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

This comprehensive Antalya city tour offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sights, and local culture—all at an affordable price of around $12 per person. With a variety of options, including the famous Olympos Cable Car, waterfalls, Old Town exploration, and a boat cruise, it promises a full day packed with diverse experiences. The tour is praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning views but can feel a bit rushed at times, especially during busy periods.

One thing we really appreciate is the careful blend of activities—allowing you to see the best of Antalya without spending a fortune. However, some reviewers mention occasional scheduling hiccups and the need for better organization. If you’re someone who loves covering many sights in one day, this tour provides excellent value and a chance to get a real taste of Antalya’s vibrant life and natural wonders.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and outdoor adventures. It’s especially appealing for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview or families looking for a manageable yet exciting day out. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour stand out (and where it might fall a little short).

Key Points

Variety of attractions: From waterfalls and cable cars to historic Old Town and boat trips, this tour covers many highlights.
Expert guides: Guests rave about guides like Ahmet and Sinan, who share insightful stories and helpful tips.
Great value for money: At just over $11, it offers a full day of activities, meals, and transportation.
Flexible options: You can choose packages with or without the cable car, waterfalls, or boat trip, tailoring your experience.
Some scheduling concerns: Reviewers mention occasional delays and a rushed timetable, especially with added jewelry stops.
Authentic local experiences: Visitors enjoy trying traditional food, shopping at the Old Town Bazaar, and soaking in authentic Turkish culture.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded glimpse of Antalya in about 7 to 9 hours. It starts early with hotel pickup, so be prepared for a full day on the move. The itinerary mixes scenic views, culture, and fun activities that offer both relaxation and adventure.

Olympos Cable Car (Optional)

If you choose the Olympos Cable Car package, you’ll start your day with a scenic ride up Mount Olympos at 2,365 meters. The cable car, operated by the Austrian Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, runs from Kemer and provides sweeping views of the landscape below. Expect around 45 minutes for this activity, which is especially worth it if you love panoramic vistas or want a taste of adrenaline at altitude.

Dinopark

For those on the cable car option, a visit to Dinopark is included, offering a fun break for families or dinosaur enthusiasts. Spanning 30,000 square meters, it features life-sized dinosaur models and mechanical dinosaurs amid forest surroundings—an attraction that kids of all ages tend to enjoy. Reviewers mention it as a “stunning forest terrain” with fresh air, making it a pleasant stop for a relaxed lunch amid nature.

Old Town (Kaleiçi)

A highlight of the tour is exploring Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic Old Town. Guided by experts, you’ll learn about its winding streets, Ottoman architecture, and historical significance. The visit includes Hadrian’s Gate, a stunning marble arch built in 130 AD, supposedly visited by Queen Sheba herself. It’s a perfect spot for history buffs and those interested in Turkish culture.

Boat Trip from Kaleiçi Marina

Next, the boat cruise lasts about an hour, offering a different perspective of Antalya’s coastline. Many reviewers mentioned this as a relaxing highlight, especially during hot days. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze, snap photos, or simply unwind after some sightseeing.

Waterfalls and Panoramic Views

Depending on your package, you’ll visit the Lower Düden Waterfalls from the best panoramic viewpoint—an ideal photo spot. You get around 30 minutes here to capture the spray and lush backdrop. If you opt for the more comprehensive package, you’ll also visit Upper Düden Waterfalls, adding a more lush, forested waterfall experience, with about 30-45 minutes for photos.

Shopping at the Old Town Bazaar

The tour includes a stop at the Old Town Bazaar, a lively market packed with handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, spices, and souvenirs. A 45-minute to 1-hour window is allocated for shopping and exploring. Reviewers highlight the opportunity to buy unique gifts like Ottoman turbans, Turkish eye amulets, and beautiful silver jewelry. A visit here is both a cultural experience and a chance to pick up memorable keepsakes.

Lunch

A traditional Turkish lunch is included—expect tasty kebabs, rice, and salads. Drinks are extra, so budget accordingly. Several reviews mention the lunch being rushed or simple but still enjoyable, with some noting the portions could be better.

The Experience in Practice: Pros and Cons

What We Loved

Guides like Ahmet and Sinan receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness. Guests appreciate the personal attention, with one reviewer noting Ahmet explained local customs and tips on bargaining, adding value to the experience. The stunning waterfalls and panoramic views are often highlighted as the most beautiful parts—truly a feast for the eyes.

The value for money is undeniable, with many reviewers mentioning how much they saw and experienced for just over $11. The inclusion of activities like the cable car, boat trip, and waterfalls in one tour makes it a well-rounded day trip that feels like good bang for your buck.

Things to Keep in Mind

Several reviews mention timing issues, with some travelers feeling the schedule was too packed, resulting in rushed visits, especially at the jewelry shop and waterfalls. The jewelry store stop, although included, felt more like a sales pitch to some, which might not appeal to everyone.

Weather can also affect plans. If the cable car ride gets canceled due to bad weather, a refund of approximately $30 per person is available, but it’s worth noting that your experience might be affected if your main goal was the mountain views.

The longer day—sometimes over ten hours—means you should be prepared for a busy schedule, especially if traveling with children or those who prefer more relaxed pacing. Some guests found the lunch offerings a bit basic and rushed, so packing extra snacks might be wise.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Antalya wanting a broad overview of the city’s highlights without the hassle of logistics. It offers an excellent introduction to Turkish culture, history, and nature. Families with kids will enjoy the dinosaur park and boat trip, while couples and solo travelers seeking a mix of scenery and cultural insights will find plenty to love.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely, in-depth exploration of specific sites or has a tight schedule, this tour could feel a bit hurried. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, active day and want to maximize sightseeing with minimal planning.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel transfer (both ways), guided visits to Kaleiçi and Hadrian’s Gate, a 1-hour boat trip, visits to waterfalls (Upper and Lower Düden), optional Olympos Cable Car ride, and a traditional lunch.

Can I customize my package?
Yes, the tour offers different options: a basic city tour, one with waterfalls, with a boat trip, or including the cable car. You can choose based on your interests and stamina.

What happens if the cable car is canceled?
If bad weather or technical issues prevent the cable car from operating, you’ll get a refund of around $30 per person.

How long does the whole tour last?
Most tours last between 7 and 9 hours, but some reviews mention it stretching over 10 hours, especially if there are delays or extra stops.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is part of the package. Drinks are extra, so carry some cash for beverages.

How crowded does the tour get?
The maximum group size is 46 travelers, which helps keep it manageable and allows guides to give more attention to each guest.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Definitely. The dinosaur park and boat cruise are hits for kids, and the guides are praised for their friendly, approachable manner.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking are recommended. Bring sun protection, water, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Antalya city tour packs a lot into one day—covering natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Guided by knowledgeable hosts like Ahmet and Sinan, you’ll enjoy engaging stories and insider tips that elevate the trip beyond just ticking boxes. The inclusions, from the cable car to the boat trip, offer genuine value, especially for those eager to see multiple sights without fussing over logistics.

While it can feel a little rushed at times, the variety and authenticity of the experiences more than make up for it. The scenic waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, and bustling Old Town market make this tour a well-rounded introduction to Antalya’s charm.

Perfect for first-timers, families, or anyone wanting a cost-effective way to explore the region’s highlights in a single day, this tour balances adventure and culture beautifully. Just be prepared for a full day and occasional busy moments—an experience that’s meant to leave you with wonderful memories and maybe even some Turkish treasures!

References

Source: Viator