Antalya: Perge, Aspendos & City of Side Day Trip with Lunch

Explore Antalya’s Historic Treasures on a Full-Day Tour for $59

This full-day tour in Antalya offers an engaging journey through some of Turkey’s most impressive ancient sites, all for just $59 per person. Starting with convenient hotel pickups, the tour spans approximately 9 hours, giving you a comprehensive look at the region’s Roman and Hellenistic heritage. Highlights include the legendary Aspendos Theatre, the well-preserved Perge ruins, and the bustling ancient city of Side with its theater and temples.

The tour is perfect for those who want to explore Antalya’s historical landmarks without rushing, thanks to a well-planned itinerary and a knowledgeable guide. While entry tickets for Perge and Aspendos are not included, the experience offers excellent value with lunch, transportation, and a guided commentary. It suits travelers with an interest in history and comfortable shoes, and it provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and delicious local cuisine.

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Key Points

• Affordable full-day tour at $59 covering major ancient sites in Antalya Province.
• Includes hotel pickups and lunch on a scenic river-side restaurant.
• Visit Perge, Aspendos, and Side—a rich collection of Roman, Hellenistic, and ancient Greek ruins.
• Aspendos Theatre is the highlight, known as the best preserved Roman theater in Turkey.
• Expert guides provide detailed historical insights at each stop.
• Approximate duration is 9 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Convenient Hotel Pickups and Transport

The tour begins with hotel pickups from designated locations in Antalya, making the start simple and hassle-free. The transportation is included, ensuring a comfortable ride to each of the major sites. This setup is especially helpful for avoiding navigation issues and focusing on the sightseeing.

Once onboard, the journey takes you from the city center to the ancient ruins, with the guide providing contextual background along the way. The group size is manageable, maintaining a friendly and informative atmosphere. The transport and guided service create a seamless experience, letting you relax and enjoy the historical sights without concern over logistics.

Discovering Perge’s Roman and Hellenistic Ruins

Perge, once the capital of the Pamphylia region, offers an exciting glimpse into ancient urban life. The guide leads you through highlights such as the Stadium, Roman Gate, Nymphaeum, Roman Bath, Hellenistic Gate, Column Street, and the State Agora. These ruins showcase a mix of architecture and city planning from different eras, illustrating the area’s long history.

Perge’s extensive remains reflect its importance in antiquity, and the guide’s explanations help bring the site to life. Although entry tickets are not included, the ruins are accessible for exploration, and the site’s size allows plenty of time to appreciate its layout and details.

Aspendos Theatre: A Roman Architectural Wonder

The Aspendos Antique Theatre is the standout stop, renowned for being the best preserved Roman theater in Turkey. Its nearly intact condition allows visitors to imagine the vibrant performances and festivals that once took place here. The theater’s impressive acoustics and meticulous construction make it a must-see.

The guide offers insights into the theater’s history and construction, emphasizing why Aspendos continues to host concerts and events today. Visiting Aspendos provides a sense of the grandeur of Roman engineering, and this site is often highlighted as the most remarkable in the tour.

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Exploring the Ancient Aqueduct and Side’s Ruins

Following Aspendos, the tour visits the Antique water canal, or aqueduct, that once supplied water to the region. The aqueduct’s architecture provides insight into the engineering skills of ancient civilizations. It’s a quick stop, but one that adds to the understanding of the area’s infrastructure.

Next, you’ll visit Side, an ancient city famous for its theater, Agora, and temples built around the 17th century B.C. These ruins give a snapshot of Greek and Roman influence, with the theater offering a dramatic setting overlooking the coast. The site’s lively atmosphere, combined with its historical significance, makes it a compelling visit.

Lunch on the Euromedon River

Midway through the day, the tour pauses for a delicious lunch at a river-side restaurant on the Euromedon River. The setting provides a peaceful backdrop for sampling local flavors. Reviews suggest the fish dishes are particularly popular, adding a tasty break to the sightseeing.

The restaurant’s location enhances the overall experience, blending natural beauty with regional cuisine. The lunch is included in the tour price, making it a convenient and enjoyable aspect of the day.

Visiting Manavgat Waterfall and the Ancient City of Side

After lunch, the tour proceeds to the Manavgat Waterfall, a scenic spot where rushing waters cascade over rocks, offering a refreshing pause. The waterfall is an accessible and picturesque area, perfect for photos and relaxation.

Next, the group explores Side, with its ancient theater, Agora, and temples. The site’s ruins date back to the 17th century B.C., showcasing a blend of Greek and Roman architectural influences. The lively ambiance of Side complements its historical treasures, making it a favorite stop.

Practical Details: Duration, Accessibility, and Tips

The 9-hour tour starts at a time that depends on availability. It’s advisable to contact the operator the day before to confirm pickup times and locations. The tour is best suited for those with comfortable shoes, hats, and light clothing, considering the outdoor nature of the sites.

Physical accessibility is limited for electric wheelchairs or scooters, and the tour explicitly disallows drones, bikes, alcohol, and drugs. The activity is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old or over 140 kg (309 lbs).

Cost, Inclusions, and Additional Expenses

The $59 per person price includes transfers from and to hotels, a guide, lunch, and waterfall entry. However, entry tickets for Perge and Aspendos are not included, which requires an additional purchase upon arrival. Drinks are also extra, not covered by the tour.

Booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel plans.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

This well-rounded itinerary covers key ancient sites with expert guides providing detailed historical context. The inclusion of lunch and hotel pickups adds convenience, especially for visitors looking to avoid logistical hassles.

While you will need to purchase entry tickets separately, the overall price remains affordable considering the transportation, guiding, and meals included. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts eager to explore multiple sites in a single day without feeling rushed.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Experience

This tour appeals to travelers interested in ancient architecture, Roman history, and scenic ruins. It’s great for those who prefer guided excursions, want to learn from knowledgeable guides, and enjoy outdoor exploring in comfortable settings.

The tour’s pace is manageable, making it suitable for most fitness levels, but it’s best for those comfortable walking outdoors for extended periods. The focus on major highlights like Aspendos and Perge makes it a worthwhile choice for history buffs and culture lovers.

Antalya: Perge, Aspendos & City of Side – An Ideal Day Trip for History Lovers

This day trip offers a balanced combination of ancient ruins, natural beauty, and regional cuisine. The expert guidance, scenic stops, and included lunch contribute to a hassle-free experience. Although entry tickets are extra, the overall value remains strong, especially for those wanting a comprehensive look at Antalya’s historical sites.

The 9-hour schedule allows enough time to explore each stop thoroughly, with the flexibility to customize the start time based on availability. This tour suits travelers seeking a culture and an active, outdoor experience in Turkey’s stunning Antalya Province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hotel pickups included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes transfers from and to hotels or specified locations in Antalya.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch at a river-side restaurant on the Euromedon River is part of the tour package.

Do I need to buy entry tickets for Perge and Aspendos separately?
Yes, entry tickets for Perge and Aspendos are not included, and travelers should purchase them separately upon arrival.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, appropriate clothing, and an umbrella are recommended. The tour also advises against bringing drones, bikes, alcohol, drugs, electric wheelchairs, or scooters.

Is this tour suitable for elderly or physically limited travelers?
It is not suitable for people over 95 years old or over 140 kg (309 lbs), and accessibility options are limited for electric wheelchairs and scooters.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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