Antalya City Tour from Side

• Hotel Pickup: Morning departure from Side-area hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Kurşunlu Waterfall Stop: Pause at Kurşunlu Waterfalls before reaching Antalya for sightseeing and photos (about 30 minutes).
• Tünektepe Cable Car (optional): Opportunity to ride the cable car up Tünektepe Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of Antalya.
• Antalya Old Town Tour: Guided walk through Kaleiçi (Old Town), exploring landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, and the ancient harbor.
• Lunch Break & Free Time: Lunch at a local restaurant (extra) followed by free time for shopping or further exploration.
• Boat Trip: An approximately 1-hour Mediterranean boat cruise from the old harbor.
• Return to Side: Meet at the designated time and transfer back to your Side hotel.

Antalya City Tour from Side Itinerary

The Side to Antalya City Tour starts in the morning and ends by evening back in Side, covering a lot in one day. Throughout the day, you will explore different parts of Antalya – from its natural wonders to its historical quarters. The main itinerary includes:

Düden Waterfalls: Nature’s Voice

Düden Waterfalls are one of Antalya’s most iconic natural wonders and serve as the first stop on our Antalya City Tour from Side. Located on the eastern edge of Antalya, these spectacular falls cascade about 40 meters (131 feet) off a cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea. We’ll pause here so you can take in the view from the observation platform – you might even catch a rainbow in the mist of the falls! The refreshing breeze from the waterfall is especially welcoming on a hot day. Your guide will share interesting facts about this natural beauty while you have time to snap plenty of photos. After roughly a half-hour visit at Düden Waterfalls, we will continue our journey toward Antalya’s city center.

Tünektepe Cable Car – Panoramic Antalya

The Tünektepe Cable Car experience offers a unique panoramic vantage point over Antalya. This optional activity is available to those who wish to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. After arriving in Antalya, we head to the cable car station in the Konyaaltı area. Modern cable car cabins carry you up to the peak of Tünektepe, about 605 meters above sea level. As you ascend, Antalya’s stunning landscape unfolds beneath you – from the city skyline to the vast Gulf of Antalya and the distant Taurus Mountains. At the summit, you’ll feel the cool mountain breeze and have time (around 1 hour) to take photos, enjoy the scenery, or grab a refreshment at the hilltop café. Guests who choose the cable car option will have the ticket included in the tour price, experiencing Antalya from its highest point with no extra cost.

Note: If the Tünektepe cable car is not operational due to maintenance or weather conditions, the tour program may be adjusted with an alternative visit such as the Antalya Aquarium. In such cases, your guide will inform you of any changes.

Antalya’s History

Antalya’s history dates back to the 2nd century BC. The city was founded by King Attalos II of Pergamon and was originally named “Attaleia” after him. Over the centuries, Antalya came under Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule, each leaving its mark on the city’s rich cultural heritage. The structures and ruins around Kaleiçi reflect this layered history – as you explore, you’ll see evidence of these different civilizations. Even Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, once remarked, “Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world,” highlighting the city’s remarkable beauty.

Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Kaleiçi is Antalya’s historic city center, filled with narrow cobblestone streets and ancient architecture that seemingly transport you back in time. On our guided walk through Kaleiçi, you’ll see traditional Seljuk and Ottoman houses with charming bay windows and flower-adorned courtyards. Amid this authentic atmosphere, you’ll encounter some of Antalya’s most significant landmarks: the three-arched Hadrian’s Gate (built in 130 AD in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian), the old Clock Tower that once guarded the city walls, the iconic fluted Yivli Minaret, and the Broken Minaret of a former Byzantine church. As we descend toward the old harbor, you’ll be treated to splendid sea views; in the marina, where trade ships once anchored, you can feel the lively atmosphere of the city. Throughout this portion of the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights, helping you appreciate Antalya’s rich cultural legacy.

Boat Trip on the Mediterranean

The boat tour is a highlight for those who want to experience Antalya from the water. After exploring Kaleiçi, guests who opt for the boat trip will embark on a sightseeing cruise from the old harbor, lasting about 1 hour. This pleasant Mediterranean cruise allows you to admire Antalya’s famous cliffs from the sea – these steep coastal cliffs run along the city like a natural fortress. If weather and timing permit, the boat’s route may offer a distant view of the Lower Düden Waterfall cascading into the sea. While on board, you can relax on the deck, feel the sea breeze, and snap pictures of Antalya’s skyline with the Bey Mountains as a backdrop. Once the boat returns to the harbor, we’ll regroup with those who chose to stay on land. (If you prefer not to join the boat trip, you can use this time as extra free time around Kaleiçi – perhaps to relax at a café or explore more shops.) The boat tour is included in the price for those who choose it in advance, so there’s no extra fee to enjoy this optional activity.

Lunch Break and Free Time

Midway through the tour, it’s time to take a break. We usually stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the Kaleiçi area, giving you a chance to taste some of Antalya’s local flavors. (Lunch is not included in the tour price; you can choose and pay for your preferred dishes, whether it’s a Turkish kebab, fresh seafood, or a light salad.) After lunch, your guide will give you a short period of free time to explore on your own. You might wander the Kaleiçi bazaar to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts, or simply enjoy a Turkish coffee at a quaint café near Hadrian’s Gate. This free time lets you soak in the ambiance at your own pace. At the designated time, our group will meet up again to continue the tour.

Return to Side: By the end of the afternoon, having covered all the main stops, we board our bus and start the journey back to Side. After roughly a one-hour drive, we will drop you off at your hotel, concluding the Side to Antalya tour. You’ll arrive back in Side in the early evening with wonderful memories of a day well spent in Antalya.

Tour Days & Times

The Antalya City Tour from Side is usually available every day of the week. Pick-up from Side and nearby areas (such as Sorgun, Kumköy, Titreyengöl, etc.) is typically between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, and we return around 5:00 – 6:00 PM. Exact timing may vary depending on traffic and season; you will be notified of the precise schedule when you book.

Guidance & Transport

Our professional tour guide will accompany you throughout the trip, sharing information about each location’s history and significance. Guiding is provided in English (and other languages like Turkish or Russian for mixed groups, if needed), so everyone can follow along. Transportation is provided by a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus – you’ll enjoy the ~75 km journey from Side to Antalya in comfort. Travel insurance covering the journey and activities is included in the tour package, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

Alternative Tours

While there are shops in Antalya’s city center for local products, the region’s largest open-air bazaar is actually in Manavgat, not Antalya. If you’re interested in visiting the famous Manavgat Bazaar, we recommend our Side Manavgat Boat Tour. This excursion includes a cruise on the Manavgat River and a visit to the bustling marketplace – a perfect way to experience the region’s biggest bazaar.

If, after seeing Antalya, you’d also like to discover another Mediterranean gem – Alanya – consider joining our Alanya City Tour from Side. This way, you can make the most of your Side holiday by visiting two of the region’s major cities on separate days.

Best Time to Visit

While the Side to Antalya City Tour runs all year round, the best times to enjoy this trip are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the weather in Antalya is warm but not too hot and the city is less crowded. In the summer months, you’ll benefit from longer daylight and a vibrant atmosphere, but be prepared for higher temperatures (so don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!).

For Photography Enthusiasts

Don’t forget your camera, because this tour is a photographer’s delight! You’ll have the chance to capture a rainbow in the mist of Düden Waterfalls, panoramic shots of Antalya from the cable car, charming historic streets in Kaleiçi, and perhaps a beautiful sunset over the old harbor. These memories will be a highlight of your photo collection.

In summary, the Antalya City Tour from Side brings you the best of Antalya in a single day. From historical discoveries to natural beauty and fun activities, this tour ensures you make the most of your time during your Side vacation. Enjoy a hassle-free, safe, and comfortable journey as you explore Antalya – book now and get ready for an unforgettable day trip to the pearl of the Mediterranean!