Cultural Sights of Antalya

The Antalya Region is home to stunningly beautiful and majestic ancient and classical ruins that along with the region's natural beauty have earned it the title of the 'Turkish Riviera'. Antalya features an unrivalled harmony of sea and sun, history and natural beauty and also boasts the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. Once the playground of gods and goddesses, today this ancient city generously shares its secrets with visitors. Antalya is located in a region that was known in antiquity as Pamphylia, which means 'the home of all races'. Over the course of its long history, the region has been home to a wealth of civilizations, more than earning it the right to its name. In the second century BC, King Attalus of Bergama instructed his generals to find him the most beautiful place on earth. When the scouting party from Bergama discovered Antalya, they were bewitched by its beauty and agreed that this must be the most beautiful place on earth. And on the basis of their report, King Attalus founded a city, known originally as Attaleia which today is Antalya. This tour, especially created for the discerning traveller takes in the cultural and historic sights accompanied by good food, excellent accommodation and top class English speaking guides.

Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival in Antalya

Arrive Antalya Airport and transfer to the Marina Hotel set in the picturesque old city of Antalya (Kaleici), with its cobbled streets and small harbour. A hotel where you can experience the 'real' Turkey.

Day 2 - Termessos

Leave for a 40 minute coach ride to Termessos. which is perhaps the most interesting ancient city in the Antalya region. It is a Psidian city built at a height of 1050 meters in the Taurus Mountains. Termessos constitutes an unusual synthesis of a large number of rare plants and animal species, which are under protection in the Termessos National Park. After lunch visit the nearby ruined Selcuk caravanaserai, followed by a guided tour of the museum in Antalya, including the new Perge Gallery. Return for dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 - Perge

Leave by coach for Perge - a drive of about 30 minutes. Guided tour of Perge including the Hellenistic gate, the agora, the nymphaeum, the colonnaded streets, the sarcophagi, the basilica and the acropolis. Following lunch at a riverside restaurant travel on to Aspendos for another guided tour. In addition to the spectacular theatre which is still in use today, the agora, basilica, nymphaeum and 15 km. of aqueducts can be seen. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 4 - Phaselis

A guided tour of Phaselis. Approximately one hour from Antalya is Phaselis, which was settled by the Rhodians in the 7th century B.C. and for many years was claimed to be the most important port on the eastern Lycian seaboard. Phaselis has three harbours, of which the South Harbour is the most important. A 20-24 m. wide avenue runs through the city with Hadrian's Gate at the western end. Visit the public places like the baths, the theatre and the agora. After a trout lunch in Ulupinar visit Olympos and continue on to Finike to check in to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 - Limyara and Arcanda

Drive to Limyara and visit the ancient roman bridge over the Alakir river. Limyara is known to have existed in the 5th century B.C. After suffering extensive damage from an earthquake in 141 A.D. Limyara rose again, but unable to withstand the Arab invasions in the 7th and 9th centuries A.D. the inhabitants abandoned the city. It consists of three main parts, the acropolis, the settlement and the necropolis. Drive to Arycanda and lunch on local food at the home of the sites curator. This is followed by a visit to this spectacular, newly excavated site on the slopes of the Beydaglari. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 - Myra (Demre), Beloren and Karabel.

Drive up to the village of Beloren where there are spectacular views over the Demre Gorge and continue on to Karabel to visit the ancient ruined monastery of Sion. Following a picnic lunch return to Myra. Myra was one of the most important Lycian cities. It was settled in the 5th century B.C. and abandoned in the 9th century A.D. after the Arab invasion. Visit the rock tombs, the theatre and the restored St. Nicholas Church. Dinner at hotel.

Day 7 - Transfer to Antalya via Elmali

Elmali reflects the ancient Anatollian culture through its ancient markets, bazaars and narrow streets. An ancient site on the slopes of Mount Elmali surrounded by cedar forests. The houses with their bay windows and bright colors are extremely well preserved. After lunch in Elmali stroll around the old city of Antalya. Dinner at a harbour restaurant.

Day 8

Transfer to Airport

Tour includes

• Airport transfers
• Full board accommodation includingtea and coffee
• All entrance fees
• Air-conditioned non smoking coach
• Professional English speaking guide

Tour does not include

• Flights
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips

All prices based on FB, twin share

Flights with Turkish Airlines from Heathrow are available from £285pp but are not included in the price. Please ask for details.