Olympos and the eternal flames of the Chimaera

Ancient Olympos lies among oleander and plane trees along a streambed, with the beach of Çıralı next to it. In the evening we climb to Yanartaş, where flames have burned from the mountain since antiquity.

Highlights

• Ancient Olympos – sarcophagi and gates in the woods by the stream
• Swim at the pebble beach of Çıralı
• Yanartaş – the eternal flames of the Chimaera
• Loggerhead turtles nest on this beach
• The Lycian Way runs straight through the valley

Full description

Olympos is unlike the big excavations: the city lies in greenery, ivy grows over the walls, the stream runs through it and reaches the beach. You stroll rather than tour – past the harbour gate, the baths and the sarcophagus of captain Eudemos with its ship relief.

In the late afternoon we drive to Çıralı and climb about 25 minutes up to Yanartaş. Methane seeps from cracks in the rock and has burned for millennia – the flames of the Chimaera. They are most striking at dusk; bring a torch.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• 1 · Olympos
  ancient city in the forest, harbour bay and necropolis
• 2 · Olympos/Çıralı beach
  swimming stop
• 3 · Lunch in Ulupınar by the trout stream
• 4 · Yanartaş (Chimaera)
  short climb to the eternal flames
• 5 · Photo stop on the Lycian coast

Included

• 8 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Vehicle with driver for the whole day, pick-up and return from cruise port or hotel (€250 for 1–3 persons, each additional person +€10)

Not included

• Entrance fees Olympos and Yanartaş (paid on site)
• Dinner and drinks
• Torch for the way down
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

We pick you up with vehicle and driver at Antalya cruise port (Port Akdeniz) or at your hotel and bring you back there.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Cruise guests – Please state ship and time in port. We pick you up directly at Antalya cruise port and plan the return to the ship with ample buffer.
• Comfortable shoes and sun protection – Ancient sites and old-town lanes have uneven paving and little shade; please bring water in summer.
• Entrance fees – Not included in the price and paid on site; we buy the tickets for you at the counter.