Alanya to Aspendos, Kursunlu Waterfalls and City of Side Tour

A Roman-style day, with a waterfall break. This tour strings together Side, Aspendos, and Kursunlu Waterfalls into a single 9-hour loop that feels like the highlights reel of the region. You get free hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and lunch, so the day runs without you having to coordinate buses or tickets.

Two things I really like. First, the lunch is included, which matters on hot days when you do not want to guess where to eat. Second, the guide experience can be a big part of the payoff, and I like the way some guides bring the sites to life with clear, entertaining explanations.

One thing to consider: you will pay extra at two stops, and some days include additional sales-focused stops. Aspendos Theatre costs extra (listed at €15 per person), and Kursunlu Waterfalls has a small entry fee (€2 per person), plus drinks are not included.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go

• Free entry at Side and the Apollo Temple keeps your total cost down
• Lunch included means you can spend your mental energy on sightseeing
• Aspendos Theatre and Ruins need extra tickets so plan for that payment
• Kursunlu Waterfalls is your cooldown window, but the time there is short
• Expect a family-friendly day, with a group size capped at 27
• Shopping stops can slow the day, so decide in advance how you want to handle them

Hotel Pickup From 8:30, Then a Tight Route

The tour starts at 8:30 am, with pickup from your hotel’s security gate. That “security gate” detail matters because it keeps the process organized, even though you still want to be ready a few minutes early. The group is limited to 27 travelers, which is large enough to feel like a real tour bus day, but small enough that you are not completely lost in the crowd.

You are on the clock for a long day (about 9 hours), so I treat this as a “see the key places, not linger all day” kind of outing. Comfortable shoes help, because you are walking through ancient areas and then shifting gears again at the waterfalls.

One practical note I’d take seriously: some people have flagged bus comfort issues and the hot conditions during the day. If you are heat sensitive, pack sun protection, and keep an eye on shaded spots when you get them.

Side Ancient City: A Free Hour to Get Your Bearings

You start with Side Ancient City for about 1 hour, and admission is listed as free for this stop. This is the moment to orient yourself, because Side is a site where the best photos and viewpoints often come from wandering a little and finding the right angles.

Even if your time feels short, this stop has value because it is early, and you are still fresh enough to notice details in the stonework and street layout. It is also a shopping-friendly area, and I like the advice to save souvenir browsing for Side. The stalls here tend to match the “classic tourist walk” vibe, so you can buy without feeling rushed at the later stops.

If you travel with kids, this is a good segment to let them move a bit. The tradeoff is that an hour can disappear quickly if the group gets separated while people shop or take photos.

Apollo Temple and the Side Old-School Viewpoints

Next is the Apollon Temple area, scheduled for about 2 hours with free admission listed. This is where the tour leans more scenic and architectural, with time for you to slow down and actually look at what is left of the ancient structure.

I like this stop because it gives you time to breathe between the bus ride and the later major site viewing. You can usually make this into a simple strategy day: photos first, then a relaxed walk while your guide explains what you are seeing.

Just keep expectations realistic. Two hours sounds like a lot, but the heat and walking pace can shrink it. Bring water, and if you see shaded corners, use them fast.

Aspendos Theatre: Where the Extra Ticket Makes Sense

Aspendos Theatre is one of the headliners on this route, with about 1 hour scheduled. The admission ticket is not included, and the listed cost is €15 per person, so you will want to be mentally ready for a paid entry moment.

I also like that this theatre stop is paired with more time at the surrounding Aspendos ruins, because it turns a single ticket into a bigger overall experience. Some guides also turn this stop into a story, with clear, engaging explanations that make the place feel more than just a photo backdrop. Names like Necati show up with strong praise for how he connects history and on-the-spot questions, which can make the paid time feel more worthwhile.

Be aware of pacing. A few people have said the day can feel rushed or that the bus schedule compresses breaks in hot weather. If you tend to get tired quickly, this is the segment to lean into extra hydration and quick rest moments.

Aspendos Ruins and the Aspendos Bridge Stop

After the theatre, you head to Aspendos Ruins for about 1 hour, with admission also listed as not included. There is also an additional stop at Aspendos Bridge, which is short but useful for a change of scenery and a quick photo break.

This part of the tour works best if you treat it like wandering time. The ruins are the type of place where you learn by looking. If you want richer context, ask your guide questions, because the value here is not just the stones, it is the explanation that connects the pieces.

One reason this segment is often a highlight is that you can move at a pace that fits your group, especially if the guide is good at balancing attention with freedom. If you have mobility concerns, aim to stay near the front of the group to reduce the risk of losing time while you wait.

Kursunlu Waterfalls: A Short Walk and a Needed Cool Down

You end with Kursunlu Waterfalls for about 1 hour, and the admission ticket is not included, listed at €2 per person. This is your weather breaker stop. Even if you do not expect dramatic views, it is still a nice change from the stone sites and gives your day trip energy a reset.

Expect it to be a walk. I would wear shoes you can trust on uneven ground, because waterfall areas tend to have surfaces that are not meant for slippery sandals. Bring water if you tend to sweat a lot, because the schedule does not leave you hours to recharge.

This stop is short by design, so it is not the kind of waterfall hike where you disappear for a half day. It is a highlight snack, not a full meal.

Lunch Included, Drinks Extra: How to Keep the Day Smooth

Lunch is included, and people have praised it as tasty and fresh. I like that because lunch is usually where day trips fall apart, and here the day gives you a set meal so you do not lose time hunting for food.

Drinks are not included, so you will likely want to plan on purchasing bottled water or other drinks once you are on the ground. When the weather is hot, skipping hydration becomes a fast way to kill your mood, and the itinerary does not build in long breaks to sit comfortably.

If you travel as a family, lunch is also a stress reducer. A group meal helps keep everyone on the same timing rhythm, especially with kids who need predictable pauses.

The Real Deal on Shopping Stops: Jewelry and Turkish Delight

While the core of the day is ancient sites and a waterfall visit, some departures include sales-oriented stops. One review described being taken into a jewellery store and later to a Turkish delight shop.

I am not against shopping on a tour when it is optional. The issue is time and pressure. If you dislike being pushed to look at merchandise, treat these stops like a quick walk-through, set your boundaries, and keep your eyes on the schedule.

If you do enjoy Turkish sweets, this is a reasonable moment to buy something you can carry home. For many people, that is more satisfying than buying the same mass-produced trinkets later on.

Price and Value Breakdown for $54.06

At $54.06 per person, this tour looks like a classic value package for a one-day mashup of sites. What you get included is what matters: hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and lunch.

Then you add the extras you should expect:

• Aspendos Theatre: €15 per person
• Kursunlu Waterfalls: €2 per person
• Drinks are not included

So your realistic out-of-pocket total is roughly €17 on top of the base price, plus whatever you spend on drinks and snacks. That is not scary for a full day, especially since Side Ancient City and the Apollon Temple stop both have free admission listed.

The value equation gets better if you take the guide seriously. When the guide is engaging, the paid theatre time feels more connected. When the day is compressed, you can still enjoy the sites, but you will be doing more sightseeing and less digesting.

Group Size, Language, and Guide Style (What You Can Hope For)

The tour is listed as offered in English, and the group size is capped at 27. That said, some people have reported that the main language on their day leaned more toward other languages than English, so I would not count on every explanation being perfectly timed to your preferences.

Still, the guide experience can be excellent. Names like Necati have shown up with strong praise, and Ibrahim has also been mentioned for being a friendly, safe driver. There are also comments about guides answering questions well and explaining history clearly, with one guide described as delivering like a Roman orator.

What this means for you: if English matters deeply, ask at booking or confirm in writing that your departure will be guided in English. If you are flexible, you can still enjoy the day because the sites themselves do a lot of the work.

Timing, Heat, and Comfort: What to Plan for in Summer

This route is scheduled as a full-day loop, and the geography means you are often outside. Some reviews mentioned a hot day, little shade around ruins, and limited sit-down breaks. Another point people raised is that the bus may not have strong air conditioning.

My practical advice is simple:

• wear sun protection and breathable clothing
• carry water, and take sips early, not only when you feel thirsty
• bring something small for sitting comfort if you like resting during breaks

If you get tired in the heat, you will appreciate the fact that the waterfalls segment gives you a short reset. If you love lingering, you might find the time windows feel tight, especially at Aspendos and in Side.

Who This Alanya to Aspendos and Side Tour Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you want a family-friendly day with big-name ancient stops and an easy add-on waterfall break. Moderate physical fitness is suggested, which makes sense given walking time at Side and Aspendos plus the short stroll at Kursunlu.

I would also recommend it for first-time visitors to the region who want the highlights without planning. The free hotel pickup removes a major headache, and lunch included is the kind of practical detail that makes day trips actually feel doable.

If you are the type who wants long, slow museum-style pacing at each site, you may prefer a slower itinerary. The structure here is efficient, and you get value by moving with the schedule.

Should You Book This Tour?

I would book this tour if your priority is a guided, low-planning day that hits Side, Apollo Temple, Aspendos Theatre, Aspendos Ruins, and Kursunlu Waterfalls without you stitching together transport and ticket timing. The value math works well because free admissions cover part of your spend, and lunch plus pickup make the day easier.

I would hesitate if you are very sensitive to heat, strongly prefer minimal shopping stops, or need guaranteed English throughout every explanation. In that case, you might look for an itinerary with more flexible pacing or clearer language guarantees.

If you are happy with a full day of highlights, a guide who keeps things lively, and a couple of paid entry moments, this is the kind of tour that delivers a lot for your time.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 8:30 am and runs for about 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, with pickup from your hotel’s security gate.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a professional guide, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off. You also get a mobile ticket.

Which attractions cost extra tickets, and what are the prices?

Aspendos Theatre costs €15 per person and Kursunlu Waterfalls costs €2 per person. Admission for Side Ancient City and the Apollon Temple is listed as free.

Is lunch included, and do I need to budget for drinks?

Lunch is included. Drinks are not included, so you should expect to purchase beverages separately.

What languages is the tour offered in?

English is listed as the language offered. Some departures may not use English consistently for every part of the day.

Is this tour family-friendly, and what fitness level do I need?

The tour is described as family-friendly, and you should have a moderate physical fitness level for the walking involved.