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

Exploring Antalya: Is This City Tour Worth It?

If you’re considering a day out in Antalya, especially if your trip includes Side, this tour promises a taste of the city’s charm, scenic views, and a bit of adventure. We’ve looked into this experience based on numerous reviews and the detailed itinerary, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

What stands out for us? First, the guided exploration of Antalya’s Old Town is a highlight. It’s a chance to wander through narrow streets, see historical sights, and shop for souvenirs, all with insightful commentary from a licensed guide. Second, the spectacular views from the cable car at Tünektepe are often praised as well worth the trip, offering a new perspective over the city and coastline.

However, one potential snag is that the cable car is currently out of service. If this is a must-do for you, it’s worth confirming the status before booking — some reviews mention the alternative boat trip, which can be equally enjoyable but might change the overall feel of the day.

This tour mostly suits travelers looking for a well-organized, affordable day that covers key sights with some free time to explore on your own. If you enjoy a balance of guided sightseeing, scenic views, and relaxed activities, this setup might be just right.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with a mix of guided and free exploration
• Includes prominent sights like Kaleici, Kursunlu Waterfalls, and Tünektepe
• Transportation, hotel pickup, and drop-off included for convenience
• A good value for money, with many reviews highlighting enjoyable experiences
• Caveat: The cable car is currently unavailable, so the boat trip replaces it
• Mixed reviews about meal quality and tour organization — worth checking details if those matter

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

If you’re planning to spend a day in Antalya with a focus on sightseeing and scenic views, this tour offers a practical way to see a lot without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s a full-day adventure, approximately 8 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off making it easier to relax and focus on the sights.

Starting Point: Kaleici Old Town

The day kicks off in Kaleici, the historic heart of Antalya. Here, you’ll get a guided overview of the city’s most interesting landmarks, along with two hours of free time to explore at your own pace. From the narrow, cobbled streets to the traditional Ottoman architecture, Kaleici provides a snapshot of old Antalya, perfect for snapping photos or hunting for local souvenirs.

One reviewer mentions that the guide provided interesting facts and took care of photos, making the experience more personable. Another points out that the free time was sufficient to soak in the sights and sample some local treats. Keep in mind that this part of the tour is included in the price and is a strong point for those who love wandering historic neighborhoods.

Tünektepe Cable Car (Currently Out of Service)

Next, the plan is to ascend Tünektepe, where you’d normally enjoy a cable car ride up 700 meters above sea level for panoramic views over Antalya. This is a highlight for many, as the vistas are often described as “astonishing” and well worth the trip.

However, recent reviews note that the cable car is temporarily out of service. The tour now offers a boat trip as a substitute, which many travelers find equally relaxing. This change might affect your expectations if you were excited about the cable car ride, but the boat cruise often garners praise for its calming atmosphere and scenic views. The boat trip is included in the tour price, just like the cable car.

Kursunlu Waterfalls

A visit to Kursunlu Waterfalls follows, offering some picturesque moments for photos and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty. Many reviews commend this stop, describing it as “beautiful” and a perfect place to unwind or take photos. The waterfall is a well-known spot in Antalya, and the 45-minute stop is enough to appreciate its charm without rushing.

Keep your camera ready—this is a popular photo spot, and many travelers comment on how stunning the waterfalls look up close. The waterfall visit is also included, so you get a taste of the natural scenery alongside the city sights.

Lunch and Relaxation

Lunch options are available, and based on reviews, the quality can vary. Some mention a simple kebab meal or a chicken wrap served roadside, which they found tasty but not elaborate. The reviews warn about extra charges for drinks, which is typical in many tours, so it’s worth carrying some water or tea.

Waterfalls and Free Exploration

After lunch, the tour concludes with a visit to the waterfalls or a similar scenic spot before heading back to your hotel. The overall pace is relaxed, allowing you to absorb the sights without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the organization’s overall reliability. For example, one reviewer appreciated the “well-organized” nature of the trip and the helpfulness of the guide, Umit. The boat trip, which replaced the cable car, was described as “superb” and “very relaxing.”

Some travelers, however, express disappointment about the missed cable car experience or the quality of lunch, mentioning that they paid extra for drinks or found the meal underwhelming. For instance, one reviewer noted that the lunch was just a street-food-style chicken wrap with no water or chips included for kids, and they had to pay for additional drinks.

The size of the group is limited to about 15 travelers, which tends to make for a more intimate experience. Still, a few reviews report larger pickups and some confusion about the exact itinerary, especially regarding the boat vs. cable car.

Highlights from Positive Reviews

• The scenic views from Tünektepe, even via boat, are highly praised, with many calling it a “must-see” part of the tour.
• The Old Town exploration offers authentic sights and a chance to wander independently, which many find ideal for getting a feel of Antalya.
• The boat trip, often described as “superb,” provides a peaceful way to enjoy the coast, especially when the cable car isn’t operational.
• The included lunch and waterfalls are generally well-received, with some noting that they enjoyed the food and the natural scenery.

Caveats from Less Favorable Reviews

• Several travelers mention misleading descriptions or the cancellation of the cable car due to technical issues or weather, which led to dissatisfaction.
• Some found the value for money questionable, especially if they expected a premium experience and got a quick, basic lunch instead.
• A handful of reviews describe the bus transfers as time-consuming or inefficient, especially when larger groups are involved.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour starts at 8:00 am with pickup included, so plan accordingly.
• The price of $29.03 per person is competitive, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and some meals or activities.
• Keep in mind that drinks are not included in the meal, so bring some water or extra snacks if you like.
• Since the cable car is currently unavailable, check with the tour provider beforehand if this is a priority for you.
• The maximum group size is around 15, which offers a more personal experience, but some reviews mention that larger groups are sometimes picked up.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive day in Antalya that balances guided sightseeing with free time to explore independently. It offers scenic views, natural beauty, and a taste of city life—all at a reasonable price.

If you’re someone who enjoys mixing cultural sights with natural landscapes and doesn’t mind some unpredictability (like the cable car being out of service), this tour can be a good choice. It’s also flexible enough to suit different interests, with stops for photos, shopping, and relaxing by waterfalls.

However, if you’re looking for a luxurious or highly curated experience, or if the cable car ride is a non-negotiable, you might want to explore other options or verify current conditions before booking.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? Many reviews don’t specify age restrictions, but the stops like waterfalls and Old Town are generally family-friendly. Keep in mind that the lunch options may be simple, and bus transfers can be lengthy.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for walking, some extra water, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. Since drinks are not included with lunch, pack some if you want to stay hydrated.

How long is the boat trip? The exact duration isn’t specified, but many travelers describe it as “relaxing” and a good substitute when the cable car isn’t running.

Will I get to ride the cable car? Currently, the cable car is out of service; the tour offers a boat trip instead. Check with the provider for updates if this is a priority.

What about meals? Lunch is included but described as simple; expect a kebab or roadside wrap, with extra charges for drinks. If you have specific dietary needs, bring some snacks.

Is transportation comfortable? The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but some reviews mention that larger groups or delays could occur, so be prepared for a shared bus experience.

How many people usually join? The maximum is 15 travelers, which tends to make the experience more intimate and manageable.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving some flexibility if your plans shift.

In all, this tour offers a practical way to capture the essence of Antalya, especially if you’re after scenic views, historic neighborhoods, and a relaxed day by the water. While some hiccups like the cable car outage and food quality have been noted, many travelers find the experience worthwhile and value-packed. Just double-check the current status of the cable car, and you’ll be set for a memorable day exploring this beautiful city.