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This archaeological tour in Turkey, based in Antalya, explores some of the most fascinating and best preserved ancient sites in the world.

Hemmed between the sea and the mighty Taurus Mountains, the plain of Pamphylia gave rise to some large and particularly splendid classical cities. Set on fertile ground, and perfectly placed for local and international trade, this small strip of land became one of the most densely populated in the Roman Empire.

Timed to coincide with Turkey’s spectacular display of wildflowers in spring, this expert-led adventure promises to be a visual and cultural feast. Day trips take us from the stunning natural beauty of Phaselis, once the den of marauding pirates, now hidden amongst pine forest, to the mountain lair of Termessos, whose theatre sits high amongst the gods, on the edge of a cliff.

Boasting one of the best preserved aqueducts and Roman theatres in the world, Aspendos is but one of the special delights of this voyage into the past. Just a short distance from our hotel, we’ll travel to Perge to explore its magnificent stadium, colonnaded street, and baths. The statues that once decorated its buildings are now housed in the Antalya museum, a splendid treasure trove.

Our base is in a beautiful Special class characterful hotel in the ‘Kaleici’, the fortified old city surrounding Antalya’s vital harbour. Today the old city is a place of great charm, narrow streets lined with Ottoman mansions that have been carefully and lovingly restored. Throughout this cultural tour we’ll enjoy fabulously fresh Turkish food, from exquisite dinners in fine restaurants, to beautiful picnics on the ancient sites.

This is a trip to stimulate and inspire. It will take you deep into Turkey’s ancient past on a magnificent archaeological adventure.

This is a previous itinerary, however, we can offer it as a private tour. Please contact us for more information.

Day 1: Arrive Antalya airport on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Transfer to hotel, about 30 mins away in the old city.

Day 2: The journey back in time begins with a walk around Antalya’s old town, then out to Sillyon, a once significant city, now wild and devastated by earthquakes.

Day 3: South to Phaselis, by boat provided there’s good weather. We stroll the main street past a series of markets, where Phaselite merchants earned a reputation for dastardly ways.

Day 4: West to Arykanda, the Turkish Delphi, where excavations have revealed a prosperous monumental city, set high in the mountains.

Day 5: East to Aspendos that quaked upon Alexander the Great’s arrival. We explore its mighty aqueduct and extraordinary theatre.

Day 6: Northwest into the hills to Termessos. A mountain stronghold adorned with civic buildings.

Day 7: A morning visit to Antalya’s stunning museum full of some of the finest Roman statuary in the world. Then on to Perge, a monumental marbled city.

Day 8: Transfer back to Antalya airport.

This is a previous tour itinerary. However, we can offer it as a private tour. Please contact us for more information.

I would like to book, what else do I need to know?

For information not covered below please refer to our FAQ’s or contact us directly on info@petersommer.com

Booking Flights: If you are staying in or connecting via Istanbul then the easiest way to get to and from the gulet is to fly. There are a number of airlines that offer domestic flights in Turkey. The cheapest way to book flights is directly with the airline online.

Please note: Flights are subject to change. Please contact the airline for exact details.

If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend specialists in a number of countries around the world, please contact our office for more details.

Travel Insurance: We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. You should ensure that you take out a suitable policy, to make sure that your trip is properly covered. Please be advised some insurers may require you to take out a policy within 15-20 days of booking your holiday to receive all of their insurance benefits.

Visas: You must check to see if you require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas are easily obtained online at eVisa and must be purchased before you travel.

Istanbul: If you are planning to stay in Istanbul before or after your gulet tour we would be happy to help with suggestions and information and things to see and do. Please get in touch.

Custom Tours: If you are thinking of extending your trip to Turkey to include visits to Cappadocia, Istanbul or further afield, please contact our office for further information.

Accreditations

AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2015 Gold Award AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2017 Gold Award AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2018 Silver Award AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2019 Silver Award Best Travel Company for Arts and Culture Holidays Silver British Travel Award 2022 Member of AITO The Specialist Travel Association Member of ABTA the Association of British Travel Agents Member of ASTA The American Society of Travel Advisors Member of ABTOI the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy

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