Aspendos Theatre, Perge & Side Antique City

Turkey’s Greco-Roman heritage shines brightly at the remarkable historical sites of Aspendos Theatre, Perge, and Side Antique City. Aspendos boasts one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, known for its stunning acoustics. Perge offers a glimpse into ancient urban life, with its grand stadium and column-lined streets. Meanwhile, Side’s impressive Roman ruins, including a theater and agora, captivate visitors. Together, these sites provide a captivating journey through history, showcasing the architectural and cultural achievements of the past. But there’s more to discover about these remarkable destinations…

Key Points

• This full-day small-group excursion from Antalya explores the captivating ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge, and Side, showcasing their well-preserved Roman-era ruins and historical significance.

• Aspendos Theatre, a remarkable 2nd-century AD structure renowned for its exceptional acoustics and intricate design, continues to host performances today.

• Perge Ancient City, a prominent Greco-Roman settlement, offers insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of its former inhabitants through its well-preserved architectural remains.

• Side Antique City, a prosperous ancient port, features an intact theater, temples, and city gates that reflect its prosperous past, with a separate entrance fee for the coliseum.

• The tour includes a visit to either Manavgat or Kursunlu waterfall, providing a serene natural escape and an appreciation of the region’s scenic beauty.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group excursion from Antalya takes visitors on an exploration of three renowned ancient sites – the Aspendos Theatre, Perge, and Side Antique City.

Guided visits are combined with free time for personal exploration, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich history and architecture of these captivating locations.

The tour also includes a stop at either the Manavgat or Kürsünlu waterfall, providing a refreshing break amidst the ancient wonders.

Lunch in the Belkis village is included, adding a local culinary experience to the day’s activities.

With a maximum group size of 15 and convenient round-trip transportation, this tour offers an efficient and enjoyable way to discover Antalya’s archaeological treasures.

Aspendos Theatre

Towering over the landscape, the Aspendos Theatre stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture. Built in the 2nd century AD, this remarkably well-preserved amphitheater could seat up to 20,000 spectators.

Its remarkable acoustics and intricate design make it one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Visitors can marvel at the impressive columns, ornate decorations, and the sheer scale of the structure, which is a true architectural masterpiece.

Despite its age, the Aspendos Theatre continues to host performances, showcasing its enduring legacy and the ingenuity of its Roman builders.

Perge Ancient City

What lies beyond the striking Aspendos Theatre is the ancient city of Perge, a captivating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the vibrant past of this region.

Established in the 7th century BC, Perge was once a prominent Greco-Roman city, boasting impressive architectural remains, including a grand stadium, a towering city gate, and well-preserved streets lined with ornate columns.

Visitors can explore the ancient agora, marvel at the intricate mosaics, and imagine the bustling marketplace that once thrived here.

The Perge excavations have yielded fascinating insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of its former inhabitants, making it a must-visit stop on this comprehensive tour of Antalya’s historical gems.

Side Antique City

After exploring the remarkably preserved remains of Perge, the tour continues to the enchanting ancient city of Side, situated along the scenic Mediterranean coastline.

Once a major port city, Side’s striking ruins showcase its rich history. Visitors can wander through the remarkably intact Roman-era theater, with seating capacity for over 20,000 people.

The ancient agora, temples, and city gates provide a glimpse into Side’s prosperous past. Strolling along the seaside promenade, travelers can imagine the bustling commercial activity that once thrived here.

While the entrance fee to the coliseum is separate, the opportunity to take in Side’s captivating antiquity makes it a highlight of the tour.

Waterfall Stops

Amidst the tour’s exploration of ancient wonders, the itinerary includes a refreshing respite at one of the area’s picturesque waterfalls.

Travelers can choose to visit either the Manavgat or Kursunlu waterfall, both of which offer a serene escape from the day’s activities.

The Manavgat waterfall, cascading over 40 meters high, is surrounded by lush vegetation and a tranquil pool perfect for a cooling dip.

Alternatively, the Kursunlu waterfall features multiple tiers and a scenic boardwalk, allowing visitors to admire the cascading water from various vantage points.

These waterfall stops provide a welcome opportunity to recharge and appreciate the natural beauty of the region amidst the exploration of the ancient archaeological sites.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour’s round-trip transportation is a comfortable way for travelers to reach the ancient sites.

Pickup is available from select accommodations in Antalya, ensuring a seamless start to the day. The air-conditioned vehicles provide a smooth ride between the different destinations, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside views.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does cater to families, with infants permitted to sit on their parents’ laps during the transfers.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a delicious lunch and complimentary bottled water to keep travelers hydrated throughout the day.

While the tour admission fees are covered, there are a few additional costs to consider. Visitors will need to purchase separate tickets to enter the coliseum in Side.

Plus, travelers may wish to bring extra spending money for:

1. Purchasing souvenirs from the local shops.
2. Trying traditional Turkish tea or coffee.
3. Enjoying an optional boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.
4. Sampling local cuisine or drinks not included in the lunch.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have largely praised the overall experience of this tour, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to explore these ancient historical sites.

Many commended the tour’s efficiency in covering multiple locations in a single day. However, some noted the intense heat, especially during summer months, and recommended staying hydrated.

While the lunch received mixed reviews, several participants suggested visiting the Antalya Archaeological Museum to gain additional context on the Perge excavations.

Since You Asked

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or special dietary meal for this tour. The tour operator provides lunch and is typically accommodating of dietary preferences, but it’s best to let them know in advance when booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for seniors or children. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator, White Wolf Travel, as they may offer age-based pricing or other promotional deals to make the experience more accessible.

Can I Purchase Tickets to the Coliseum in Side Separately?

Yes, tickets to the coliseum in Side can be purchased separately from the tour. The tour price excludes these tickets, so visitors have the flexibility to explore the coliseum at their own pace.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Snacks?

The tour includes bottled water, but you can bring your own snacks if desired. Staying hydrated is recommended, especially during the hot summer months, to make the most of this full-day excursion.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary or Timing?

It’s possible to customize the tour itinerary or timing, but it’ll depend on the tour operator. Travelers should check with the tour company about any flexibility in the schedule or attractions visited to meet their preferences.

The Sum Up

Aspendos Theatre, Perge, and Side Antique City offer a captivating glimpse into Turkey’s rich Greco-Roman heritage. Visitors can marvel at the stunning acoustics of Aspendos, explore the ancient urban life of Perge, and discover the impressive Roman ruins at Side. Together, these remarkable sites provide a fascinating journey through history, showcasing the architectural and cultural achievements of the past.