Discover the Ancient Cities and Theaters of Antalya’s Surroundings

This private tour from Antalya takes you on a fascinating journey through history, visiting Perge, Aspendos, and Side—three remarkable archaeological sites from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Priced at $624 per group, accommodating up to 14 people, this 7-hour tour offers a personalized experience led by a licensed guide who shares insights into each location’s past.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of well-preserved ruins, spectacular theaters, including the Aspendos Roman theater known for its amazing acoustics, and a delicious Turkish lunch. The tour is ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and culture, but it requires comfortable shoes and a moderate level of mobility, as the sites involve walking on uneven terrain.

While the duration is well-balanced, travelers should keep in mind that the timing may vary depending on traffic and guide pace. This private excursion offers a detailed glimpse into Antalya’s ancient past with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Private group tour for up to 14 guests at $624 total
7-hour experience including visits to Perge, Aspendos, and Side
Includes hotel pickup, guide, entrance fees, and a traditional Turkish lunch
Highlights: Aspendos theater’s acoustics, Perge’s amphitheater, Side’s Hellenistic ruins
Not suitable for those with mobility issues or large luggage

For broader city exploration in Antalya, we've covered these other tours

Starting in Antalya: Comfortable Vehicle Transfers

This tour begins with hotel pickup in the Antalya region, where a comfortable vehicle transports you directly to the archaeological sites. The pick-up times vary, so checking availability is recommended to coordinate with your schedule. The private nature of the tour ensures flexibility and personalized attention from your licensed guide.

The transfer service is designed to maximize your sightseeing time, so there’s no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or public transportation. The guides are knowledgeable, fluent in languages like English, German, Dutch, Russian, and Danish, and they provide engaging commentary throughout the day.

Exploring the Ancient City of Perge

The first stop is Perge, an ancient Greek city with significant ruins from the Hellenistic period. Here, visitors can see the stadium, Roman gate, Nymphaeum, and Roman baths. The columned street and state agora offer a sense of the city’s layout and grandeur. The impressive amphitheater is a highlight, showcasing Roman engineering and used for entertainment thousands of years ago.

Walking through Perge provides a sense of the scale and sophistication of ancient civilizations in this region. The site is largely open-air, meaning visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking on uneven surfaces.

Marveling at the Aspendos Roman Theater and Aqueducts

Next, the tour visits Aspendos, home to the world-famous Roman theater. With the capacity to hold around 7,500 spectators and spanning 100 meters wide, the theater is renowned for its remarkably preserved architecture and acoustic quality.

The guide explains how the theater’s intricate façade and two-storied stage were built, demonstrating Roman craftsmanship. Adjacent to the theater, you’ll find the Aspendos aqueducts stretching 1.7 kilometers across a valley. These high Roman structures once supplied water from mountains located 15 km away, with some sections reaching 30 meters in height.

Visiting the aqueducts provides a glimpse into ancient engineering feats. These structures are among the highest Roman aqueducts still visible in Turkey, making them a striking sight amid the natural landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Enjoying a Traditional Turkish Lunch

After exploring Aspendos, the tour includes a delicious Turkish lunch. The meal offers an authentic taste of regional cuisine, giving visitors a chance to relax and recharge amid the historical sites. The guide shares insights into the local dishes and culinary traditions, enriching the cultural experience.

The lunch is part of the all-inclusive package, so guests can enjoy local flavors without extra expense. The timing allows for a leisurely break before heading to Side.

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Antalya

Discovering the Ancient City of Side and Sunset Views

The last stop is the ancient city of Side, once a Hellenistic and Roman port city associated with Alexander the Great. Visitors can explore the Agora, theater, and the Apollo Temple, built in the 17th century BC. The white marble columns from the Hellenistic Temple of Athena are particularly notable and located near the harbor.

As daylight wanes, the tour offers the opportunity to watch the sunset from the Temple of Athena or nearby vantage points, providing a picturesque end to the day. The ruins and seaside setting make Side a scenic spot that combines history with natural beauty.

Practical Details: Group Size, Accessibility, and What to Bring

This private tour caters to small groups, with a maximum of 14 guests, ensuring a personal experience. The guided commentary is available in several languages, including English, German, Dutch, Danish, and Russian.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, hats, and sunglasses to cope with the outdoor sites and sunny weather. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues, heart problems, or wheelchair users, due to walking on uneven terrain and site accessibility.

Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the tour, and travelers are advised to leave oversize luggage behind. The tour’s timing can be adjusted based on availability but generally lasts about 7 hours.

The Value of a Private, Fully Guided Experience

For $624 per group, this tour offers a comprehensive and flexible way to see Antalya’s ancient sites. The hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and lunch are all included, making it a convenient package.

The personalized guidance enhances understanding of each site, with live guides sharing stories and answering questions in multiple languages. This tour provides a well-paced, informative experience suitable for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private trip works best for those wanting an intimate exploration of Antalya’s nearby archaeological treasures. It suits visitors interested in Roman architecture, ancient theaters, and Greek ruins. The lunch and hotel pickup add convenience, while the full-day schedule means it’s ideal for travelers with a full day to dedicate to sightseeing.

People with mobility restrictions or those traveling with large luggage should consider alternative options, as some sites involve walking on uneven surfaces. The guided insights make it a valuable choice for those eager to learn about the region’s historical significance.

The Sum Up: A Rich Journey Through Ancient Civilizations

The From Antalya: Perge, Aspendos & Side Private Tour offers a thorough exploration of Turkey’s ancient past within a manageable 7-hour timeframe. The inclusion of Perge, Aspendos theater, and Side ensures a varied experience, combining Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic sites.

The guided attention to architectural details, the spectacular theater acoustics, and the delicious Turkish lunch make this tour memorable. Its private setting guarantees personalized service, ideal for those seeking an immersive historical outing. Travelers who value comfort, expert guides, and in-depth site visits will find this tour well worth the cost.

Ready to Book?

From Antalya: Perge, Aspendos & city of Side Private Tour

4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to all sites, a licensed guide, and a traditional Turkish lunch.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour requires moderate walking on uneven surfaces; therefore, it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I customize this tour or choose different start times?
Availability depends on the schedule, but reservations can be made ahead of time, and timing may be adjusted based on your needs.

Are drinks or personal expenses included?
Drinks and personal expenses are not included in the tour price, other than the provided lunch.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, Dutch, Danish, and Russian to accommodate a variety of travelers.