Antalya City and Old Town Kaleici Day Trip Review

Exploring the historic charms of Antalya and Kaleici, this day trip promises a captivating journey through Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry. While the small group size and knowledgeable guides receive praise, some travelers feel the pace could be adjusted to savor the experience. From the picturesque streets of the Old Town to the surprise discovery of a stunning waterfall, the excursion offers a delightful blend of anticipated highlights and unexpected delights. As participants grapple with the extreme heat, the tour’s ability to adapt and ensure a memorable experience becomes a key factor in determining the overall satisfaction. Intrigued to learn more about the nuances of this Antalya adventure?

Key Points

• The day trip offers a small group experience to explore Antalya and the historic Old Town of Kaleici, with 3 hours and 45 minutes of free time.
• The tour includes transportation and a transfer guide, with pickup available at various hotels, and is stroller accessible but not wheelchair friendly.
• Positive feedback highlights the small group size and knowledgeable guides, while negative feedback mentions the rushed time in Antalya and unexpected stops.
• Travelers praise the beauty of Kaleici and the waterfall attraction, but express disappointment over unexpected itinerary changes.
• Management acknowledges customer feedback and made on-the-spot adjustments to accommodate extreme heat conditions, though some travelers were dissatisfied with the changes.

Tour Overview

This tour offers travelers a day trip from Side to explore the picturesque city of Antalya and its historic Old Town, Kaleici.

The tour runs from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, providing ample time to wander through Antalya’s city center and the charming Kaleici district. Guests can expect around 3 hours and 45 minutes of free time in Antalya’s city center, allowing them to discover the city’s attractions at their own pace.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a small group experience. At a cost of $29.22 per person, the tour includes transportation and a transfer guide, making it a convenient and budget-friendly way to explore the highlights of Antalya.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes transportation and a transfer guide, providing a convenient service for getting to and from the destinations.

Pickup points are available at several hotels in the surrounding areas, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of travelers. The tour is stroller accessible, though it isn’t wheelchair friendly, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

The key inclusions are:

1. Transfers and a transfer guide to assist throughout the trip
2. Free time in the old city of Antalya without a guide
3. Pickup from select hotels in the Side region

These logistical elements help make the day trip a seamless experience for participants.

Customer Reviews

Travelers’ reviews of the Antalya City and Old Town Kaleici day trip paint a mixed picture. While some praised the small group size and knowledgeable guides, others felt the time allocated in Antalya was insufficient. As the table below shows, the tour received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 6 total reviews.

Review Criteria	Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Group Size	Small group size	–
Guides	Knowledgeable	–
Time in Antalya	–	Felt rushed, unexpected stops
Attractions	Beauty of Kaleici, waterfall	–

Some travelers expressed disappointment over unexpected itinerary changes, though the tour operator maintained that the planned schedule was followed.

Customer Experiences

Travelers largely found the Antalya City and Old Town Kaleici day trip to be an enjoyable experience, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and small group size.

Some highlights of the customer experiences include:

1. The beauty of the historic Kaleici district, with its charming architecture and winding streets.
2. The unexpected stop at a picturesque waterfall, which provided a refreshing break from the heat.
3. The opportunity to explore the city center at their own pace, allowing them to discover hidden gems and local shops.

However, a few travelers felt that the time allotted in Antalya was insufficient, as unexpected stops affected their planned schedule.

Tour Adjustments

According to the review, in response to extreme heat conditions, the tour guide had to make on-the-spot adjustments to the planned itinerary.

This included adding a stop at a nearby waterfall, allowing travelers to cool off and take a break from the intense heat.

The guide’s responses indicate that the overall itinerary was still followed, with around 4 hours allocated for exploring the charming Kaleici old town.

While some travelers expressed disappointment over the unexpected changes, the guide’s efforts to adapt the tour and ensure the comfort of participants were acknowledged.

Management Responses

The tour operator’s management team acknowledged the customer feedback regarding the unexpected adjustments to the itinerary.

While some travelers expressed disappointment, the guides explained that the changes were made to accommodate the extreme heat conditions, including a stop at a refreshing waterfall.

The management team stood by the guide’s decisions, stating that:

1. The planned 4-hour exploration of Kaleici was adequate, allowing travelers to experience the beauty of the old town.
2. Adjustments to the itinerary were necessary to ensure the comfort and safety of the group.
3. The overall feedback, with a 4.0 rating, suggests that the tour provided a satisfactory experience for the majority of participants.

Additional Information

Independent photographers can be found selling photos and CDs throughout the Kaleici district.

Travelers are advised to verify the authenticity and pricing of any purchases made from these vendors.

The tour provider offers recommendations for making the most of the city and its attractions, such as exploring the Antalya Castle, a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the old town.

Some guests also receive discount cards for local shops during the tour, providing opportunities to save on souvenirs and other purchases.

Since You Asked

What Are the Recommended Restaurants in Antalya’s Old Town?

The narrow streets of Antalya’s Old Town, Kaleici, are lined with charming restaurants offering traditional Turkish cuisine. Visitors can savor meze platters, grilled meats, and fresh seafood while enjoying the historic ambiance of this picturesque district.

Can I Purchase Tickets to Antalya Museum on This Tour?

This tour does not include admission tickets to the Antalya Museum. Guests have free time in Antalya’s old town Kaleici, so they can choose to visit the museum independently if desired, but tickets aren’t provided as part of the day trip.

Is It Possible to Visit Hadrian’s Gate During the Free Time?

During the free time in Antalya city center, travelers can visit Hadrian’s Gate, a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch located in the old town area. However, the tour doesn’t include specific time for this attraction, so it’d depend on the traveler’s pace and interests.

What Are the Best Spots for Photography in Kaleici?

The top photo spots in Kaleici include the historic harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, narrow winding streets, colorful buildings, and bustling market stalls. Visitors can capture the charming Mediterranean ambiance and architecture of this well-preserved old town district.

Do the Tour Buses Have On-Board Restrooms?

The tour buses for this day trip do not have on-board restrooms. Passengers will need to use the restroom facilities at the various stops throughout the tour, including in Antalya’s old town of Kaleici and during the free time in the city center.

The Sum Up

The Antalya City and Old Town Kaleici day trip provides an engaging exploration of Turkey’s history and architecture. While some felt the pace was rushed, the tour’s highlights, like the picturesque Kaleici streets and a surprise waterfall visit, made for an enjoyable experience. Adjustments for the heat received mixed reactions, but overall, participants appreciated the beauty and charm of the area.