Exploring the ancient ruins of Phaselis and Olympos, coupled with witnessing the mesmerizing Cirali natural gas flames, makes for an intriguing cultural and natural adventure. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and captivating landscapes. From the well-preserved harbor city of Phaselis to the historic remnants of Olympos and the awe-inspiring Chimaera, this immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this tour caters to a diverse range of interests, making it an enticing choice for those seeking an enriching journey.
Key Points
- This 7.5-hour tour explores ancient cities like Phaselis and Olympos, as well as the natural gas flames at Cirali, offering a glimpse into the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region.
- The tour includes hotel transfers, entry fees, and a lunch by the Uupinar River, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience for up to 8 participants.
- Highlights of the tour include guided visits to the well-preserved ruins of Phaselis and Olympos, as well as a hike to the Taurus Mountains to see the Cirali natural gas flames.
- Sturdy hiking shoes and a flashlight are recommended for the tour, which also offers optional transfers for hotels beyond 10 km from the Antalya city center.
- The tour is flexible in terms of booking, with a pay later feature available, and early reservations are suggested due to the limited group size of 8 participants.
Tour Overview
This 7.5-hour Phaselis – Olympos and Cirali Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the ancient cities and natural wonders of the region.
Priced from €521.85 per person, the tour limits group size to 8 participants and features a live English-speaking guide.
Highlights include visiting the ancient harbor city of Phaselis, enjoying lunch by the Uupinar River, exploring the ruins of Olympos, and hiking to see the natural gas flames in Cirali.
Hotel transfers from Antalya city center or within 10 km are included, with optional transfers available from further afield.
This tour offers a well-rounded experience, with entry fees, parking, and meals covered, allowing travelers to focus on discovering the area’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a pickup from the hotel for convenience, allowing participants to start their exploration without the hassle of transportation. The first stop is the ancient city of Phaselis, an important harbor of eastern Lycia. After exploring the historic ruins, the group will enjoy a lunch by the beautiful Uupinar River.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Olympos | Explore the ancient city and its stunning beach. |
| Cirali | Hike to the Taurus Mountains to witness the natural gas flames. |
| Return | Arrive back at the hotel in the evening. |
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending history, natural beauty, and culture, all while ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel transfers from Antalya City Center or within 10 km, as well as entry tickets to Phaselis and Olympos, and the entry fee for Cirali.
It also covers all parking fees, a professional English-speaking guide, lunch and drinks, while gratuities for guides and drivers are optional.
Transfers are available from hotels beyond 10 km from the city center, such as Belek, Beldibi, Kundu, and Kemer, for an additional fee.
Participants are recommended to bring a flashlight and wear good shoes for hiking.
The tour offers a convenient and comprehensive package, ensuring a hassle-free experience for visitors to explore the ancient wonders of Phaselis, Olympos, and Cirali.
Additional Information
Participants would do well to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the tour includes a trek through the Taurus Mountains to see the natural gas flames at Cirali. Beyond the 10 km radius from Antalya city center, such as Belek, Beldibi, Kundu, and Kemer, hotel transfers are available as an optional add-on.
| Additional Information | |
|---|---|
| Recommended Gear | Flashlight |
| Hiking Shoes | |
| Transfer Availability | Hotels beyond 10 km |
| Optional Add-on |
Booking Information
Checking availability for starting times is the first step when booking this tour, and reserving now with a pay later option is also available.
The tour operator offers flexible booking to accommodate travelers’ schedules. Those interested can easily check open slots on the website or contact the team directly.
Once a preferred time is secured, guests can reserve their spots with the pay later feature, which allows them to hold their place without an upfront payment. This convenient booking process ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
The tour’s limited group size of 8 participants means early reservations are recommended to secure a spot on this immersive journey through ancient Lycia.
Phaselis Ancient City
Phaselis, an ancient harbor city along the Lycian coast, serves as the first stop on this captivating tour.
Visitors wander through the site’s well-preserved ruins, including the remains of three harbors, temples, theaters, and other structures that showcase the city’s prosperous maritime past.
Founded in the 7th century BC, Phaselis thrived as a major commercial center, facilitating trade between the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.
As the group explores the ancient streets and monuments, the guide shares insights into the city’s history and role in the region’s economy.
This immersive experience transports travelers back in time, allowing them to imagine the bustling activity that once filled Phaselis’ waterfront and urban centers.
Olympos Ancient City
The next stop on the tour is the captivating ancient city of Olympos, where visitors can explore the city’s well-preserved ruins and imagine the vibrant life that once thrived along its shores.
Situated in the Taurus Mountains, Olympos boasts a stunning natural setting, with the ancient ruins nestled between the pine-covered slopes and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors can wander through the remains of temples, baths, and other structures, getting a sense of the city’s importance as a harbor and trading hub in the ancient Lycian civilization.
The guided tour provides insights into the history and significance of this remarkable archaeological site, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the charm and grandeur of Olympos.
Cirali Natural Gas Flames
After exploring the ancient ruins of Olympos, the tour continues with a hike to the captivating Cirali region, where visitors can witness the Chimaera – the natural gas flames that have been burning for centuries on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains.
These eternal flames, also known as the ‘Eternal Fires of Chimaera,’ are a unique natural phenomenon caused by the seepage of methane gas from the earth’s surface.
The hike to the flames offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to learn about the geological and cultural significance of this ancient site.
Visitors can marvel at the flickering flames and even warm their hands over the natural gas-fueled fires, making for an unforgettable end to the day’s exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Different Group Size?
Yes, the tour can accommodate different group sizes. The description specifies the group size is limited to 8 participants, but the operator likely offers options for larger or smaller groups upon request, depending on availability.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Children?
The tour provider offers discounted pricing for seniors and children. Seniors aged 65 and above receive a 10% discount, while children under 12 get a 20% discount off the standard tour price. These discounts are available at the time of booking.
What Type of Cuisine Is Served for the Included Lunch?
The included lunch features regional Turkish cuisine. It typically consists of a variety of traditional dishes like meze platters, grilled meats, fresh salads, and local specialties, providing a flavorful sampling of the local culinary culture.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
Yes, the tour provider may allow customization of the itinerary to suit the customer’s preferences. However, this would likely incur additional costs and require prior arrangement with the tour operator.
Can I Leave the Tour at a Different Location Than the Pickup Point?
Yes, you can likely leave the tour at a different location than the pickup point. Many tour operators offer this flexibility, though it may require advance coordination and potentially additional fees. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly.
The Sum Up
The Phaselis – Olympos and Cirali Tour delivers a captivating journey through ancient history and stunning landscapes.
Visitors explore the well-preserved ruins of Phaselis, enjoy a riverside lunch, explore Olympos’ historic remnants, and marvel at the Cirali natural gas flames.
This immersive experience provides an unforgettable day, seamlessly blending the wonders of the past with the natural beauty of the present.
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