Antalya: City Tour w/Olympos Cable Car, Boat & Lunch

If you’re considering a day to really get to know Antalya beyond its beach resorts, this city tour offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local flavor. We’ve looked into it, and what stands out is how it combines sightseeing with comfort—thanks to air-conditioned transportation—and provides a good overview of the city’s most photogenic and historic spots.

What we love about this trip is the opportunity to see Antalya’s stunning waterfalls, explore the ancient Old Town, and enjoy a traditional Turkish meal—all in one manageable day. The inclusion of the Olympos Cable Car (if you opt for that add-on) and a boat trip adds layers of experience that keep things lively.

A caveat? The tour’s organization can be hit or miss, especially if your hotel is outside the main city center. As one review pointed out, there can be timing issues based on hotel location, which might make certain parts feel rushed. This tour would be ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to tick off Antalya’s sights without planning every detail themselves—perfect for first-timers or those wanting a structured overview.

Key Points

• All-inclusive transportation makes the day comfortable and hassle-free.
• Waterfalls and Old Town provide scenic and cultural highlights.
• A well-rounded itinerary including waterfalls, cable car, boat, and lunch.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with engaging commentary.
• Suitable for most travelers, with straightforward logistics.
• Timing and hotel location can influence how smoothly your day goes.

An Overview of What You Can Expect

This tour is designed as a comprehensive introduction to Antalya, combining natural beauty, historical sites, and local cuisine in about 6 to 7 hours. The price is around $75.41 per person, which, considering the inclusions like guided commentary, transport, water tickets, lunch, and optional cable car ride, offers decent value. It’s a popular choice, often booked 11 days in advance, clearly indicating many travelers find it worthwhile.

The Itinerary — What’s on the Menu?

The day kicks off with hotel pickup—most likely in an air-conditioned vehicle that shuttles you around comfortably. The first stop is the Old Town of Antalya, where you’ll explore ancient structures nestled within the city’s historic fabric. Walking through narrow streets, you’ll get a sense of the city’s layered past, though the guide’s commentary is what helps really bring it to life.

Next, you’ll head to Upper Duden Waterfalls, widely praised as one of the best spots in Antalya. Here, you’ll have about an hour with a professional guide to enjoy the view and learn about the waterfalls’ significance. It’s a lush, scenic spot that makes for great photos and a refreshing break from city sightseeing.

From there, the tour takes you to Lower Duden Waterfalls, where the cliffs cascade directly into the sea. The views here are particularly striking, with many travelers noting that the images captured from this vantage point are some of the most beautiful in the area. Expect about 45 minutes of exploration with tickets included; it’s a highlight for many.

Waterfalls and Water Views

Both waterfalls are key attractions on this tour. The Upper Duden Waterfalls offer a peaceful, forested setting, perfect for a gentle walk and some nature photography. The Lower Duden Waterfalls, on the other hand, provide dramatic cliffs and crashing water that seem to fall straight into the Mediterranean. These spots are unmissable for anyone wanting to see Antalya’s natural beauty up close.

The Old Town and City Highlights

Back in the city, you’ll likely visit some of Antalya’s most iconic structures—like Hadrians Gate—and learn about their history from your guide. The old town, with its charming streets and historic ambiance, makes for a nice contrast to the waterfalls’ lush greenery.

Olympos Cable Car (Optional)

If you choose the cable car add-on, you’ll ascend to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The cable car ride is a popular feature, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of Antalya’s landscape. Many reviews praise the views, though it’s an optional extra that adds to the experience—and the cost.

Lunch and Shopping

A highlight of this tour is the Turkish lunch included in the price. Usually, it’s a traditional meal served at a local restaurant—offering a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine. The meal provides a break to relax and refuel before the afternoon activities.

Following lunch, there may be a chance to browse local shops, where you can pick up souvenirs or local products. It’s a nice touch that supports local businesses and gives you a relaxed way to end the day.

The Boat Trip

While the primary itinerary doesn’t specify a boat trip, the tour’s description mentions it as a feature—possibly included or available as an optional add-on. If included, this offers another perspective of Antalya’s coastline and is often appreciated for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere.

How the Tour Works in Practice

The whole experience is designed to be straightforward. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you won’t need to juggle transportation or worry about navigation. The group size is a maximum of 40 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere friendly but not too crowded.

Most travelers find that the professional guiding service enhances their understanding and enjoyment. As one reviewer said, “We had a really good English-speaking tour guide who gave us a running commentary during the various stops, as well as an overall history of Turkey.” That kind of insight turns what could be a rushed run through the sights into a meaningful experience.

The Downside: Organization and Timing

One notable criticism from a traveler was the tour’s organization, especially if your hotel is outside central Antalya. The guest mentioned a “tour day from hell,” citing poorly coordinated timing and a sense of rushing through the attractions. This points to the importance of checking your hotel location; if you’re staying in Belek or farther out, your experience might differ.

Price vs. Value

At just over $75, the tour strikes a reasonable balance. For the price, you get guided transport, entrance tickets, a substantial lunch, and multiple sightseeing stops. If you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Antalya without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation, this is a solid choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more flexible, self-guided approach, you might prefer to explore some parts independently.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a structured day of sightseeing with minimal planning. It’s perfect if you value comfort—thanks to transport and guided commentary—and want to see natural and historic sights efficiently. It also appeals to those who enjoy a mix of outdoor scenery, cultural insights, and local cuisine.

While not explicitly designed for families with young children, the pace and features are generally suitable for most ages, especially if you’re okay with moderate walking and some time outdoors. Solo travelers and groups will both find value here.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this city tour of Antalya offers a practical and enjoyable way to get a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s highlights. From waterfalls to old town streets, and panoramic views from the cable car, there’s enough diversity to keep things interesting. The inclusion of a traditional Turkish lunch adds a flavor of local culture that makes the day memorable.

The tour’s main strength lies in its convenience and guided approach, especially if you’re new to Antalya or short on time. The natural beauty of the waterfalls and the historical charm of the old town are genuinely worth experiencing. Just be mindful of your hotel location and the organization aspects, especially if traveling outside the city center.

For travelers who want a well-organized, insightful day with good value, this tour hits the right notes. It’s a great way to cover lots of ground without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to see key sights without feeling rushed.

Are the entrance tickets to waterfalls included?
Yes, tickets to both the Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls are included in the tour.

Can I choose to do the Olympos Cable Car?
Yes, the cable car is an optional add-on. If you select this, you’ll enjoy scenic views from the ride.

Is lunch included?
Absolutely. A traditional Turkish lunch is part of the experience, offering a taste of local cuisine.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, most travelers find it suitable for most ages, provided they’re comfortable with walking and outdoor stops.

If you’re after a day that packs in Antalya’s natural beauty, history, and local flavor, this tour offers a solid, guided overview you won’t want to miss.