Antalya City Tour with Old Town (Kaleiçi) & Düden Waterfalls

If you’re thinking about exploring Antalya, this full-day city tour offers a well-rounded look at what makes this Turkish coastal city so captivating. It’s a mix of history, natural beauty, and a touch of local flavor—an ideal way to get your bearings and see some highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What stood out to us is how the tour seamlessly combines cultural sights like Kaleiçi, the charming old town, with stunning natural attractions like the Düden Waterfalls. Plus, the included boat trip offers a unique perspective of the city’s rugged coastline and waterfalls pouring into the sea. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the trip can feel a bit rushed at times and heavily commercialized—especially during shopping stops. Still, if you’re after a compact introduction to Antalya, this tour hits many of the key spots.

This experience works well for travelers who want a guided overview of Antalya’s top sights in one day, especially if they appreciate a mix of history and natural scenery. It’s not perfect for those seeking deep culture or a leisurely pace, but it does provide a solid snapshot for first-timers.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary covering both historical sites and natural attractions
• Knowledgeable guides help bring the sights to life
• Includes a scenic boat trip showcasing waterfalls and city coastlines
• Value for money, considering entrance fees, lunch, and transport are included
• Potentially rushed stops, especially during shopping or photo sessions
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy guided tours but prefer a shorter, structured day

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Antalya: What to Expect

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Antalya, blending cultural exploration with natural beauty. The day kicks off with a hotel pickup, making it easy to start your adventure without stress. For about 8 hours, you’ll visit some of the most iconic spots in the city and the surrounding area, all led by a live guide in your chosen language—English, German, or Russian.

The Highlights of the Tour

Antalya’s Historic Heart: Kaleiçi

You’ll spend about 90 minutes wandering through Kaleiçi, the old quarter of Antalya. This area is packed with narrow streets, traditional Ottoman houses, and historic structures like the Hadrianus Gate, the Clock Tower, and the Fluted Minaret. These sites aren’t just photo ops; they tell stories of Antalya’s long past as a trading hub.

Many travelers find Kaleiçi charming. It’s a place to soak up the atmosphere, do some light shopping, or just enjoy the views of the harbor. One review mentioned that the free time here is enough for a quick stroll and some souvenir shopping, but beware—the guide may push for quick visits, so be ready to move if you want to linger.

Waterfalls and Natural Beauty: Düden Waterfalls

The tour includes visits to both the Upper Duden Waterfall, about 10 km north of the city, and the Lower Duden Waterfall, falling directly into the Mediterranean. The Upper Duden is a scenic spot with caves and cascades behind the falls, perfect for taking photos or having a picnic.

The Lower Duden is more dramatic, as the waterfalls plunge 40 meters into the sea amid spray and mist. You’ll get the chance to see this from the cliffs and from a boat, which is a special touch. The boat trip, lasting about an hour, offers incredible views of the waterfalls and Antalya’s coastline—many travelers say it’s a highlight.

One reviewer described the boat ride as looking like “a great painting,” and appreciated how it’s a different perspective from the water. Be aware that the waterfalls are popular spots, and sometimes the area can get crowded, especially during peak season.

Scenic Boat Trip

The boat ride is about an hour long, starting from the old harbor. As you cruise, you’ll see the Karpuzkaldran waterfall, known as the Lower Duden, falling into the sea. Many find this a memorable photo opportunity, with the water falling amidst clouds of spray—some compare it to a scene from a painting.

While you get plenty of natural beauty, some travelers noted that the boat trip is a bit commercial, with opportunities to buy souvenirs or snacks onboard. Still, the views over the city’s coastline and waterfalls are worth it.

The Practical Side: Transportation & Logistics

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, which makes the day smooth and hassle-free. The group size tends to be manageable, and the entire experience lasts around 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and lunch.

What’s Included?

• Guided tour in your preferred language
• A generous lunch featuring kebabs, pizza, or Turkish lahmacun—good for satisfying hunger, but note that drinks and personal expenses are extra
• Entrance fees to all sites
• One-hour boat trip

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What’s Not Included?

You’ll need to budget for drinks and any personal purchases. Lunch is included, but since drinks aren’t, it’s wise to bring water along or buy extra if you prefer.

Pricing and Value

At $53 per person, this tour offers a decent deal considering the entrance fees, lunch, boat trip, and guiding services. It’s a more streamlined way to see many of Antalya’s highlights without planning each stop yourself.

What Do Travelers Say?

Reviews are mixed but generally positive. A traveler from the UK called it “Nice,” while a French guest found it “Excellent,” praising the guide Ahmet and the driver. However, some reviews pointed out downsides—such as feeling like the tour was more about shopping and sales pitches than sightseeing. One reviewer mentioned, “the tour seemed more like a sales trip,” with stops at jewelers and bazaars that felt somewhat forced.

Plus, the lunch was described as “a joke” by one traveler, and they felt rushed, especially in hot weather. These comments suggest that if you prefer a more relaxed pace and fewer sales pitches, this might not be your ideal tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re new to Antalya or Turkey and want a quick, guided overview of the city’s most famous sites, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate cultural highlights combined with natural scenery and don’t mind a somewhat structured day. The inclusion of a boat trip and waterfalls makes it appealing for those who enjoy outdoorsy, picturesque moments.

However, if you’re after a deep dive into history or prefer exploring at your own pace, you might find this day a bit hurried and somewhat commercialized—especially during shopping stops. Families with children over five will find this manageable, as kids under five ride free on the bus but must sit on laps.

Final Thoughts

This Antalya city tour provides a comprehensive snapshot of what makes the city special, from the historic charm of Kaleiçi to the breathtaking Düden Waterfalls. The guided approach, combined with the boat trip, makes it a memorable experience, especially for first-time visitors seeking an easy, all-in-one day.

While the tour’s structure can feel a little rushed and somewhat commercial at times, the value for what’s included tends to outweigh these concerns. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge, making the sightseeing more engaging. The natural beauty of the waterfalls and the coastal views from the boat stay with you long after the day ends.

This tour is most suited for travelers who want a guided, diverse experience in Antalya without extra planning. If you’re okay with a busy day that balances sightseeing with some shopping and optional photo stops, it’s a good way to get your bearings and enjoy some of the city’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making it convenient to start your day without extra logistics.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat ride lasts about one hour, starting from Antalya’s old harbor and passing by the waterfalls and coastline.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees are covered in the tour price, so you won’t need extra cash for site entry.

What’s the lunch like?
Lunch includes kebabs, pizza, or Turkish lahmacun—generous plates, good for refueling after sightseeing. Drinks aren’t included, so bring your own or purchase on the spot.

Can children participate?
Children under 5 can join for free but must sit on an adult’s lap. Older children should be able to enjoy the tour like adults.

What guides are available?
Guides speak English daily. German guides are available on certain days (Tue, Fri, Sun), and Russian guides on others (Tue, Thu, Sun).

Is there enough time at each stop?
The tour provides approximately 1.5 hours in Kaleiçi and enough time to enjoy the waterfalls and boat trip, but some reviews mention feeling rushed, especially in hot weather.

How big are the groups?
While not explicitly stated, it’s designed to be a manageable group size with pickup included, so expect a small to medium group.

Are there options for extra activities?
Additional shopping stops are part of the tour, often at jewelers or bazaars—if you want to avoid these, it’s worth discussing with your guide.

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, it lasts around 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and lunch, making it perfect for a comprehensive day out.

This Antalya City Tour with Old Town and Düden Waterfalls offers a practical, guided way to see some of the city’s best sights, especially if you’re after a manageable, informative experience. It’s best for those who like structured days and don’t mind a little commercial activity mixed in with natural beauty and history.

You can check availability for your dates here: