Antalya Guided City Tour with Top 2 Waterfalls incl. Lunch

Antalya Guided City Tour with Top 2 Waterfalls incl. Lunch: An Honest Look

Thinking of spending a day discovering Antalya’s highlights? This tour promises a mix of waterfalls, old town charm, panoramic views, and a boat trip—all for under $30. It’s a popular choice, with plenty of positive reviews, but like any experience, it has its quirks. We’ll unpack what makes it worth considering and where it might fall short.

What we really like about this tour is how it offers a door-to-door service, which takes away the hassle of navigating Turkish traffic and public transportation. Plus, the chance to see Antalya’s waterfalls and scenic spots in a single day offers good value for money. However, a note of caution: recent reviews reveal that the cable car often isn’t operational, which could affect your experience if that was a main draw for you.

This tour is best suited for those who want a rundown of Antalya in one go, don’t mind a busy schedule, and are flexible about certain attractions being unavailable. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling on a budget or prefer guided tours that handle the logistics.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Value for Money: At around $28, this tour packs in multiple highlights, making it a cost-effective way to see much of Antalya.
• Flexible Scheduling & Hassle-Free: Hotel pickup and drop-off mean no worries about transportation.
• Diverse Experiences: Waterfalls, old town, boat trip, and panoramic views—something for most interests.
• Potential Disappointment: The cable car has frequently been out of service, which some travelers find misleading.
• Informative Guides: Many reviews praise knowledgeable guides like Recep and Gamze.
• Mixed Experiences on Food & Attractions: Lunch gets good marks, but some reviews mention limited food portions and a less-than-stellar wine selection.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour ticks quite a few boxes. Included are visits to Lower Duden Waterfalls, Upper Duden Waterfalls, and a scenic boat trip from Kaleici Marina. You also get the Turkish lunch and transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off—definitely a plus if you prefer to skip the self-drive chaos.

However, drinks and personal expenses are on you. Also, keep in mind that the cable car ride is sometimes not available, despite being listed as a feature. If that was a major reason for choosing this tour, it’s worth double-checking with the operator before booking.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at the Lower Duden Waterfalls
Your day kicks off with a visit to the Lower Duden Waterfalls, where the water crashes into the sea, creating a dramatic scene. With admission included, you’ll have about an hour to snap photos or just soak in the view. Some reviews, like one from Lenka, point out that the waterfall stop is quite short (about 10-15 minutes), so if you’re expecting a lengthy experience, keep your expectations in check.

Visit to Talya Gümü (Turkish Silversmith Shop)
Next, you’ll stop at a local silversmith shop. It’s a quick 40-minute visit, mainly for browsing Turkish crafts. Some travelers, such as one reviewer, appreciated the opportunity to see regional products, but others found it a brief shopping stop that felt a bit like a sales pitch—so if you’re not into jewelry shopping, this may feel like an interruption.

Upper Duden Waterfalls
The Upper Duden Waterfalls are more tranquil and scenic. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, with photos capturing how often the water drops down into a lush green setting. Again, admission is included, and the scenery is quite lovely, especially if you enjoy nature and water features.

Kaleici Marina & Boat Trip
The highlight for many is the one-hour boat trip from Kaleici Marina. You’ll glide along the coast, enjoying views of the old town, possibly spotting villas and the coastline. Many reviewers, like Paul and Chris, found this a relaxing and scenic way to see Antalya from the water. The boat ride also offers an opportunity to escape the heat, a common concern in summer months.

Free Time at Hadrian’s Gate & Kaleici
You’ll get some free time at Hadrian’s Gate and the old town (Kaleici)—perfect for wandering, shopping, or just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s a chance to explore at your own pace or pick up souvenirs.

Lunch & Additional Free Time
Finally, there’s a two-hour block for lunch and wandering around Kaleici. The included lunch gets mixed reviews—some say it’s delicious, especially the beef dish, while others mention the portion sizes and quality of wine could be better. This is a good chance to relax and enjoy some local flavors before wrapping up the tour.

What Travelers Are Saying

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides, especially Recep and Gamze, who are praised for their professionalism and friendliness. Review snippets include:
“Recep Salman was very knowledgeable and patient… if you get him as your guide, you’re lucky.”
“Gamza was fantastic—professional, funny, and very organized.”

Waterfalls and boat trips seem to stand out as the most memorable parts, with many describing the waterfalls as “beautiful” and the boat ride as “relaxing and scenic”. One happy traveler shared:
“The waterfalls were wonderful, and the boat trip along the coast was a lovely way to see the city from a different angle.”

Food at lunch is generally viewed as decent, with some praising the hot beef dish and noting that it was their best meal in Turkey. However, a few felt the wine quality was lacking, and portion sizes could be generous.

Disappointments mainly revolve around the cable car, which, according to numerous reviews, has been out of service for some time. Several travelers expressed frustration at the tour still advertising this feature, only to find it unavailable on the day. One review noted:
“The cable car was closed, yet it was still the main picture on the website and itinerary.”

Others mentioned long waits and busy schedules, especially at the waterfalls and shopping stops, which might make this tour less suitable if you prefer a more relaxed pace or exclusive experiences.

Transportation & Duration

The tour lasts about 8 hours and begins at 9:00 am with hotel pickup. Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned mini bus for transportation, with group sizes capped at 35 people. Many reviews mention the bus arriving on time and the guides being helpful and attentive throughout.

While the guided nature makes it easy to relax, the schedule is quite packed. If you prefer a slow, wandering day, this might feel rushed, especially during the waterfall visits.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for travelers who want an affordable, all-in-one day trip with a mix of nature, history, and scenic experiences. It’s suitable for those who are okay with a busy schedule and are flexible in case some attractions, like the cable car, aren’t available. If you’re interested in a guided, hassle-free day with good value, this will tick many boxes.

However, if your main goal is the cable car ride—be sure to check the current status before booking—many reviews mention it’s often closed. Also, if you’re sensitive to longer waits or crowded spots, you might prefer a more relaxed, less structured alternative.

FAQs

Is the cable car ride included in this tour?
The cable car is advertised as part of the tour, but recent reviews suggest it is often not operational due to closure or safety concerns. It’s best to confirm with the operator before booking.

What’s the typical group size?
The maximum group size is 35 travelers, which balances a social feel with enough space to avoid feeling crowded.

How much free time will I get?
You’ll have about 30 minutes at Kaleici to explore Hadrian’s Gate and the old town, plus 2 hours for lunch and wandering around the area after the boat trip.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. Be prepared to pay for anything additional, including beverages during lunch or at the shops.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the stops are generally suitable for most ages. However, the bus ride and walking might be tiring for very young children.

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

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund.

Final Thoughts

This Antalya tour offers a good mix of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and fun experiences—all at a wallet-friendly price. The included transport and guides make it a practical choice for travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of planning each stop. The waterfalls and boat trip are definite highlights, especially if you enjoy nature and leisurely cruising.

That said, the frequent cable car closures are a notable drawback, especially if that’s a key part of your plan. The stops at waterfalls and old town give you plenty to enjoy, but manage expectations if you’re hoping for a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

In the end, this tour is best for those who are flexible, looking for value, and eager to tick off multiple attractions in one day. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and some elements being unavailable, it’s a solid way to make the most of your Antalya trip.

Happy travels, and I hope your Antalya adventure is full of memorable moments—whatever tour you choose!