Aykut, a private guide with a degree in classical archaeology, from Antalya, Turkey. Antalya is an ancient coastal city and has become the gateway to the region now known as the “Turkish Riviera.” As Aykut explains, you won’t be short of things to do in this beautiful and fascinating part of the Mediterranean.

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND ANTALYA

1. ANTALYA ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM:Antalya Archaeology Museum is one of the best museums in Turkey, and was once nominated the "Museum of the Year" by the Council of Europe. Located in the Konyaaltı disrict of Antalya, the museum consists of several sections and displays ancient objects which were discovered in nearby ancient cities. All sections of Antalya Museum are ranged in chronological order from the Paleolitihic Period to Modern Turkey. You will see the ancient marble statues of Gods and Goddesses and Roman Emperors. The Museum has got one of the biggest collections of ancient marble statues in the world.

2. PERGE ANCIENT CITY: Perge is the best preserved ancient city and located 17 km east of Antalya, within the borders of Aksu. Here you can see the Greco-Roman Theatre, Ancient Stadium, Roman Baths, Agora, and Marble Streets. Its sculpture is as popular as its architecture. The important monumental structures of the city have been discovered through excavations made by the University of Istanbul since 1946 and due to the finds of these sculptures, Antalya Museum has one of the richest collections of Roman sculpture anywhere. Historians once believed Perge was founded at the end of the Trojan wars (1275 B.C) but a Hittite tablet mentioning Perge was found in 1986 showing the city was established before the Trojan wars.

3. ASPENDOS THEATRE: Aspendos Theatre is one of the most elite representatives of Roman Age theatres in existence, with its unique architectural features and excellent state of preservation. The structure, dedicated to the Gods and the Emperors of the era, presents the latest end points of Roman Age architecture and construction practices. One of the most magnificent structures of its period, the theatre was able to hold 7000-8000 people. It was built by architecture Zeno, son of Theodoras, in the period of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D). It is understood from the inscriptions at both sides of the entrance in Latin and Greek that it was made by two rich brothers named Curtius Crispinus and Curtius Auspicatus. Today Aspendos Theatre is used for festivals, operas and bales.

4.TERMESSOS:Termessos is ancient city north of Antalya built on top of the mountain.You have to drive 30 minutes to the Termessos National Park and leave the car.Then start walking uphill to the ancient ruins of Termessos.The walk into the ancient monuments takes about 20 minutes following the narrow path.The best preserved ancient monument in Termessos is Greco-Roman Theatre on top of the mountain.

5. SIDE: Side is located 40 km east of Antalya and today is a pretty resort town with hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Side is a peninsula and it was one of the biggest Roman cities in ancient times. You will be very surprised when you drive in Side to see the magnificent ancient ruins all over the Side peninsula. Side excavations are still going on today, and have been since 1946. You can visit the Ancient Theatre, Agora, Temple of Apollo and so many other ruins in Side. You can take a boat trip from the small and beautiful harbour Harbour.

Testimonials in TripAdvisor

Termessos and Antalya Tour
A great day with Aykut. Friendly, flexible, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. We planned out own itinerary with Aykut taking in Termessos and the old town in Antayla -it suited us perfectly.
Peter M. Newcastle-UK
July-2012

“Two fantastic private tours in Antalya region”
I have the opportunity to visit with Aykut some areas in Antalya region, namely Perge, Aspendos, Termessos and Phaselis : magnificent archeological sites and ruins ! Aykut has been an excellent guide telling me a lot of information and showing me such a beautiful places according my personal interests. Thanks to Aykut I have also discovered some genuine and special places for Turkish cuisine and delights. Great experience in Antalya !
Alberto Taramasso-Genoa-Italy
August-2012

AYKUT ALTINIŞIK
Archaeologist & Tour Guide
aykut@privatetours-turkey.com
0090 538 623 81 86

aykut@privatetours-turkey.com © Copyright 2010 - 2011 Başar KULAÇ