Antalya City Tours with old city,Waterfalls & Boat ride

Experience the Heart of Antalya: Waterfalls, Old City, and a Scenic Boat Ride

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day in Antalya, this tour offers a taste of both natural beauty and historical charm. Priced at just $17.20 per person, it covers waterfalls, the ancient streets of Kaleici, a harbor boat tour, and even a cable car ride. With a typical duration of around 9 hours, it’s designed to give a full snapshot of this coastal city’s diverse attractions. Our guide, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, makes the journey easy and enjoyable.

What we love about this experience is the variety it offers—from the powerful waterfalls to the cobblestone streets of Antalya’s old town, plus the chance to relax on a harbor boat trip and take in panoramic views from above via the cable car. The included lunch is also a definite plus, making this an excellent value for a day packed with memorable sights.

One thing to keep in mind is that shopping is part of the itinerary, which might not appeal to everyone, especially if you’re not interested in jewelry or souvenirs. Also, since this is a group tour, some travelers have noted issues like bus seating or longer wait times at certain stops. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and social activity and don’t mind a bit of shopping en route.

If your idea of a day well spent involves seeing Antalya’s highlights without the hassle of planning, this tour could be a great fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guides with good English skills and are happy to join a group rather than going private.

Key Points

• Diverse Sights: Combines waterfalls, old town charm, and scenic boat rides in one day.
• Value for Money: At approximately $17.20, includes lunch, waterfalls tickets, boat tour, and transport.
• Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.
• Varied Itinerary: From natural waterfalls to historical streets and panoramic views.
• Shopping Element: Included stops at shops, which some may find unnecessary.
• Weather and Flexibility: Good weather is essential; private options might suit those wanting more control.

Exploring the Waterfalls: Duden Lower and Upper

Your day begins with a visit to the Lower Duden Waterfalls, where you’ll see a powerful cascade pouring into the sea. The walking park surrounding this spot provides a chance to snap some great photos of the harbor views and relax in a lush setting. The admission fee is included, and many reviews highlight the beauty of this site as a standout.

Just a short drive away, you’ll visit the Upper Duden Waterfalls, which are often praised for their more dramatic scenery. Here, you’ll see an antique mill, take in a nice cave, and observe underground water flowing through the area. One reviewer noted the scenery at the lower falls as particularly beautiful, making it a memorable part of the day.

Some reviews, however, mention that the lower waterfall wasn’t as impressive as the upper one, and in some cases, the lower waterfall might be skipped to save time. This flexibility can be helpful if you’re short on time or prefer to focus on the more dramatic falls.

Strolling Through Kaleici: Old Town Antalya

Next, the tour takes you into Kaleici, the historic heart of Antalya. You’ll have around 45 minutes here, enough to stroll along Nero Street, check out the clock tower, and marvel at Hadrian’s Gate—an iconic symbol of the city’s Roman past. Travelers consistently praise the charm of the old streets, with cobblestone lanes, colorful bazaars, and ancient ruins.

While in Kaleici, some reviews mention shopping stops, notably at a jewelry factory. If you’re not interested in shopping, be aware that this is part of the itinerary, and it can feel like a quick detour. Our guide, often described as professional and friendly, will inform you that shopping is optional, but the stop is standard for many group tours.

Harbor Boat Tour: Relaxing Views and a Chance to Chill

A 45-minute boat ride in the harbor offers a refreshing break from walking. Many travelers say this is a highlight, particularly appreciating the serenity of the sea and the opportunity to take photos of the city’s skyline from the water. The admission ticket is included, and some say it’s a great way to unwind.

One reviewer noted that the guide allowed them to wander in Kaleici while others took the boat, which was a nice touch for those not interested in the boat ride. Others found it a “chill” moment to absorb Antalya’s coastal beauty.

Ascending for Panoramic Views: The Cable Car Ride

A cable car trip provides a breathtaking view of Antalya from above, giving you a panoramic perspective of the city, the mountains, and the coastline. Several reviews highlight this as an amazing experience and a great photo opportunity. It’s short but offers big rewards in terms of visual splendor.

The Lunch and Shopping Stops: Worth the Trade-Off?

The included lunch is usually described as decent and convenient, especially after a busy morning of sightseeing. It’s a good value, considering the overall price, and provides a chance to refuel.

However, some reviews mention shopping at jewelry stores or souvenir outlets—which can feel like an extended detour for those not interested. The program generally allows you to opt out if you prefer not to shop, but the stops are part of the group schedule.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Group Size, and Timing

Transport is by air-conditioned bus, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making logistics simple. The group size is capped at 40 travelers, which keeps the experience manageable but lively. The start time is around 9:00 am, with some reviews noting slight delays—typical of group tours.

Some travelers appreciated the professional guides who spoke good English and managed the group smoothly. The size of the bus and the timed stops mean you’ll need some patience but also enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

Authenticity and Value: What You’re Really Getting

This tour strikes a good balance between natural and historical sights with accessible pricing. The waterfalls are a genuine highlight, with spectacular scenery and photo opportunities. The old town offers a glimpse into Antalya’s past, with beautiful architecture and lively streets.

The boat and cable car rides add a leisurely touch, giving you moments of peace and stunning views. The guide’s knowledge is often praised, making the experience more informative and entertaining.

While the shopping stops might be a downside for some, they are a standard feature of group tours in Turkey and often serve as a way for local businesses to showcase their crafts.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a rundown of Antalya’s top sights without the hassle of planning. It suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty and historical sites and are comfortable joining a group.

If you’re someone who prefers private tours or dislikes shopping stops, you might want to consider other options. However, if you value good guides, value for money, and a variety of sights, this tour will leave you with plenty of memories and photos.

The Sum Up

This Antalya city tour offers a well-priced, diverse experience that combines nature, history, and leisure. With stunning waterfalls, an attractive old town, a relaxing boat ride, and panoramic cable car views, you get a packed day that covers the essentials. The guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the ride smoother and more engaging.

While the shopping element and the group nature may not appeal to everyone, most travelers find the value and variety hard to beat. It’s especially well-suited for anyone wanting a full flavor of Antalya in just one day, particularly if you’re new to the city or short on time.

If you’re willing to accept a busy schedule with some optional shopping, this tour promises an authentic, enjoyable day with plenty of beautiful sights and good company.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The overall experience lasts about 9 hours, starting around 9:00 am and including various stops and activities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers waterfalls tickets, a boat tour, lunch, transfers, and an English-speaking guide.

Are there any optional activities?
The boat ride and cable car are included, but shopping stops are part of the itinerary, which you can opt out of if preferred.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activity, plus sun protection in summer. The waterfalls and boat trips are outdoors, so weather gear may be necessary.

Can I skip the shopping stops?
Yes, guides typically inform you that shopping is optional, but stops are scheduled as part of the group itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, as it’s a full-day outing with varied activities, but keep in mind the walking involved and the outdoor nature of the attractions.

What kind of transportation is used?
Travel is by air-conditioned bus, with a group size limited to 40 travelers for comfort.

How do I book this tour?
Advance booking is recommended—generally booked about 26 days in advance—through platforms like Viator or the tour provider directly.

In essence, this Antalya tour balances natural wonders with historic charm, offering great value and a well-organized day out. It’s perfect for those looking to maximize their sightseeing without the stress of logistical planning, especially if you’re okay with some shopping stops along the way.