Perge, Aspendos & Side: Ancient Ruins Tour with Lunch

Summary

Roman ruins day trip from Antalya with ancient theaters temples and seaside walks

You’ll wander ancient streets in Perge with a guide who knows every story, hear your own voice echo in Aspendos’ massive theater, share lunch outdoors with local flavors, and watch sunlight spill over Side’s ruined columns by the sea. This day trip leaves you feeling both small and somehow more alive.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Perge was the way the marble felt under my sandals—cooler than I expected for late morning. Our guide, Mehmet, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to let us catch up or just stare at something half-crumbled but still proud. He pointed out old chariot ruts in the stone street and joked about how “traffic jams” haven’t changed much in 2,000 years. There was this faint smell of wild herbs on the breeze—maybe thyme?—and I remember thinking how strange it is to walk somewhere people once shopped for olives and wine.

Aspendos came next. I’d seen photos of the theater but standing there is different—the sound bounces off those stones like you’re inside a drum. Some local kids were testing the echo by singing snippets of pop songs (badly), which made everyone laugh, even our driver. The steps are steep; I almost slipped but caught myself, and Mehmet grinned like he’d seen it all before. He told us about gladiators performing here, which honestly made my heart skip a bit thinking about all that history packed into one place.

Lunch was simple—grilled chicken, bread that smelled like yeast and smoke, tomatoes cut thick. We sat outside near a little shop selling copper trinkets and pomegranate syrup (I bought some; no regrets). In Side, we wandered down to the Temple of Apollo just as the light started getting golden. A stray cat curled around my ankle while I tried to photograph those columns against the sea—didn’t quite get the shot I wanted but maybe that’s fine. There were families strolling by and an old man selling figs from a basket; he offered me one with a nod.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to these places—or maybe just aware of how small my own story is compared to theirs. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Antalya to Perge, Aspendos & Side…well, go hungry for both food and stories. It’s not perfect (my feet hurt after), but I still think about that view over the water at Side when things get too loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Perge, Aspendos, and Side ruins

• Visit Perge Ancient City ruins
• Explore Aspendos Amphitheater
• Browse local souvenir shop
• Tour Temple of Apollo in Side

Top questions

How far is Perge from Antalya?

Perge is located about 17 kilometers from Antalya city center.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the day trip.

Are entrance fees covered?

If you select that option when booking, entrance fees are included.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided as part of your day.

Is there free time in Side?

You’ll have time to explore Side’s old town and waterfront area on foot.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven stones; bring sun protection.

Are there shopping opportunities?

You can browse a local shop for souvenirs during the tour.

How physically demanding is this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness due to walking and steps at sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, entry fees if you choose that option while booking, guided walks through ancient cities with stories from a local expert, time for browsing souvenirs at a small shop along the way, plus a traditional lunch before heading back in the evening.