Departure from the hotel by busses. This full day archaeological tour starts with a visit to Aspendos (1 hr drive) and continues with a visit to the ancient city of Perge (40 min drive). After lunch we drive back to the city (40 min drive). Old town and the museum tours are done in the afternoon as described above.

Perge was a center of native culture and a seat of the worship of Artemis, a purely Anatolian goddess by nature. The apostles Paul and Barnabus located themselves in Perge to begin their missionary work in Anatolia. Perge used to be an important stop for merchants crossing the Pamphylian plain. Linked to the then navigable Kestras River (Aksu) by road and far enough from the sea to be safe from pirates, Perge was destined for early development among the cities of Pamphylia. Its most notable remains include a theater, a stadium, two basilicas, water canals and an agora. It was renowned for its schools of sculpture during the Roman period.

The ancient Pamphylian city of Aspendos is noted for its Roman ruins. A wide range of coinage from the 5^th century BCE onward attests to the city’s wealth, which was based on trade of salt, oil and wool. Aspendos was occupied by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE and was later passed from the Kingdom of Pergamon to Roman rule in 133 BCE. The hilltop ruins of the city include a basilica, an agora, and some rock-cut tombs of Phrygian design. A huge and beautifully preserved theater, possibly the finest in the world, is carved out of the northeast flank of the hill. It was designed by the Roman architect Zeno in honor of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

In the Antalya Archaeological Museum we will have a small lecture about the region and see some of the most magnificent sculptures found especially in Perge. We will also see some intricately decorated sarcophagi and other findings from various ancient cities and prehistoric caves surrounding Antalya. There is also an ethnographical section in the same building. 

Tour details : This tour includes two site visits with flat ground ancient site walk in Perge and a theater visit in Aspendos. The museum is entirely indoors. No hiking or walks on rough surfaces.

Duration : 7 hours

Included: Guide, transportation, entrance fees, Antalya Museum lecturer, parks, lunch, tea, coffee and water, VAT.