From City of Side: Antalya Tour with Cable Car and Transfers

If you’re planning a trip to the Turkish Riviera and looking to get a good taste of Antalya’s charm without spending too much time or money, the “From City of Side: Antalya Tour with Cable Car and Transfers” might be just what you need. This tour offers a blend of history, scenic views, and local culture, all wrapped into an accessible 8-hour experience. We’ve taken a close look at what it offers, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your travel plans.

One of the things we love about this tour is the variety of sights packed into one day. From wandering through the ancient streets of Kaleici (Old Antalya) to enjoying the panoramic views from the cable car, it’s a well-rounded introduction to the city’s highlights. Plus, the guided aspect really adds value—having someone share stories and insights helps bring the sights alive, making the experience more meaningful.

That said, a possible consideration is the long bus transfer times. As one reviewer pointed out, “although we had the shortest transfer time, we sat on the bus for 4.5 hours,” which can feel a bit tiring if you’re not used to long rides. So, if you’re keen on a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to lengthy transit periods, this might be a point to keep in mind.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Antalya in a single day, especially if you’re staying in Side and want to maximize your sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple visits on your own. It’s great for those who enjoy a mix of culture, history, and scenic views, and the price point makes it accessible for most budgets.

Key Points

• Includes hotel transfers, making it easy and stress-free to start your day.
• Guided experience offers helpful insights into Antalya’s landmarks.
• Scenic cable car ride at 700 meters altitude delivers memorable views.
• Visit to Kaleici lets you wander through historic streets and see iconic sites like Hadrianus Gate.
• Waterfalls, harbors, and bazaars provide a well-rounded experience of natural beauty and local life.
• Long bus rides are a trade-off; expect some travel time on the road.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A More Detailed Look at the Tour

Convenient Hotel Transfers and Overall Structure

Starting with the convenience, this tour picks you up directly from your hotel—a real plus if you value hassle-free planning. The transfers help you avoid the stress of navigating local transport, especially in a busy tourist area. With the entire day lasting about 8 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Once on board, the group size tends to be manageable, and the tour is guided in English, German, and Russian, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers. The guide’s role isn’t just to lead but to enrich the experience with facts and local insights, which many guests find adds a lot.

Exploring Kaleici (Old Antalya)

The heart of the trip is a walk through Kaleici, the ancient part of the city. We love the way this area is packed with Ottoman-style houses, vibrant streets, and boutique shops. Walking through these narrow lanes, you get a real sense of Antalya’s layered history. The Old Harbour is nearby and offers scenic views—perfect for photos or a quick sit-down to soak in the atmosphere.

Notably, you’ll see the Old Bazaar, a lively marketplace filled with local crafts, spices, and souvenirs. It’s a great stop for those who enjoy browsing and bargaining. The Old fluted minaret and clock tower are also included, giving you iconic photo opportunities and a glimpse into Ottoman architecture.

The Historic Landmarks

Other key sites include the Ancient Hadrianus Gate, which dates back to Roman times and marks the entrance to Kaleici. It’s a popular photo spot, and learning its history from the guide adds depth to the experience. The Antalya Old Harbour is another highlight, where waves of history and natural beauty come together—imagine the boats, the water, and the old city walls.

More Great Tours Nearby

Waterfalls, Nature, and Scenic Views

One of the more relaxed moments is the visit to Kurunlu Waterfalls—a peaceful spot that offers some lovely natural scenery. While it’s optional to take a boat ride to Alexander Waterfall, even just seeing it from the land is quite charming.

The cable car ride is a standout feature. Ascending to 700 meters, you’ll get sweeping views of Antalya and the surrounding landscape. As one reviewer put it, “the view is to die for,” and it’s easy to see why. The ride provides a break from walking and an opportunity for some memorable photos.

Practical Tips and Observations

While the tour offers a good mix of attractions, some travelers may find the transit times lengthy. If you’re someone who prefers to minimize bus time, be prepared for several hours on the road. The upside is that the scenic drives help you rest and reflect between stops.

Pricing at $41 per person makes this tour quite reasonable, considering the included activities and transportation. When you think about the cost, it covers not just the sights but also the convenience of guided commentary and hotel pickups, which adds substantial value.

Reviews and Real Traveler Perspectives

The majority of reviews are positive, with an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 9 reviews. Guests consistently mention the helpfulness of guides and the stunning views from the cable car as highlights. One reviewer noted, “The guide was very nice and told a lot about the country and its people,” emphasizing the educational aspect.

However, there’s a note of caution from another, who said, “we sat on the bus for 4.5 hours,” highlighting that long transfers can be tiring. That said, no one seems to regret the experience, and many recommend it as a good value for exploring Antalya’s most notable sites.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full overview of Antalya’s highlights without the hassle of planning individual visits. If you enjoy guided sightseeing, beautiful scenic views, and a variety of cultural and natural stops, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you’re particularly sensitive to long bus rides or prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to consider whether the transit time will be comfortable for you. It’s also suitable for those interested in historical sites, markets, and a bit of natural scenery.

Final Thoughts

The “From City of Side: Antalya Tour with Cable Car and Transfers” offers a solid, budget-friendly way to explore some of Antalya’s most iconic sights. The inclusion of hotel pickup, guided commentary, and a scenic cable car ride makes it a well-rounded mini adventure. The manageable price point means it’s accessible for most travelers, and the variety of stops ensures you’ll get a good sense of what Antalya has to offer.

If you’re after a day of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and great views—without the stress of organizing everything yourself—this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s especially good if you’re staying nearby and want to make the most of your time in this vibrant Turkish city.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and the cable car ride.

Does the tour include hotel transfers?
Yes, your pickup and drop-off are included, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Side.

In what languages is the tour guided?
Guiding is available in English, German, and Russian.

What are the main attractions on the tour?
You’ll visit Kaleici (Old Antalya), the Old Harbour, Hadrianus Gate, the Old Bazaar, Kurunlu Waterfalls, and take a scenic cable car ride.

Is the cable car ride worth it?
Absolutely—many guests rave about the views from 700 meters up, describing them as “to die for.”

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, you can opt for a boat ride to Alexander Waterfall, but it’s not included in the basic package.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and a camera for the views. Bring some cash if you want to shop at the bazaar.

How’s the overall value for money?
Considering the guided experience, transportation, and entrance to scenic spots, most see it as good value at $41.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the sights are suitable for most ages, but keep in mind the long bus rides for younger children.

Feel free to weigh this tour against other options, but overall, it offers a practical and enjoyable way to unlock Antalya’s essence in just a day.

You can check availability for your dates here: