Antalya: Old City, 2 Düden Waterfalls & Boat Ride Tour

Antalya: Old City, 2 Düden Waterfalls & Boat Ride Tour

Imagine wandering through centuries-old streets, gazing at cascading waterfalls, and enjoying a relaxing boat trip—all in one day. For $39 per person, this guided tour in Antalya, Turkey, offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s natural beauty and historic charm, with pickups from your hotel making logistics hassle-free. Led by guides like Ahmet and Noor, the experience balances sightseeing with local flavor, and it’s a great way to get a feel for what makes Antalya special.

Two things we particularly like are the visits to the stunning Düden Waterfalls, where nature’s power is on full display, and the walk through the narrow, lively streets of Antalya’s Old Town—a place bursting with character and stories. The boat ride, included in the package, gives you a relaxing vantage point to see the harbor and historic sights from the water.

A possible drawback is that the tour includes a stop at a jewelry store that might extend your day by about 90 minutes, which isn’t on the original itinerary. If you’re not interested in shopping or want a more streamlined experience, this could be a minor annoyance.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, natural scenery, and leisurely activities. It’s ideal for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and authentic local experiences but don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re traveling with family or looking to maximize a single day in Antalya, this could be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines waterfalls, old town exploration, and a boat trip in one day.
• Value for Money: At $39, including lunch and transportation, the tour offers solid value.
• Authentic Insights: Guides like Ahmet and Noor are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Natural and Cultural Highlights: From the waterfalls to the historic streets, there’s a lot to see and learn.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Potential Delay: The jewelry shop stop may extend the tour, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

Starting with Convenience: Hotel Pickup and Transportation

From the moment we booked, the ease of hotel pickup and drop-off was a perk. The air-conditioned bus transported us comfortably around Antalya, keeping us cool and relaxed as we moved from one highlight to another. This is a significant advantage—especially in Turkey’s warm climate—saving time and effort, and allowing us to focus on the sights rather than logistics.

Visiting the Düden Waterfalls: Nature’s Showstopper

Our first stop was at the Lower and Upper Düden Waterfalls—two of Antalya’s most iconic sights. These waterfalls are more than just picturesque; they are a reminder of the area’s natural wealth. The waterfalls cascade over limestone rock, with the upper falls nestled within a lush park and the lower falls tumbling directly into the sea.

The reviews highlight how breathtaking the views are. One traveler noted, “We liked the waterfalls tour and the boat ride,” emphasizing the waterfalls’ visual impact. The falls give you both a sense of power and tranquility, especially with the sound of rushing water mixed with the fresh sea breeze. Visitors can walk along pathways, take photos, or simply stand back and let the scenery soak in.

A Shopping Detour: Traditional Stone and Silver Shops

On the way to the waterfalls, the tour stops at traditional shops specializing in stone jewelry and silver crafts. While these stops are often appreciated for their craftsmanship and as a cultural window, they do occasionally extend the schedule. One review mentioned that the jewelry store visit took about 90 minutes and was not originally on the itinerary, which might be a consideration if you’re looking for a more streamlined experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Antalya’s Old Town: Narrow Streets Full of Stories

Next, we wandered through the Old Town (Kaleiçi), a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with historic Ottoman houses, shops, and cafes. This part of the tour is especially valued for its authentic atmosphere and the chance to see how locals live amidst centuries-old architecture.

Our guide was full of stories about the city’s past, making the experience more than just a walk. We appreciated the opportunity to see traditional stone and silver shops, which provide a glimpse into Antalya’s artisan culture. The lively, bustling streets make for wonderful photo opportunities and a chance to pick up unique souvenirs.

Dining with Local Flavors

After the old town walk, we stopped for lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant. The meal, included in the tour, was notably good, with authentic flavors that satisfied our taste buds. Travelers are advised to bring some cash for drinks and extra purchases—although the meal itself offers excellent value for the included price.

Boat Ride: Relaxing and Scenic

In the afternoon, we boarded a one-hour boat tour around the old harbor. This segment is highly praised in reviews, with travelers describing it as relaxing and scenic. From the water, you get a different perspective on Antalya’s historic sites and coastline, with views of the mountains and the harbor’s bustling activity.

The boat ride is a gentle cruise, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning. One reviewer said, “The boat ride and cable car were excellent and included in the price,” which underscores how this part adds a leisurely touch to the day.

Optional Cable Car and Additional Sights

While the tour description mentions a cable car ride, it was not available during our visit due to maintenance, as some reviews note. If operational, it offers panoramic views of the city and sea, and it’s worth checking if it’s running when you book.

End of the Day: Return and Reflection

After a full day of exploring, we were dropped back at our hotel. The trip overall felt well-paced, combining active sightseeing with moments to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Ahmet, Noor, and Hassan. One traveler shared, “Our guide Ahmet was very professional, knowledgeable, and made our trip even more exciting and fun,” which shows how much a good guide can enhance the experience.

Food also gets high marks, with visitors appreciating the quality and authenticity of Turkish cuisine at lunchtime. The combination of cultural insights, natural beauty, and leisure activities makes this tour appealing for a broad range of travelers.

Logistics and Value

For $39, including hotel pickup and drop-off, guide service, lunch, waterfalls, and a boat tour, the tour offers good value. It’s especially convenient for visitors who want a structured day without worrying about transportation or planning details. Make sure to bring cash, comfortable shoes, and a hat to enjoy the outdoor parts comfortably.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a blend of nature and culture and enjoy guided outings that cover many highlights in one day, this trip fits the bill. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate detailed storytelling from guides and want to see Antalya’s waterfalls and old town, combined with a relaxing boat ride.

Travelers with a sense of adventure who don’t mind occasional longer stops (like jewelry shopping) will find this tour rewarding. It’s also ideal for families, small groups, or solo travelers eager to absorb the city’s essence without the hassle of organizing multiple separate excursions.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a thoughtful combination of natural beauty, historic streets, and scenic cruising. The inclusion of professional guides, authentic local cuisine, and convenient hotel pickup means you get a lot for a modest price. The waterfalls are a definite highlight, providing an impressive display of Turkey’s natural splendor, while the Old Town walk immerses you in the city’s character and stories.

The boat ride adds a calming, scenic dimension, perfect for winding down after a busy morning of sightseeing. Although the jewelry store stop might be a surprise, it’s balanced out by the overall authenticity and friendliness of the experience.

In short, this tour is well-suited for travelers craving a balanced day of natural wonders and cultural discovery. It’s a practical choice for those looking for value, comfort, and a genuine taste of Antalya’s most beloved sights. If your interests align with exploring waterfalls, historic streets, and coastal views—all with insightful guides—this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics much simpler.

How long does the tour last? The tour is a full day, with enough time at each stop to see the waterfalls, old town, and enjoy the boat ride comfortably.

What should I bring? It’s best to bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, clothes suitable for walking, cash for extra purchases, and a hat for sun protection.

Are drinks included? No, drinks are not included, so bring some cash if you want beverages during or after the meal.

Is there a cable car ride included? The tour mentions a cable car, but it was unavailable during some trips due to maintenance. Check in advance if it’s operational.

Are guides available in languages other than English? Yes, guides speak English, Russian, and German.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your planning.

This Antalya tour strikes a good balance for those wanting to see the waterfalls, explore historic sights, and enjoy a boat ride—all in one easy-to-book package. It’s a practical, engaging way to spend a day soaking in the best of what Antalya has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: