Antalya: Old Town, Düden Waterfalls & Boat Tour with Lunch

Summary

Antalya’s living history, waterfalls mist on skin, boat rides and winding streets

You’ll feel Antalya come alive as you wander its tangled Old Town streets, taste Turkish sweets, stand close enough to Düden Waterfalls to feel their spray, and drift along the coast by boat—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that linger longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I nearly missed our hotel pickup because I couldn’t find my sunglasses—classic me. Our guide, Efe, just grinned when I finally tumbled into the van a bit flustered. “Don’t worry,” he said, “the sun will find you anyway.” He wasn’t kidding. By the time we reached the Upper Düden Waterfalls (the cable car was closed—apparently some accident last spring), the air was already thick with that damp-earth smell and a cool mist that stuck to my arms. Kids were chasing each other near the water’s edge while their parents tried to keep up—felt like everyone was quietly hypnotized by the roar of the falls.

I didn’t expect to care much about shopping stops, but Efe led us into this little shop where a woman named Ayşe handed out pieces of Sultanite jewelry—she let me try on a ring that changed color in the light. Turkish Delight samples everywhere (I’m still not sure what flavor that green one was). The shop smelled sweet and metallic at once. It was kind of comforting watching locals haggle gently over bracelets while we just wandered around with sticky fingers.

Lunch came right before we hit Kaleiçi—the old town. We sat under faded umbrellas and had something like grilled chicken with rice; nothing fancy but honestly good after all the walking. Then Efe took us through those winding cobblestone streets past Ottoman-era houses and Hadrian’s Gate (which looked older than any gate has a right to). There were cats everywhere—one even followed us for half a block. At some point I lost track of which century I was supposed to be in; everything felt layered together.

The boat ride from Antalya Marina was optional but most of us went for it. There’s this moment when you look back at the city from out on the water and see the Taurus Mountains behind it—suddenly Antalya feels bigger than you thought. The sea breeze made my shirt stick to my back in patches but I didn’t mind. It’s strange how quiet it gets out there, even with other boats nearby. That view is still stuck in my head somewhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Antalya's nature and history

• Visit Lower Düden Waterfalls
• Shop for Turkish Delight and jewelry
• Enjoy Konyaalti Beach panorama
• Visit Upper Düden Waterfalls park
• See Yivli Minare Mosque
• Explore Hadrian's Gate
• Lunch and tour Antalya Old Town
• Optional boat trip from Antalya Marina

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Antalya city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included in your booking.

What attractions are visited during the Antalya day trip?

The tour includes Upper Düden Waterfalls, Kaleiçi (Old Town), Hadrian’s Gate, Yivli Minare Mosque, shopping stops for Sultanite jewelry and Turkish Delight, plus an optional boat trip from Antalya Marina.

Is lunch provided on this Antalya Old Town & waterfalls tour?

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

Why isn’t the Tünektepe cable car part of this tour?

The Tünektepe cable car is currently closed due to an accident in April 2024; Upper Düden Waterfalls are visited instead.

How long does the boat trip last?

The optional boat ride along Antalya’s coastline lasts about one hour.

Are there shopping opportunities during this Antalya city tour?

Yes, there are stops for local handicrafts, Sultanite stone jewelry, bags, and Turkish Delight.

Is this Antalya day trip suitable for families with children?

Yes; infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

How physically demanding is this tour?

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels; walking is mostly gentle through city streets and parks.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop off by air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Upper Düden Waterfalls with time to explore hidden caves behind the falls if you want, a satisfying lunch before wandering Kaleiçi’s old streets with your guide pointing out stories along the way—and if you’re up for it—a one-hour boat ride from Antalya Marina along the Mediterranean coast before heading back home together.