From Side: Antalya City Tour w/Boat Trip, Old Town&Waterfall

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and are considering a day that blends history, nature, and local flavors, this tour offers a practical way to see some of the city’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail. While not a private experience, it balances guided insights with enough free time to soak in the atmosphere and snap photos of stunning scenery.

What we appreciate about this tour are the breathtaking views from panoramic lookout points, the chance to wander through the historic streets of Kaleiçi, and the refreshing stop at Kursunlu Waterfall. Plus, the optional boat trip adds a relaxing aquatic dimension to the day. That said, a potential drawback is the cancellation of the cable car, which, according to some travelers, limits certain scenic views. This tour is best suited for those wanting a well-rounded introduction to Antalya’s natural beauty and cultural charm, especially if you prefer a guided experience with organized transportation and insightful commentary.

Good To Know

• Versatile Experience: Combines natural sights, historic streets, and optional boat trip
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Aydin and Levant add depth and humor
• Scenic Highlights: Kursunlu Waterfall and city viewpoints provide fantastic photo opportunities
• Flexible Timing: Free time at Kaleiçi and the bazaar allows for personal exploration
• Value for Money: Good coverage of major sights within an 8-hour package
• Weather Considerations: The cable car was out of service during some trips, affecting views

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Easy, Hassle-Free Pickup and Transportation

From the moment your day begins, the experience is designed for convenience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off directly from your accommodation, which means no additional planning or transportation stress. Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to transport you to various spots around Antalya.

This arrangement is especially appealing if you’re staying in Antalya or nearby areas like Side, as it cuts out the need to navigate public transport or hire a taxi.

Kursunlu Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Pause

Your first stop is the Kursunlu Waterfall, a highlight for many travelers. Set within a lush park, this cascade offers a tranquil setting perfect for photos and relaxing moments. Several reviews mention that it’s “super cool” and “more than enough” to spend around 40 minutes there, giving you time to wander the paths, take plenty of pictures, and enjoy the soothing sounds of falling water.

One guest highlighted that the waterfall is “stunning” and offers a chance to see local flora and fauna. The peaceful atmosphere is a welcome break from city sightseeing and a favorite among those who appreciate natural beauty.

Lunch in Kaleiçi: Tasting Authentic Turkish Cuisine

After the waterfall, you’ll head to a local restaurant for a delicious Turkish lunch. The meal typically features regional flavors, with portions described as “small but good” by travelers, emphasizing quality over quantity. Many reviewers appreciated the opportunity to sample local dishes and felt that the meal offered decent value, especially given the scenic setting.

This stop also provides the chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers, and some guides, like Levant, go the extra mile by translating stories and explaining the dishes, making it more engaging for international guests.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Kaleiçi: The Historic Heart of Antalya

Next, your journey takes you into Kaleiçi, the historic old town. Strolling through cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and landmarks is a highlight. You’ll see iconic sights such as Hadrian’s Gate and the Clock Tower, all rich with stories that your guide will share.

Guests love the personalized free time here, which allows for shopping, grabbing a coffee, or simply soaking in the ambiance. You might pick up souvenirs, or just enjoy wandering and snapping photos of the picturesque streets.

Waterfalls and Optional Boat Trip

The final natural stop is the Kursunlu Waterfall again or another scenic spot, depending on logistics and weather. If you opted for the boat trip, this adds a relaxing hour on the water, providing a different perspective of Antalya’s coastline. Reviewers mention that the boat trip was a pleasant addition, although it’s optional, so check availability when booking.

End of the Day: Return Comfortably to Your Accommodation

After a full day of sightseeing, your guide will ensure you’re comfortably returned to your hotel. The tour wraps up around 8 hours after starting, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore on your own afterward.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers commend the guides, especially mentioning Aydin and Levant for their knowledge, friendliness, and multilingual support. Levant, in particular, is praised for his translation skills and attentiveness, making the experience more inclusive for non-Turkish speakers.

While some guests were disappointed about the cable car being out of service, they still found the tour rewarding thanks to the waterfalls, bazaar, and city views. A guest shared that despite the weather not cooperating, “it was still worth the experience,” highlighting the tour’s resilience and flexibility.

The value for money is another strong point, with travelers feeling they received a rundown of Antalya’s highlights within the designated time. The inclusion of lunch, transport, and guide services makes it a cost-effective option for many.

Practical Details

Duration: About 8 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, licensed guides (English and German), and optional lunch and boat trip.

Not Included: Drinks, souvenirs, or additional activities.

Tips: Bring comfortable shoes for walking, your camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Note that the cable car may be unavailable, so don’t rely on it for scenic views.

Pricing: The tour offers the convenience of paying later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance—making it flexible for last-minute plans or changing weather.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day tour suits travelers seeking a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration. If you’re interested in learning about Antalya’s history from a knowledgeable guide, enjoying scenic viewpoints, and sampling local cuisine, this tour hits many marks.

It’s also ideal for those who prefer organized transport and guided commentary, especially if you want to maximize your sightseeing without the stress of logistics. The inclusion of free time in Kaleiçi is perfect for independent explorers, while the optional boat trip appeals to those looking for a relaxing water experience.

However, if seeing scenic cable car views is a top priority, this may not fully meet your expectations since the cable car was unavailable during some trips. Also, travelers with very young children should note that children under three are not included in the price, and extra charges might apply for young kids.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off directly from your accommodation’s security gate, offering a hassle-free start and end to your day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Since the weather can impact certain activities, bring layers if needed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility is helpful if weather conditions change unexpectedly.

Is there a boat trip included?
The boat trip is optional and can be selected during booking. It typically lasts around an hour and offers a relaxed way to view Antalya’s coastline.

What about the cable car?
Currently, the cable car is out of service, and it’s uncertain when it will reopen. This may affect certain scenic views, but the waterfalls and viewpoints still provide plenty of natural beauty.

How much free time is there?
You’ll have about 40 minutes at the waterfalls and several hours in Kaleiçi for shopping, exploring, or relaxing.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included if you select that option. Reviews mention regional dishes and decent portions, though some guests note they are small but flavorful.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English and German, with translation support to enhance understanding for international travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Antalya city tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience some of the city’s most captivating sights. It’s especially suited for travelers who value guided insights, scenic natural spots, and local culture all in one day. The combination of waterfalls, historic streets, and optional boat trip ensures a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Antalya.

While the cable car’s unavailability might disappoint those seeking panoramic mountain views, the tour compensates with stunning waterfalls and vibrant bazaars. The guides’ knowledge, combined with the flexibility of free time and good-value inclusions, makes this option a solid choice for both first-timers and repeat visitors.

If you’re looking for a balanced, organized, and affordable way to explore Antalya’s highlights, this tour is worth considering. It provides a snapshot of the city’s natural beauty and historic charm, all wrapped up in a day that’s manageable and memorable.

You can check if your dates are available here: