Phaselis, Ulupinar, Khimera, Çirali, Olympos Beach Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day packed with ancient ruins, lush forests, natural wonders, and seaside relaxation, this Antalya tour might just be what you’re looking for. With a well-rounded itinerary covering some of the most captivating sites in the region, this experience offers a blend of history, nature, and scenic beauty, all in around 8 hours.

What truly stands out is the expert guidance—one reviewer happily pointed out how their guide made the history come alive with stories and insights. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off means you can relax and focus on enjoying the sights without the hassle of transportation.

One possible consideration is the price, which at around $158 per person, includes admission fees, a hearty lunch, and transportation. While this seems fair for an all-inclusive day, some travelers might prefer to bring additional cash for drinks or souvenirs.

This tour suits those eager to explore a mix of archaeological sites, natural landscapes, and beachside spots, especially if you value knowledgeable guides and comfortable logistics.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering key attractions in Antalya’s coast and hinterland.
Expert-guided experience that makes history and nature accessible.
All-inclusive price with admission, lunch, and transportation.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off for stress-free planning.
Ideal for those with a day to explore and a love of both culture and scenery.
Limited group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Introduction: Why This Tour Stands Out

This guided tour of Antalya’s highlights packs a lot into a single day, making it perfect for travelers who want a structured, insightful experience without the hassle of organizing each stop themselves. The combination of ancient ruins, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines promises a varied and captivating day.

One of the things we really appreciate is the attention to detail, like including the admission fees and offering a tasty local lunch—these small touches go a long way toward making your day seamless and enjoyable. Plus, with hotel pick-up and drop-off, you avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with local taxis.

On the flip side, the price point might give some pause, especially if you’re on a tight budget, but considering everything that’s included—expert guidance, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch—it offers a solid value for a full day’s adventure.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves discovering history, spotting wildlife, and relaxing at scenic beaches, this tour offers a well-balanced mix that’s likely to satisfy.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Phaselis — A Glimpse into Ancient Greece and Rome

Our first stop is Phaselis, a city that once thrived under Greek and Roman rule. Set within a pine and cedar forest, the site’s ruins are spread over a spacious area, offering plenty to explore—from ancient aqueducts to colonnaded streets. You’ll love the way the old stones feel like a tangible connection to the past, while the surrounding nature provides a peaceful backdrop.

A reviewer noted that visiting Phaselis was a highlight, describing it as a “paradise,” emphasizing the site’s natural beauty and historical significance. Expect about an hour here to wander freely and soak in the atmosphere. The entrance fee is included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.

Stop 2: Ulupinar — Nature and Lunch with a View

Next, the tour takes you to Ulupinar, a spot famed for its stunning landscape. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch amid breathtaking scenery. The setting likely includes views of waterfalls, jungle, and maybe even some wildlife. A reviewer shared how they “enjoyed the water and jungle scenery” during their visit, describing it as a relaxing retreat.

Ulupinar is also known for its animals—perhaps some stray cats or the occasional bird—adding to the rustic charm. You’ll spend around two hours here, which allows time for a leisurely meal, a walk, or even a quick dip in the water if the weather permits. Admission is free, but meals and drinks are at your own expense.

Stop 3: Khimera and the Chimera Fire

After lunch, the journey continues to Khimera, within Olympos Beydalar National Park. Famous for the eternal flames of Chimera, this site is a fascinating natural phenomenon. The flames, believed to have been burning for thousands of years, flicker from cracks in the rocks, creating a mystical effect.

This stop provides a chance to learn about local legends—one reviewer appreciated their guide’s storytelling skills, which made the experience even more memorable. Expect about two hours here, including time to walk around and take photos. The entrance fee is included, so you can focus on enjoying the fiery spectacle.

Stop 4: Phaselis Koyu — Exploring Ancient Coastal Beauty

The ancient city of Phaselis gets another spotlight with a quick visit to its bay, known for its calm, turquoise waters and scenic coastline. This stop is perfect for a brief walk along the beach, soaking in the sea breeze, and imagining life in ancient times. The site’s ruins provide an atmospheric backdrop to the relaxing sounds of waves. With an hour allotted, you’ll have plenty of time to snap photos and absorb the tranquil vibe.

Stop 5: Olympos Archaeological Site and Beach

Finally, the tour concludes at Olympos, a famous archaeological site and lively holiday spot. The ruins include ancient city walls, tombs, and other remnants that tell stories of the past. We loved the way the site blends history with the present-day seaside vibe.

Following the archaeological exploration, you get to walk along Olympos Beach, known for its natural beauty and protected sea turtles in the nearby national park. Reviewers mentioned spotting sea turtles, adding a unique wildlife element to this part of the trip.

What You Can Expect: Practical Details

Transportation and Comfort: The tour uses air-conditioned minivans, providing a comfortable ride between sites. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, which enhances the experience, especially with a knowledgeable guide who shares stories and insights.

Timing: Starting early, the tour runs for approximately 7 to 8 hours, which includes travel time, sightseeing, and meals. The schedule is well-paced, with enough time at each site to explore without feeling rushed.

Price and Value: At $158.42 per person, the cost covers most expenses—admission fees, lunch, transportation, and guiding. Given the variety and depth of sites visited, this is a reasonable price for a full day of guided exploration.

Guidance: Though an English-speaking guide isn’t included for an extra fee, the included guide’s knowledge reportedly adds a lot to the experience. Several reviewers highlighted their guide’s storytelling abilities, making history come alive.

Food and Drinks: Lunch is included, but drinks are not—so bring some cash if you want beverages or snacks during the day. The lunch at Ulupinar is a highlight, typically featuring local flavors with scenic views.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer, Maria Alicia from Spain, described the experience as “spectacular,” emphasizing how the sites felt like “paradise” and expressing her satisfaction with the trip. She also appreciated the organization, describing it as “enjoyable from start to finish.” Her comments underline how well the tour balances structured visits with personal leisure time.

Another review mentioned the “stunning views” and the way the guide made the history accessible and engaging. The mention of ultra-knowledgeable guides indicates that the human element truly elevates this experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour effectively combines culture, history, and nature in one manageable package. The sites visited are carefully chosen for their historical significance and natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers who want a thorough introduction to Antalya’s diverse landscapes.

The value for money is evident when considering the included entry fees, lunch, and transport. It caters well to those who appreciate expert guidance and seamless logistics, especially if you’re not keen on navigating the region on your own.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s suited for travelers who enjoy a full day of activity and aren’t adverse to a busy schedule. The experience is especially appealing to those interested in archaeology, wildlife, and scenic views, with a touch of local culture.

Who Would Love This Tour

Those eager to discover both the ancient and natural sides of Antalya will find this tour rewarding. It’s perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a well-organized, insightful day out. If you value comfortable transportation, expert guides, and a mix of sites, then this experience ticks all those boxes.

Travelers looking for a relaxed, all-inclusive day that avoids the stress of planning will also appreciate the hotel pickup/drop-off and the streamlined itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.
• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours.
• Are admission fees included? Yes, all entrance fees for sites like Phaselis, Khimera, and Olympos are covered.
• Do I need to bring extra money? You might want cash for drinks or souvenirs, as these are not included.
• Is there a guide included? An expert guide is included, but additional English guide services are available for 100 Euro per day.
• Can I participate if I have mobility issues? The itinerary involves walking around ruins and some uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for all mobility levels.
• What should I wear? Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
• Is lunch included? Yes, a tasty lunch at Ulupinar is part of the tour.
• Will I see wildlife? Yes, it’s possible to spot protected sea turtles at Olympos, adding a wildlife encounter to your day.
• How far in advance should I book? The tour is typically booked about 5 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended especially during peak seasons.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced experience of Antalya’s most captivating sights—perfect for travelers who want a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation without the hassle. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and all logistics taken care of, it’s an efficient way to see some of the region’s best-known attractions in one day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply after a scenic escape, this experience promises a memorable day out in Antalya.