The Perge, Aspendos & City of Side Full-Day Tour from Antalya promises a captivating journey through the region’s ancient wonders. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of Perge, marvel at the exceptional acoustics of the Aspendos Theater, and discover the remarkably intact city of Side. This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich history and architectural legacy of these remarkable sites. With insights into the bustling activity that once filled these spaces, travelers can imagine the vibrant past that has shaped the region. But to truly understand the allure of this tour, one must…
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Antalya allows visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, and the city of Side, providing insights into the region’s rich history and architectural legacy.
- The tour includes visits to the Hellenistic Gate, agora, and Roman theater in Perge, as well as the well-preserved Aspendos Theater, known for its exceptional acoustic quality.
- Visitors can wander through the remarkably intact ruins of the ancient agora, temples, and theater in the city of Side, once an important Greek harbor and trade center.
- The tour also includes a visit to the Kursunlu Waterfall, offering a contrast to the historical sites and showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from central Antalya hotels, but may present challenges for those with mobility impairments.
Exploring Perge’s Ancient Ruins
The tour begins with a visit to the ancient ruins of Perge, a well-preserved Greek city that was once the capital of the Pamphylia region.
Visitors can explore the Hellenistic Gate, the agora, and the imposing Roman theater, which provides insights into the city’s rich history and architectural legacy.
Perge was an important center of trade and culture, and the ruins offer a glimpse into its prosperous past. Travelers can wander through the remains of temples, baths, and other public buildings, imagining the bustling activity that once filled these spaces.
The tour guide will share fascinating details about Perge’s role as the birthplace of the renowned mathematician Apollonius, adding depth to the exploration of this remarkable ancient site.
Marveling at Aspendos Theater
Next, the tour visits the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theater. Visitors can’t help but marvel at the sheer scale and architectural grandeur of this iconic structure, which has stood the test of time for over two millennia. The guide will explain how this grand amphitheater, with its imposing arches and meticulously crafted seating, was once a bustling venue for theatrical performances and public gatherings.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 12,000 |
| Construction | 2nd century AD |
| Material | Limestone and marble |
| Architectural Style | Classical Roman |
| Acoustic Quality | Exceptional |
The Aspendos Theater’s exceptional acoustics and well-preserved state make it a must-see attraction for anyone interested in ancient Roman engineering and culture.
Discovering the City of Side
After marveling at the impressive Aspendos Theater, the tour now takes visitors to explore the ancient city of Side, a significant ancient Greek harbor and trade center.
Side’s picturesque harbor setting and well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into its storied past as an important commercial hub.
Visitors can:
- Wander through the remarkably intact ruins of the city’s ancient agora, temples, and theater, imagining the bustling marketplace and social center it once was.
- Stroll along the harbor’s edge, taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the remnants of the city’s once-mighty port.
- Discover the archaeological museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts uncovered from the site, shedding light on Side’s rich history.
Visiting Kursunlu Waterfall
Departing from the ancient ruins of Side, the tour heads to the picturesque Kursunlu Waterfall, a scenic natural wonder nestled along a tributary of the Aksu River. Cascading over a series of travertine terraces, the waterfall creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for taking in the natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along the well-maintained walking paths, take in the lush vegetation, and even spot some local wildlife. The waterfall is a popular spot for both relaxation and photography, offering a delightful contrast to the historical sites visited earlier in the day.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Flow | Cascading over travertine terraces |
| Surrounding Landscape | Lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere |
| Activities | Strolling, relaxation, and photography |
Transportation and Pickup Arrangements
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from central Antalya hotels, making the transportation arrangements convenient for participants.
Pickup from other locations like Alanya, Manavgat, Side, Kemer, and Belek aren’t included in the tour. This ensures a smooth and efficient start and end to the day’s activities.
The tour is well-suited for participants with:
- Minimal mobility issues, as the itinerary involves walking through ancient ruins.
- An interest in exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
- A desire for a hassle-free, guided tour experience that covers multiple notable destinations in a single day.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The full-day tour from Antalya includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from central Antalya hotels, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and entrance fees to the historical sites. This ensures a hassle-free and informative experience for visitors.
However, the tour doesn’t offer pickup services from Alanya, Manavgat, Side, Kemer, or Belek. Plus, the tour may not be suitable for participants with mobility impairments, so those with special needs should check with the tour operator beforehand.
Suitability for Mobility Impairments
While the tour includes stops at historic sites with uneven terrain, travelers with mobility impairments should check with the tour operator to ensure the itinerary and accommodations meet their needs.
Some key considerations include:
- The ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, and Side may have steep steps, cobblestones, and other accessibility challenges.
- The Aspendos Theater, though remarkable, has limited ramp access and isn’t fully wheelchair-friendly.
- The picturesque harbor setting of Side may present difficulties for those with limited mobility.
The tour operator can provide guidance on the best ways to navigate these sites and make necessary arrangements to accommodate travelers with special needs. With proper planning, even those with mobility challenges can enjoy the rich historical and natural sights of this captivating region.
Tour Highlights and Attractions
This tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history, showcasing some of the most well-preserved ancient sites in Turkey.
Visitors will explore the ruins of Perge, the ancient Greek city that was once the capital of the Pamphylia region and the birthplace of the renowned mathematician Apollonius.
At Aspendos, they’ll marvel at the impressive Roman theater, one of the best-preserved in the world.
The tour also includes a visit to the ancient harbor city of Side, a significant trade center in its heyday.
Plus, travelers will have the chance to admire the picturesque Kursunlu Waterfall, a scenic natural wonder along the Aksu River tributary.
Recap
This full-day tour from Antalya offers a captivating exploration of some of the region’s most impressive ancient sites.
Visitors can discover the rich history and architectural wonders of Perge, Aspendos, and Side, while also enjoying a visit to the scenic Kursunlu Waterfall.
With convenient transportation and a range of inclusions, this tour provides an immersive experience for travellers seeking to explore the captivating past of this captivating corner of Turkey.
