Routes Europe 2027
Antalya, Türkiye
• 20 – 22 April 2027
Complimentary Tours
All Routes Europe 2027 delegates are invited to attend a complimentary tour on Monday 19 April prior to the Welcome Reception. We’re excited to give you a preview of the complimentary tours. While this offers a glimpse of what’s in store, please keep in mind that details are still being finalised and are subject to change.
Our complimentary tours are organised by our hosts and their partners. Please note, by participating in these tours, your contact details wil be shared with these partners. Your information will only be used for the purposes of this activity and will not be stored.
Kaleiçi (Old Town): The Living Heart of Antalya
Kaleiçi, the historic core of Antalya, is a breathtaking journey back in time, nestled within the modern city.
Its narrow, winding streets are lined with Ottoman-era mansions, Roman ruins, and Seljuk monuments, all leading down to the ancient Roman Harbor. Founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon, who sought 'Heaven on Earth,' the city has been continuously inhabited for over two millennia.
The most iconic landmark is the **Hadrian’s Gate**, a triple-arched marble gateway built in 130 AD to honor the Roman Emperor’s visit. Walking through it feels like crossing a threshold between centuries. Nearby, the **Yivli Minare** (Fluted Minaret) stands as a symbol of the Seljuk conquest. According to local lore, the spirit of the Mediterranean is best felt here at sunset, where the scent of jasmine and the sea breeze mingle in the cobblestone alleys.
For delegates, Kaleiçi offers a perfect blend of high-end boutique hospitality and authentic historical texture.
Don't miss: Hadrian’s Gate, Clock Tower, and the Ancient Roman Harbor.
Side Ancient City: Where History Meets the Sea
Located on a sun-drenched peninsula, Side (meaning 'Pomegranate' in an ancient Luwian dialect) was once the most important commercial port in Pamphylia. It is a unique open-air museum where the ruins of antiquity are seamlessly integrated into a vibrant coastal village.
The city reached its peak during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, becoming a center for art, culture, and trade. The crown jewel of Side is the **Temple of Apollo**, located at the very tip of the peninsula. Legend has it that the Roman General Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra met here to witness the sunset together. The temple’s white marble columns against the turquoise Mediterranean provide one of the most photographed vistas in Turkey.
Additionally, the grand theater, which could seat 15,000 spectators, is a rare example of a Roman theater built on vaulted arches rather than a natural slope, reflecting the city’s immense wealth and engineering prowess.
Don't miss: Temple of Apollo, the Grand Roman Theater, and Side Museum.
Aspendos Theater: A Masterpiece of Acoustics
Aspendos is world-renowned for housing the best-preserved theater of antiquity. Built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) by the architect Zenon, the theater stands as a testament to the sophistication of Roman architecture. Unlike many other ruins, the stage building is almost completely intact, allowing visitors to experience the space exactly as an ancient spectator would have.
The legend of its construction is as famous as the building itself. King of Aspendos held a competition to find the most beneficial project for the city, promising his daughter's hand in marriage to the winner. When the King visited the theater, he heard a whisper from the stage while he was sitting in the top row: 'The King’s daughter must be mine.' The acoustics were so perfect that the King, impressed by Zenon’s genius, kept his word.
Today, the theater still hosts international opera and ballet festivals, proving that its 2,000-year-old design remains unsurpassed.
Don't miss: The Roman Theater, the Great Aqueducts, and the Basilica.
Perge Ancient City: The City of Water and Marble
Perge was the capital of the Pamphylia region and one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the ancient world. It is a dream for lovers of urban planning and architecture, featuring a grand 300-meter-long colonnaded street with a unique water channel running down the center. This innovative 'water city' design kept the inhabitants cool during the hot Mediterranean summers.
Historically, Perge is significant for its association with **St. Paul**, who began his first missionary journey here in 46 AD. It was also the home of the Great Mathematician **Apollonius**, whose work on conic sections influenced modern science.
Delegates will be mesmerized by the Hellenistic Gate, the monumental fountains (Nymphaeums), and the incredibly detailed mosaics. The city’s stadium, one of the best-preserved in the world, once echoed with the cheers of 12,000 people during chariot races and athletic competitions.
Don't miss: Colonnaded Street, Hellenistic Gate, and the Stadium.
Your queries answered
When will the complimentary tours take place?
All tours listed above will be held on Monday 19 April. All delegates will arrive back to their Official Hotels prior to the Welcome Reception.
How do I book onto a complimentary tour?
To secure your place on one of the tours, you must be registered for Routes Europe 2027.
Are there limited spaces on each tour?
The complimentary tours have different capacities. With limited spaces available, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
How will I make my way to and from the tour?
Pick up and drop off will take place at Official Hotels. Our hosts will review the booking details and contact those who have secured a place on a complimentary tour with more information shortly.