Antalya City Tour : OLYMPOS CABLE CAR, WATERFALLS & BOAT TRIP

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and looking to soak in as much of the city’s highlights as possible in a day, this tour might catch your eye. It offers a well-rounded experience, combining natural beauty, history, and local culture—all for a surprisingly reasonable price of just under $12 per person. We’ve gone through all the reviews and details to give you an honest take on what you can expect.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances cultural insights with breathtaking sights. From soaring on the Olympos Cable Car to strolling through Antalya’s Old Town, it’s a packed but manageable day. Plus, the inclusion of a boat trip and delicious local lunch makes it feel like good value for the effort. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, which always makes a difference.

However, a key thing to consider is that the itinerary can be quite full, which means some parts might feel rushed—especially if you’re hoping for a relaxed experience. Also, the tour’s flexibility depends a lot on weather and traffic, so some stops might be shortened or altered.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown without breaking the bank, especially if you’re okay with a busy schedule. It’s great for first-timers eager to tick off all the major sights with a friendly guide by their side.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $11.85, this tour covers a lot of ground, offering good value for money.
• Diverse Highlights: From waterfalls and cable cars to old town and boat trips, it balances nature, history, and culture.
• Expert Guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and helpfulness.
• Packed Day: The itinerary can be long and busy, which might be tiring but rewarding.
• Weather Dependency: Some stops, like the cable car and waterfalls, can be affected by weather conditions.
• Flexible Options: Different packages allow you to tailor the experience with or without certain stops like the cable car or boat trip.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour promises a full day of sightseeing covering the most iconic spots in Antalya. It’s designed to give you a taste of the city’s natural beauty, historic sites, and local life—all bundled into a single trip. It’s a good option if you want to maximize your time and see a variety of sights without the hassle of organizing each one individually.

The Itinerary in Detail

Olympos Cable Car (Sea to Sky)

The highlight for many is the Olympos Teleferik, which whisks visitors from Kemer up Mount Olympos to an altitude of 2,365 meters. This aerial lift was launched in 2006 and is operated by a reputable Austrian company, Doppelmayr Garaventa. The views from the top are impressive—stretching across the mountains and coastline—and it’s a chance to feel on top of the world, quite literally.

Travelers who’ve taken the cable car mention it’s a breathtaking experience, especially if you enjoy panoramic vistas. The ticket for this ride is included if you pick the package that features it, which is good value considering the cost of similar excursions.

Dinopark for Kids (and Dinosaur Enthusiasts)

If your package includes the Olympos cable car, you’ll also stop at Dinopark located near Goynuk in Kemer. This large park (30,000 sq meters) is designed to entertain and educate kids of all ages, with mechanical dinosaurs and outdoor attractions in a lush forest setting. It’s a relaxing break from the busier sightseeing spots and offers the chance for some fun photos amidst the dinosaurs.

One review appreciated the lunch break here, noting it was a convenient spot to relax and refuel before continuing the day. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to enjoy it at your own pace.

Old Town (Kaleiçi) and Marina

A large part of the tour is exploring Antalya’s charming Old Town, known locally as Kaleiçi. It’s packed with narrow, cobbled streets, boutique shops, and lively bazaars. You’ll also get a chance to go on a 1-hour boat trip from Kaleiçi Marina. Reviewers often praise this segment as a relaxing highlight, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective.

During the walk, you’ll visit Hadrian’s Gate—an ancient Roman triumphal arch built in 130 AD. It’s decorated with intricate carvings, and the legend about Queen of Sheba and King Solomon adds a bit of mystique. The market here is a shopper’s paradise, with stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, spices, and more. A visit to a silver shop is often included, giving you the chance to browse and possibly pick up unique souvenirs.

Waterfalls and Panoramic Views

The Lower Düden Waterfalls are a must-see, offering spectacular views from a panoramic platform. You’ll have about 30 minutes here to snap photos, take in the cascading water, and enjoy the lush surroundings.

If your selected package includes the Upper Düden Waterfalls, you’ll also get to visit this scenic site, which provides another chance to admire nature’s artistry. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a quick walk and some memorable photos.

Additional Stops and Flexibility

Depending on your package, the itinerary can vary slightly. For example, if you opt for the basic or boat trip package, you might skip the cable car but still see the waterfalls, old town, and enjoy the boat tour. Some reviews mention that certain stops, like jewelry shopping or the dinosaur park, can extend the day or make it feel a bit rushed.

The tour ends with a visit to the best panoramic point of Lower Düden Waterfalls, offering a fitting close to a busy day.

The Experience in Perspective

Most travelers agree that the guides are a real highlight. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share insights into Antalya’s history and culture. One reviewer said, “Ahmet was fantastic and told us all about Antalya’s history, Turkish culture, and even gave us tips on haggling,” which adds a practical touch to the sightseeing.

The included lunch is usually appreciated, though drinks are extra. The food typically features local flavors, with some reviewers mentioning how delicious and filling the meal was.

The boat trip is described as relaxing, with many noting that it’s a good way to rest after a busy morning of sightseeing. Some reviews mention that the views from the boat are pleasant, and the experience offers a break from walking.

The Downsides

While many reviews are glowing, some travelers found the tour to be quite long and busy. A few mention that stops felt rushed or that the day extended longer than expected—some over ten hours. This could be tiring, especially in hot weather.

Plus, one review pointed out that due to traffic and scheduling issues, pickup times can be inconsistent, and some stops might be cut short or altered. For example, the cable car ride might be canceled due to weather or technical problems, which could impact your plans if that was a key part of your expectations.

Another point worth noting is the silver shop stop, which some found to be a bit pushy or unnecessary. If shopping isn’t your thing, it might feel like an added, unwanted stop.

Practical Tips

• Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes, as there’s quite a bit of walking and some hilly areas.
• Bring water and sunscreen, especially if visiting during summer months.
• If you’re interested in the cable car, check the weather forecast beforehand; poor weather can lead to cancellation.
• Keep in mind that the tour may run longer than advertised, so plan any evening activities accordingly.
• Be prepared for some shopping stops—if you’re not interested, politely decline.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Antalya city tour is a solid choice if you want to cover a wide range of sights in one day without the hassle of planning each stop yourself. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors who want to get a good overview of Antalya’s highlights, including natural wonders like waterfalls and mountain views, along with historical sites and lively bazaars.

Travelers who enjoy guided tours tend to appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Families with kids might find the dinosaur park and boat trip enjoyable, but be prepared for a long day. Solo travelers or couples looking for a quick, efficient sightseeing experience will also find this package worthwhile.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time at each site, this tour might feel a bit rushed. It’s best for those who don’t mind a busy schedule and are comfortable with some bus time and quick stops.

FAQs About the Antalya City Tour

What is included in the tour price?
The tour costs around $11.85 per person and includes hotel transfers, a guided explanation of key sites, lunch, and in some packages, the Olympos cable car ride, boat trip, and visits to waterfalls.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. This gives you some flexibility if your plans change.

What happens if the cable car is canceled?
If bad weather or technical issues cause the cable car to be canceled, you’re eligible for a refund of $30 per person. It’s a good idea to check weather conditions beforehand.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the inclusion of Dinopark and the boat trip makes it appealing for kids. Just keep in mind the long hours and physical activity involved.

How long does the tour last?
Most travelers report it lasts between 7 to 9 hours, but some reviews have mentioned it can go over ten hours, especially if there are delays or additional stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Drinks are extra at lunch, so consider bringing some cash or cards for additional purchases.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to see as much of Antalya as possible in a single day without fuss, this tour offers a pretty good balance of sights, culture, and natural beauty. The included activities are interesting, and the guides seem to add a lot of value with their insights. For a fair price, you’ll get to experience waterfalls, panoramic views, old town charm, and even some fun dinosaur-themed attractions.

That said, prepare for a long day with some potentially rushed moments, especially if the weather or traffic isn’t ideal. It’s an adventure—definitely worth it if you like a busy sightseeing schedule and want a rundown of Antalya’s highlights.

This tour is especially suitable for first-timers wanting to tick off major sights or travelers who enjoy guided experiences with local insights. If you’re after a more leisurely day, you might want to pick fewer stops or organize some parts independently. But overall, it’s a solid choice that offers a lot of value for the price.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take in those mountain views and waterfalls—you’ll be glad you did.