Antalya Sightseeing Old City Tour with Cable Car & Boat Trip

Exploring Antalya with the Old City & Waterfalls Tour

If you’re considering a day to soak in the highlights of Antalya’s charming old town, stunning waterfalls, and scenic views from above, this guided tour packs quite a punch. It’s designed for travelers who want a rundown of this vibrant city—without the hassle of organizing transport or missing out on key sights.

What we love about this experience are two things: First, the diversity of activities packed into one day—from ancient ruins to natural waterfalls and panoramic cable car rides. Second, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, which takes away the stress of figuring out logistics in a busy city. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the timed schedule, which means some free time might feel a bit rushed, especially in the Old Town.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an all-in-one introduction to Antalya—especially those with limited time but a desire to see the city’s highlights. It’s also great for first-timers eager to tick off key sights with an experienced guide to bring the stories to life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-in-One Day: Combines sightseeing, nature, history, and leisure activities into one seamless experience.
• Hassle-Free: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple locations around Antalya.
• Variety of Sights: Visits to Kaleiçi, Hadrian Gate, the Clock Tower, Fluted Minaret, waterfalls, and a boat cruise.
• Scenic Views: The cable car ride offers spectacular vistas of the coastline and city.
• Authentic Local Experiences: Enjoy traditional Turkish tea or coffee at the summit and a local lunch included in the price.
• Good Value for Money: Many reviews highlight the quality of guides, the delicious meal, and the diverse itinerary.

The Itinerary in Detail

Hotel Pickup & Journey to Antalya’s Heart

The tour starts with pickups from various locations—whether you’re staying in Kemer, Belek, or central Antalya. This is a real advantage, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transport options. Once onboard, your guide and driver will ensure you’re comfortable for the approximately 9 to 10-hour day.

Cable Car Ride to Olympos

One standout feature is the Olympos Cable Car, which takes you up to 2,365 meters. The ascent itself is a thrill—riding high above the city and coast, you’ll get a panoramic view that is worth every lira. Many reviews mention the breathtaking vistas, with some noting that the photos at the top, while tempting, can be quite expensive (around 22 USD or 20 Euros). Still, the views compensate for that if you’re prepared with your camera.

At the summit, you can relax at a café serving Turkish tea and coffee, or take a leisurely walk for more photo opportunities. The high altitude and clear skies mean you’ll want your camera ready to capture the rugged coastline and sprawling city below.

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Discovering Kaleiçi and Historical Landmarks

Next, we head into the Old Town (Kaleiçi) — a maze of cobbled streets, Ottoman houses, and lively shops. It’s a photogenic spot, perfect for wandering and absorbing the atmosphere. The tour highlights key monuments like Hadrian’s Gate, an ancient arch built in 130 BC, and the Fluted Minaret, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture.

One review praised the guide’s storytelling ability, saying, “Kaan was fantastic. he was very informative and helpful,” which indicates you’ll get more than just a superficial glance at these sites. The Clock Tower and surrounding streets are also notable, offering charming examples of Ottoman and Turkish architecture.

Free Time, Shopping, and Waterfalls

You’ll have some free time to explore, shop, or relax. Many visitors appreciate the balance of guided tours with independent exploration, especially in the Old Town. Some reviews mention the jewelry shops—Turkey’s natural gemstones are tempting, but prices can be inflated, and some feel it’s a bit of a time-waster if you’re not interested.

The tour takes you to two waterfalls: Düden and Lara. The Lower Düden Waterfall in Lara plunges about 40 meters into the sea, offering spectacular photo opportunities and a refreshing breeze. The waterfalls provide a welcome contrast to the urban scenes and are frequently described as breathtaking. Visitors often remark on how well-maintained and photogenic these spots are.

Boat Trip from Antalya Harbour

One of the highlights is the boat cruise along the coast from Antalya’s harbor. Many reviews describe the boat trip as relaxing and scenic, with some noting it’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy morning. If you select this option, you’ll enjoy views of the coastline and possibly spot some local wildlife or interesting rock formations.

Return and Drop-Off

The day wraps up with a return journey to your hotel, with stops at multiple pickup points. The entire experience is designed to be convenient, but some reviewers mention that the free time during the Old Town could be longer, or more guided help in the bazaar area would improve the experience.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the overall value for money. For instance, one reviewer raved about the guide’s storytelling: “Kaan makes it impossible not to fall in love with Antalya.” Others appreciated the delicious lunch and the scenic views from the cable car, describing them as “beautiful” and “breathtaking.”

Some practical tips emerged from reviews: bring comfortable shoes and sunglasses, as there’s a lot of walking and sunny exposure. Several reviewers also mentioned that drinks at the restaurants are overpriced, so carrying your own water or drinks is wise.

A couple of reviews mentioned minor issues—such as short shopping stops or limited free time in the Old Town—but overall, the consensus is highly positive. The tour’s large group size can be a factor to consider if you prefer intimacy, but most find it manageable and well-organized.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

When you break down the cost of the tour—covering transportation, guides, entry fees, cable car, lunch, and boat trip—the value is clear. Many reviews emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, which adds a lot of warmth and local insight to the experience.

The inclusion of multiple highlights in one day means you get a well-rounded taste of Antalya’s history, nature, and coast—without the need to book separate excursions. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off further enhances its worth, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Antalya.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best for first-time visitors wanting an efficient way to see the city’s top sights. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy varied activities—from scenic cable car rides, to exploring ancient ruins, to relaxing by waterfalls and sailing along the coast. If you’re happy with a guided group experience and want to maximize your day, this trip is a solid choice.

However, if you prefer more personal or in-depth exploration, or have mobility issues, you might find the scheduled timings and group size a little restrictive. The tour’s focus on value and efficiency makes it perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to experience the essence of Antalya in a single day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from multiple locations around Antalya, making logistics much easier.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and group size. Check availability for specific start times.

What activities are included?
You’ll experience a cable car ride, visit to Kaleiçi Old Town, a boat cruise, and visits to Düden and Lara waterfalls. Lunch is also included.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, you get some free time in the Old Town for shopping or exploring, but some reviews mention it’s limited and could be longer.

Are the sights accessible for everyone?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 95 years old, due to walking and the nature of activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, cash, and a charged smartphone. Also, consider bringing your own drinks as restaurant prices may be high.

Final Thoughts

This Antalya sightseeing tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized day full of diverse experiences. From the panoramic views atop the cable car to wandering the historic streets of Kaleiçi, and relaxing at the waterfalls or on a boat, it’s designed for those who want a balanced peek into Antalya’s history, natural beauty, and coast. The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, adding depth to the experience.

While some might find the schedule a bit tight or the shopping stops lengthy, most travelers feel they get outstanding value for the cost. It’s a great choice for first-timers or those wanting a convenient, memorable introduction to Antalya’s many treasures.

Whether you’re looking for stunning views, historical insights, or just a relaxing day out, this tour covers all the bases—making it a practical and enjoyable way to see the city’s highlights all in one go.

You can check availability for your dates here: