9 hours
Daily Tour
20 people
English
Book a captivating day trip to explore the ancient wonders of Perge, Aspendos, and Side. Begin your journey in the morning with a visit to Perge, an integral archaeological site where many statues showcased in the Antalya Museum were discovered. Originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC, Perge served as a significant city in ancient Pamphylia. Notably, St. Paul visited Perge during his inaugural missionary journey. Marvel at the finely carved marble reliefs on the theater stage, explore the stadium displaying carvings from the city and witness the beauty of the long colonnaded road, adorned with mosaics and lined with shops. Other highlights include a grand agora, public baths, and a gymnasium. While most of Perge’s remains date back to the Roman era, the city’s symbol, two towers, marks the starting point of the colonnaded street culminating in the nymphaeum beneath the acropolis.
Aspendos beckons with its main attraction, the splendidly preserved theatre, showcasing the finest example of ancient architectural prowess in Turkey. Constructed with thoughtful precision by architect Zeno during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.), the theatre owes its remarkable preservation to later Byzantines and Seljuks. Immerse yourself in the historical ambiance of Aspendos, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and enduring cultural significance.
The journey continues to Side, the furthest city in eastern historical Pamphylia. Nestled on a peninsula, Side was once a bustling commercial port and is now a popular holiday resort in Southern Turkey. Discover its rich history as we explore the Old Colonnaded Streets, Monuments of Fountains, Agora, and the Temple of Dionysos. The city’s name, Side, means pomegranate, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Key attractions include the Roman-style amphitheater and the imposing Temple of Apollo with its colossal columns.
Wrap up your day with a visit to the scenic Manavgat Waterfalls. The Manavgat River, originating in the Taurus Mountains and flowing to the Mediterranean Sea, forms a breathtaking waterfall just outside of Side. The wide falls create a picturesque backdrop, inviting visitors to swim, picnic, or cruise along the river, making it a perfect conclusion to a day filled with historical exploration and natural beauty.
The primary language for group tour guidance is English or multilingual available. Tours in languages other than English are available exclusively as private tours. Please note that there might be a price variation for different languages. Kindly specify your preferred language for the tour if it's not English!
Tour fees include professional English guide service or assistant service. In half-day tours, meals are not included, but in full-day tours, a set menu or open buffet meal is generally included. Kindly refer to the tour description for a detailed breakdown of included and excluded services.
In group tours, hotel pick-up and drop-off are generally included. Rarely, some tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off or just drop-off. All private tours include hotel pickup and drop-off. Please read the description carefully to find out.
