Overview
Start your journey into history with a visit to the ancient city of Aspendos. It is situated 50 km east of Antalya on the banks of Köprüçay River (ancient name Euromydon). Aspendos was one of the most important cities in Pamphylia, its cultural and economic centre. Now it is a very popular tourist sight famous for the Roman amphitheatre built in 155 AD by the architect Zenon during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The theatre of Aspendos is one of the best preserved examples of Roman theatre architecture in the world. Walk up steps of the theatre's tiered seating area, admire all the beauty of its galleries and stage decorations. With a capacity of up to 15,000 people, the amphitheatre is still in use for important cultural events and festivals. Every summer it hosts the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. The world-famous Turkish dance group Fire of Anatolia presents a new program ‘Aspendos Efsanesi’ (meaning Legend of Aspendos) on the stage of the ancient theatre from May till November. So do not miss the opportunity to visit this gorgeous amphitheatre to fully appreciate its grandeur and undeniable historical value.
After lunch we explore the ancient ruins of Side. This spectacular city is situated on a peninsula about 1 km long and 400 m across. Side is a city with a long and rich past, as testified by the numerous ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. What can be seen while walking through the ancient city: nymphaeum (fountain), remains of city walls, agora, amphitheatre, colonnaded streets with many of the marble columns, city gates, ruins of the Roman bath, basilica and three temples. The most spectacular sight is a temple of Apollo, situated in the old harbour of Side. Definitely walk down there to enjoy the ancient columns and stunning views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea.
On the way back to Alanya we visit the famous Manavgat Waterfall. It is situated 40 km from Alanya. The width of the waterfall is about 40 m. Although it falls from a low height (about 3 meters), the white foaming water of the Manavgat Waterfall flows powerfully over the rocks. Shady tea gardens, fish restaurant, cafeteria and souvenir shops near the waterfall make it a great resting spot. This is a place of exceptional beauty, green nature and clean air. During this tour you may also visit the town of Manavgat (the third largest town in the Antalya region) and its mosque (one of the biggest on the Mediterranean side of Turkey, with four minarets and beautiful ornaments inside).
