Antalya: City Tour w/Olympos Cable Car, Boat & Lunch

Antalya: City Tour w/Olympos Cable Car, Boat & Lunch offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historic sights, and relaxing moments, all for just $15 per person. Priced affordably, this guided adventure takes you through iconic landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, and the stunning Duden Waterfalls, while also offering a scenic boat trip and the thrill of a cable car ascent up Mount Olympos (Tahtal). Led by a friendly, fluent English-speaking guide, it’s a well-organized way to get a comprehensive taste of Antalya in one day.

We particularly appreciate how this tour combines natural wonders with cultural sights, making it ideal for travelers of diverse interests. The inclusion of lunch with regional flavors and a boat cruise along Antalya’s coast really enhances the value. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off mean no fuss with taxis—an aspect many travelers find highly convenient.

However, there is a minor downside: the cable car ride is not included in the tour price and the tour’s schedule can be quite packed, which might limit exploring each stop at your own pace. Still, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, broad overview of Antalya, this tour hits the right notes. It’s best suited for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting a well-rounded day without the hassle of organizing multiple sights independently.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $15, this tour offers excellent value given the array of attractions and included services.
• Variety of Sights: From waterfalls to old town streets, and coastal views, it caters to many interests.
• Expert Guides: The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, enhancing the experience.
• Natural Beauty & Culture: The tour balances scenic natural spots with important historical sites.
• Food & Cruise: A regional lunch and a one-hour boat cruise add relaxation and flavor to the day.
• Limitations: The cable car is not included, and some reviews mention limited free time and upselling at jewelry stops.

An In-Depth Look at the Antalya City Tour

When we say this tour offers a taste of everything, we’re not exaggerating. It covers the essentials of Antalya—its natural beauty, historic charm, and lively coastline—all woven into a single day. The tour begins early, with hotel pickups that make logistics effortless, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city or just want a hassle-free experience.

The Waterfalls: Duden Lower & Upper

The tour kicks off with a visit to Lower Duden Waterfalls, a real highlight. Water crashes down from high cliffs into tranquil pools, creating a spectacular scene perfect for photos and a chance to appreciate Antalya’s lush side. The scenery is striking, and the 45-minute stop includes admission tickets, so no extra costs or hassle.

Just a short drive away, the Upper Duden Waterfalls offer a different vibe—more greenery, caves, and peaceful walking paths. This spot gets high praise for its natural tranquility and is a favorite among reviews: “The waterfalls were lovely,” according to one visitor. It’s a gentle walk that’s accessible enough, although some reviews mention difficult steps to reach the upper falls, so it might be worth noting if mobility is a concern.

Scenic Cable Car Ride & Mount Olympos

A special thrill in this tour is the cable car ascent to Mount Olympos (Tahtal). Though the ticket isn’t included, many find the views from 2,365 meters above sea level breathtaking—sweeping coastlines, lush forests, and hazy mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photos and relaxing with a drink at the summit café.

One reviewer mentions: “The cable car ride offers breathtaking views, though it’s not included in the price.” The high-altitude panorama really makes this a memorable part of the day, despite the additional cost.

Historic Sights & Old Town Charm

Next, the tour guides you through Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleici), home to the Clock Tower, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Fluted Minaret. These sites reveal Antalya’s layered past—ancient Roman, Ottoman, and modern Turkish influences all collide here. The guides are often praised for their storytelling, making history come alive.

However, some reviews indicate that the time allocated for exploring Kaleici is limited—about an hour. One traveler lamented that it felt rushed, with only a quick walk past the main attractions and a suggestion to explore more independently afterward. Still, it’s enough to get a sense of the charm, cobbled streets, and historic architecture.

Waterfront & Boat Cruise

Midday, you’ll hop onto a scenic boat trip from the historic harbor, lasting about an hour. The boat cruise offers spectacular views of the coastline and sea, and is often cited as the “highlight of the trip”—especially the chance to see Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall tumbling 40 meters into the sea. This natural spectacle is almost surreal from the water.

Reviewers agree the boat ride is relaxing and offers excellent photo opportunities: “The boat trip was stunning, and the guide explained everything well,” says one guest. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy Antalya’s coastline and take a break from walking.

Lunch & Souvenir Shopping

Next, there’s a stop at a charming restaurant near Konyaalti Beach, where you can savor regional Turkish dishes. The included lunch is described as “good,” with many reviewers praising the variety and flavor. One reviewer notes it as “excellent,” especially compared to other tours that offer rushed or average food.

A quick stop at a local souvenir shop offers a chance to pick up gifts or keepsakes. Some reviews mention a pushy sales attitude and extra costs for juice or additional treats, so it’s wise to be prepared for upselling.

The Olympos Cable Car & Final Views

The tour concludes with a visit to the Mount Olympos cable car station, where you can choose to ascend (if you decide to pay the additional fee). Most travelers find the panoramic views worth the extra expense, given the expansive vistas of the coastline and forested mountains.

Overall Tour Logistics

This tour is quite comprehensive, running approximately 7 to 8 hours. The group size is limited to 40 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal and manageable. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, and the pickup and drop-off service is a major convenience.

What makes this tour stand out is its balance between guided commentary and free time—some stops are more structured, and others allow for personal exploration. This mixture gives a taste of authentic Antalya without feeling overwhelmed.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

Reviews paint a picture of a generally positive experience, especially praising the knowledgeable guides. One reviewer mentions Gozde as “fantastic,” appreciating her fluent English and friendly demeanor, which truly enhances the day.

Many visitors noted the stunning waterfalls and beautiful boat cruise as highlights. “The boat trip was a definite highlight,” one said, and “the waterfalls looked great,” echoed several others. The lunch received mixed reviews but was generally seen as an added value, with some describing it as “good” or “excellent.”

There are some criticisms, notably about limited free time at the old town and upselling at jewelry shops. A few reviews mention that the cable car ride was not included and that the schedule felt rushed, but most agree that for the price, this is a worthwhile way to see many sides of Antalya.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

If you’re considering this tour, think about your interests—if natural scenery and history are your priorities, you’ll love the waterfalls, boat, and old town. Keep in mind that the cable car is optional and costs extra, so plan accordingly.

Bring comfortable shoes for walking, especially around waterfalls and old town cobbles. If you’re keen on taking photos from Mount Olympos, consider budgeting for the cable car ticket ahead of time.

Be prepared for some upselling, particularly at jewelry stops, and stay aware of the schedule to maximize your free exploration time. The included lunch is a nice perk, but if you have specific dietary needs, consider bringing some snacks.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors to Antalya who want a broad overview without fuss. It’s perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for good value and a mix of natural and cultural sights. If you prefer more free time or fewer scheduled stops, you might find this tour a bit rushed, but overall, it offers a well-rounded snapshot of the city.

Those wanting a scenic boat ride and stunning waterfalls will find this especially rewarding. However, if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of Antalya’s history or planning to pay for the cable car, you might want to consider customizing your plans slightly.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from various locations around Antalya, making it convenient and straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience runs about 7 to 8 hours, giving you a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

What attractions are included in the tour?
Key stops include the Lower and Upper Duden Waterfalls, Kundu souvenir shop, lunch near Konyaalti, a boat cruise along the coast, and Kaleici Old Town. The cable car ride to Mount Olympos is optional and not included in the base price.

Is the cable car ride worth it?
Most travelers find the panoramic views from Mount Olympos impressive, but remember that the ticket costs extra. Notably, the cable car has been closed for some time, so check current availability.

Are there any extra costs during the tour?
Yes, apart from the tour price, you may choose to buy drinks during lunch or pay for the cable car if you wish to ascend Mount Olympos.

Is there free time at the old town?
Yes, about one hour of free time is allotted, but some reviews mention it feels limited, and you might want to explore more at your own pace afterward.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for waterfalls and other natural sites are covered, but the cable car and some optional attractions are not.

How many people are in each group?
The tour cap is 40 travelers, which strikes a good balance between group size and personal attention.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. The stops are accessible for most, though some walking and steps are involved, so consider mobility if traveling with seniors or disabled guests.

This Antalya tour blends natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and leisure into a day that’s both affordable and memorable. It’s perfect for those wanting a taste of everything without the hassle of planning each detail, provided you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and some optional extra costs.