Antalya: Old Town with Aquarium or Cable Car & Waterfalls

Thinking about a day exploring Antalya and wondering if this tour fits your style? From what we’ve seen, it’s a solid way to get a taste of the city’s charm, nature, and hidden gems—all in one go. The best part? You get to choose between a scenic cable car ride to Tahtal Mountain or an immersive experience at the Antalya Aquarium. It’s a smart way to tailor your day to what excites you most.

What we really love about this tour is how comprehensive and flexible it is—covering historic sights, natural waterfalls, and offering a personalized touch with your choice of highlights. Plus, the guides seem to make a big difference, with many travelers praising their friendliness and knowledge. On the flip side, a point to consider is that you can’t do both the cable car and aquarium in one day, so you’ll need to pick carefully. Still, this makes it a good fit for those who want a manageable, well-organized day.

This tour is ideal for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those wanting a comfortable, guided experience that covers the essentials without feeling rushed. If you prefer a relaxed pace and meaningful insights, this could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Flexible options let you choose between an exhilarating cable car ride or a large aquarium visit.
• The tour combines city sights, waterfalls, and panoramic views, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Knowledgeable guides seem to make the day more engaging and informative.
• The group size and timing are well managed, making it suitable for most travelers.
• The value for money is often highlighted, especially with included lunch, boat rides, and scenic stops.
• Be aware that you cannot do both the cable car and aquarium on the same day, so plan your preferences accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What This Tour Offers

Starting Off in Antalya’s Historic Centre

Your day begins with pick-up from your hotel or a designated location, which is nice because it removes the stress of figuring out how to get to the start. The drive to the Old Town, or Kaleici, takes about 40 minutes, giving you some time to get a feel for the city’s vibe. Once there, you’ll stroll through narrow, winding streets lined with Ottoman-era houses, lively bazaars, and the iconic Hadrians Gate.

This part of the tour has received plenty of praise. Guides tend to be very knowledgeable, sharing stories that bring the city’s history to life. As one guest put it, “Our guide Recep was very good, and we saw everything worth visiting in Antalya.” It’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere, snap photos of quaint corners, and understand a little about the city’s past. Plus, there’s time for shopping and browsing, which many find relaxing after a busy morning.

Visiting the Waterfalls — Nature’s Refreshing Stops

Next, you’ll visit the Duden Waterfalls—one of the tour’s big highlights. These waterfalls are stunning, offering peaceful surroundings and plenty of photo ops. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, enough to enjoy the scenery and perhaps get some good shots. Many travelers rave about the waterfalls, describing them as “the best part” of their trip.

The waterfalls are particularly popular because of their natural beauty and the chance to see water cascading from cliffs into the sea below. It’s a different kind of sightseeing—more about relaxing and appreciating nature’s power. The reviews mention that the waterfalls are “amazing,” and it’s clear they’re a favorite for those wanting a break from city sights.

Exploring Antalya’s Iconic Landmarks

After the waterfalls, there’s a visit to the Antalya Clock Tower and Hadrian’s Gate—both historical landmarks surrounded by stories and beautiful architecture. These stops are brief but meaningful, giving you the background on Antalya’s rich past and the chance to take some memorable photos.

One reviewer commented, “The guide showed us everything worth seeing in the city,” which sums up the value of these guided stops. The walk through Kaleici is about two hours, giving you free time to explore, shop, or just soak in the surroundings. Many visitors mention that their guides are friendly and eager to answer questions, making the experience more personal and engaging.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Choice: Cable Car or Aquarium

This is the part where your trip gets personal. You have two exciting options:

Option 1: Olympos Cable Car to Tahtal Mountain
Picture yourself riding an open-air cable car up to 2365 meters, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. The ride itself is smooth and offers breathtaking vistas. Once at the top, you can take in the impressive scenery, perfect for photos or just soaking in the views. Several reviews mention that this part of the tour is “spectacular,” especially on clear days. In fact, one traveler said, “The view from the top was beautiful, and it felt like I was on top of the world.”

Option 2: Antalya Aquarium
If underwater worlds intrigue you, the Aquarium is a must. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring themed zones and a long tunnel where you can walk through a marine environment teeming with fish and sea creatures. Guests frequently mention the aquarium as “amazing” and “great value,” especially given the size and scope of the displays. One review said, “The aquarium was immersive and fun, especially with the tunnel—it really gave us a sense of walking underwater.”

A word of caution: You can only pick one of these experiences per tour, so think about what excites you more—mountain views or aquatic life.

The Return Journey and Final Stops

After your chosen activity, the group heads back toward Antalya, with a 40-minute drive. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and smooth logistics, making the day feel relaxed rather than rushed. The tour wraps up with drop-offs at your hotel or chosen locations, including Özlü, Muratpasa, Kemer, Antalya, or Konyaalt.

What It Means for You

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Antalya—its history, natural beauty, and modern attractions—while giving you the freedom to focus on what interests you most. Many travelers have praised the guides for their knowledge and helpfulness, which adds to the overall value. The inclusion of lunch, boat rides, and scenic stops makes it feel like good bang for your buck.

However, if you’re hoping to do both the cable car and aquarium, you’ll need to pick one, as both can’t be combined into a single day. This could be a downside if you’re eager to experience everything. Also, keep in mind that some reviews mention jewelry store visits that seem to extend the day unnecessarily, especially on hot days. If you prefer a more straightforward experience, be sure to communicate your preferences.

How It Fits Different Travelers

• History and culture fans will appreciate the guided walks through Kaleici and landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate.
• Nature lovers will cherish the waterfalls and mountain views, which are picturesquely beautiful.
• Adventure seekers might enjoy the cable car ride for the thrill and panoramic vistas.
• Those who prefer a more relaxed, organized day with good food and scenic stops will find this tour hits the spot.

Final Thoughts

This tour stands out for its balance of sightseeing, natural beauty, and personalized options. It’s a solid choice if you want a guided day that covers many of Antalya’s highlights without feeling overwhelming. The mix of city streets, waterfalls, and the choice of a mountain view or marine life makes it adaptable to different tastes.

The reviews consistently mention friendly, knowledgeable guides and good value for the price, especially with included meals and transport. The tour’s structure also ensures you’re not rushing from place to place, which is a big plus for most travelers.

If you’re someone who enjoys a blend of culture, scenic beauty, and a bit of adventure, this trip could be just what you need for a memorable day in Antalya.

FAQs

• Can I choose both the cable car and aquarium on the same day?
  No, the tour only allows you to pick one of the two options due to time and logistical limitations.

• How long does the tour last?
  It lasts between 5 and 9 hours, depending on your chosen options and the pace of the group.

• Are meals included?
  Yes, most reviews mention a delicious lunch included in the package.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortable shoes are recommended, considering the walks and sightseeing involved.

• Is this suitable for families?
  While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the activities like the aquarium and scenic waterfalls can appeal to families, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions or advice.

• What are the pickup options?
  Pickup is available from five locations: Konyaalt, Özlü, Kemer, Antalya, and Muratpasa.

• What if I want to skip some parts?
  Since the itinerary is structured, it’s best to communicate your preferences in advance, but flexibility may vary depending on the guide.

• Is there free cancellation?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

• Are guides available in languages other than English?
  This tour features an English-speaking guide, and no other languages are mentioned.

• What about the jewelry store stop?
  Some reviews mention it as a lengthy stop that feels unnecessary, especially on hot days; it’s best to be aware this may extend the duration of your day.

To sum it up, this Antalya tour offers a balanced, customizable way to see some of the best sights—historic streets, waterfalls, and panoramic views—without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, good food, and scenic stops, making it a worthwhile addition to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: