Antalya: City Tour with Boat Ride & Waterfalls, Lunch

Summary

Antalya’s waterfalls, old town stories and a breezy boat ride

You’ll feel Antalya up close: mist on your face at Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall, cool shade at Duden Falls, grilled lunch shared with locals, then wandering Kaleici’s tangled streets before drifting along the coast by boat. It’s not just sights—it’s sounds and small surprises that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely settled into the minibus when our guide, Ayşe, grinned back at us and pointed out the first flashes of blue between apartment blocks—“That’s the Mediterranean,” she said. The drive was quick but I remember the air already smelling faintly salty and green by the time we reached Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall. I didn’t expect it to be so loud—standing close, you feel this steady roar in your chest, like distant thunder. There were rainbows everywhere, not just one or two. I tried to get a photo but my lens kept fogging up from the spray. Some local kids were selling simit nearby; I bought one mostly for something warm to hold.

After that we headed to Duden Waterfall. It’s more tucked away, with these little shaded paths looping around under big fig trees—cooler there, almost damp even though it was sunny everywhere else. Ayşe told us how over 100,000 people come every year (I can see why). She showed us where you can walk behind the falls for a second—my shoes got soaked but honestly it felt good. Lunch was simple but fresh: grilled chicken, rice, salad. The tomatoes tasted like actual sunshine. We all sat together at long tables and traded stories; someone from Izmir next to me insisted I try ayran for the first time (I did—it’s weirdly refreshing).

Kaleici—the Old Town—was my favorite part of this Antalya city tour. You step through those stone gates and suddenly it’s all winding alleys and wooden balconies leaning over cobbles. There’s Roman stuff right next to Ottoman houses; you hear snippets of German or Russian tourists mixed with Turkish shopkeepers calling out “Merhaba!” I got lost for a bit (on purpose) just following cats and peeking into courtyards. Ayşe answered every random question we had—even about which baklava shop is best (she has strong opinions). The boat ride from Kaleici harbor was last—a slow loop along the coast with gulls wheeling above and that gold-pink light starting to hit the cliffs. Someone played music quietly on their phone; nobody talked much after a while, just watched the sea go by.

I still think about that sound from under the waterfall and how my shoes squelched walking back through Old Town. It wasn’t perfect—my Turkish is hopeless—but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Antalya city tour with waterfalls and old town

• Hotel pickup after breakfast
• Visit Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall
• Photo break at Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall
• Visit Duden Waterfall
• Lunch at nearby restaurant
• Explore Antalya Oldtown (Kaleici)
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Antalya city tour last?

This is a full-day excursion including pickup in the morning and return in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included in this Antalya city tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, roundtrip transportation from your hotel is provided.

What are the main stops on this Antalya city tour?

The main stops are Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall, Duden Waterfall, Kaleici (Old Town), and a panoramic boat tour from Kaleici harbor.

Is there a guide during the Antalya city tour?

A professional local guide leads the group throughout the day.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is there any strenuous activity involved?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but may not be recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to walking involved.

Why isn’t Tünektepe Cable Car included?

The cable car is currently closed; instead, a scenic boat tour from Kaleici is provided as an alternative.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in comfortable vehicles, entry to both Karpuzkaldıran and Duden Waterfalls, a fresh local lunch after exploring nature spots, time wandering Antalya Old Town with your guide answering questions (and sharing food tips), plus a panoramic boat ride from Kaleici harbor before heading back in comfort at sunset.