REVIEW · ASPENDOS THEATRE & PERGE RUIN RUNS
Phaselis, Ulupinar, Khimera, Çirali, Olympos Beach Tour
Sea turtles and ruins in one long day. I like this tour because it strings together Phaselis and Olympos Beydağları National Park in a way that feels efficient, not rushed. You get a nature-heavy day with an easy beach walk, plus ancient sites and a lunch stop in the hills.
Two things I really like are the focus on protected Caretta caretta at Çıralı and the chance to pause at Ulupinar for lunch with waterfall and jungle scenery. I also appreciate that the timing leaves room to actually look around, not just hop off for a quick photo.
One consideration: this is a packed itinerary, and the day depends on short visits at each stop. Also, while the tour notes admission tickets for some sites, the listing says admission fees are not included, and lunch is also not included, so confirm what you’ll pay on the spot.
Key things to know before you go
- Pickup from multiple Antalya-area neighborhoods means you start the day without wrestling for transport.
- Olympos Beydağları National Park focus: pine-and-cedar scenery, protected beach habitat, and archaeological ruins.
- Çıralı sea-turtle breeding area (Caretta caretta) is a standout theme, even if sightings are never guaranteed.
- Ulupinar time includes lunch and nature stops like waterfall and animal/Jungle areas.
- Phaselis Koyu is short but concentrated, with an ancient Greek and Roman city setting in forest.
- Private group format means the pacing is less chaotic than big coach tours.
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A Full Day Map: Why This Phaselis, Ulupinar, Çıralı, and Olympos Route Works
This is a classic Antalya green-and-ruins day. You spend your time in the Olympos Beydağları National Park zone, so most of the drive is framed by forest and coast rather than just traffic and buildings.
The itinerary is built around four anchor experiences: an ancient port city in forest, a lunch-and-nature break in Ulupinar, a long stop by Çıralı beach in the protected turtle area, and then Olympos ruins plus a coastline walk. For a 7 to 8 hour day, that mix is smart because it hits history, sea, and wildlife habitat without forcing you to choose just one.
It also helps that the schedule includes multiple 2-hour blocks. Those longer windows make it easier to slow down, use the restroom, grab a snack, and take real breaks between stops.
Pickup and Mini-van Comfort from Lara to Tekirova

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with pickup listed for Lara, Kundu, Beldibi, city center Antalya, Belek, Kemer, and Tekirova. If you are staying anywhere along that route, this can save a lot of time and hassle.
Transport is by air-conditioned minivan, which matters in summer heat. For most people, it also means a quieter, more flexible ride than a big coach, especially if you are traveling as a smaller party.
This is also described as private, meaning only your group participates. I like that because it usually means fewer waiting moments and a more human pace when you want to ask questions.
Ulupinar Lunch Stop: Waterfall Views and Jungle-Time
Ulupinar is where the tour shifts from ruins to pure nature vibes. You get about 2 hours, with lunch on site and time around a waterfall, animals, and jungle areas.
What I like about this stop is that lunch is not an afterthought. It is built into the natural setting, so you can eat without feeling like you are rushing to the next ticket line.
What to watch for: the listing says lunch and drinks are not included. So budget for food on your own, or check whether the lunch option at Ulupinar is covered by your specific booking.
If you care about comfort, plan for uneven ground. You might end up walking a bit on paths that are not designed for flip-flops.
Other ways up Tahtali and back down
Çıralı and Chimaera Area: A Real Breeding Beach for Caretta caretta
The stop named Chimaera focuses on the Çıralı area inside Olympos Beydağları National Park. This is the breeding area for the protected sea turtle Caretta caretta, on a coastline formed by three kilometers of beach.
The beach description is very specific, and it helps you picture what you are looking at. The sand forms a fine-grained beach with a gentle slope up from the sea, and the coast is bordered by cliffs at both ends.
There is also a stream bed on the north side that flows only in winter. At the south end, the stream coming from the ancient city of Olympos reaches the sea, and the beach can be thought of as split by the Olympos Stream.
Why this matters for your day: the tour is not only selling a viewpoint, it is orienting you to a protected habitat. That changes how you should move. Keep your footing careful, be respectful near beach areas, and don’t assume you will see turtles. Breeding areas are active, but the timing and conditions are beyond anyone’s control.
This stop is 2 hours, which is a good amount of time to walk the shoreline at a relaxed pace. It also gives you a buffer for photos and breaks, especially if the coast is breezy or the sun shifts behind cliffs.
Phaselis Koyu: Greek and Roman City Life in Pine and Cedar Forest
Phaselis is the big history contrast to the beach time. The ancient city is described as a Greek and Roman site surrounded by pine and cedar forests, and it sits in the Olympos Beydağları National Park.
You only get about 1 hour here, so your game plan should be simple. Focus on the feel of the place first: forest-to-ruins transition, ancient structures in a coastal setting, and the sense of an old port city tied to travel and trade.
The tour notes Phaselis is 16 km west of Kemer and reachable via the Antalya-Kumluca highway. That location detail matters because it explains why you get this mix of modern beach region plus older ruins in the same day.
A short stop is also the drawback. A one-hour visit can feel like you are skimming if you love archaeology. If ruins are your top priority, consider pairing Phaselis with a slower half-day tour later in your trip, and treat this stop as a satisfying taste.
Olympos Archaeological Site: Ruins in a Valley and a Coastal Resort Feel
After Çıralı, you head to the Olympos area for another 2 hours. The archaeological site is described as a valley with ancient city ruins, and it is also a holiday resort, so you get a blend of history and modern vacation energy.
This is the point where the day starts to feel more atmospheric. Ruins sit in a valley setting, and the mood changes as you look from stone remains toward the coastline area nearby.
The tour also includes a walk along Olympos Beach, designed for you to take in views of the coastline. That beach walk is a smart way to “reset” your eyes after looking at stone and shaded areas around ruins.
Practical note: you might want shoes with solid grip. Ancient areas often have uneven footing, and a beach walk can mean sand plus the occasional rocky edge.
Price and Value: What $163.21 Covers (and What Might Cost Extra)
At $163.21 per person, this tour is priced like a convenience package. You are paying for the whole-day route plus pickup, and you are also paying for the fact that multiple stops are coordinated in one block of time.
What you get included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- A mobile ticket
- Group discounts are mentioned
- English is offered
What is not included:
- Drinks
- Lunch
- English guide (listed at 100 Euro per day)
- Admission fee is listed as not included
There is one important detail to verify before you go: some stops in the schedule say admission ticket included, while the general list says admission fees are not included. In real life, this can come down to exactly which tickets are counted for your booking.
My advice is to message or ask for a clear breakdown. If admissions are paid on site, bring some extra cash or a card you can use easily.
Even with that possible extra cost, the value works if you want a single day that links several major places. If you already plan to rent a car and explore slowly, this may feel less cost-effective. But if you want the easy button, pickup plus a timed route is the point.
Timing, Pacing, and the Best Way to Use Your 7 to 8 Hours
Your biggest constraint is simple math. A full day with four main stops (Ulupinar, Çıralı, Phaselis, Olympos) plus driving and the beach walk means you should treat each location as a highlight stop, not an all-day visit.
The good part is that you get enough time to make memories at each place:
- Ulupinar is 2 hours for lunch and nature stops
- Çıralı is 2 hours focused on the turtle breeding beach area
- Phaselis is 1 hour at the ancient city site
- Olympos archaeological area is 2 hours, then you walk the beach
To get the most out of it, choose your priorities before you leave. If turtles and beach time matter most, spend extra minutes walking at Çıralı and keep Phaselis quick and focused. If ruins matter most, use your Phaselis hour wisely and don’t overdo shopping or long breaks at other stops.
Also, bring sunglasses and sun protection. This region can be bright, and beach time plus open-air ancient areas add up.
What to Pack for Phaselis, Çıralı, and Olympos Beach in One Day
I’d pack like you are mixing archaeology with coastline weather.
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (for ruins and sand)
- Sun protection and a hat
- A light layer for breezy coast time
- Swimwear if you like beach time
- Water, if you want your own supply since drinks are not included
If you hate surprises, also bring a small amount of cash for drinks, lunch extras, and any site admission that is not covered by your booking.
If you plan to take photos, charge your phone and consider a power bank. Long drives and stop-and-start shooting can drain batteries faster than you expect.
Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Should Think Twice
This tour suits you if you want:
- Ancient ruins plus beach views in one day
- A nature-centered route in Olympos Beydağları National Park
- A guided plan with pickup, so you do not burn time on navigation
It is also a great fit if you like the idea of a protected wildlife habitat. The Çıralı focus on Caretta caretta is the kind of theme that makes the stop feel meaningful.
Think twice if you want a slow, in-depth history day. Phaselis is only 1 hour, and Olympos ruins are 2 hours, so you will not get the full archaeological rabbit hole.
Also, if seeing sea turtles is the sole reason you are going, adjust expectations. You are visiting a breeding area, not a guaranteed viewing platform.
Should You Book This Phaselis, Ulupinar, Çıralı, and Olympos Tour?
Book it if you want a smooth, pickup-based day that strings together the region’s biggest highlights: Phaselis, Ulupinar nature and lunch, Çıralı sea turtle habitat, and Olympos ruins plus a coastline walk. The private group format and air-conditioned minivan make it feel easier than self-planning.
Skip or at least confirm costs first if you are budget-tight or you hate paying extra on the day. The listing says lunch and admission fees are not included, and there is also a note about the English guide cost. Before you go, ask what is covered for your specific booking and how admissions are handled at each stop.
If you like variety, you should feel happy with this choice. It is exactly the kind of day-trip that saves effort while still leaving you with real variety in what you see.
FAQ
How long is the Phaselis, Ulupinar, Chimaera, Çıralı and Olympos Beach tour?
It runs about 7 to 8 hours total.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Where are pickup locations available?
Pickup is listed for Lara, Kundu, Beldibi, the city center of Antalya, Belek, Kemer, and Tekirova.
Is the tour offered in English?
The tour is offered in English. The listing also notes that an English guide is not included and is priced separately.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is listed as not included.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes, free cancellation is offered, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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