Antalya Archaeological Tour: Perge, Aspendos & Side

A 15,000-seat Roman theater that still echoes with live performances

A full-day archaeological tour from Antalya visits three major sites of the Eastern Mediterranean: Perge, founded around 1000 BC and later visited by St. Paul; Aspendos, home to the world's best-preserved ancient theater; and Side, where Roman temples, baths and a monumental fountain still stand. Private transport, lunch and a guide in your chosen language are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Perge1h 30m · entry included
2. Aspendos1h 30m · entry included

Explore Antalya's ancient landmarks

• Visit ancient city of Perge
• Explore Aspendos Ancient City
• Tour ancient ruins of Side
• Return to hotel or airport

The experience

The tour starts at Perge, an ancient city of Pamphylia that changed hands from Persian to Greek to Roman rule over nearly a thousand years. What remains today are the structures the Romans built: a 15,000-seat theater, a public square, a gymnasium, Roman baths and a 2nd-century nymphaeum. Recent excavations uncovered thirteen ancient sculptures, including the only complete work by Emperor Caracalla and figures of Selene, Aphrodite, Athena and other deities. The scale of what survives (the imposing gates, the necropolis beyond the city walls) gives a sense of Perge's former importance.

Aspendos comes next, and the theater is the reason. Built in the 2nd century and still used for concerts, it seats 15,000 and the acoustics are so precise that a whisper from the stage carries to the highest gallery as if spoken by the gods. The legend attached to it (that the architect Zenon won a competition and the ruler's daughter by building a theater superior to the aqueducts his rival had constructed) is part of what the guide will tell you. Beyond the theater stand the remains of the aqueduct system that supplied the city's water, one of the largest in Anatolia.

Side, the final stop, sits behind a Main Gate flanked by towers and facing a monumental fountain from the 2nd century. That fountain, with its three arches and basin, is Anatolia's largest surviving example. The city itself holds the remains of temples, churches, Roman baths, a mausoleum and an agora, all in good condition. The Manavgat River once fed the aqueducts that supplied the fountain. Sections of those aqueducts are still visible. After Side, the tour returns you to your hotel or airport.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• lunch.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• WiFi on board.
• parking fees and fuel surcharge.
• a live guide in your chosen language.

Options for this experience

2 options

Prime LanguagesGuide in 4 languages · No fixed timeThis tour is available in English, German, French and Turkish. Other language options are also available. Pickup is included.

Other LanguagesGuide in 6 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:00This tour can be booked in Spanish, Italian, Russian, Greek, Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Arabic and other languages. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Deren Koray Tourism

Is this one for you?Book the Prime Languages option if your preferred language is English, Spanish, Italian or French. Choose Other Languages if you need one of the six additional languages available. Both options include the same three sites, transport and lunch. The difference is only the guide's language.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, French, German and Turkish. In Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Russian and Chinese, with 5 departure times.

What was Perge's role in early Christianity?

Perge was visited by St. Paul during his first missionary journey, making it a significant site in the spread of Christianity through the Mediterranean region.

Is the Aspendos theater actually used for events today?

Yes, Aspendos still hosts concerts and performances. Its 2nd-century construction and exceptional acoustics have kept it in active use for nearly two thousand years.

What is the monumental fountain at Side's Main Gate?

Built in the 2nd century with three wide arches and a basin, it is Anatolia's largest surviving ancient fountain. Originally three stories tall and decorated with marble, only one level remains today, though some decorative details are still visible.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs six to seven hours, including transport between the three sites, time to explore each location and a lunch break.