About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent fifteen years watching operators chase the highest RevPAR possible while sometimes forgetting that travelers actually want to feel something, not just sit on a bus. Most of the industry is content with "standardized" routes that feel like a conveyor belt, but this Antalya circuit is one of the few that actually delivers on the promise of the Turkish Riviera. It’s a bit of a marathon, honestly—you’re jumping from 2,365 meters above sea level straight down to the humid, salt-licked streets of the Old City. While some "luxury" leads try to sell you on exclusivity, this tour is unapologetically popular because it hits the hits without the fluff. If you can stomach a bit of a hectic schedule for the sake of seeing the Lower Duden and the heights of Olympos in one go, it’s worth the price of admission. Just don’t expect a nap.
About the Tour
This comprehensive journey through Antalya offers a vertical slice of Turkey, taking you from the soaring heights of the Taurus Mountains to the ancient stones of the Mediterranean shore.
The Ascent: Olympos Cable Car
The day kicks off with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from your hotel, heading straight for the Olympos Cable Car (Olympos Teleferik). This isn't your average hill climb; you’ll ascend to a staggering altitude of 2365 meters. From the summit, the view of the harbor and the turquoise expanse of the Mediterranean is, quite frankly, unbeatable.
- Pro Tip: Grab a traditional Turkish coffee at the hilltop cafe. The caffeine hit is better when paired with mountain air.
The Heart of the City: Kaleici (Old Town)
After descending, we shift gears from nature to history. You’ll enter Kaleici, the historic heart of Antalya. The tour stops at Hadrianus Gate, a monumental archway dating back to 130 BC. You can practically feel the Roman history in the stone.
As you wander the winding, narrow streets, keep an eye out for:
- The Fluted Minaret: A masterpiece of Seljuk architecture.
- The Clock Tower: A 9th-century sentinel overlooking the old city.
You’ll have free time here to explore the local shops or, if you fancy, hop on a short boat trip from the old harbor to see the city walls from the water.
The Grand Finale: Lower Duden Waterfall
Before heading back, we visit the Lara district to witness the Lower Duden Waterfall. This isn't a trickle in the woods; it’s a powerful rush of water plunging 40 meters off a cliff directly into the sea. It’s the perfect "photo op" to end a day that covers a lot of ground.
What's Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Olympos Cable Car tickets
- Professional guide
- Lunch
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (those Old City stones aren't kind to heels).
- A camera or phone with plenty of storage—you'll need it.
- A bit of extra cash for souvenirs or that extra glass of tea by the harbor.
Highlights
- Revel in the adrenaline rush as you ascend a 2365-meter-high hill in a cable car
- Enjoy an air conditioned bus ride from your hotel to Antalya's city center
- Learn historical facts and anecdotes about the region from a local guide
- Marvel at the historic Hadrianus Gate, Fluted Minaret, and medieval clock tower
- Take a photo of the rushing Duden Waterfalls, towering 40 meters overhead
Know before you go
- - There will be a restroom and shopping break for about 45 minutes approximately.
- - pick up times vary depending on the location.