Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar

Getting a glimpse of Turkey’s legendary landscapes and ancient sites, the Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar offers a blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. This 7-hour excursion from Kemer takes you through stunning scenery, fascinating myths, and a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re after breathtaking views, cultural insights, or simply a fun day on the road, this tour packs a lot into a manageable price of around $53.41 per person.

One thing we love about this experience is the opportunity to combine multiple highlights in one day—from swimming at Cirali’s long, peaceful beach to witnessing the eternal flames of Mount Chimera. Plus, the inclusion of dinner at Ulupinar, renowned for its trout, makes it a well-rounded outing. That said, some travelers have noted that the guide’s explanations are limited, which could be frustrating if you’re after a thorough historical or mythological story. This tour tends to suit those who enjoy guided adventures but aren’t necessarily seeking in-depth commentary. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of scenic beauty, unique natural phenomena, and cultural exploration, all wrapped into one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering beaches, ancient ruins, natural flames, and local cuisine.
• Balanced mix of adventure and relaxation with swimming stops and scenic drives.
• Guided jeep Tour with knowledgeable drivers, though some reviews mention limited commentary.
• Affordable value for the variety of experiences packed into 7 hours.
• Ideal for active travelers comfortable with moderate walking and some stony paths.
• Limited group size (max 15), ensuring a more personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Pickup and Initial Journey

The experience kicks off early evening with hotel pick-up, making it convenient for travelers staying in Kemer. The transfer to the starting point is comfortable, and the group size is capped at 15, which helps keep things intimate. As your jeep convoy begins its journey, the guide will typically share some interesting tidbits, although reviews suggest the commentary can be quite limited—some mention that guides like “Yusuf” or “Mehmet” give brief, sometimes superficial, explanations. Still, the lively music and scenic drive lift the mood, and the ride itself is a thrill, especially along the serpentine roads up Mount Chimera.

Visiting Cirali Beach

Our first stop is Cirali, a peaceful village known for its clean, beautiful 3-kilometer-long pebble beach. The location is perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing on the sands. What’s especially appealing is the chance to see sea turtles, which nest here annually—an awe-inspiring sight if you’re lucky. The surrounding mountains and lush forests make this a truly scenic setting, ideal for a moment of serenity or some laid-back beach photos.

The village itself has a vibe of quiet strength—drawing yoga enthusiasts, esoteric seekers, and those interested in spirituality. Some reviews mention that the area feels “filled with positive energy,” and it’s a place to unwind before heading back into the jeep for more adventure.

The Exciting Drive Up Mount Chimaera

Next, the tour takes you along a serpentine mountain road where you’ll feel a rush of excitement. The drive is narrated with stories about the area’s flora, fruit plantations, and the legend of Mount Chimera. Drivers often stop to let you pick fresh fruit directly from the trees—something many travelers find charming and a chance to taste the local produce.

Prepare for some bumpy, winding roads, and keep your camera handy for stunning panoramic views. The drive is short but memorable, especially with the fresh mountain air and the spectacular scenery. One reviewer called it an “adrenaline rush with beautiful landscapes” that will stay with you long after.

The Mystical Flames of Mount Chimera

The highlight of the tour is the fire mountain Yanartas, known as Mount Chimera. Here, endless flames have burned for thousands of years thanks to natural underground gas sources—an extraordinary natural sight. Visitors often find the flames mesmerizing, especially at dusk or in the dark when they seem to dance more vividly.

The legend surrounding Chimera is captivating—stories of a fire-breathing monster and sailors using the flames as a guiding beacon. The guide will share these stories, though some reviews mention that the explanations tend to be brief. Still, the experience of standing before a natural phenomenon that has fascinated humans for centuries is unforgettable.

Because the flames are more visible at night, the tour usually schedules the Chimera visit for dusk or evening, giving you the best chance to witness the flames in their full glory. Keep in mind that entrance to Mount Chimera is not included in the ticket price, so budget accordingly if you want to explore more deeply.

Olympos Beach and Archaeological Site

Next, we arrive at Olympos Beach, a pristine pebble beach surrounded by lush pine forests. This stretch of coast is legendary for its clear waters and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for a swim or sunbathing. If you’re fortunate, you might catch sight of the sea turtles nesting—something many travelers cherish.

Just a short walk from the beach, the ruins of ancient Olympos beckon. Founded in the 3rd century BC, this archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Many of the structures have been preserved enough for visitors to touch and walk through, adding a tangible sense of connection to the past. The guide shares some insights into its history, and reviews indicate that the tour provides a good overview—though not an exhaustive excavation. Still, it’s a rare chance to stroll through an ancient city amid beautiful scenery.

Ulupinar and Dinner Time

After exploring Olympos, the tour heads to Ulupinar Park, a small village famous for its trout farms. Here, the highlight is the Turkish dinner, featuring fresh fish and local specialties. The meal is typically relaxing and well-received, with many visitors enjoying the chance to unwind and indulge in authentic cuisine. You also get a bit of free time to walk around or try fishing in the river—many say it’s a peaceful way to close the day.

Return to Kemer

After dinner and some leisure, the bus transfers you back to your hotel in Kemer, concluding a day filled with diverse experiences. The entire trip lasts around 7 hours, offering a good balance of activity and downtime.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Wear comfortable shoes, especially for walking up the stony path at Mount Chimera.
• Bring a camera or smartphone—the views and photos against the backdrop of the flames and mountains are spectacular.
• Pack a swimsuit if you want to take advantage of the swim stops at Cirali and Olympos.
• The tour is suited for moderately fit travelers—the walking is not strenuous but involves some uneven terrain.
• The maximum group size of 15 helps keep the experience more personalized, but some reviews suggest that commentary from guides can be quite brief, so manage expectations if you’re looking for detailed storytelling.

Final Thoughts

This jeep tour is a lively, varied excursion that offers a great mix of natural beauty, history, myth, and local flavor. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a bit of everything—beach time, scenic drives, ancient ruins, and mythological stories—all in one day. The inclusion of dinner at Ulupinar adds a satisfying culinary end to a full day of sightseeing.

While some reviews mention that the guide’s explanations are limited, the stunning vistas, the legendary Mount Chimera flames, and the peaceful aura of Cirali and Olympos more than compensate. If you’re after a well-organized, affordable adventure that covers several highlights without the hassle of multiple bookings, this tour is a solid choice.

Perfect for active, curious travelers who want a taste of Turkey’s outdoor wonders and ancient sites, with a touch of local charm and delicious food.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your adventure without extra planning.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, from pickup in the late afternoon to return to your hotel.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
No, the tour includes dinner at Ulupinar, but drinks (including alcohol) are not included, so you might want to bring water or other beverages.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking up the stony paths at Mount Chimera. Sun protection and a hat may also be useful during the daytime stops.

Is the guide’s commentary detailed?
Reviews suggest that the guide provides some interesting stories, but explanations can be brief. If you’re looking for in-depth historical or mythological details, you might be disappointed.

Are entrance fees included?
Generally, the tour price does not include entrance fees to Mount Chimera or other sites, so budget extra if you wish to explore further.

Exploring the natural and historical tapestry of Turkey through this tour offers a memorable adventure, especially for those eager to see iconic flames, ancient ruins, and pristine beaches—all in one day.