Ancient City of Termessos
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Port
Antalya, Turkey
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$170
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Depart the pier by motor coach for an hour-long scenic drive to the ancient city of Termessos, nestled between two steep mountains. Its amazing claim to fame is that is was the only city that Alexander the Great could not conquer. In 334 BC, the warriors of Termessos successfully fought off Alexander and his invading Macedonian army. Likewise, the Romans in 70 BC were forced to accept that Termessos would not be joining the Empire. Luckily for the Romans, Termessos was happy to remain an independent ally. Due to its fantastic natural setting, Termessos is one of the most spectacular ruined cities in Turkey. You will enter the ruins only after the winding climb up through the beautiful, forested slopes of the Gulluk Mountains. The ruins of this fierce and courageous settlement are laid out before you in the form of crumbling temples, defensive walls and watchtowers, the Bouleterion, a Temple to Artemis, an odeon used for spectator sports, and a necropolis scattered with ancient tombs. The most amazing sight, however, is the unforgettable theater. Relatively small and seating only about 4,000, the Termessos Theatre is Hellenistic in style and is built into the side of a steep canyon. It looks over the precipitous slopes of Gulluk Mountain as it plunges towards the coastal plain. Surveying this promontory, you will appreciate the spirit of the warriors who once lived and toiled so hard to keep this idyllic, besieged city independent. Afterwards you will re-board the motor coach for the short drive back to Antalya and a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Spellbinding displays hold an amazing variety of collections. The Hall of Emperors is one of the museum's most impressive wings, boasting magnificent displays of classical art, including statues of the Greek gods and the Emperors Hadrian and Septimus Serverus and their mistresses.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations.