Side: Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival

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Pick-up and drop-off from all hotels and central points in Side and the entrance ticket for the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival are included in the price.

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Key Activity Features

  • Starting Location: Side
  • Available Days:
  • Total Duration (Including Transfers): 5 Hours
  • Guiding & Support: English , Turkish , German , Russian
  • Booking Confirmation: Immediate Approval.
  • Voucher Type: Both Printed and Mobile Accepted.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair Friendly.
  • Online Booking: Quick, Easy, and Secure.
  • Cancellation policy: Flexible
  • Fast-Track Entry: No Waiting in Line.
  • Tour ID: 331
  • This tour/activity is also offered in the following regions:
    Kemer Antalya Belek Alanya

Why This Tour Is Worth Choosing

  • Evening program of the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival from Side
  • Free transfer from Side hotels to the Aspendos Festival
  • Unforgettable opera and ballet night at the ancient Aspendos Theatre
  • Aspendos experience with ticket and transfer included by Vigo Tours
  • Cultural and artistic Aspendos tour from Side

What to Expect

International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival

Aspendos Ancient Theatre — Ballet Turkey — Opera Turkey

The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival offers an extraordinary cultural experience in the unique setting of the 2,000-year-old Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels is included in the price, allowing guests to enjoy the evening without any transportation concerns.


Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival — September Program

All performances take place at Aspendos Ancient Theatre and begin at 21:00.

Festival Performances

  • Turandot — Opera
  • Zorba — Ballet
  • Swan Lake — Ballet
  • Don Quixote — Ballet
  • Tosca — Opera
  • La Traviata — Opera

A Legendary Festival in a 2,000-Year-Old Theatre

First organized in 1994, the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is held every September in the breathtaking atmosphere of the ancient Aspendos Theatre. This monumental Roman structure is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world and is globally renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

Each year, approximately 100,000 art lovers from across the Antalya region attend the festival. A significant portion of the audience consists of foreign visitors who combine their holiday with an unforgettable cultural experience.


Aspendos Theatre — Opera Turkey — Ballet Turkey

The festival is organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet under the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
It stands among the most prestigious opera and ballet festivals worldwide, both in artistic quality and historical setting.


World-Class Acoustics and Artistic Excellence

What makes the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival truly exceptional is the extraordinary acoustic quality of the ancient theatre. Classical music and vocal performances can be heard with the same clarity and depth from every seat, without artificial amplification.

This unique acoustic environment attracts internationally renowned conductors, choreographers, directors, and soloists, making the festival a focal point of global interest in the world of opera and ballet.


International Recognition and Cultural Prestige

The Aspendos Festival is a member of the European Festivals Association and is the first and only opera and ballet festival to receive the Best Quality Management Certificate.

As a true meeting point of civilizations, the festival has hosted countless Turkish and international artists, bringing together lovers of classical music, opera, and ballet in the magical setting of Aspendos.


An Unforgettable Cultural Experience

Watching timeless masterpieces of opera and ballet under the stars, surrounded by ancient stone walls that have stood for two millennia, creates an atmosphere unlike any other cultural event in the world.
The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is not just a performance — it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the performances take place

All performances are held at Aspendos Ancient Theatre.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included

Yes — pickup and drop-off from all hotels is included in the price.

What time do the performances start

All performances start at 21:00.

What type of performances are included

The festival features world-famous operas and classical ballet productions performed by leading artists of Opera Turkey and Ballet Turkey.

Is the festival suitable for foreign visitors

Yes — the festival is highly popular among international guests, and the performances transcend language through music, movement, and visual storytelling.

Why is Aspendos Theatre so special

Aspendos Theatre is globally famous for its perfect natural acoustics and exceptional state of preservation, offering an unmatched opera and ballet experience.

What’s Included in the Price

  • Pick up from hotels and drop off at hotels
  • Entrance ticket (category 2)
  • Food - Drinks and personal expenses

Pickup Information

For Aspendos Opera and Ballet festival from Side, pick up and Departure from all the hotels in Side and around Side is possible and included in the price. Hotels in Side Gündogdu, Hotels in Side Colakli, Hotels in Side Evrenseki, Hotels in Side Kumköy, Hotels in Side, Hotels in Titreyengol, Hotels in Kizilagac and Hotels in Kizilot

Meeting Point

For Aspendos Opera and Ballet festival from Side, the pick up point from the hotels is the main entrance gate (security check point) of the hotels.

Important Information Before You Go

ASPENDOS OPERA AND BALLET FESTIVAL — IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is organized with pickup and drop-off included from all hotels in Side, Alanya, Antalya, Belek, and Kemer.
All performances start at 21:00.

Seating surface — concrete — stone — marble
Seating arrangement — unnumbered — free seating

As seating at the Aspendos Ancient Theatre is made of stone and marble, bringing a small cushion is recommended for your comfort.

Tour Program & Schedule

Tour Program — Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival

Pick-up and drop-off locations — all hotels in Side, Alanya, Antalya, Belek, and Kemer

Featured performances — Aida (Opera) — Swan Lake (Ballet)

Pick-up times may vary.
The exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before the event and sent by e-mail.

Hotel pick-up times — approximate
Side — from 18:45
Alanya — from 17:30
Belek — from 19:30
Antalya — from 18:30
Kemer — from 17:30

Bus transfer to the Ancient Theatre of Aspendos
Entrance to the theatre — 20:30
Aspendos Opera and Ballet performance begins — 21:00
End of the event and return to hotels — between 23:30 and 00:00

Prices & Availability

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Have a question?

Hello, thank you for your inquiries about the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. The program for 2024 has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be released in June. Please check our website for updates. The dates you mentioned typically mark the end of the opera festival, but we will have to wait and see the specifics of the 2024 program. Best regards, Vigo Tours.

 

Hello, thank you for inquiring about the Aspendos opera and ballet festival. The program you see on our website is for 2023. The program for 2024 has not been announced yet, but it will most likely be announced in June. AIDA will be part of the 2024 program, as it is every year, but we do not have the specific date yet. Please continue to check our website for updates. We would be delighted to assist you in obtaining tickets for the AIDA opera at the Aspendos ancient theater. Best regards, Vigo Tours.

Greetings, we appreciate your interest in the Aspendos opera and ballet festival. The schedule displayed on our website is for the year 2023. The program for 2024 has not yet been unveiled, but we anticipate it will be announced in June. AIDA is a staple of the festival's lineup each year, including in 2024, although the exact date has not been confirmed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website regularly. We are happy to help you secure tickets for the AIDA opera at the historic Aspendos theater. Warm regards, Vigo Tours.

Hello, Thank you very much for contacting us about the Aspendos Opera and ballet festival activity from Side. We think you are talking about the program in 2021. The program on our website is for the year 2022. On September 17, Swain Lake has been canceled and will be replaced by DON QUIXOTE (Ballet). Early reservation for Aspendos Opera and Ballet is very important and highly recommended. Best regards, Vigo Tours

27 Overall Rating

(4.9)

Total: (27 Review)

27 Review Summary

Service:

(4.8)

Organization:

(4.7)

Price:

(4.9)

Security:

(5.0)

27.09.2021

NINA MIKHEDKO

(5.0)

Спасибо, всё было хорошо и чётко организовано

Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!

Мы очень рады, что вам понравился фестиваль Аспендос и наша организация. Надеемся снова увидеть вас в наших турах. С наилучшими пожеланиями, Виго Туры

20.09.2021

Beate Meier

(5.0)

Prima Abend

Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!

Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Sie Ihr internationales Aspendos-Festival-Erlebnis im antiken Aspendos-Theater genossen haben. Wir freuen uns, Sie wieder bei uns zu sehen. Mit all unseren besten Wünschen...

20.09.2021

Anja

(5.0)

Gerne wieder!!!

Das Internationale Opern und Balletfestival in Aspendos Antik ist garandios! Wir waren zum 4. mal dort. Ein Müss für alle Klassikfans Programm beim Veranstalter erfragen! . Buchungsversprechen und Durchführung perfekt! Pünktliche Abholung! Danke an VigoTours

Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!

Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Ihnen das Aspendos-Festival gefallen hat. Darüber hinaus freuen wir uns sehr, Ihnen in der herrlichen Atmosphäre des antiken Aspendos-Theaters einen angenehmen klassischen Musikgenuss zu bieten. Wir freuen uns auf ein Wiedersehen. Mit all unseren besten Wünschen..

15.09.2021

Jozsef Hamvas

(3.8)

Disappointed

It was the second time for us visiting the opera festival in beautiful Aspendos. Comparing the first ocassion this was disappointing. The transfer arrived only appr. 15 min before the event (Madama Butterfly) started. It took 10 minutes for the guide to collect the tickets. Only one (!) ticket office worked for the guides and for the private costumers. Unless I bought better seats in the arena (+ 20 €) all the seats were occupated, no ticket controller "you can sit anywhere" was the answer when I asked about our sector... The audience was very mixed, full of with arrogant people, sit on two places etc. The performance was good as it could be. Sometimes the brass section was too loud , pushing everything over. The stage, and the costumes were brilliant! Anyway with a little better organising, and with adopting some theather routine this program would've been really astonished.

Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!

We apologize for the inconvenience. We cannot pick up our customers from hotels earlier so that our customers can have dinner at their hotels. If we make an early pick-up at your hotel, then you will not be able to get dinner at your hotel. The trouble arose because of the bad organization of the festival committee. Also, no audience respects the numbered seating arrangement. In the past years, there was free seating, and there was no such chaos! We are very sorry though. From now on we will try to provide faster pick-up from hotels and faster, earlier arrivals in Aspendos. Best regards, Team Vigo Tours

15.09.2021

Palchikova Elvira

(5.0)

Посещение оперы в Аспендосе

Легко заказала и оплатила 30% на сайте, прислали подтверждение, Приехали во время, были доступны для связи, доплатили а автобусе, была сдача, комфортно доставили. Небольшое ожидание на месте, вошли в театр уже после начала, хотелось бы немного запаса времени, чтоб освоиться в зале, выбрать место. Опера была прекрасна, Аспендос великолепен. Дорога назад была также комфортной. Рекомендую.

Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!

Мы рады, что вы остались довольны посещением «Мадам Баттерфляй» в Аспендосе. В этом году на фестивале в Аспендосе случаются неприятности из-за плохой организации фестивального комитета. Мы сделаем необходимые предупреждения компетентным органам, и с этого момента мы постараемся быть там быстрее. С наилучшими пожеланиями, Виго Туры

14.09.2021

Annett

(4.8)

Madame Butterfly in Aspendos am 10.09.21

Wir waren etwas zu spät in Aspendos, so daß vor Beginn der Veranstaltung keine Zeit blieb, sich einen geeigneten Platz zu suchen.

Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!

Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. Wir entschuldigen uns dafür, dass wir das Aspendos-Theater nicht früher betreten können. Dies liegt daran, dass wir unsere Gäste nicht früher von Hotels abholen möchten, um sicherzustellen, dass sie in ihren Hotels zu Abend essen. Von nun an werden wir versuchen, eine schnellere Abholung von Hotels zu ermöglichen und schnell nach Aspendos zu gelangen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Team VigoTours

15.09.2020

Mohak Rajiv

(5.0)

Opera night in Aspendos

Opera in Aspendos is an amazing experience!

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