Discover the Charm of Antalya with a Full-Day Guided Tour from Side

This full-day Antalya city tour offers a comprehensive look at one of Turkey’s most captivating cities, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Side included. The tour spans approximately 8 hours and covers key sights such as the Duden Waterfalls, Kaleiçi, and Karpuzkaldran Waterfall. Travelers can enhance their experience with optional extras like a cable car ride or a local restaurant lunch, making it a flexible choice for different interests and energy levels.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its combination of natural beauty, with waterfalls and scenic landscapes, and cultural exploration through the historic streets of Kaleiçi. While the tour is well-structured, there is an honest note that lunch quality may not meet everyone’s expectations, and guiding services are optional for certain add-on activities like the boat trip. This setup offers a good balance of guided insights and free time for personal exploration.

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Key Points

Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Side for convenience and ease of travel.
Visits Duden Waterfalls and Kaleiçi, offering scenic and cultural highlights.
Optional extras include a boat trip and local lunch, allowing for personalized experiences.
Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with flexible timing depending on weather and operational conditions.
Guide service is provided, with multiple language options (English, Russian, Turkish).
Review rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 15 reviews, with some noting the lunch as a less favored part.

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Starting Point and Transport Logistics in Side

The tour departs from six different pickup locations in the Side area, including Ilca, Kzlaaç, Gündodu, Manavgat, Kzlot, and Side. After pickup, travelers enjoy a scenic bus/coach ride lasting around two hours to reach Antalya. The transportation is designed to be smooth, with drivers punctual and waiting no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup.

This organized pickup system ensures accessibility for guests staying in different parts of Side and nearby areas, making the day hassle-free before beginning the sightseeing.

Visiting Duden Waterfalls: A Natural Highlight

The Duden Waterfalls are a main feature of this tour, offering 1.5 hours of free time to enjoy the cascading water and take photos. This spot is renowned for its stunning views, and the peaceful atmosphere provides a break from the busier city scenes. The waterfalls are accessible with an entrance fee, but including this stop provides a chance to witness one of Antalya’s most beautiful natural sites.

Be prepared to take some memorable photos of the water plunging into the river below, and use the free time to relax or explore the surrounding area.

Exploring Kaleiçi: Antalya’s Historic Old Town

The guided walk through Kaleiçi lasts approximately 1.5 hours. This part of the tour takes visitors through cobblestone streets, past landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate and the Clock Tower, giving a glimpse into the city’s historic charm. The guide leads you through the area’s narrow alleys, sharing stories behind the buildings and monuments.

Guests also have the option to enjoy free time here for personal exploration, shopping for souvenirs, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant district. The mixture of historical sites and lively shops makes Kaleiçi a highlight of the day.

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Lunch Options and Culinary Choices

For those who include lunch in their package, a local restaurant serves traditional Turkish or international dishes. The lunch break lasts about 1.5 hours, providing a chance to refuel. However, some reviews mention that the lunch quality may not be overly impressive, so travelers seeking gourmet experiences might want to consider this when choosing options.

Guests who do not opt for lunch can enjoy additional free time in Antalya, perhaps exploring shops or the marina, before returning to Side.

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Scenic Photo Stops at Kursunlu Waterfalls

The Kursunlu Waterfalls provide another scenic photo stop during the tour. This location offers a beautiful setting for capturing images of flowing water amidst lush greenery. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours, giving enough time to appreciate the natural surroundings and take in the tranquil atmosphere.

This stop complements the Duden Waterfalls, adding variety to the natural scenery experienced on this excursion.

Optional Boat Trip: A Seaside Perspective

Travelers who select the boat trip option enjoy approximately 1 hour of cruising in Antalya’s harbor area. The boat tour is a chance to view the city from the water, adding a relaxing element to the busy day of sightseeing. The boat trip is not included in the base price but can be added on-site with payment to the guide.

It’s important to note that guide services are not provided during the boat trip if this option is chosen. This activity is ideal for those wanting a leisurely break and a different perspective of Antalya’s coastline.

Full-Day Tour Pacing and Flexibility

The overall pacing of the tour balances guided visits with free time, allowing for both structured sightseeing and personal exploration. The total transport time is about 4 hours, with scheduled stops at waterfalls, Kaleiçi, and other landmarks. The return to Side is included, with drop-offs at the six original pickup locations.

Guests should be aware that weather conditions may cause some itinerary changes, and the guide might adjust the schedule accordingly to ensure safety and comfort.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a balanced day of natural beauty and cultural sights. It caters to those who enjoy guided walks, scenic waterfalls, and historic districts. The availability of optional extras makes it easy to tailor the experience to personal interests.

However, the lunch quality and the fact that guiding services during optional activities like the boat trip are not always included might be considerations for more discerning travelers. It’s a practical choice for visitors seeking a full overview of Antalya’s highlights without complex planning.

Final Thoughts on the Antalya City Tour from Side

The 8-hour full-day tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to discover Antalya’s main attractions. With hotel pickup, scenic stops, and optional enhancements, it provides good value for those wanting an efficient overview of the city and its natural sites.

While the lunch experience might not impress everyone, the natural beauty of the waterfalls and the historic charm of Kaleiçi are genuine highlights. The guide service in multiple languages adds helpful insights, though the tour’s flexibility allows for individual exploration at key stops.

This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see Antalya’s highlights in one day, especially those who enjoy outdoor scenery and historic streets. It’s a practical, well-organized option that captures the essence of Antalya’s diverse attractions.

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Full-Day Antalya City Tour & Düden Waterfall from Side

4.1

(15)

“The driver was a really nice guy, in the overall the trip was nice, the only downside is the lunch that is included on the package I did not enjoy it.”

— Sisse, December 18, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Side are included, with six pickup points available.

Can I join the boat trip separately?
Yes, the boat trip can be added on-site with payment to the guide, but it is not included in the base price and does not include guide service during the activity.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a credit card, cash, and a charged smartphone. Drinks, electric wheelchairs, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the vehicle.

How long is the full-day tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time.

Are meals included?
Meals are optional and available at a local restaurant for about 1.5 hours. Some reviews mention the lunch quality as being average.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Turkish.

Can the itinerary change?
Yes, weather and operational conditions may lead to schedule adjustments or substitutions at certain stops.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
It would depend on individual mobility, as the tour involves walking through cobblestone streets and natural areas, though no specific accessibility information is provided.