Antalya : Old City, Waterfalls with Boat & Olympos Cable Car

Exploring Antalya: Old City, Waterfalls, and the Olympos Cable Car

If you’re considering a day out in Antalya, this tour aims to pack in some of the most captivating sights of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. While we haven’t personally taken it, the mix of historic spots, natural beauty, and scenic rides sounds like a well-rounded way to experience the area without feeling overwhelmed.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its balance: you get a taste of local history, stunning views from a cable car, and the soothing sounds of waterfalls. Plus, with a price of around $51, it looks quite reasonable for the full-day experience it promises. A potential snag? The tour’s pacing might be a bit tight for those craving a more relaxed, unhurried exploration. So, it’s best suited for travelers who want to see quite a bit without the hassle of planning each stop.

This tour could be perfect if you’re after a comprehensive, guided experience that hits the highlights — especially if you’re traveling with a group or family who appreciate diverse sights in one day.

Key Points

• Varied Experience: Combines scenic cable car rides, historic city strolls, waterfalls, and boat trips for a well-rounded day.
• Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides help you truly understand the sites and history.
• Photo Opportunities: Expect plenty of chances to capture stunning views, especially from the cable car and waterfalls.
• Flexible Options: Lunch and some activities like the boat trip are included, with optional upgrades like the cable car.
• Duration and Pacing: Around 9 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.
• Price Value: At just over $50, it offers access to multiple attractions with convenience.

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

Starting Point – The Olympos Teleferik (Cable Car Ride)

The tour kicks off with a comfortable bus ride from your hotel to Antalya’s city center. Once there, you’ll hop into the Olympos Cable Car, which transports you up to a height of 2,300 meters. The views during this 1.5-hour ride are often described as breathtaking, offering panoramic sights of the harbor, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding landscape.

Some reviews note that the cable car was temporarily out of service due to faults, but the tour adapted by offering an alternative. So, if the cable car isn’t available, you might find the rest of the day still satisfying, thanks to the other highlights.

From the hilltop, many travelers enjoy grabbing a coffee or just soaking in the scenery. The vistas from this height give you a sense of scale and beauty that’s hard to beat — perfect for photography or just appreciating the landscape.

Strolling Through Kaleici Old Town

Next, the tour takes you into Antalya’s historic heart: Kaleici. This area is a maze of winding streets, old Ottoman houses, and charming cafes. Key landmarks include Hadrianus Gate, built in 130 BC, and the Fluted Minaret, showcasing Seljuk architecture. There’s also a medieval clock tower dating back to the 9th century.

A full four hours are allotted here, which feels generous enough to wander, shop, or relax. Many reviews highlight the charm of this area, with one noting that the stroll through the Old Town on the way to the boat trip was particularly lovely.

During your time, you can explore local shops, enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor, or even consider a short boat trip if you want to add that experience.

The Waterfalls at Lower Duden

After the Old Town, the tour moves to the Lower Duden Waterfalls. Situated in Lara district, these waterfalls cascade down from cliffs over 40 meters high directly into the sea. It’s a striking sight, especially with the sound of rushing water juxtaposed against the Mediterranean backdrop.

Here, you’ll have some time for photos and to take in the natural beauty. Many visitors find the waterfalls very photogenic and a great contrast to the historic sites. Plus, nearby Lara Beach provides some relaxing seaside scenery before heading back to the bus.

Lunch with Sea Views

Part of the tour’s appeal is the included lunch, often enjoyed with a view of the water. While the specific menu isn’t detailed, some reviews mention the lunch as very good, adding value to the overall experience. If you have dietary preferences, it’s worth requesting a vegetarian option when booking.

Optional Boat Trip

One of the highlights is the boat trip, which many reviews praise as enjoyable and scenic. It’s a relaxing way to see the coastline and appreciate Antalya from the water. However, one reviewer noted that the boat was not included when booking through Viator, indicating that it might be an optional add-on or subject to change.

Additional Considerations

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, which is a real plus if you prefer not to worry about logistics. The small group size (up to 100 travelers) helps keep things manageable, though it can feel a bit crowded during peak times.

The tour is priced at $51.28 per person, which covers most major activities, including the cable car, boat trip, guiding, and lunch. Considering these are usually paid separately if done independently, the package offers decent value — especially for travelers who prefer guided logistics.

Real Travelers’ Impressions

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. One called the guide “very helpful” and highlighted their interest in sharing information. Others appreciated the stunning views from the cable car, describing them as “tremendous” or “amazing,” which really underscores how memorable those moments are.

Some pointed out that the tour could be improved by reducing or eliminating the hour-long shopping stop, which felt unnecessary to a few. However, even with this, many still felt they had a full, rewarding day because of the diverse attractions.

The boat ride, in particular, seems to be a crowd favorite, with multiple reviewers noting how enjoyable and scenic it was. Even if certain activities are optional or subject to availability, the overall experience tends to leave travelers satisfied.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable day of sightseeing in Antalya. It’s great if you enjoy a mix of history, nature, and scenic rides, especially if you appreciate guided commentary that adds context to each stop.

People who value stunning panoramic views and don’t mind a full day of activity will find this worthwhile. It’s also good for those who prefer to have logistics handled — like transportation and meals — so they can relax and focus on enjoying each moment.

However, if you prefer a very relaxed pace or wish to explore each site at your own speed, this busy schedule might feel rushed. Also, if you’re not keen on group tours or have specific dietary needs, you might want to clarify those details beforehand.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Antalya full-day tour offers a solid way to see some of the most iconic sights of the region in one go. The combination of panoramic cable car rides, historic Old Town, natural waterfalls, and a scenic boat trip makes for a diverse experience that appeals to many travelers.

The guided element is a big plus, especially if you appreciate learning about the places you’re visiting. The price point is reasonable considering the variety of activities included, and the reviews speak to the professionalism and friendliness of the guides.

While some may find the schedule a bit packed, those who enjoy a full day of sightseeing with minimal planning will appreciate the convenience. Plus, the views and photo opportunities are genuinely memorable.

If you’re after a well-organized, all-in-one tour that hits the highlights of Antalya, this could be a good pick. Just be prepared for a full day, and don’t forget to request vegetarian options if needed.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from your hotel or specified address, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 9 hours, so it’s a full day of sightseeing and activities.

Can I skip the cable car?
If the cable car is temporarily out of service, the tour will offer an alternative. If not, you can choose whether to participate or skip, but most reviews highlight the views from the cable car as a highlight.

Is lunch included?
Yes, there’s a provided lunch during the day, often with sea views. Vegetarian options can be requested after booking.

What are the main attractions I’ll see?
You’ll visit the Olympos Cable Car, wander the historic streets of Kaleici, view the Lower Duden Waterfalls, and enjoy a boat trip along the coast.

Is the boat trip included in the price?
It’s generally included, though some reviews mention it might be an additional or optional activity, so check the details when booking.

Are there any age restrictions or family considerations?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but specifics about children or families aren’t detailed. It’s a full day, so consider your family’s stamina.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and camera gear. If you want snacks or drinks, you might want to bring some along, as drinks aren’t included.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if plans change.

This tour offers a nice snapshot of Antalya’s best features, especially if you enjoy guided outings with scenic views and historical sights. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a fun day out, it’s worth considering for your trip.