About this activity
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
9 - 10 hours
Meeting Point
Pickup included
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent more years than I’d like to admit looking at tour manifests and tracking occupancy rates across the Med, and frankly, most "city highlights" are just fluff designed to hit a lead price point. But Antalya’s Old City circuit is a bit of an outlier—it’s one of those rare instances where the product actually lives up to the brochure. While the industry loves to talk about "synergy" between nature and history, this tour actually does it by cramming a Roman-era gate, a waterfall that literally falls into the sea, and a cable car ride into a single day. Is it a bit of a marathon? Sure. But if you’re trying to maximize your RevPAR (or in this case, your personal "Experience Per Dollar"), this is the one. It’s a bit of a cliché, but sometimes the best-sellers are popular for a reason—it simply works.
About the Tour
Antalya is often dismissed as just a gateway to all-inclusive resorts, but this tour proves there is a lot more under the hood. Your day kicks off with a pickup in a climate-controlled vehicle—a necessity, not a luxury, when the Turkish sun starts beating down on the asphalt.
The Cascades: Düden Waterfalls
The itinerary starts with a double-header of nature. You’ll visit both the Upper and Lower Düden Waterfalls. The Lower falls are the showstopper; they drop 40 meters directly off a cliff into the Mediterranean. It’s a loud, misty, and genuinely impressive sight that makes for some of the best photos you'll get all trip. The Upper falls offer a bit more shade and a "hidden cave" vibe that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
Kaleiçi: The Heart of Ancient Antalya
Next, you'll head into Kaleiçi, the historic Old Town. This isn't a museum; it’s a living neighborhood where Roman ruins meet Ottoman mansions. Your guide will point out the big hitters:- Hadrian’s Gate: A Roman triumphal arch that has survived since 130 AD.
- Yivli Minaret: The "Fluted" minaret that dominates the skyline.
- The Clock Tower: A sturdy reminder of the city's ancient walls.
You’ll have some free time here too. Use it to dodge the "tourist menu" spots and find a small tea house in a side alley. The cobblestones are uneven, so wear shoes that actually have some grip.
The View from the Water and the Sky
To give your legs a break, the tour shifts to the Old Harbor for a boat trip. Seeing the city cliffs from the sea gives you a perspective you just can't get on foot. The turquoise water is exactly as advertised. Depending on the specific route of the day, the Tünektepe Cable Car (or a similar vantage point) provides a panoramic "bird's eye" view of the entire Gulf of Antalya—perfect for seeing how the city sits tucked between the Taurus Mountains and the sea.
Refueling with Local Flavors
No one likes a "hangry" tourist, so a stop for an authentic Turkish lunch is baked into the schedule. Expect the staples: fresh salads, grilled meats, and local appetizers. It’s a solid chance to chat with your fellow travelers and swap stories before the final leg of the trip.
The day concludes with a drop-off back at your hotel. It’s a full-on itinerary, but for anyone wanting to see what Antalya is actually about beyond the hotel lobby, it hits all the right notes.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Lower Düden Waterfalls cascading into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Explore the historic Kaleiçi Old Town, rich with cultural landmarks.
- Enjoy a scenic boat trip along Antalya's picturesque coastline.
- Visit the tranquil Upper Düden Waterfalls nestled in a lush park.
- Experience a thrilling ascent on the Olympos Cable Car to 2,365 meters.
Know before you go
- Vehicles are not allowed in Oldtown Kaleici hotels. The meeting point for guests staying here is McDonald's
- Unlike other city tours, this experience allows you to visit two stunning waterfalls (Düden & Lara) in a single day.
- The itinerary may be adjusted depending on crowd levels at different locations to ensure the best experience.
- In the cable car programs, only one waterfall visit is included.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Comfortable clothes
Cash
Not allowed
Smoking indoors
Includes / Excluded
Cable car (if option selected)
Boat trip (if option selected)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Duden Waterfall entry fee
Live professional guide
Local lunch
Local taxes
Drinks
Personal expenses