Antalya: Old Town with Aquarium or Cable Car & Waterfalls

Explore the vibrant streets of Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleici), marvel at the Duden Waterfalls, and enjoy a choice between the Olympos Cable Car or the Antalya Aquarium. This 5 to 9-hour tour from TOURMANIA offers a balanced mix of cultural sights, natural beauty, and exciting activities. Whether you’re keen on panoramic mountain views or an immersive underwater experience, this tour caters to diverse interests with clear, well-organized stops.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the flexibility to select between two top-notch attractions for the afternoon—the cable car ride atop Tahtal Mountain or the world’s one of the largest aquariums. The tour features visits to famous waterfalls, historic landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate, and the charming Kaleici district, all led by knowledgeable guides praised for their friendliness and professionalism. It’s a thoughtful blend designed to showcase the best of Antalya in a single day.

One key consideration is that it is not possible to visit both the Cable Car and Aquarium on the same day, so travelers should choose their preferred experience in advance. Also, comfortable shoes are recommended to comfortably explore the cobbled streets and outdoor stops. This tour works well for those who want a comprehensive, well-paced day with a mix of sightseeing, nature, and adventure.

Key Points

• Flexible afternoon options include the Olympos Cable Car or Antalya Aquarium.
• Tour duration varies from 5 to 9 hours, with different stops and activities.
• The Old Town (Kaleici) is explored with a guided tour and free time for shopping and sightseeing.
• Waterfalls at Duden offer photo opportunities and scenic nature views.
• Live English-speaking guides provide insightful commentary, praised for their friendliness.
• Transport includes hotel pickup and drop-off from five different locations.

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From the Old Town to the Historic Landmarks

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from five locations, including Konyaalt, Özlü, Kemer, Antalya, and Muratpaa, followed by a 40-minute van ride into the city. The first stop is the Antalya Clock Tower, where visitors can take photos and learn about the landmark’s history. This is followed by a visit to Hadrian’s Gate, a striking Roman-era arch that marks Antalya’s ancient entrance.

Next, the group explores Kaleici, Antalya’s historic district filled with Ottoman-style houses, narrow streets, and lively bazaars. A guided walk offers insights into the area’s history, complemented by free time to browse shops or enjoy the vibrant streets. The two-hour exploration allows plenty of time for photos, shopping, and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Visiting the Duden Waterfalls and Scenic Nature

The tour includes a 45-minute stop at the Duden Waterfalls, where visitors enjoy peaceful scenery and photo opportunities. The waterfalls are a highlight for their impressive flow and natural beauty, providing a refreshing break from the city’s busy streets. The scenic views along the way make for memorable pictures and relaxing moments amid nature.

The waterfalls are complemented by sightseeing opportunities en route, with a scenic drive through Antalya Province. The stop is brief but enough to appreciate the power and beauty of these natural features. It’s an ideal spot for a quick photo stop or a peaceful moment before continuing with the city tour.

Shopping and Lunch Breaks in Antalya

After the waterfalls, the tour makes a shopping stop in Antalya Province, where visitors have about 40 minutes to browse local shops. This is a good chance to pick up souvenirs, Turkish delights, or other local products. Following shopping, the group takes a rest and lunch break at Konyaalt for about an hour, where a restaurant offers a variety of local dishes, including vegetarian options.

The lunch break provides a chance to recharge before heading into the afternoon activities. The tour’s pace is flexible enough to allow for a leisurely meal, making sure everyone is ready for the next adventure.

Exploring Antalya’s Historic Landmarks

After lunch, the tour continues with a guided walk at the Antalya Clock Tower and Hadrian’s Gate, where guides share historical insights and answer questions. These landmarks are key symbols of Antalya’s Roman and Ottoman past, and the guided explanations add depth to the experience. The stops typically last around 10 minutes each but are rich in history and photo opportunities.

The detailed walk through the old town is designed to highlight the area’s cultural significance while allowing time for individual exploration and photos. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly manner, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

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The Choice: Olympos Cable Car or Antalya Aquarium

The afternoon offers a flexible experience, allowing travelers to select between the Olympos Cable Car or Antalya Aquarium, depending on personal interests.

Olympos Cable Car and Tahtal Mountain Views

This ride takes visitors up to Tahtal Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean and surrounding landscapes. The cable car ride offers breathtaking scenery as it ascends, culminating in a mountaintop viewpoint that provides spectacular photo opportunities. The entire ride typically takes about 30 minutes round trip.

The cable car experience is ideal for those seeking a mountain adventure and stunning vistas. Guides often share interesting facts about the region’s geography as visitors enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Antalya Aquarium and Underwater Discoveries

Alternatively, the Antalya Aquarium provides an immersive underwater experience. It is recognized as one of the world’s largest aquariums, featuring themed exhibits, a long tunnel, and immersive zones. Visitors can walk through the aquarium’s tunnel to see marine life swimming overhead, making it a fun and educational visit for all ages.

The aquarium is a perfect choice for those interested in marine life or seeking a cool indoor activity. The themed zones and interactive displays make it a memorable highlight of the tour.

Returning to Your Hotel in Antalya

After the afternoon activity, the tour concludes with a van ride back to the original pickup locations, typically lasting about 40 minutes. The drop-off is available at Özlü, Muratpaa, Kemer, Antalya, or Konyaalt, making it convenient for guests to return to their accommodations.

This organized pickup and drop-off system helps ensure a smooth, relaxed day, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying the sights rather than worrying about transportation.

Practical Details and Tips for This Tour

The tour is designed to be flexible, with options to choose the afternoon activity that suits your interests. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, especially for walking through Kaleici and outdoor stops at the waterfalls. The guide provides live commentary in English, and reviews highlight guides like Ozzy, Recep, and others as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.

The tour includes hotel pickup from five locations and skip-the-line tickets, saving time. The duration varies depending on the selected options, generally between 5 and 9 hours. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Antalya: Old Town with Aquarium or Cable Car – Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Antalya, combining historic sights, beautiful waterfalls, and a personalized afternoon experience. Whether you prefer spectacular mountain views via cable car or an underwater adventure at the aquarium, both options deliver memorable moments.

The guides’ professionalism and organized stops make this a comfortable way to see the city and its surroundings in a single day. The presence of highly praised guides like Ozzy, Recep, and Artan adds a personal touch that visitors appreciate.

Limitations include the inability to visit both main attractions in the same day and the fact that lunch quality might vary, with some reviews mentioning cold meals. Still, the value for money and diverse attractions make this tour a popular choice for those seeking a varied day in Antalya.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit both the cable car and the aquarium on the same day?
No, it is not possible to visit both attractions on the same day. You must choose either the Olympos Cable Car or the Antalya Aquarium.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration ranges from 5 to 9 hours, depending on the selected afternoon activity and stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking around Kaleici and outdoor sites. Other items like water or snacks are not specified but bringing water is advisable, especially on hot days.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup from five different locations and drop-off at the same points, making logistics easy.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While the tour covers outdoor and indoor activities, the easy walking and short stops make it suitable for most ages. However, children may find the cable car ride especially enjoyable.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The guided exploration of Kaleici, the Duden Waterfalls, and the choice between mountain views via cable car or the underwater world at the aquarium make this tour stand out.

This detailed tour provides an accessible way to experience the highlights of Antalya in a single day, with options to tailor the afternoon adventure. Its combination of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions makes it a versatile choice for a memorable Turkey visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby