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

Exploring Antalya through this guided tour offers a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast. It combines scenic rides, historic streets, and outdoor adventures—perfect for those wanting an active, yet relaxed day. The blend of natural beauty and ancient history makes it a popular choice, especially since it covers several highlights in one go.

One of the things we really appreciate about this experience is the balance of attractions—from the panoramic views on the cable car to wandering the charming streets of Kaleici, and catching a glimpse of the impressive waterfalls. Plus, the lunch with sea views adds a lovely touch to the day. However, some travelers might find the shopping stop a bit unnecessary, taking time away from what’s otherwise a very focused day.

This tour is most suited for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and first-time visitors keen to see a variety of Antalya’s best bits in one go. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate guided insights and prefer a well-organized day rather than arranging multiple mini-excursions individually.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines scenic rides, historic walks, waterfalls, and boat trips.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Ekram and Ertan add insightful commentary.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas from the Olympos Cable Car and waterfalls.
• Good Value: At around $51, the tour offers a lot, including lunch and entrance fees.
• Flexible Options: Includes pickup and drop-off from hotels, with alternative activities if the cable car is unavailable.
• Ideal for First-Timers: Perfect for those new to Antalya wanting a curated day out.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a comfortable air-conditioned bus ride from your hotel to the city center. If you’re staying in Antalya’s central hotels, expect a smooth, hassle-free start. The group size is capped at 100 travelers, which means you’ll get a chance to connect with others, but still enjoy a sense of intimacy.

Olympos Cable Car: Panoramic Heights

The first major stop is the Olympos Teleferik, where you’ll board a cable car that ascends to 2,300 meters above sea level. This ride is often highlighted as a standout feature. As the cable car climbs, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the harbor, the Mediterranean, and the lush landscape below. Some reviewers mention that the cable car was temporarily upstaged by a fault, but the staff quickly adapted, and the ride still offered tremendous views.

Once at the top, you can relax with a coffee or tea at a cozy café or simply enjoy wandering around the hilltop. The panoramic vistas are ideal for snapping photos and appreciating the vastness of Antalya’s coastline. The entire cable car experience, including the scenic ascent, usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including waiting times.

Kaleici Old Town: Walking Through History

Next, you’re whisked away to the historic heart of Antalya—Kaleici. This neighborhood is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and brightly colored buildings. It’s easy to lose track of time here, wandering past boutique shops, cafes, and historic sites.

Highlights include Hadrianus Gate, a monumental arch built in 130 BC, and the 9th-century medieval clock tower. The architecture is primarily Seljuk, giving you a sense of the city’s long history. One reviewer noted that walking through the Old Town was “lovely,” especially on the way to the boat trip, and it offers plenty of photo opportunities.

You’ll also have free time to explore, shop, or just soak in the lively atmosphere. Some guests choose to hop on a boat, while others prefer to relax with local coffee. The guided portion lasts about four hours, providing ample opportunity to appreciate the area’s charm.

Lower Duden Waterfalls: Nature’s Power

After the Old Town, the tour continues to the Lower Duden Waterfalls in Lara. These impressive waterfalls cascade from 40 meters high directly into the Mediterranean. The sight of water plunging into the sea from towering cliffs is genuinely striking and makes for fantastic photos.

Visitors often remark on the spectacular scenery here, with some taking time to visit nearby Lara Beach for a quick swim or sunbathe. The waterfalls are a quick stop, around two hours, but it’s enough to appreciate the raw power and natural beauty.

Lunch with a View

Included in the tour is a lunch break, which is often praised for its quality. While the menus are not detailed, some reviewers mention requesting vegetarian options, indicating flexibility. The restaurant’s sea views add a relaxing backdrop, making lunch more than just fuel—it’s part of the experience.

Optional Boat Trip and Other Highlights

One of the tour’s added perks is the boat trip during the Old Town walk, providing scenic views from the water. Reviewers have enjoyed this segment, noting the “amazing scenery” and the calming effect of floating along the coast. If you’re lucky, your guide might even share interesting tidbits about Antalya’s maritime history.

It’s worth mentioning that the boat trip is included in the tour price, but some reviews note that expectations may vary depending on the provider or booking platform.

End of the Day and Return

After the waterfalls, the bus returns to your hotel, concluding a day packed with diverse sights. The tour wraps up around 6:30 pm, giving you a full day of exploration without feeling rushed.

What Do Travelers Say?

Looking at reviews, the guides shine as a key highlight. For example, Mukul_J raved about guide Mr. Ekram, describing him as “knowledgeable, humble, and helpful,” which significantly enhances the experience. Other travelers appreciated the “amazing scenery,” especially from the cable car and waterfalls.

While most reviews are glowing, some mention the shopping stop as a minor annoyance—taking an hour that could be spent elsewhere—but several still found good souvenirs, like spices, making it worthwhile. Also, a few noted that the cable car was temporarily out of service and got replaced with alternative arrangements, which shows flexibility from the providers.

The value for money is generally considered excellent, given that the tour includes admission tickets, lunch, transportation, a cable car ride, and a boat trip. The price point around $51 makes it accessible for many travelers wanting a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning each segment.

Practical Considerations

• The tour departs at 9:30 am, so plan to be ready for a full day.
• Most travelers can participate, but check for any specific mobility needs.
• Lunch menus are flexible—vegetarian options can be requested.
• The tour offers pick-up and drop-off from hotels or specified addresses, making logistics straightforward.
• It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re visiting Antalya for the first time and want an easy, guided introduction to its highlights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you enjoy a mix of history, nature, and scenic views without the stress of organizing multiple activities. Nature lovers will appreciate the waterfalls and cable car ride, while history buffs get the chance to walk through Kaleici’s ancient streets.

For those on a tight schedule or with limited mobility, this tour’s all-in-one approach saves time and effort. But if you’re after a more personalized or in-depth experience of any one site, you might prefer to explore those areas on your own.

The Sum Up

This Antalya tour offers an excellent balance of scenic vistas, historical insights, and outdoor activities, all at a reasonable price. The inclusion of cable car rides, boat trips, and a guided walk makes it a well-rounded introduction to the city’s charms. The knowledgeable guides, especially Ekram and Ertan, add a layer of authenticity and storytelling that enriches the experience.

While the shopping stop might not be everyone’s favorite, it’s a minor part of a largely seamless day. The waterfalls, Old Town, and cable car views are truly memorable, making this a great value for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a snapshot of Antalya’s best features.

If you’re looking for a full-day excursion that combines natural beauty, history, and stunning scenery, this tour hits the spot. It’s suited for curious travelers who want a guided, relaxed yet active day exploring one of Turkey’s most beautiful coastlines.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from hotels or specified addresses, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your day.

Can I skip the cable car ride?
While the tour includes the cable car, some travelers choose not to do it, or it may be replaced if temporarily unavailable. The rest of the tour still provides a full day of sightseeing.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially for walking around Kaleici and the waterfalls. Bring sun protection and a water bottle.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch with sea views is part of the package. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat trip is integrated into the Old Town stop, and reviewers mention it as a relaxing highlight with stunning scenery.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 100 travelers, which offers a balance between social atmosphere and individual attention.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, but it depends on the child’s mobility and interest in outdoor activities and walking.

This Antalya tour delivers a well-paced, engaging experience with enough flexibility and highlights to keep most travelers satisfied. Whether you’re after breathtaking views, a taste of local history, or just a day out in nature, this trip offers a compelling, value-packed way to see some of Antalya’s best.