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1 Day
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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You’ll travel back in time to the days of togas and chariots with this full-day excursion to the ancient sites of Perge, Side and Aspendos. Among the attractions you’ll discover is perhaps the best-preserved Roman theatre of all.
First on the history hit list is the classical city of Perge. This once-bustling Roman port was founded around 1300 BC and the first stop for St Paul on his missionary journeys around the Mediterranean. Take a guided tour, stepping through the triumphal Roman gate to admire the ruined temples, marketplace and fountains. On the column-lined main street, you can even see the grooves in the flagstones created by chariot wheels. There’s also a 12,000-seater stadium and the remnants of a Bronze Age acropolis.
Next, we go to Aspendos to see one of the best-preserved theatres from antiquity. Built 2,000 years ago into a steep hillside and big enough for 15,000 spectators, its perfect acoustics mean that it’s still used for operas and concerts today.
Ancient Side has hardly changed since its days as a getaway for legendary lovers Antony and Cleopatra. Uncover one of southern Turkey’s best-kept secrets with this small group tour. You’ll get to snap photos by the Temple of Apollo, discover the huge Roman theatre and explore modern Side, too.
Side’s location on a compact little headland is as romantic as it gets. Our expert local guide will give you the lowdown on the long history of this once-busy Roman port. You’ll see the marketplace where slaves were traded, the Byzantine hospital and the Vespasian Gate. The ancient theatre, which is still used today, is a sight to behold – it seated up to 20,000 spectators. While the former bathhouse is now a museum with a small but impressive collection of artefacts dug up here.
But one of the most-photographed spots is the Temple of Apollo. Legend says that this second-century seafront shrine was a gift from Antony to Cleopatra. And just beside it is the Temple of Athena – zoom in on the frieze of Medusa heads. Once you’ve explored the ruins, there’ll be free time in modern Side to buy a sizzling kebab at one of the street stalls, or haggle for bargains in the backstreet bazaars. What’s more, for your convenience, this is a small group tour to help you follow the guide better and avoid agglomerations.
Important to remember:
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All sales of next day tour packages are final*.
For all tour bookings made in advance, we require that you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour departure time. This gives us the opportunity to fill your seat if you’re unable to participate. If you choose to cancel before the 24-hour deadline, we can offer a full refund or a voucher of equal value. If you do not cancel prior to the 24-hour deadline, you will not receive a refund or voucher*. All refunds must be collected in person, with original receipt as proof of purchase.
*We understand that unexpected changes can occur due to weather conditions. If your tour is canceled by the operator due to weather or other, unforeseen events, you will receive a full refund or a tour voucher of equal value for a future experience with us.
Start your journey into history with a visit to the ancient city of Perge. It lies 15 km from Antalya and definitely worth your visit. Delve into this impressive archaeological site containing a wealth of ancient ruins, mostly dating back to the Roman period: amphitheater, stadium, Roman gates and city walls, the Agora, the Basilica, Roman baths, and more. Then, continue to Aspendos, which is a very popular tourist sight famous for the Roman amphitheatre built in 155 AD by the architect Zenon during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The Theatre of Aspendos is one of the best preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world. Walk up steps of the theater's tiered seating area, admire all the beauty of its galleries and stage decor. With a capacity up to 15,000 people, it is still in use for important cultural events and festivals. After a hearty lunch, go and explore the ancient ruins of Side, a city with long and rich past, as testified by the numerous ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. The most spectacular sight is a temple of Apollo, situated in the old harbour of Side. Walk down there to enjoy the ancient columns and stunning views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On the way back to Antalya, head to Kursunlu Waterfalls Natural Park, one of the most visited natural attractions in the Antalya region. Though the falls aren't large, they remain very spectacular. Do not leave this place without taking a picture behind the water flow. Go watch ducks, river trouts, and try to see the small crabs hiding under the stones. End the day with a convenient transfer back to your hotel.
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