ANTALYA, TURKEY
PERGE AND ASPENDOS TOUR
Duration: 4 hours
The ancient city of Perge contains ruins which date back to 1000 BC and
according to the legend; it was founded by the seers Mopsus and Calchas after
their retreat from Troy. Although not a large city, the theatre of Perge could
seat 14,000 and its ruins are in relatively good condition, which makes its
original design and decoration extremely clear.
In Perge, as in Ephesus, the
worship of Artemis was far more important than that of the male gods. The
dominant motif is used in art and on coins was Artemis of Perge. Archaeologists
have as yet been unable to locate this famous Temple of Artemis, mentioned by
many of the ancient writers. By looking at the existence of Basilica in Perge it
could easily be concluded that Perge might have played an important in the
spreading of Christianity.
The stadium was built in the 2C AD, which seated
approximately 12,000 spectators, and is one of the best preserved in Anatolia.
Access to the city was through the Roman Gate, which was located on the 4C, AD
outer wall. The Baths complex, located to the west courtyard before the
Hellenistic gateway, The Hellenistic Gateway and walls are the only pre-Roman
structures, 3C BC. The colonnaded Street stretches from the Hellenistic gate to
the Nymphaeum and intersects with the other main street. The Agora of Perge is a
small symmetrical rectangle surrounded by colonnades of shops. It was built when
the city was enlarged in the 4C AD.
Following our visit to Perge, it is on to
the site of the ancient city of Aspendos. The major port city in the Roman
period Aspendos was founded on hilltop near the Eurymedon River (köprülü çay)
and it later spread down to the plain. Only parts of the city have been
excavated but the Roman Theatre is the best preserved of any in the
Mediterranean. It was built in the 2C AD by local architects Xenon Curtius
brothers in the reign of Marcus Aurelius, dedicated to ' the gods of
country
and the imperial house' according to the inscription. The theater's
capacity is estimated to have been 20.000 people. Water was brought to the city
through a marvelous aqueduct which is also extremely well preserved with four
long sections still standing. In the 13C during the Seljuks period the theater
was restored to be a royal caravansary for the sultans. Now, this magnificent
amphitheatre is still at service for some important concerts and international
festivals.
At the end of the program return to the pier in order to re-embark
the ship.
Please Note:
Passengers are advised to bring a bottle of water with them -
wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat with them as there is considerable
walking during this tour.
MUSEUM, WALKING TOUR AND DUDEN WATERFALL
Duration: 4 hours
Traces stretching from the Paleolithic Age to the Lycians, from Seljuks
to Ottomans
You will depart from the pier for a visit to Antalya’s renowned
museum. The several different rooms of the Antalya Museum display an amazing
variety of impressive collections, including pottery, coins, mosaics,
sculptures, costumes, sarcophagi and numerous artifacts found in nearby
caves.
A furnished nomad’s tent, a carpet loom and several rooms from a
typical Ottoman household provide fascinating glimpses into the local
lifestyles.
The hall of Emperors and classical art displays statues of the
Greek gods, the Emperors Hadrian and Septius Serverus and their empresses. There
is also a stunning mosaic collection from Xanthos depicting the infant Achilles
being dangled by his mother into River Stix. Other exhibits include the
extraordinary finds from Karain Caves which date back to the Old Stone Age, as
well as a comprehensive ethnographical collection.
King Attalos II of
Pergamum ordered his soldiers to go and find a paradise on earth for him two
millennia ago. The king desired a place that was not simply a paradise but one
that even the gods would never weary of gazing at… After traveling for many
months’ even years, at last the king’s soldiers came across Antalya at the foot
of the Taurus Mountains. Crossing the mountains, Attalos II could not fail to
hide his amazement for this view in front of him. An earthly paradise was indeed
at their feet! Thus it was given name “Attaleia” and the foundations of Antalya
were laid.
Now, you will have a brief overview of the picturesque town
center of Antalya. During the orientation tour, you will see the Hadrian’s Gate,
Fluted Minaret and some other Seljuk remains; you will walk in the narrow
streets of the old city harbor of Antalya, which is full of traditional Ottoman
Houses.
You will leave the old harbor to see one of the most interesting
natural beauties at Antalya Region; Düden Waterfall, which is also called the
Alexandrian falls.
At the end of the program, return to the pier in order to
re – embark the ship.
Please Note:
Passengers are advised to bring a bottle of water with them -
wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat with them as there is considerable
walking during this tour.