Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater & Side Guided Tour

If you’re visiting the Antalya region and looking to connect with its incredible ancient sites, this guided tour covering Perge, Aspendos, and Side offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. It’s a well-organized trip that combines history, architecture, and scenic views, making it a great way to spend a day exploring some of Turkey’s most iconic archaeological sites.

What really makes this tour stand out are the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see well-preserved Roman ruins up close. Plus, the included lunch and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off make it a hassle-free experience. However, it’s a fairly long day — around nine hours — so if you’re not used to full-day excursions, it’s worth considering how you feel about spending most of the day on the bus.

One potential downside is that the itinerary is quite packed, meaning you’ll be on the move a lot. That said, if you love history, architecture, and a smooth, guided experience, this tour will likely suit you well. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer to see multiple sites with expert commentary rather than exploring on their own.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, those keen on Roman architecture, or anyone wanting a rundown of the ancient sites around Side. It’s also a good choice if you want a break from solo sightseeing and prefer the company of a small group and a guide’s insights.

Key Points

• Incredibly knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with detailed stories and local insights.
• Well-preserved Roman ruins like the grand Aspendos theater are stunning and worth seeing in person.
• The trip includes a traditional Turkish lunch, which adds to the cultural experience.
• The tour is full-day and packed, so be prepared for a lot of walking and sightseeing.
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel make logistics simple and stress-free.
• It’s suited for anyone interested in ancient history and architecture, especially those who enjoy guided tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Ancient Sites

Perge: The Roman City That Tells a Story

Our journey begins at Perge, an ancient city that was once a thriving Roman metropolis. It’s a place where you can really walk among history, with towering city gates, ancient baths, and a grand colonnaded street that stretches about 500 meters. As you stroll through, you’ll notice marble columns and fountains that have endured for nearly two millennia.

Our guide, who’s clearly passionate and well-informed, shared stories of how this city once hummed with activity and was a hub of commerce and culture. One reviewer mentioned how they appreciated the guidance of Recep, noting he was both knowledgeable and helpful. It’s these insights that turn a simple walk through ruins into a captivating story about the past.

Aspendos: The Roman Theater and Its Architectural Marvel

Next, we headed to Aspendos, famous for having one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. The theater is an incredible sight, with its precise architecture and large seating capacity that could hold thousands. The acoustics are reportedly so good that performances can still be held there today, almost 2,000 years after it was built. For many, this is a highlight of the trip.

The guide explained the history of Aspendos and how it was used for performances during Roman times. One traveler raved, “the sites visited were spectacular,” emphasizing the theater’s magnificence. It’s a place that really makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time, imagining the crowds that once filled those stone seats.

Side: A Coastal City with Ancient Charm

The final stop is Side, a city where Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences collide. Its ancient ruins sit right next to the modern town, with temples overlooking the sea. The Temple of Apollo is a must-see, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the coast. Our guide took us through the ruins, explaining their significance and history.

The overall vibe here is relaxed, with the sound of waves in the background. Many reviews mention how well-organized the visit was, with some travelers noting the beautiful views and the opportunity to take photos. After touring, you get some free time to explore, shop, or just soak in the scenery.

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The Day in Detail

Comfortable Transportation and Timing

Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, which is a relief after hours of walking in the heat. The itinerary starts with a pickup from your hotel in Side, and the entire journey, including transfers, lasts about 9 hours.

The stops are well spaced out, allowing enough time at each site to explore without feeling rushed. Reviews mention small group sizes, which help facilitate a more intimate experience and easier interaction with your guide.

The Guided Experience

Expect your guide to provide live commentary in English, sharing interesting facts, historical context, and answering questions. The reviews highlight guides like Össi/Asi and Ozzy as friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Their enthusiasm and insights turn what could be just walking around ruins into a lively storytelling session.

Lunch and Additional Stops

A local restaurant provides a tasty Turkish meal, often praised for its flavor, making it a nice cultural addition. After lunch, there’s a visit to the visitor center, where you can shop for souvenirs and learn a bit more about the sites.

What to Expect in Terms Logistics

You’ll need to wait at your hotel’s security gate for pickup, which is quite straightforward. The entire experience is designed to be seamless, with everything arranged in advance. The tour includes skip-the-line access at the sites, saving you time and hassle.

The Real Takeaways from Reviews

Travelers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, making the day both educational and enjoyable. Multiple reviews mention how spectacular the sites are, particularly the Aspendos theater and the ruins of Perge. The lunch also receives positive remarks for being tasty and providing a good break in the day.

Some reviewers note how well-organized everything was, and many appreciate the small group size, which makes the experience feel personalized. For those who love history and architecture, this tour offers a well-rounded, engaging day.

Possible Downsides

The main consideration is the length and pace of the day. It’s a full 9-hour trip, which may be tiring for some, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues. Also, as the schedule is quite packed, you won’t have much free time at each site to linger.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect if you want a rundown of ancient Roman sites around Side without the hassle of planning individual visits. If you enjoy guided explanations, stunning ruins, and a well-organized schedule, it’s a solid choice. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts or travelers who want to see multiple sites in one day.

If you’re traveling with family or in a group that enjoys learning about history in an engaging way, this experience will likely suit you. However, if you prefer a slow-paced day with lots of free time, you might find the schedule too tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire day lasts about 9 hours, including transfers, guided visits, lunch, and free time.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup is from your hotel in Side, and drop-off is usually back at the same location, making logistics simple.

Is the guide provided in English?
Yes, the tour features a live English-speaking guide who shares detailed insights and answers questions.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll see the ruins of Perge, the Aspendos Theater, and the Temple of Apollo in Side, along with a stop at the visitor center.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish meal is part of the package, and reviews often praise its taste.

How large are the group sizes?
The tour generally operates with small groups, which helps with interaction and easier movement at the sites.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the sites are generally suitable for most ages, and the guides are engaging.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
For many, it’s the Aspendos Amphitheater — one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world — and its impressive architecture.

Can I skip the sites I’m not interested in?
The schedule is fixed, so if you want to linger longer at certain spots or skip others, you should communicate with your guide, but generally, the tour is quite structured.

Final thoughts

If you’re eager to see ancient Roman architecture and want a guided experience that covers the highlights around Side, this tour ticks many boxes. The knowledgeable guides and stunning sites make it a rewarding excursion, especially if you’re interested in history and culture. It’s convenient, well-organized, and offers a lot of value for those wanting a thorough overview in one day.

That said, keep in mind the long hours and the busy schedule. If you prefer a more leisurely, flexible approach, you might want to consider smaller, more relaxed options or self-guided visits. But for a comprehensive, engaging, and comfortable day out, this tour does a solid job of bringing Turkey’s fascinating past to life.

You can check availability for your dates here: