Antalya History: History Tours, Ancient Cities and Route Choice
Antalya's history stretches from Kaleiçi to Perge. Compare the Alanya Castle, night safari and Pamukkale tours, and choose the one that suits you.
Antalya's history goes back to Attaleia, the city founded in the 2nd century BC by Attalos II, King of Pergamon. Because Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods overlapped on the same coast, the region has many historic sites to visit. For those looking for an Antalya history tour, there are two routes: exploring places like Kaleiçi and Perge on your own, or joining a guided tour departing from Antalya province. This article covers the second option, that is, the three history-focused tours on TurB2C side by side.
Where does Antalya's history begin and where can it be seen?
The easiest starting point in the city centre is Kaleiçi. Narrow streets, Ottoman houses, a small harbour and Hadrian's Gate, built to commemorate the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city, are all here. The Yivli Minaret from the Seljuk period is also in this area.
Outside the city there are ancient sites such as Perge (about 15 km east of the centre) and Aspendos. The Antalya Museum brings these periods together under one roof. Opening hours for the museum and archaeological sites vary by season, so check before your visit.
What guided history tour options are there?
The three tours in the catalogue are based in Alanya. Alanya is east of Antalya and part of the province. The drive from the airport to Alanya takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Perge and Aspendos are not included in these tours' programmes. I do not recommend a separate tour option for Antalya city centre, as it is not in the catalogue.
Alanya Castle and Damlataş: the classic half-day
[Alanya Castle Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car](\/tour\/alanya-castle-damlatas-cave-and-city-tour-by-cable-car-16) takes about 4 hours. The programme includes Alanya Castle, built in the 13th century by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, the Red Tower and the shipyard. Then you continue to Damlataş Cave, known for its stalactites. You reach the castle by cable car, so there is no climbing. For those who want to devote a single morning or afternoon to history, this is the most compact option.
Night safari: history, road and dinner together
[Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner](\/tour\/alanya-night-jeep-safari-boat-trip-and-dinner-106) starts at 18:30 and lasts about 5 hours. Land Rover Defender vehicles take you along the coastal road via Damlataş and Cleopatra beaches to the western entrance of Alanya Castle. There is a photo stop on the way, followed by a boat trip and dinner. It is not a museum-style programme. For those who want to see the castle and coast in evening light, it is a more relaxed, social option.
Pamukkale day tour: the longest but broadest route
[Antalya/Alanya: Pamukkale Day Tour from Alanya with Salda Lake and Meals](\/tour\/antalya-alanya-pamukkale-day-tour-from-alanya-with-salda-lake-and-meals-112) departs from Alanya and goes to the ancient city of Hierapolis and the white travertines. On the way you stop at Lake Salda, and meals are included. The day is very long. Be sure to check the departure and return times on the booking page. If you want an ancient city, nature and scenic road journey in one day, this tour delivers.
Which tour suits whom?
- Those with half a day to spare and first-time visitors to Alanya: [Alanya Castle Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car](\/tour\/alanya-castle-damlatas-cave-and-city-tour-by-cable-car-16). Short, by cable car, in one area.
- Those looking for an evening programme, couples and groups of friends: [Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner](\/tour\/alanya-night-jeep-safari-boat-trip-and-dinner-106). Your day stays free and the history is saved for the evening.
- Ancient city enthusiasts who can give a full day: [Antalya/Alanya: Pamukkale Day Tour from Alanya with Salda Lake and Meals](\/tour\/antalya-alanya-pamukkale-day-tour-from-alanya-with-salda-lake-and-meals-112). The journey is long, so it may be tiring for families with very young children and for those who find long periods of sitting difficult.
- Families with children: I think [Alanya Castle Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car](\/tour\/alanya-castle-damlatas-cave-and-city-tour-by-cable-car-16) is more comfortable first. The cave and cable car capture children's interest.
What is the weather like for visiting Antalya's history in late October?
In late October the summer heat is gone, although midday can still be warm. Walking around archaeological sites is much more comfortable than in the summer months. The exact weather changes every year, so check the forecast before you go. There is a lot of stone flooring at the castle and archaeological sites, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. For evening tours, consider bringing a light top layer.
How do I book and what should I keep in mind?
Choose your tour, enter the date and number of people, and add your hotel details. The pick-up point and times appear on the booking page. If you are arriving at the airport and joining a tour straight away, take the transfer time into account. You can plan your arrival in Alanya with a private transfer such as [From Antalya Airport to Alanya VIP Transfer](\/tour\/from-antalya-airport-to-alanya-vip-transfer-114).
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Antalya history tour last?
A half-day tour lasts about 4 hours, for example [Alanya Castle Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car](\/tour\/alanya-castle-damlatas-cave-and-city-tour-by-cable-car-16). The night safari [Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner](\/tour\/alanya-night-jeep-safari-boat-trip-and-dinner-106) lasts about 5 hours, and the Pamukkale day tour [Antalya/Alanya: Pamukkale Day Tour from Alanya with Salda Lake and Meals](\/tour\/antalya-alanya-pamukkale-day-tour-from-alanya-with-salda-lake-and-meals-112) is a very long day. For Pamukkale, check the times on the booking page.
Are Perge and Aspendos included in these tours?
No. The tours in this article are based in Alanya: the castle, cave, night safari and Pamukkale. You can visit Perge and Aspendos with your own vehicle or with a separate guide.
Does earthquake risk affect tour planning in Antalya?
The Mediterranean coast, like many regions of Türkiye, lies in an earthquake zone. Tours normally operate on their daily schedule. Before your trip, follow official announcements and the agency's information.
Are museums and archaeological sites open in October?
They are generally open, but hours vary by season. Before you go, check the current opening hours of the museum and the archaeological site.
