Antalya Sightseeing Old City Tour with Cable Car & Boat Trip

Discover Antalya in a Day: Old City, Waterfalls, Cable Car & Boat Trip

If you’re planning a day in Antalya and want to tick off its top sights without the hassle of coordinating transport or guides yourself, this comprehensive tour might be just what you need. It covers the city’s historic old town, waterfall scenery, panoramic cable car rides, and a relaxing boat cruise—all in one smooth, well-organized package. From the lively streets of Kaleiçi to the breathtaking Düden waterfalls and sweeping coastal views, you’ll get a taste of Antalya’s diversity.

What really makes this tour stand out is the knowledgeable guides and seamless hotel pickups, making the day both manageable and enjoyable. Plus, the inclusion of a cable car ride at Olympos, ascending to over 2,300 meters for spectacular vistas, is a real highlight. However, be aware that the tour involves quite a bit of walking and some busy spots, which could be a consideration if you have mobility issues or prefer a more leisurely pace.

This experience suits travelers who want a full overview of Antalya’s must-see sights in a single day, especially those who appreciate a guided approach with local insights. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo and looking for good value with plenty of variety, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines sightseeing, waterfalls, cable car, and boat trip—covering the city’s highlights efficiently.
• Professional Guides: Guides like Kaan, Sinan, and Apo are praised for their helpfulness, storytelling, and local knowledge.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, making logistics hassle-free.
• Scenic Views & Photo Opportunities: From the top of the cable car to waterfalls plunging into the sea, you’ll capture stunning photos.
• Variety & Value: Offers a mix of history, nature, and leisure, with good reviews on the quality of included meals and activities.
• Potential Drawbacks: Limited free time in some spots and busy group sizes might mean less flexibility for spontaneous exploration.

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A Deep Dive into the Antalya Sightseeing Old City Tour

This full-day adventure from Payless Turizm offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and leisure — designed to give you a broad view of what makes Antalya special. Starting early, the tour typically begins with hotel pickups from various locations around Antalya, including popular spots like Kemer, Belek, and even smaller regional hotels in the Old Town area. The ease of hotel transfers is a big plus, especially since Antalya’s narrow, historic streets often can’t accommodate large buses, so you’ll be asked to meet at a convenient outside spot like McDonald’s in the Old Town.

The Cable Car Experience at Olympos

One of the tour’s standout features is the trip on the Olympos Cable Car, which takes you up to 2,365 meters. Expect breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean, the city, and the rugged landscape around Antalya. Many reviewers mention this as a highlight; the views are incredible, and it’s a refreshing change from the crowded streets below. At the summit, there’s usually a cozy café where you can enjoy Turkish tea or coffee, and some travelers have noted that getting photos from the cable car company can be steeply priced—about $22 USD for a single picture—so bringing your own camera might be smarter.

Old Town (Kaleiçi) & Historical Landmarks

Next, the tour visits Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming old district filled with winding alleys, traditional Ottoman houses, and lively cafes. Here, you’ll find Hadrian’s Gate, an ancient Roman triumphal arch dating back to 130 BC, and the Fluted Minaret, a medieval minaret that is a symbol of the city. The Clock Tower also offers a glimpse into Antalya’s past as a trading hub.

Local shop browsing, especially for souvenirs or Turkish delights, is often part of the free time allocated here. Reviewers comment on how guides like Kaan or Sinan bring these streets alive with stories, making history feel very relatable. However, some mention that the free time in Kaleiçi can be limited, so if shopping or exploring mid-sight is your priority, you might want to plan accordingly.

Waterfalls: Düden & Lara

A real gem of this tour is visiting both Düden Waterfalls (Upper and Lower) in one day. The Lower Düden Waterfall, located in Lara, plunges 40 meters into the sea, creating a dramatic scene, especially with the sea breeze and lush surroundings. Many reviewers describe this as absolutely stunning, with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a place where you can relax, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy nature’s show.

The tour also includes a visit to Lara Beach near the waterfall, offering a rare mix of scenic waterfall and seaside relaxation in one spot. Not all tours feature both waterfalls, so this dual visit is a major value add.

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Boat Trip & Additional Activities

The boat cruise from the Antalya harbor is often praised as a relaxing highlight, offering a laid-back way to see the coastline and coastline caves. Reviewers note the boat trip is well-organized and provides an opportunity to snap photos of the city’s skyline from the water or just enjoy the gentle sea breeze.

Some reviews indicate optional visits to jewelry shops or other commercial stops—these may be brief, but they add a local flavor typical of Turkish tours. However, a few travelers found time in the shopping spots to be limited, so plan accordingly if you intend to buy souvenirs.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about 9-10 hours, so it’s quite full but generally well-paced. The included local lunch is consistently praised, often described as tasty and satisfying, adding good value to the overall experience. Drinks inside the restaurants are usually extra and can be overpriced, so bringing a water bottle is advised.

While most travelers found the guides engaging and full of helpful insights, it’s worth noting that groups can be large, which might limit personal interaction. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges or over 95 years old, given the walking involved and some uneven surfaces.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction, often citing the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Kaan, Sinan, Apo, and Unzile. Their storytelling helps bring each site alive and provides useful tips, like where to find the best photos or how to avoid overpaying at jewelry shops.

Guests also appreciated the variety of activities—from the cable car ride and waterfalls to the boat trip and old town exploration—making it a well-rounded day. Many reviewers mention the good value for money, especially considering the included entrance fees, meals, and organized transportation.

A few pointed out the limitations of free time in some locations, but overall, most felt the experience was comprehensive and efficient for a single-day tour. The well-coordinated itinerary, with excellent group management, keeps the day moving smoothly and ensures you see the major highlights without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Antalya Sightseeing Old City Tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced, guided overview of the city’s top sights without the fuss of planning each detail. If you love enjoying stunning views from a cable car, wandering historic streets, and relaxing by waterfalls—all in one day—this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting good value with a variety of experiences packed into a well-organized itinerary.

While it offers a lot, keep in mind that the day is quite packed and group sizes can be large, so if you prefer a quieter, more flexible experience, a private tour or self-guided exploration might suit you better. Still, for those wanting a rich, lively sampling of Antalya, this tour checks many boxes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from various locations across Antalya, making travel logistics straightforward.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, cash, and a charged smartphone are recommended. Also, bringing your own water is advised, especially since drinks at restaurants can be pricey.

How long is the tour?
The whole experience lasts about 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and group size.

Are meals included?
Yes, a local lunch is included, and many reviews mention it being tasty and satisfying. Drinks at the restaurant are usually extra.

Can I participate in the cable car ride?
Yes, the cable car ride is included if you select that option. It’s a highlight for many, offering spectacular views.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 95 years old, as the day involves walking and uneven terrain.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This Antalya tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience the city’s highlights in one day. With great guides, stunning scenery, and a good mix of activities, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a memorable introduction to Antalya.

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