Antalya City Tours with old city,Waterfalls & Boat ride

Antalya City Tours with Old City, Waterfalls & Boat Ride: A Practical Guide

When it comes to visiting Antalya, a city brimming with history and natural beauty, a well-organized day trip can make all the difference. The “Antalya City Tours with Old City, Waterfalls & Boat Ride” offers a reasonably priced way to catch many of the region’s top sights in one day. This tour is especially appealing for those who want a taste of both city life and scenic nature without breaking the bank—just under $20 per person.

We like this tour because it combines stunning waterfalls with the charm of the Old City, and adds a relaxing boat ride through the harbor. It’s a solid way to see some iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy a local lunch. A minor consideration is that, due to group size and the nature of the schedule, some travelers might find the shopping stops less appealing or feel they need more free time. That said, if you’re after an authentic, value-packed day that hits the highlights, this tour could suit your travel style perfectly.

This tour works best for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic nature, history, and a bit of leisure. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a guided experience that covers the essentials, especially for first-timers or those with tight schedules. For those wanting a more private or flexible experience, private tours might be better, but for most, the group setting offers a friendly, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• Affordable Pricing: At around $17.20, it offers good value for the variety of sights covered.
• Diverse Highlights: Waterfalls, old town, harbor views, and a cable car ride.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of each site.
• Inclusion of Lunch and Tickets: All major entrance fees (waterfalls, boat) and a meal are covered.
• Group Size: Limited to 40 travelers, balancing social atmosphere with manageable numbers.
• Timing & Logistics: Starts early at 9:00 am with hotel pickup and includes transfer, making logistics easier.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Lower Duden Waterfalls

You’ll start your day at the Lower Duden Waterfalls, a powerful and scenic spot with a high waterfall that creates a dramatic splash into the sea. The walking park nearby offers a chance to stretch your legs and snap some photos of the surging water and the harbor views. Visitors often find this a highlight, especially since the admission ticket is included. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of the waterfalls, making it more than just a pretty sight.

However, some reviews mention the lower falls weren’t as impressive as the upper ones or that the visit to the lower falls could be skipped to save time. This is worth considering if you’re short on time or prefer more time in other areas.

Kaleici – The Old City

Next, you’ll have about 45 minutes free in Kaleici, the historic heart of Antalya. Here, wandering through narrow cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time. Key sights include Nero Street, the Clock Tower, and Hadrian’s Gate, all within easy walking distance. The guide will point out these landmarks, but the free time allows you to explore at your own pace—grab a coffee, browse shops, or just soak up the atmosphere.

Many travelers appreciate the chance to visit this ancient neighborhood, as one review notes, “Old town was great,” highlighting how well-preserved and charming it is. Remember, this is a chance to see the city’s layered history firsthand.

Harbour & Boat Tour

A 45-minute boat trip around Antalya’s harbor offers a relaxed break and some fantastic views. The boat ride is a refreshing way to see the coastline from a different perspective and enjoy the lively harbor scene. Several reviews describe this as a “nice chill,” and the harbor scenery is often praised, especially when coupled with perfect weather.

Upper Duden Waterfalls

The day’s highlight for many is the Upper Duden Waterfalls. Here, you’ll see the antique mill, a cave, and underground water channels—an intriguing mix of natural beauty and old-world charm. The waterfalls cascade into a scenic gorge, with plenty of photo opportunities. One traveler called it “very nice scenery,” and many find this the most picturesque stop of the day.

The tour includes admission tickets, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs. Be prepared for some walking and possibly a bit of climbing, but the views are well worth it.

Additional Highlights & Practical Details

Cable Car Ride

A cable car ride offers panoramic views of Antalya from above, providing a different perspective on the city’s sprawling landscape. While not everyone mentions this in reviews, it’s generally regarded as a worthwhile addition, especially for first-time visitors eager for a broad view of the city.

Lunch & Shopping

Your included lunch is typically a local meal, giving a taste of Turkish cuisine without extra expense. It’s standard fare but satisfying. As for shopping, many reviews mention a shop stop—which is common in group tours. Some travelers, like one reviewer, found the shopping stops “not interesting,” while others appreciated the opportunity to buy souvenirs.

It’s worth noting that shopping is mentioned in the itinerary, and some reviews point out that visits to jewelry or silver outlets are routine. If shopping isn’t your thing, you might prefer private tours that allow more control over stops.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is by comfortable bus, with pickup from your hotel included. The tour limits the group to 40 travelers, keeping it manageable but lively. The timing starts at 9:00 am, with pickups possibly from nearby areas like Kemer (about 45 km away), which can affect your start time.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Several guests praise their guides, highlighting how knowledgeable and friendly they are. Comments like “guide was amazing” and “guide was very helpful” suggest that the tour’s success often hinges on the quality of the guide.

Waterfalls receive high praise, with many describing them as “beautiful” and “worth visiting.” The boat ride and old town are also praised, especially when combined with good weather and a responsive guide.

On the flip side, a few criticisms mention long waiting times, unexpected shopping stops, and not enough free time. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or private experience, this tour might feel a bit rushed or commercial.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Antalya City Tour offers solid value for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out that combines nature, history, and leisure. It’s best suited for first-time visitors, families, or those who prefer the convenience of guided excursions. The inclusion of waterfalls, old city, boat ride, and lunch makes it a well-rounded choice for a full day’s adventure.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, affordable tour that hits all the highlights without extra costs or hassle, this experience will serve you well. Just be aware that shopping stops are routine, and some stops might be skipped or shortened based on weather or group preferences.

For travelers who appreciate enthusiastic guides, scenic views, and good value, this tour offers a memorable taste of Antalya’s best. Those seeking a more flexible or private experience might want to explore other options, but for most, this tour hits the sweet spot between cost and discovery.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 9 hours from start to finish, including hotel pickup, sightseeing, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all entrance tickets to waterfalls, a boat tour, lunch, transportation from and back to your hotel, and a guide.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks are not included. You might want to bring bottled water or purchase beverages during stops.

Is there free time at the old city?
Yes, you have about 45 minutes to explore Kaleici independently after the guided highlights.

Can I skip the shopping stops?
Shopping is part of the itinerary, but you are free to decline visits and just enjoy the sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers with children enjoyed the mix of nature and city sights, but consider the walking involved.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a nicely balanced introduction to Antalya, blending scenic waterfalls, historic streets, and relaxing harbor views. With knowledgeable guides and included meals and tickets, it’s a practical choice for travelers wanting a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.