Three days in Antalya covers everything most travellers want — coast, ancient ruins, mountain nature. This is the itinerary local guides actually recommend, refined over 500+ guest trips.
Day 1 — City + falls (the easy day)
Morning: Kaleiçi old town walk (08:30-11:00). Late morning: Antalya Aquarium or Museum, your choice (11:30-13:00). Lunch on Konyaaltı or yacht harbour. Afternoon: Düden Lower Falls + boat ride (14:30-16:30). Evening: Konyaaltı sunset, dinner in Kaleiçi. Sleep in Lara or Antalya City. Driver hours: ~6.
Day 2 — Roman ruins triple-header
Morning: drive to Perge (40 min from city) — Roman colonnaded street, agora, theatre (08:30-10:30). Continue to Aspendos (30 min) — the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world (10:30-12:00). Lunch in Belek. Afternoon: Side (40 min) — Apollo temple, ancient streets, beach (13:30-17:00). Evening: dinner in Side old town, sunset by Apollo columns. Sleep in Belek or Side. Driver hours: ~8.
Day 3 — Nature + the eternal fires
Morning: drive to Olympos (90 min from Belek, less from Antalya) — ancient Lycian ruins and the protected beach (10:30-13:00). Lunch in Çıralı village. Afternoon: relax at Çıralı beach, optional snorkel (14:30-17:30). Evening: 30-minute hike to Chimera eternal fires for sunset (19:00-20:00), sit by the flames as it gets dark (20:00-21:00). Drive back to your Antalya hotel after dinner (90 min). Driver hours: ~9.
Where to sleep on each night
- Night 1 (after Day 1): Lara (Delphin Imperial, Titanic Beach) or Antalya City (Rixos Downtown, Akra)
- Night 2 (after Day 2): Belek (any of the golf resorts) or Side (Voyage Sorgun, Barut Hemera)
- Night 3 (after Day 3): same as Night 2 — return to the same hotel
Total budget estimate
For a couple (Eco Van throughout, 23 hours of driving total, plus entry fees and 3 meals/day): €1,800-€2,800 for the 3-day private chauffeur experience, depending on hotels. Most cost-effective for 2-4 people; 5+ should upgrade to Vito (slightly higher transfer cost, much more comfortable).
Skip alternative
If pure ruins fatigue is a concern, replace Day 2 with Pamukkale day trip (12 hours, longer but dramatic). If hot weather (July-August), replace Day 3 with Sapadere Canyon cold-water day instead of the long beach exposure.