City of Side: City Tour including Waterfalls and Cable Car

City of Side: City Tour including Waterfalls and Cable Car offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and historical sights for travelers exploring Antalya Province. Priced at $40 per person and lasting about one full day, this tour promises a scenic journey through some of the area’s most iconic spots, including the Düden waterfalls and a thrilling cable car ride up Tunektepe mountain.

What truly makes this tour appealing are two standout features: the stunning panoramic views from the cable car, giving you a sweeping perspective of the Mediterranean and Taurus Mountains, and the visit to the Düden waterfalls, which are renowned for their natural beauty and dramatic flow into the sea. These highlights deliver memorable visuals that will stay with you long after your trip.

However, a note of caution is that some guests have experienced longer journeys than expected or found the organization less smooth than hoped. For example, a review mentioned a crowded bus and a lack of detailed guidance during free time in Antalya. So, if you prefer a tightly organized, small-group experience with extensive guided sightseeing, this tour’s format might not be perfect for you.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of natural scenery and city culture, especially those who enjoy spectacular views, outdoor exploration, and free time in historic settings. It suits those who don’t mind a bit of travel fatigue and are prepared to explore at a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Scenic cable car ride offers panoramic views of Antalya, Taurus Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Visit to Düden waterfalls provides a chance to see some of the most famous natural sights in the city.
• Flexible free time in Kaleici allows for exploring historic sites, shopping, or relaxing at seaside cafes.
• Round-trip transportation included simplifies logistics, but can be crowded and lengthy.
• Price offers good value for the combination of natural beauty, views, and city exploration.
• The tour is limited to small groups (up to 10), but actual experiences may vary based on the number of participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at What to Expect

The Journey Begins Early and Comfortably

Start your day with hotel pickup between 08:20 and 09:20, depending on your location. This is a good time to settle into the bus, relax, and meet your guide, who will introduce the day’s plan. The approximately one-hour drive to Antalya sets the tone for a leisurely day, with some guides providing lively commentary about the region’s history and geography.

First Stop: The Heartuzkaldran Waterfall

Your first major stop is the Heartuzkaldran Waterfall, the largest in Antalya. Here, you’ll see a majestic cascade that originates from the Taurus Mountains, flowing into the plains and sometimes underground before plunging 38 meters into the Mediterranean. The waterfall is a favorite for its natural charm and the chance to snap some unique photos of the tumbling water framed by lush greenery. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, enough to soak in the scenery and take pictures without feeling rushed.

A review from Sven describes this stop as “quite OK,” and notes the waterfall’s natural beauty is striking. It’s a good spot for nature lovers and those wanting a breather from city sights.

The Cable Car Experience: A Visual Feast

After the waterfall, the tour continues through the city and reaches the cable car station in about 45 minutes. Opened in 2010, this 1706-meter-long cable car takes you up to Tunektepe, at 605 meters above sea level. The 13-minute ride offers spectacular views of Antalya’s harbor, Konyaaltı Beach, Rat Island, and the Taurus Mountains — perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Once at the summit, you can enjoy a drink at the cafe while taking in the unmatched vistas. You’ll see kilometers of beaches, the shimmering Mediterranean, and the rugged Taurus range. Spending about 40-45 minutes at the top allows plenty of time for photos and soaking up the landscape, which many guests find to be the highlight of the day.

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The Return and Free Time in Kaleici

Descending from the mountain, the bus heads to Kaleici, Antalya’s historic old town, in about 30 minutes. Here, you get around two hours of free time to explore. Your guide will give instructions on where to meet afterward, but how you spend your time is entirely up to you.

In Kaleici, you can wander past Roman ruins, visit the symbolic grooved minaret, or peek into Ottoman-era houses and mosques. Some guests, like Guido, rave about the beautiful views and find strolling the narrow streets a delightful way to experience authentic local charm. Others might prefer to enjoy a boat tour around the harbor or relax at a seaside café.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Lunch and drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks or eating in Kaleici.
• The group size is limited to about 10 participants, but actual numbers can vary, as some reviews indicate larger crowds.
• The tour price includes all entry tickets, including the cable car and waterfalls, which helps avoid extra costs.
• Transportation is provided, but some guests have found the bus journey long and crowded.
• The flexibility of free time is a plus, but it requires self-navigation and comfort with exploring independently.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Travelers

One reviewer, Sven, expressed frustration about the long bus ride (over two hours) and the lack of guided sightseeing in Antalya itself, describing the experience as “a complete disaster to explore the sights in Antalya” due to limited guidance and a confusing city map. He appreciated the waterfall and boat tour but felt the overall organization could be improved.

On the positive side, Guido highlighted the cable car ride as the tour’s standout feature, emphasizing how “a beautiful view” made the trip worthwhile. He did note the long bus journey and the absence of a guided city tour in Antalya as drawbacks, suggesting that while the tour is doable, it’s not necessarily a must-do if you prefer more guided and structured city exploration.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This city and nature combo is particularly suited for travelers who want cost-effective access to some of Antalya’s most photogenic sights without booking separate tickets or transportation. The scenic cable car ride alone makes it worth considering, especially for those eager to capture stunning views of the coast and mountains.

If you’re a nature lover, the Düden waterfalls offer a peaceful and picturesque escape, while the free time in Kaleici appeals to those who enjoy wandering historic streets at their own pace. However, if you prefer comprehensive guided city tours with smaller groups and more organization, this may not fully meet your expectations.

This tour provides a good balance of natural beauty and city charm, but it’s best for travelers who don’t mind a bit of wandering on their own and appreciate breathtaking vistas over detailed guided sightseeing.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with all necessary entry tickets. The bus ride to Antalya can be lengthy and sometimes crowded.

How long is the cable car ride?
The cable car journey lasts about 13 minutes, taking you from the station up to the summit at Tunektepe.

What can I see from the cable car?
You’ll get sweeping views of Antalya’s harbor, Konyaaltı Beach, Rat Island, the Taurus Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat in Kaleici after free time.

How much free time do I get in Kaleici?
Approximately two hours to explore, shop, or relax at seaside cafes.

Are guided tours available in Antalya city?
The tour provides some guidance but relies on a map and self-navigation during free time, so expect to explore independently.

What is the group size?
Limited to about 10 participants, but actual numbers can vary depending on the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, but consider the walking involved in Kaleici and the bus ride. The cable car is accessible and offers stunning views suitable for all ages.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour worth the price?
Given the included tickets, transportation, and stunning views, many find $40 to be reasonable, especially if you love natural scenery and panoramic city vistas.

To sum it up, this tour offers a blend of natural wonder and historical charm, with breathtaking views from the cable car and the serene beauty of the Düden waterfalls. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a relaxed day with memorable sights without the hassle of organizing transportation and tickets on their own. Be prepared for a long bus ride and some independent exploring, but in return, you get the chance to see some of the most beautiful parts of Antalya in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: