About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, most operators will try to sell you on "luxury coaches" and "exclusive access," but let’s be real: at the end of the day, it’s about whether the itinerary justifies the early morning lead time. I’ve seen enough "Ancient Wonders" tours to know that many are just glorified bus rides designed to pad out a cruise ship's occupancy rates. However, this specific trek through Pamphylia is one of the rare ones that actually delivers on its ROI. It isn't just a dry history lesson; it’s a high-cadence look at how the Romans actually lived, worked, and—more importantly—engineered their entertainment. Most people forget that these sites aren't just piles of rocks; they were the high-traffic hubs of their day. If you can handle a bit of dust and a lot of walking, this is one of the few tours where the actual experience manages to outperform the glossy brochure.
About the Tour
This comprehensive day trip takes you away from the beachfront all-inclusives of Antalya and drops you straight into the heart of Roman Asia Minor. It’s a fast-paced but rewarding circuit that hits the "Big Three" of Turkish archaeology.
Perge: The Urban Epicenter
Your day starts at Perge, the former capital of Pamphylia. This isn't just a small ruin; it’s a massive 15 km archaeological sprawl. Accompanied by a guide who actually knows their stuff, you’ll navigate the Colonnaded Street and the Nympharium. The scale of the stadium here is particularly impressive, offering a clear look at where the city's social life happened. It’s a great spot to see the sheer "bones" of a Roman city before the afternoon crowds hit.
Aspendos: The Architectural Marvel
Next, you'll head to Aspendos. If you’ve seen one Roman theater, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong. The theater at Aspendos is arguably the best-preserved in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it still boasts a capacity of 15,000 people. What’s truly incredible is that it’s not just a museum piece—it is still used today for international opera and ballet festivals. Standing at the top of the gallery, you really get a sense of the immense scale these ancient builders were working with.
Side: History by the Sea
After a brief stop for lunch at a local riverside restaurant to recharge, the tour moves to Side (pronounced See-day). This port city has a bit of a darker past, having served as the largest slave market in the region during the Roman era. You'll explore the Temple of Apollo—perfect for those "classic" Mediterranean photos—and the Roman Baths. One of the best perks here is the one hour of free time. You can wander the modern shops, grab a Turkish coffee, or just stare at the sea where the ancient harbor once bustled with galleys.
Manavgat Waterfall
On the return leg to Antalya, the tour makes a final stop at the Manavgat Waterfall. While it isn't the highest fall you'll ever see, the sheer power and width of the river is a refreshing palate cleanser after a day spent among sun-baked stone.
What’s Included:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Antalya.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Entry fees to all sites.
- Lunch at a riverside restaurant.
What to Bring:
- Sturdy walking shoes (the terrain is uneven).
- Sunscreen and a hat (the Agora offers zero shade).
- Camera with plenty of storage.
Highlights
- Visit the ancient city of Perge, the capital city of the Pamphylia region
- Stroll through one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in the region
- Get to know the ancient history of the region firsthand
Know before you go
- Please be ready at your hotel lobby for pickup