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

Discover Antalya’s Highlights in One Day: A Balanced Look at the City Tour with Boat & Waterfalls

Planning a trip to Side and wanting to get a thorough taste of Antalya? This tour, offered at a budget-friendly price of around $29, aims to give travelers a blend of history, natural beauty, and scenic views. It’s a popular choice, often booked 25 days in advance, and designed to suit those who enjoy guided sightseeing with some free time for personal exploration.

While the itinerary promises a full day packed with iconic landmarks like Kaleiçi, Tünektepe, and Kursunlu Waterfalls, it also includes a boat trip as a substitute for the cable car — which, unfortunately, is currently out of service. Our review highlights what’s worth your attention, what might disappoint, and how you can make the most of this experience.

Three Things We Love About This Tour
First, the knowledgeable guides truly help bring the sights to life. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Umit for their helpful insights and translations, making the experience richer. Second, the scenic views from Tünektepe are a highlight — traveling up to 700 meters above sea level offers panoramic vistas of Antalya that are worth every minute. Lastly, the balance of guided exploration and free time in Kaleiçi allows travelers to soak up the atmosphere, shop, or just relax at their own pace.

A potential drawback is the cancellation of the cable car, which is a significant part of the original plan. While the boat trip is a good alternative, some travelers might find it less thrilling or different from what was initially expected. The overall value hinges on expectations and weather conditions, which can influence the experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Antalya without a hefty price tag, especially those interested in seeing the city’s top sights along with natural attractions. It’s perfect for first-timers, families, or solo travelers eager to tick off several landmarks in one day.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At just over $29, it offers decent value considering the included stops and activities.
• Guided Exploration: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with detailed commentary.
• Flexible Free Time: Two hours in Kaleiçi lets you explore at your own pace.
• Scenic Vantage Points: The Tünektepe cable car offers unforgettable views (when operational).
• Natural Beauty: Kursunlu Waterfalls provide excellent photo opportunities and a break from busy sightseeing.
• Weather Dependency: The cable car’s current closure means a boat trip replaces the planned ascent, which may influence expectations.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Kaleiçi, the Old Town

Your day kicks off with a visit to Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic heart. This is where the city’s soul feels most alive — narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and quaint shops line the alleyways. The guide will share interesting tidbits about the history and architecture, making the walk educational as well as scenic.

You’ll get about two hours of free time here, giving you a chance to browse artisan shops, pick up souvenirs, or just enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of the local cafes. Reviewers like Graham found this time perfect for soaking in the atmosphere, while others appreciated the opportunity to explore on their own without feeling rushed.

Tünektepe Teleferik: Scenic Cable Car Ride

A highlight for many is the trip up to Tünektepe, perched 700 meters above sea level. You’ll travel by cable car, which offers sweeping views of the city, coastline, and surrounding hills — one of those “must-do” moments for photogenic travelers.

However, it’s worth noting that the cable car is currently out of service, so the tour substitutes a boat trip. Reviewers like Ryan and Chhavi found the boat ride to be surprisingly relaxing and a fun alternative. The viewpoint cafes sell pastries and drinks, perfect for a quick snack while taking in the scenery.

When operational, this part of the tour is a real treat, offering an elevated perspective that truly distinguishes Antalya from other destinations.

Kursunlu Waterfalls: Nature’s Refreshing Stop

Next, you’ll visit Kursunlu Waterfalls, a popular spot praised for its natural beauty. With about 45 minutes here, you can snap photos of cascading waters, walk along scenic paths, and enjoy the cool mist of the falls. Reviewers like Graham called this stop “wondrous” for photography, while others appreciated the peaceful vibe after a busy morning.

It’s a brief stop, but enough to appreciate the lush surroundings and capture memorable shots. The waterfalls are a favorite among visitors thanks to the combination of ease of access and picturesque views.

Optional Boat Trip

If the cable car isn’t operational, the tour redirects to a boat cruise. Several reviews mention that this substitute is a relaxing and scenic alternative, with some travelers describing it as “very relaxing.” While some felt it was less exciting than the cable car, others enjoyed the chance to unwind on the water, especially if the weather is warm.

Keep in mind that some guests said the boat trip was a bit boring or less engaging, but overall, it’s a tranquil way to see the coastline and enjoy a different perspective of Antalya’s shoreline.

Free Time in the Old Town

The two hours in Kaleiçi are an important part of the tour’s appeal. Beyond shopping, many travelers enjoy wandering the streets, admiring the Ottoman architecture, or sitting down for a traditional Turkish meal if they wish. Several reviews mention that guides provided helpful tips and translations, making solo exploration easier.

This flexibility is appreciated, especially since some travelers like AminaKhatun found it helpful that the tour was essentially a “taxi service” to the main sights, with plenty of time to relax or explore independently.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.
• Price: Around $29, which is quite reasonable given the included stops and optional activities.
• Pickup and Drop-off: Convenient hotel pickup saves the hassle of navigating public transportation and ensures a smooth start and end to your day.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers, so you’ll get a more personalized experience. Some reviews noted that larger groups, sometimes up to 40, could make for less intimate outings.
• Inclusions: Guided commentary, entrance fees, and lunch (if you opt for it). Drinks are not included, so bring water.
• Weather considerations: The cable car’s current suspension makes the boat trip an even more integral part of the experience. If the cable car is operational in future, it’s a highlight, so check ahead.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many guests appreciated the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Umit, who translated and shared facts in English and German. Customers also noted how well-organized the trip was, with timely pickups and clear instructions.

The lunch was described variously — some found it satisfying, with good portions, while others mentioned it was simple street food, like a chicken wrap. A few noted that drinks had to be purchased separately, so packing water is wise.

A common theme in reviews praising this tour is the value for money. For just over $29, you get multiple key sights, a guided tour, and a scenic trip, making it a worthwhile purchase. Conversely, some criticized the experience when the cable car was unavailable, but the tour providers did their best to substitute a pleasant boat ride.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This excursion is a solid pick for first-time visitors to Antalya who want a snapshot of the city’s highlights without fuss. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy guided tours with a mix of history, nature, and scenic views. The small group size fosters a more intimate experience, and the flexible free time in Kaleiçi gives you a chance to explore at your own pace.

If you’re interested in natural beauty and panoramic vistas, the stop at Tünektepe (or the boat trip substitute) will likely be a highlight. For history buffs or photo enthusiasts, the stop at Kursunlu Waterfalls offers a worthwhile break from urban exploration.

However, if you’re expecting the original cable car ride, be aware that it’s currently not available, and the substitute boat trip provides a different but still enjoyable experience. Travelers who are less interested in shopping or wandering might find the two hours in Kaleiçi a bit short, but overall, the tour balances guided sightseeing with personal exploration nicely.

This tour fuels curiosity about Antalya’s diverse appeal: its old town charm, scenic waterfalls, and vibrant coastline, all at a reasonable price point.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families and seniors. Just be prepared for some walking and the short stops involved.

Does the tour include lunch?
Lunch is available if you select the option during booking. The reviews mention a typical meal like a kebab or street-style street food, but drinks are not included and must be bought separately.

What happens if the cable car is still out of service?
The tour will replace the cable car trip with a boat cruise, which many travelers find relaxing and scenic. It’s a good alternative, especially under current circumstances.

Can I explore Kaleiçi on my own?
Absolutely. The two-hour free time is perfect for wandering or shopping at your own pace. The guide can provide tips or directions if needed.

How big are the groups?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. However, some reviews mention larger groups due to other booking sources, so it’s worth confirming.

Is this tour good value for money?
Given the inclusion of multiple major sights, guided commentary, and transportation, most reviews agree it offers good value—especially considering the affordability of around $29.

This Antalya city tour offers a well-rounded experience with scenic vistas, cultural stops, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile day out for those eager to explore. Just keep an eye on weather and activity updates to get the most out of your trip.