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Today you can learn about Turkey's rich past on a journey to the unspoiled ruins of Perge, the huge well preserved Aspendos Theater, and the ancient ruins of Side. Enjoy lunch by a picturesque river and visit the Manavgat Waterfalls before some time at leisure.
Depart in the morning and visit Perge, the place where most of the statues that are on display in Antalya Museum were unearthed. An important city of ancient Parnphylia, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC. St. Paul visited Perge on his first missionary journey. The theater stage has finely carved marble reliefs, and other carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium. Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora, the public baths and a gymnasium. Then proceed to Aspendos, which bears one of the best preserved Roman theaters in Anatolia. After lunch by the river, visit Manavgat Waterfalls before continuing to Kursunlu Waterfalls. Side is one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey. It was an ancient harbor whose name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty resort town, its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, numerous shops and extensive tourist accommodation attract hundreds of visitors. The magnificent theater of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. Other monuments include the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, which is situated near the sea, a fountain and Necropolis. The extensive Roman baths, now a museum, houses one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections. After some free time on your own in Side, you will return to Antalya. |
