From Antalya: Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites

History

The Antalya region, part of ancient Pamphylia, was a flourishing hub under Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rule, with its coastal cities thriving as trade and cultural centers from the 2nd century BCE. Perge, the capital of Pamphylia, was a major Roman city founded around 1000 BCE, known for its grand architecture like the Colonnaded Street and Agora, reflecting its wealth and strategic importance. Aspendos, famed for its 2nd-century CE Roman theater, was a cultural powerhouse, hosting performances that continue today. Side, a prominent port city from the 7th century BCE, was a key Roman slave market, adorned with temples and theaters that highlight its maritime legacy.

The Manavgat Waterfall, fed by the Euromedon River, supported ancient agriculture and trade routes, adding natural beauty to the region’s historical tapestry. These sites, preserved within Antalya’s modern tourism landscape, offer a window into Pamphylia’s role as a crossroads of civilizations, with Roman engineering and Hellenistic influences evident in their enduring ruins. This tour connects these ancient marvels, showcasing Antalya’s rich heritage against the backdrop of its Mediterranean allure.

Highlights

• Explore Perge, the ancient Pamphylian capital, with its Roman Baths and Agora.
• Marvel at Aspendos’ 2nd-century Roman theater, one of the best-preserved in the world.
• Discover Side’s Roman ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and ancient theater.
• Enjoy a scenic lunch by a river and visit the powerful Manavgat Waterfall.
• Benefit from an English-speaking guide and wheelchair-accessible transport.

Full Description

Embark on a 9-hour guided day tour from Antalya, starting with a convenient pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads you through the ancient Roman sites of Pamphylia, beginning with Perge, the region’s capital. Wander its 15 km of ruins, including the Roman Baths, Nympharium, Colonnaded Street, Agora, and stadium, learning about its history from the Hellenistic to Roman eras (1.5 hours).

Next, visit Aspendos, home to a spectacularly preserved 2nd-century CE Roman theater with a 15,000-person capacity, still used for modern festivals. Explore its intricate architecture and historical significance (1 hour). Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant by a river, featuring Turkish cuisine with vegetarian options (45 minutes). Continue to Side, a coastal city with Roman ruins like the grand theater, Roman Baths, and the iconic Temple of Apollo. Spend 1 hour of free time exploring the seafront or ruins (1.5 hours total).

Conclude with a stop at the scenic Manavgat Waterfall, marveling at its powerful flow (30 minutes). Return to Antalya via a comfortable transfer, reflecting on a day immersed in ancient history and natural beauty.

Why Choose This Experience?

This day tour offers a comprehensive journey through Pamphylia’s Roman heritage, combining iconic archaeological sites with scenic stops and a riverside lunch. With an expert guide, all entry tickets included, and wheelchair-accessible transport, it’s a stress-free way to explore Antalya’s historical treasures.

Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a blend of culture and nature, the tour balances guided exploration with free time in Side. Its affordability, accessibility, and all-inclusive nature make it a standout choice for discovering Antalya’s ancient wonders in a single day.

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (Antalya hotels)
• English-speaking professional guide
• All entry tickets (Perge, Aspendos, Side, Manavgat Waterfall)
• Lunch at a riverside restaurant (vegetarian options available)
• Air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible vehicle

Itinerary

• Hotel Pickup: Morning transfer from Antalya hotels (30–45 minutes).
• Perge: Guided tour of Roman Baths, Agora, and stadium (1.5 hours).
• Aspendos: Explore the Roman theater (1 hour).
• Lunch: Riverside meal with Turkish cuisine (45 minutes).
• Side: Guided tour of ruins and 1 hour free time (1.5 hours).
• Manavgat Waterfall: Scenic visit and photo stop (30 minutes).
• Return: Drop-off at Antalya hotels (1 hour).

Pricing

From $87 per person

Meeting Point

Pickup from your Antalya hotel lobby; be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time, confirmed via WhatsApp or email the day before. The tour starts early (around 08:00–09:00 AM) to maximize site visits.

How to Get There

• Arrange pickup from your Antalya hotel; confirm time via WhatsApp or email.
• Be in the hotel lobby 10 minutes early for the air-conditioned vehicle.
• For non-hotel guests, contact the operator to arrange a central meeting point.
• Use taxis or local buses to central Antalya if staying outside the pickup zone.
• Verify pickup location on Google Maps to ensure accuracy.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ruins.
• Hat, sunscreen, and water for sun protection and hydration.
• Camera for capturing ancient sites and the waterfall.
• Cash for souvenirs or extra drinks during lunch.

Know Before You Go

• The tour is wheelchair-accessible with an adapted vehicle; some ruins have uneven terrain, so contact the operator for specific accessibility needs.
• Notify the operator of dietary restrictions for lunch when booking.
• The tour operates rain or shine; bring layers for weather changes.
• Moderate walking is required at Perge and Side; not suitable for severe mobility issues.
• Entry tickets are included, ensuring no hidden costs.

Reviews

• The day was excellent. Well-organized and a nice, well-informed guide. The only drawback was the lack of adequate legroom in the vehicle, but the sites were incredible!
• Excellent in every way! Our guide, Fatima, was fantastic—enthusiastic, knowledgeable, great with kids. It’s a long day, but well worth it! One of the most memorable days of our holiday!
• Great trip. We were able to visit the sites we wanted without the stress of driving ourselves. Guide Karim gave enough information without overkill, making the history come alive!