Manavgat Aspendos Side Tour

In Manavgat Aspendos Side tour you will visit the most outstanding historical and other places of interest in the region of Manavgat-Aspendos and the historical part of Side.

Manavgat is situated on the banks of the emerald river of the same name, that starts in the Taurus Mountains. It is famous for its 40 m wide scenic waterfall. You can enjoy the wonderful views and take photos there.

Aspendos is a world famous city with a giant ancient amphitheater that could host up to 15,000 spectators at a time. This magnificent amphitheatre is over 2000 years old and is still in active use. It hosts the world famous national dance theatre Fire of Anatolia (a visit to the show is available separately, see other tours from Side on our website).

Side is an ancient city that traces its history back to the 7th century BC. In the 9th century A.D. it was completely destroyed by pirates and was almost completely covered in sand, and became known as a ‘ghost town’. It remained abandoned until the end of the 19th century. The new Side next to the old city was built more recently by Turkish immigrants from Greece. Archaeological investigations are now taking place in the old town.

Both transfers, entrance fees, lunch and an English-speaking guide are included in the price of the tour.

Whilst staying in Side it may be a little daunting to venture into the old town without a guide and this excursion is a great way to incorporate a guided tour of the old town of your resort with surrounding places of interest.  The whole region is steeped in history and often without the assistance of a historian and guide one can be left wondering what on Earth they are visiting.  This certainly won’t be the case as your professional guide, takes you expertly to the places of historical value, all the while giving you information and local knowledge about the places visited.

Manavgat is home to the famous manmade waterfalls that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea and are photographed by a large amount of people each year.  Despite their origins being manmade they add to the natural beauty of the area in a way that you might not at first think possible.  There are purpose built observation decks overlooking the cascades and you are certain to take some stunning photographs as you watch the waters foam into the next layer of river before reaching the sea.

Aspendos has been home to many great nations over the millennia from the Greeks to the Romans until they fell into a state of disrepair and began to ruin.  You can still find many buildings still standing there today including an impressive amphitheatre which is still used in the present day for special concerts.  There is often a New Year performance by the National Orchestra here and it is no wonder why when you hear the amazing acoustics for yourself.

A modern coach will be waiting in front of your hotel at approximately 09:30.  Your guide and driver will both welcome you on board as you take your seat for the first leg of the journey.  Your first visit will be to the nearby Manavgat River and Waterfalls.  Here you will have time to enjoy the scenery and take some photographs before boarding the coach.

Your next stop will be at the ancient city of Aspendos and the legendary amphitheatre that has stood the test of time very well.  Your guide will be on hand to give you plenty of interesting facts about the city before you sit down at a traditional restaurant for lunch.

After you are well fed and rested you will head back to the coach once more for your return to side and a visit to the old town.  Here your guide will show you the original walls and the Temple of Apollo as well as many other hidden gems.

You will arrive back at your hotel at around 17:00 feeling suitably tired but happy that you have learned a little of the culture and history that the area has to offer.