tightly, with not much sitting time during hotter parts of the route. If you’re traveling with kids, this is where you’ll either feel relaxed or stressed depending on heat tolerance and how you manage breaks.

Price and value: what $54.06 really buys

The price shown is $54.06 per person, and that’s where the math gets interesting. You’re getting professional guide service, hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch included. Those items alone usually cost real money in a separate booking.

Then you add the likely extra admission costs:

• Aspendos Theatre: €15.00 per person (not included)
• Kursunlu Waterfalls: €2.00 per person (not included)

On the plus side, Side Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo are listed with free admission. So you’re not paying entry fees for every stop, and that keeps the day from becoming a constant add-on expense.

If you don’t buy the Aspendos theatre ticket, you’ll still see plenty from the theatre and ruins blocks, plus the Aspendos bridge stop. If theatre entry matters to you, budget the extra upfront so it doesn’t become a surprise on the day.

Comfort tips for a full day in summer heat

Even if the tour bus is comfortable and clean, summer in this region can be brutal. Some people have noted no air-conditioning on the bus during very hot conditions. That means you should plan as if you might be riding in warm air between stops.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• Water (even if you’ll buy drinks, start the day stocked)
• A light layer you can handle when you step off the sun

Also consider the shade factor. One recurring issue is limited shade around some ruin areas. So don’t plan your schedule around long resting spots. Instead, use quick pauses, step into any shade you find, and trust the meal break and site timing to reset you.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

Book this if you want a structured highlights route that combines Side, Apollo Temple, Aspendos theatre/ruins, and Kursunlu Waterfalls in one day. It’s also a strong fit for families who want a guided plan, a included lunch, and multiple stops that aren’t all hard-hike days.

Skip it or think twice if:

• you need guaranteed English every moment, since language mix can vary
• you hate shop detours and want purely sightseeing time
• you’re very heat-sensitive and don’t want a full-day sun schedule with limited shade

One more point: a maximum group size of 27 is good, but it still means a group pace. If you want long, slow museum-style time, this may feel like you’re moving faster than you want.

Booking verdict: should you choose Alanya to Aspendos, Kursunlu and Side?

I’d recommend booking if you’re looking for a value-packed day: pickup, guide, and lunch included, with big Roman stops plus a waterfall break. It’s especially worth it if you like seeing several key sites without planning your own transportation and ticket timing.

I wouldn’t book as readily if you’re someone who wants zero sales stops, guaranteed language consistency, and lots of shade and downtime. The tour can feel great on a well-managed day, but the success of the experience depends heavily on heat, pacing, and how you handle the shop segments.

If you want a clear rule: if you can handle a full day and you’re flexible about theatre tickets and shop time, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

Lunch, a professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is from your hotel security gate, and you’re also dropped back at your hotel.

Does lunch come with the tour?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour.

Are Aspendos Theatre and Kursunlu Waterfalls tickets included?

No. Aspendos Theatre costs €15.00 per person, and Kursunlu Waterfalls costs €2.00 per person, and both are not included.

Are any sites free to enter?

Yes. Side Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo are listed as free admission.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 9 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

The tour is listed as offered in English.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

You Might Also Enjoy

City of Side: Quad Safari TourAntalya/Kemer: Koprulu Canyon Whitewater Rafting with LunchAlanya: Pirate Ship Cruise with Food and Swimming StopsAlanya Cable Car, Boat Trip and Dimcay Tour