TÜRSAB licence no. 14799 SIWIX TRAVEL AGENCY

Culture & History Day Trips

Theatres, temples, rock tombs and village life – the stories behind the coast, told by guides who know them.

  • Free hotel pickup
  • Pay on the tour day
  • Free cancellation
  • Instant confirmation
7 tours

Pamphylia: Aspendos and Side

Between Antalya and Alanya lay ancient Pamphylia, and two of its cities make the easiest history day on the coast. The Aspendos, Side and Manavgat tour (Tuesdays and Saturdays) visits the almost complete Roman theatre of Aspendos, walks the seaside ruins of Side and finishes at the Manavgat Waterfall, with entrance fees included. The Side and Hidden Paradise tour (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays) pairs a guided stroll through Side with the domes of the Külliye Mosque and a swim in a forest waterfall.

Lycia: Saint Nicholas and Kekova

A long day to the west – pickup is in the small hours – takes you into Lycia on the Demre, Myra and Kekova tour: the church of Saint Nicholas, the rock-cut tombs and theatre of Myra, and a boat from Üçağız over the ruins of the sunken town and past Simena castle. You can book it with or without entrance fees.

Two days further inland

Pamukkale and Cappadocia are too far away for a comfortable day trip, so both tours include a hotel night. Expect white travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis on one; an underground city, fairy chimneys and, at dawn, hot-air balloons on the other.

Village life

History is not only stones. In Ormana, on the Altınbeşik Cave tour, you walk past stone ‘button houses’ and a mosque that has stood for some 600 years before lunch under the pines, and the night safari ends with dinner and folk dancing in a mountain village. For mosques, cover shoulders and knees; comfortable shoes help on uneven ancient paving.

Frequently asked questions

Which history tour is best for a first visit?

Aspendos, Side and Manavgat: three of the region's best-known sights in one relaxed day, with the entrance fees already in the price.

Are entrance fees included?

On the Aspendos tour, yes. For Demre–Kekova and Pamukkale you choose a package with or without entrance fees; every tour page states exactly what is covered.

What should I wear for mosques?

Shoulders and knees covered; women also cover their hair inside. A light scarf in your bag takes care of both.

Why do the long trips start so early?

Demre and the 2-day tours cover long distances, so pickup is before dawn – around 03:30 for Demre, 04:15 for Cappadocia and 05:30 for Pamukkale. Most guests doze on the coach.