Turkey - Mediterranean Turkey - Relaxed Break in Antalya

Itinerary

Day One  
Fly to Antalya and drive to our hotel in the old town.

Day Two
Two Pamphylian cities: Perge, with fine stadium, colonnaded street with fountain, houses, shops and baths and theatre (usually closed). Magnificent sculpture from this site is beautifully displayed in Antalya museum. Aspendos, famous for its theatre (one of the best-preserved in the ancient world) and aqueduct - a remarkable example of ancient hydraulic engineering, carrying water via a siphon from one hilltop to another, across the valley floor.

Day Three
Down to the harbour of Antalya for a private boat trip to the beautiful site of Phaselis, where the stones of the Roman mole still survive beneath the sea, and the bathing is just about perfect! Hadrian visited in the early 2nd century, and the commemorative arch lies in ruins on the main approach to the city from the sea. Explore the ruinous city before taking the boat home.

Day Four
Visit to the easternmost of the Pamphylian cities, Side, in a beautiful setting by the sea. Once a great harbour, it dwindled to an insignificant village due to silting, before enjoying a resurgence as a tourist resort. Much has recently been excavated, and the museum - in a Byzantine bath-house - contains some wonderful scuptures. Free afternoon in Antalya.

Day Five  
West into the mountainous region of ancient Lycia, to Myra, where some of the finest rock-cut tombs of these fiercely independent people can be found. Elaborately carved into the rock face, they mimic the houses and temples of these fiercely independent people. There is also a very fine theatre with the remains of its carved architectural decoration. The nearby harbour city of Andriake lies in a ruinous state, with warehouses and the remains of wharfs along the river mouth. The city became an early Christian bishopric, and St Nicholas (Santa Claus) was bishop here. The 6th century church dedicated to him has been restored in recent years, and it still contains his tomb, although his bones were carried off to Italy by the men of Bari many years ago.

Day Six  
Head into the hills, and the more rugged terrain of ancient Pisidia, to the site of Termessus, with a theatre perched on top of the hill. Built on a natural platform between two mountains, the site was well-defended and affords fantastic views. Alexander the Great failed to take this city during his journey through Asia Minor - he probably decided it was not worth the trouble, as he had a greater goal in mind. Many rock cut and decorated tombs lying along the sides of the valley. Return to Antalya to visit the archaeological museum, with its many treasures, especially the sculptures from Perge. Antalya itself was also an important Pamphylian port - Attaleia - but as it has remained a successful city its ancient past has largely been built over. A triumphal arch, dedicated to Hadrian, still survives as one of the city’s landmarks.

Day Seven
Fly home from Antalya.

N.B. there is a steep and protracted climb up a rough stoney path involved in the visit to Termessos, but you can stop and catch your breath and enjoy spectacular views on the way up.