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Ancient Side has hardly changed since its days as a getaway for legendary lovers Antony and Cleopatra. Uncover one of southern Turkey's best-kept secrets with this tour. You'll get to snap photos by the Temple of Apollo, discover the huge Roman theatre and explore modern Side, too. As Muzaffer, one of our guides, says, ‘You'll walk all over history. On the way to the Temple of Apollo, there are glass walkways over ancient Roman streets.'
Side's location on a compact little headland is as romantic as it gets. Our expert local guide will give you the lowdown on the long history of this once-busy Roman port. You'll see the marketplace where slaves were traded, the Byzantine hospital and the Vespasian Gate. Then you'll head inside either the ancient theatre, which is a sight to behold – it seated up to 20,000 spectators – or the former bathhouse, which is now a museum with a small but impressive collection of the artefacts dug up here.
But one of the most-photographed spots is the Temple of Apollo. Legend says that this second-century seafront shrine was a gift from Antony to Cleopatra. And just beside it is the Temple of Athena – zoom in on the frieze of Medusa heads. Once you've explored the ruins, there'll be free time in modern Side to buy a sizzling kebab at one of the street stalls, or haggle for bargains in the backstreet bazaars. What's more, for your convenience, this is a small group tour to help you follow the guide better and avoid agglomerations.
Based on 139 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Service
4.6/5
Staff
4.6/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Safety
4.6/5
Andrea
From United States of America - July 2025Travelled with family
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
M & P
From United States of America - July 2025Travelled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Pros: knowledgable guide, goid timings, just the right amount if free time and guided ruins. Cons: multi hotel pick ups. We were told 20 mins, took a ...
Torsten
From United States of America - July 2025Travelled with family
25 - 34 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Es ist schade, dass das Amphitheater nicht geöffnet hatte.
Mark
From United States of America - July 2025Travelled with family
25 - 34 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Wij
From United States of America - July 2025Travelled as a couple
18 - 24 years old
Average
Overall rated3/5
Geen goede informatie qua timing in het hotel verkregen bij TUIreisleider. Voorziene terugkomst was 12:30 en nu pas om 16u, waardoor geen middagmaal m ...
Hanke
From United States of America - July 2025Travelled with family
18 - 24 years old
Great
Overall rated4/5