From city of Side: City Tour including Waterfalls

If you’re staying in Side and considering a day trip to explore Antalya’s highlights, you might have come across this city tour that promises visits to the Düden waterfalls and the historic Kaleici district. We’ve looked into it to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money. What drew us in? The chance to see Antalya’s natural beauty alongside its historic charm — and at a price that’s pretty budget-friendly.

We like the fact that this tour offers a chance to see the famous Düden waterfalls, considered among the city’s most popular natural attractions. Plus, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide who can share insights about Antalya’s past and present, making the trip more than just sightseeing from a bus window. A big plus is the flexible itinerary, giving you a few hours to explore Kaleici on your own — whether you want to stroll, shop, or relax over a drink.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind. The group size is small, limited to 10 participants, which can be nice for a more intimate experience, but also means you need to book early. Also, some reviews mention that the tour can feel rushed or that the added tips and charges might bug you if you’re not expecting them. If you’re someone who prefers guided tours with lots of structure, or if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to weigh that.

All in all, this tour seems best suited for travelers looking for a budget-friendly, straightforward day with a mix of natural beauty and city exploration. If you’re okay with a bit of a quick pace and don’t mind some optional extra charges, you’ll likely find it a decent way to see some of Antalya’s highlights without overcommitting.

Key Points

• Affordable price point at $18 per person makes it accessible for many travelers.
• Includes transportation, water insurance, and entry tickets, simplifying logistics.
• Focus on natural and historic sites like Düden waterfalls and Kaleici.
• Small group size (up to 10 participants) allows for a more personalized experience.
• Customizable free time in Kaleici lets you explore or relax at your own pace.
• Some reviews highlight extra tipping and charges, so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Morning Pickup and Travel

Your day begins early, with hotel pickups between 08:20 and 09:20. The bus ride from Side to Antalya takes about an hour, giving you a chance to settle in and get a quick intro from your guide. We liked that the guide introduced himself and outlined what was planned, which helps set expectations.

First Stop: Düden Waterfalls

The highlight for many is the approach to the Manavgat River’s Düden Waterfalls, especially the Hearts of Antalya Waterfall. This is the biggest waterfall in Antalya, formed where a sinkhole brook originating from the Taurus Mountains pours into the Mediterranean from a height of 38 meters. You get about 30 minutes here, enough time to snap some photos and soak in the natural beauty.

One reviewer pointed out, “the waterfall isn’t just pretty — it has a fascinating geological story,” which guides your appreciation. The scenery is captivating, with cascading water framed by lush greenery, and it’s a nice break from the bus ride.

Second Stop: Kaleici Old Town

After the waterfalls, the tour moves into the heart of Antalya — the historic Kaleici district. You’ll have around 2 hours of free time to wander. During this time, your guide will share the meeting point and time, so you can plan your own adventure.

What you’ll love: the chance to explore Roman ruins, Ottoman houses, and the iconic grooved minaret. You can stroll through narrow streets, peek into shops, or relax at a café overlooking the Mediterranean and Taurus Mountains. Some travelers choose to visit the marina or hop onto a 45-minute boat tour, which could be a relaxing way to see the harbor.

However, be aware that not everyone enjoyed the free time — some found it too long or felt there was little guidance during this period. One reviewer said, “4 hours was actually too long, especially without a guided tour of the old town.” So, if you prefer more structure, this might feel a bit unorganized.

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Return Journey

After your free explorations, the bus departs around 4 pm, heading back to your hotel in Side, arriving between 5:15 and 6:15 pm. The return trip is straightforward, and your guide will probably share some last bits of info along the way.

The Practicalities

Price and Value

At $18, this tour is quite budget-friendly, especially considering it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entry tickets, and insurance. It’s a no-fuss way to see some key highlights without breaking the bank.

You should be aware that lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring some snacks or plan for a meal in Kaleici if you want to sit down. Drinks aren’t included either, so that’s an extra to keep in mind.

Group Size and Language

With a limited group of just 10 people, it’s a more intimate setting, which many travelers appreciate. The guide speaks multiple languages — English, German, and Russian — so chances are you’ll find someone speaking your language.

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts roughly 8 hours, with about 2 hours in Kaleici and 30 minutes at the waterfalls, plus travel time. Starting around 8:20-9:20 am, it’s a full day, but not overly exhausting.

Additional Charges and Tips

Some reviews mentioned that guides or bus operators ask for tips during the trip, even charging extra for certain services, which may feel uncomfortable if you’re not prepared. It’s a good idea to budget some cash for tips just in case.

Real Traveler Feedback

Positive notes:
– “The guide was very knowledgeable,” one reviewer said, praising the guide’s explanations about Antalya’s history and geography.
– Many found the waterfalls stunning and worth seeing, especially considering the tour’s price.

Criticisms:
– “Too many tips wherever u go,” one traveler shared, pointing out that extra charges can add up unexpectedly.
– “The waterfall excursion wasn’t great as they charged us 3 each,” another mentioned, indicating some added costs that weren’t clear upfront.
– Some felt the overall experience was rushed or lacked guided insight during free time, highlighting the importance of managing expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward day out that combines natural beauty with a taste of Antalya’s history. It’s suitable for travelers who are comfortable with a fast-paced schedule and don’t mind a bit of free exploration time. If you’re traveling solo or as a small group, you’ll appreciate the intimate setting.

However, if you prefer guided tours with detailed narration at every stop, or if you’re traveling with children or have specific needs, you might find this a bit too casual or unstructured. Also, if extra tipping and charges bother you, prepare accordingly.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation between stops.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some snacks or dine independently in Kaleici.

Can I visit the old town on my own?
Yes, during your 2-hour free time, you can explore Kaleici at your own pace, visit shops, or relax at a café.

Is the tour suitable for families?
The tour is generally suitable for anyone comfortable with a busy schedule, but families with young children should consider the pacing and free time.

Are tips or extra charges expected?
Some reviews mention guides asking for tips and additional charges, so it’s good to have some cash on hand for these.

What are the main highlights?
The Düden waterfalls and Kaleici’s historic streets are the main attractions, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural history.

How scenic are the waterfalls?
Very scenic — the waterfalls are a highlight, especially the view of the water pouring from 38 meters high.

Is the guide multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, German, and Russian, accommodating a variety of travelers.

Would I need to buy tickets beforehand?
The tour includes all entry tickets, so no need to purchase separately.

Final Thoughts

This city tour from Side offers a budget-friendly way to tick off two major Antalya sights — the waterfalls and the old town. You’ll get a taste of Antalya’s natural landscapes and its layered history without it costing a fortune. The small group size and knowledgeable guide are definite pluses, making it easier to connect and ask questions.

However, the tour’s pacing and optional charges may not suit everyone, especially if you prefer more structured guidance or a more relaxed exploration. Remember, it’s a quick overview rather than an in-depth guided experience, so if you want to truly learn about Antalya’s story, you might want to supplement this with other activities.

Overall, if you’re after an inexpensive, convenient way to see some of Antalya’s key sights and don’t mind a bit of a fast tempo, this tour is worth considering. Just go in with realistic expectations about the free time and potential extra costs, and you’ll likely come away with some lovely memories and photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: