Situated approximately 18 kilometres east of Antalya, Perge (also known as Perga) was once home to the Hittites around 1500 BC, before falling under Greek colonisation post the Trojan War. The extensive ruins showcase a Roman theatre, a vast stadium, and column-lined streets harking back to the era when the Apostle Paul is believed to have made a stopover during one of his missions. Immerse yourself in the timeless tales this historic site whispers.

One of the city’s biggest parks provides the ideal rest in the shadow on a hot day. As you stroll through Karaalioğlu Park, you can take in major sights such as the mayor’s office, a city theatre and also the old tower — Hıdırlık Kulesi — is nearby.

The Antalya Archaeology Museum hosts a remarkable array of exhibits, from perfectly preserved Roman statues and impressive sarcophagi to remnants of the theatre in Perge. Nestled amongst the icons, discover a jawbone alleged to belong to Santa Claus, born in Patara and buried in Demre. The Museum also showcases a captivating collection of traditional folk costumes and exquisite rugs, further enriching your cultural exploration.

Perched atop the stark white cliffs of Pamukkale lies Hierapolis — an ancient city that's as rich in history as it is in thermal springs. Once a Phrygian cult centre and later a flourishing Greek city, Hierapolis boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre, an array of atmospheric ruins, and the famed Sacred Pool — a thermally heated delight where you can immerse yourself amidst submerged Roman columns, scattered by an ancient earthquake. Just a stone's throw away, the terraces of Pamukkale steal the show. These gleaming white formations, made of travertine — a sedimentary rock deposited by the mineral-rich hot waters — give the town its name, meaning 'Cotton Castle'. With temperatures ranging from 35°C to a steamy 100°C, these hot springs have been creating an expanding landscape of terraces for centuries, as calcium carbonate from the waters crystallises into the soft gel of travertine. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, Hierapolis and Pamukkale offer a unique fusion of cultural history and natural wonder that should not be missed.