Antalya: Ancient Perge, Aspendos Theater & City of Side Tour

Introduction

This well-reviewed day trip from Antalya offers a chance to step back thousands of years into the history of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. For those fascinated by ancient civilizations or just eager to see stunning ruins, this tour packs a lot into one day.

What makes it appealing? First, the expert guides make the stories of these sites come alive, transforming mere stones into vivid tales of the past. Second, the comfortable transport and well-organized itinerary mean you spend more time exploring and less time waiting. Third, the delicious local lunch and opportunity to browse regional crafts add an authentic flavor to the experience.

One potential consideration is that the tour is quite long and involves a fair amount of walking, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable on their feet and with an interest in history. If your time in Antalya is limited and you want a comprehensive glimpse of ancient sites, this trip could be perfect.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, and anyone looking for an active, educational day out that balances sightseeing with cultural flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering three major ancient sites in one day
• Knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life
• Excellent value at around $33 with lunch, entry fees (if added), and transportation included
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transport making the long day more manageable
• Balanced pace with enough free time for photos and exploring
• Authentic local meal that adds regional flavor

An Overview of the Tour

The Antalya: Ancient Perge, Aspendos Theater & City of Side Tour is a full-day adventure that whisks you through history, scenery, and culture. It’s run by TOURMANIA and gets high marks for its balance of quality, value, and engaging storytelling.

Starting with hotel pickup in Antalya, your day begins comfortably on a well-coordinated coach. The guides are seasoned professionals, often praised for their deep knowledge and friendly attitude. They weave storytelling with facts, making each site feel more alive.

The tour’s core appeal is in its three stops: Perge, Aspendos, and Side — all of which reveal different facets of ancient life.

The First Stop: Perge — A Roman City in the Heart of Pamphylia

Perge is probably the most extensive archaeological site on the tour, and it’s a highlight for many travelers. Once a thriving Roman city, it offers impressive ruins that give a real sense of what life may have been like back in antiquity.

Walking through Perge, you’ll see the monumental gates and the 500-meter colonnaded street — imagine bustling markets and chariot races that once filled this space. The stadium here is especially notable; it once held thousands of spectators for gladiator fights and athletic contests.

Tour reviews mention how the guide’s explanations help paint a vivid picture: “Very knowledgeable,” says one reviewer, “helping us understand the significance of each ruin.” Many appreciate how the large site is walkable but still sprawling enough to require a good pair of shoes.

You’ll also see the Roman baths with intricate stonework and the Bronze Age acropolis, adding layers of history from different eras.

Aspendos: The Theater That Has Outlived Empires

Aspendos steals the show for many visitors because of its unbelievably well-preserved Roman theater. Built in 155 AD, it is famous worldwide for its astonishing acoustics and architecture.

Climbing the stone steps, you’ll get sweeping views over the amphitheater’s interior and beyond. You can almost hear the echoes of ancient performances — from gladiatorial battles to lively concerts.

One thing that keeps coming up in reviews is how the theater still hosts performances today, a testament to its superb condition. “It’s like stepping into a movie set,” one guest said, noting how the structure’s acoustics still work perfectly.

After exploring, the guide might point out how Aspendos’s theater is considered one of the world’s best-preserved and provides invaluable insight into Roman engineering skills.

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Lunch: A Taste of Turkey

Midway through the day, you’ll stop for a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Reviewers frequently praise the meal, describing it as delicious, plentiful, and authentically regional.

This break isn’t just about refueling — it’s also a welcome chance to chat with fellow travelers, relax, and soak up the local atmosphere. The menu typically features regional salads, grilled meats, and fresh bread, with some reviewers noting “the salads were especially tasty.”

The lunch is part of the value, making this tour not just about sightseeing but also about experiencing Turkish hospitality.

The Charm of Side: Ancient Ruins and Seaside Magic

The final stop is Side, an ancient port city with a vibrant history and stunning seaside views. Walking through Side’s fountains, marble columns, and agora, you get a real sense of a bustling ancient city by the Mediterranean.

The Temple of Apollo is the undisputed star here — perched right at the water’s edge, it offers an iconic photo opportunity with the sea glittering behind it. Visitors often mention how surreal it feels to stand there, imagining ancient sailors and traders.

A common highlight in reviews is the chance to browse a local shop — a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs, from regional crafts to authentic products, supporting local artisans and taking home more than just memories.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Comfort

This tour’s coach is air-conditioned, making those hot summer days much more bearable. Many reviews highlight the comfortable seating and punctual pickups, which help make the long day feel seamless.

The itinerary is carefully planned to maximize sightseeing while allowing enough free time in each location. For example, visitors generally have around 45 minutes in Side, which fits well for a quick explore and photos without feeling rushed.

The total cost is approximately $33 per person, which covers transportation, lunch, and entry fees if selected. Some reviews note that entry fees (~$30) are payable on the day if not included, so it’s wise to bring cash.

The tour runs in English, and booking is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, ideal for last-minute planners.

What We Love About This Tour

The expert guides, often praised for their storytelling and responsiveness, turn historical facts into engaging narratives. One reviewer called their guide “very knowledgeable and worked hard to make the day enjoyable,” which is common praise across reviews.

The sites themselves are spectacular — from the Roman grandeur of Perge to the acoustics of Aspendos and the seaside serenity of Side. The combination offers a well-rounded picture of Turkey’s ancient past.

The value for money is notable, especially considering the included lunch and entry fees. For around $33, you get a full-day tour with transportation, expert commentary, and enough free time to enjoy each site.

Finally, the local restaurant lunch is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to experience authentic Turkish cuisine in a friendly setting, often highlighted as a memorable part of the day.

What to Keep in Mind

While the tour is highly rated, it is long and packed. If you’re not used to walking or standing for extended periods, it may feel tiring. The heat can also be an issue, as some reviews mention the day can get very hot, especially in summer months. Bringing sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water is recommended.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as some sites involve uneven terrain.

Also, if you’re someone who prefers free time over guided commentary, the scheduled stops might feel a bit rushed, although most reviews praise the balance.

Who Should Book This Tour?

It’s great for history enthusiasts eager to see well-preserved ruins and learn stories from knowledgeable guides. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip in a single package, avoiding the hassle of organizing transport and entries on their own.

If you have a limited time in Antalya but want to see the highlights of its ancient past, this tour offers excellent value. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to heat and long days, consider whether this is the right fit.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rich, engaging look at some of Turkey’s most important ancient sites. The combination of well-preserved ruins, spectacular theater, and seaside temples creates a memorable experience for anyone interested in history, culture, or stunning scenery.

The guides’ expertise and friendly approach elevate the experience, making complex stories accessible and fun. The value for money is evident, with a well-organized schedule, comfortable transport, and authentic meals that truly enhance the day.

While the day is quite full and the heat can be intense, most travelers agree that the sights and stories make it worthwhile. Whether you’re a history lover or just want a meaningful day outside the city, this tour delivers a satisfying blend of education, scenery, and local flavor.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes guide services, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entry fees if you select that option.

How much are the entry fees?
Entry fees are approximately $30 and are payable on the day of the tour if not included in your booking.

How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day experience, generally lasting around 8 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the evening.

Is the tour suitable for kids or elderly?
It’s best suited for those comfortable walking and standing for periods; elderly or mobility-challenged travelers might find some sites challenging.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are highly recommended.

Are there free time options?
Yes, most stops include free time for photos and exploration, especially at Side, where you typically get around 45 minutes.

Can I book without paying now?
Yes, the booking allows you to reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility.

Is the tour bilingual?
The tour is conducted in English, according to the provider.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
Absolutely — at $33, it includes transportation, a guide, lunch, and entry fees, providing a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.

This tour from Antalya offers a fantastic way to connect with the ancient stories of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, all while enjoying comfortable logistics and authentic experiences. Perfect for history buffs or anyone wanting to see a lot in one day, it’s a memorable journey through time.

You can check availability for your dates here: