From Antalya: Perge, Aspendos & city of Side Private Tour

Traveling through Turkey’s Antalya region offers a chance to step back into history, and this private tour promises an immersive experience of some of the most iconic ancient sites. If you’re keen on exploring well-preserved ruins and hearing stories of bygone eras, this trip is likely to fit the bill.

What makes this tour appealing is its focus on properly guided visits to spectacular spots like Perge, Aspendos, and Side, with some time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a traditional Turkish meal. One of the biggest perks? It’s a private experience, so you won’t be part of a large crowd, allowing for more tailored interactions and questions.

That said, a potential consideration to keep in mind is the duration and pace. At around 7 hours, it’s a full day, and some might find it a bit packed, especially if traveling with young children or those with limited mobility. The tour isn’t suitable for everyone in that regard.

This trip is best suited for history buffs, culture lovers, and those who appreciate comfortable, guided logistics with the chance to explore at their own pace. If you want a deep dive into ancient cities without the hassle of planning, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Intimate, private group setting for a more personal experience
• Expert guides provide detailed insights into each site
• Comprehensive itinerary covering Perge, Aspendos, and Side
• Delicious Turkish cuisine included, with opportunities to learn about local flavors
• Ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see well-preserved ruins
• Not suitable for mobility-impaired travelers due to walking and site terrain

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a full day of exploring some of the most significant ancient sites near Antalya. What struck us most about this experience is how smoothly it’s organized, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, saving you the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. The vehicle is comfortable, and the group size is kept private, which instantly makes the day feel more relaxed and tailored.

Starting at Perge: Walking Through a Roman and Greek Gem

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, after which you’ll head to Perge, an ancient city that dates back to the Greek and Roman periods. As you wander through the ruins, you’ll see landmarks like the stadium, Roman gate, and the Roman baths — all remarkably intact considering their age.

Walking along the columned streets, it’s easy to imagine what life was like here centuries ago. Many reviews mention how the guide’s explanations bring the site to life, highlighting details like the Hellenistic gate and the impressive agora. One visitor said, “We loved the way the guide shared stories about the city’s history—made everything so much more engaging.”

Perge’s amphitheater, especially, is a highlight. With its impressive size and archaeological features, it offers a real sense of the grandeur of ancient entertainment venues. The site is extensive but manageable, and we found that the pace was just right for taking in the sights without feeling rushed.

Aspendos: The Roman Theater with Amazing Acoustics

Next stop: Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. This theater could hold around 7,500 people and measures roughly 100 meters wide. What’s fascinating is how the acoustics are still perfect, meaning you can sit in the stands and hear your guide talking from the stage as if they’re right next to you.

Many guests comment that standing inside the theater felt like walking into a piece of history. The architecture is highly decorated, and the two-storied stage is a sight to see. The local guide often shares stories about the theater’s history and some of its legendary performances.

A common sentiment is how the theater’s state of preservation makes it easy to imagine how it was used during ancient times. “The acoustics are truly amazing,” one reviewer noted, adding that they could whisper and be heard clearly from the seats.

The Aspendos Aqueducts & Water System Marvels

After the theater, you’ll visit the Apendos aqueducts, which cross a wide valley over 1.7 km. These structures are towering and offer a great photo opportunity, as well as a chance to appreciate Roman engineering. The aqueducts were built to bring water from mountains 15 km away, and their height (up to 30 meters) impresses even those familiar with ancient constructions.

While not many tours include this feature, it’s a highlight for those who love engineering and history. The aqueducts demonstrate the ingenuity that helped sustain Roman cities and are surprisingly well-preserved, even after centuries.

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Lunch and Local Flavors

A highlight of the tour is the traditional Turkish lunch, included in the price. The guide usually picks a local spot, offering dishes that vary but often include fresh, flavorful Turkish staples. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed the food, describing it as a good opportunity to relax and recharge before the afternoon.

The guide’s storytelling continues over lunch, sharing insights about the region’s food culture and how these ancient sites relate to everyday life today. It’s a chance to enjoy authentic flavors while soaking in the local atmosphere.

Exploring Side: The Ancient City and Sunset Views

After lunch, it’s time to explore Side, a city associated with Alexander the Great. The ruins here include the Agora theater, Temple of Apollo, and the Hellenistic Temple of Athena, all positioned near the coast, offering picturesque views.

Walking through Side, you’ll notice the white marble columns and the blend of ancient ruins with a lively harbor area. Some reviews mention how the temples and ruins evoke a sense of awe, especially near sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the historical structures. Watching the sunset from the temple area is often described as a memorable experience.

The Practicalities

Our review of this tour points out that it’s about 7 hours long, so it’s best to be prepared for a full day. The schedule is thoughtfully arranged to allow ample time at each site without feeling rushed, but if you have mobility issues or prefer a more leisurely pace, this might be challenging due to walking on uneven surfaces.

The tour is suitable for travelers who enjoy guided historical explorations and want an in-depth experience with a knowledgeable guide. It’s not designed as a casual or shopping-focused trip but rather a deep cultural dive.

Value for Money and Overall Impression

At $624 for a group of up to 14, the cost breaks down to roughly $44 per person, which is reasonable considering the transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and guide services included. The private aspect adds value, providing personalized attention and a tailored experience.

From reviews, guests appreciate the expert guidance, describing guides as knowledgeable and friendly. The inclusion of delicious food adds a genuine local touch, making the whole day feel well-rounded.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to see well-preserved ruins and learn detailed stories from guides. It suits those who prefer a private, guided day with minimal fuss, especially if you’re interested in Roman architecture and ancient cities.

If you’re traveling with mobility limitations or have health concerns, you might find this tour a bit demanding, given the walking involved. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to combine cultural exploration with good food and comfortable transportation.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel within the Antalya region, which makes planning easier. Be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

How long is the tour? The total experience lasts approximately 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Is the tour suitable for children? The description doesn’t specify, but since it involves walking and site exploration, it’s probably best for older children or teenagers who can handle walking on uneven terrain.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak Danish, Dutch, English, German, and Russian, so check your preferred language when booking.

What’s included in the price? Entrance fees, a traditional Turkish lunch, licensed guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off are included.

Are drinks or personal expenses covered? No, drinks during lunch and personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change.

Overall, this tour offers a well-rounded, educational day exploring some of Turkey’s most impressive ancient sites. The combination of history, architecture, and local cuisine, all in a private setting, makes it a compelling choice for travelers wanting a meaningful cultural experience without the fuss of self-planning. Just keep in mind the physical demands, and you’ll likely come away with a deeper appreciation for the region’s past and present.

You can check availability for your dates here: