Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar

Planning an evening adventure around Antalya often means balancing sightseeing with authentic local flavor. This tour offers a mix of natural beauty, mythic sights, and delicious food, all wrapped into a 7-hour experience. While it’s not perfect and has some mixed reviews, it’s a memorable way to explore some of the region’s most iconic sights after sunset.

What really draws us in is the chance to see the everlasting flames of Chimera—a natural phenomenon that’s both mysterious and breathtaking. Plus, the combination of a swim at Cirali beach and a local dinner means you’ll enjoy a well-rounded evening. That said, a potential drawback is the variable guide quality, as some travelers have experienced less-than-friendly service. This tour suits those looking for a mix of adventure, myth, and local cuisine in a relaxed group setting.

Key Points

• Natural beauty: A stunning sunset at Cirali beach and the glow of Chimera’s fire are highlights.
• Cultural legend: The myth about the fire mountain adds a magical touch to the experience.
• Relaxed pace: A mix of jeep rides, walking, and free time allows for a comfortable exploration.
• Authentic dinner: Local fish or chicken meal at Ulupinar provides genuine Turkish flavors.
• Mixed reviews: Some guests found guides less engaging, but many appreciated the sights and food.
• Good value: Combining transport, entry fees, and dinner makes this a convenient way to see multiple sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is Included and What Isn’t?

This tour is designed to cover a lot in one evening with hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer included, which is a real plus for convenience. The entrance fee to Chimera is also included, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs there. The dinner at Ulupinar offers a hearty, traditional Turkish meal, with options like fish or chicken, plus starters, salad, and seasonal fruits.

What you’ll need to budget separately are drinks (alcoholic or otherwise), personal expenses, and the entrance fee to Olympos (which costs an extra 10). The tour also emphasizes wearing comfortable shoes — essential for walking up the stony path to Chimera.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Journey Through the Region

The experience begins with hotel pickups from all Kemer resorts, where a guide will meet you and give a quick overview of the evening ahead. This is a good time to ask about the plan or clarify any questions. Expect to be on the road around 5:30 PM, starting with a scenic jeep ride through Kuzdere, Camyuva, and Tekirova. This off-road adventure adds a sense of excitement to the evening, though some reviews note that the jeep ride itself is more utilitarian than luxurious.

Cirali Beach Stop

Once you arrive at Cirali beach, you’ll have some time to swim in the clear waters along a 3-kilometer stretch of sand. This is a highlight for many — the beach is described as beautiful and peaceful, perfect for relaxing or just wading in the sea. Expect to spend around 30-45 minutes here, so bring your swimsuit and a towel.

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The Fire of Chimera (Yanartas)

From the beach, a short drive will take you to Yanartas (Chimera)—a hill above Cirali famous for its perpetual flames. The mythical aspect of Chimera makes it a compelling visit: legend speaks of a fire-spitting monster with parts of lion, goat, and snake, which ties into the natural gas source underground fueling the flames.

The ascent involves a stony, sometimes uneven path, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Once atop, you’ll have plenty of time to marvel at the glowing flames, which burn rain or shine. The darkness enhances the visual effect, making the flames appear even more mystical. Some reviews mention that the guide’s explanations might be lacking, but the sight itself is undeniable.

Dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant

After visiting Chimera, the tour continues to the Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy a local Turkish meal—fish or chicken, accompanied by starters, salads, and seasonal fruits. Many guests appreciate the authenticity of the food and the relaxed setting, which often features an outdoor terrace with views of the water.

The dinner offers good value, especially considering it’s part of a 7-hour package. However, reviews suggest bringing warm clothes and a water bottle, as it can get cooler in the evening and hydration is always wise.

Return to Kemer

The journey back starts around 10 PM, with an arrival back in Kemer roughly between 11 and 11:30 PM. Expect a late finish, but one that’s packed with unforgettable sights and flavors.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

The beauty of this tour lies in its blend of natural wonders and local culture. Seeing the fire of Chimera in the dark is a highlight that many travelers find worth the trip, especially if you enjoy mythic stories and natural phenomena. The beach stop offers a chance to relax and refresh, while the dinner gives a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine.

A word of caution: Some guests have found their guide to be less engaging or even rude, which can detract from the experience. It’s worth noting that the tour might not be suitable if you prefer highly structured or guided experiences with detailed explanations. If your priority is stunning views and a unique natural phenomenon, this tour still hits the mark.

Value-wise, the package includes transport, entrance, and dinner, which simplifies planning and offers good overall value. The additional fee for Olympos entrance is small but worth considering if you’re a detail-oriented traveler wanting full access.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers and myth enthusiasts who want to explore beyond typical sightseeing. It’s also great for families or groups seeking a relaxed evening with scenic stops. However, those who dislike jeep rides or have mobility issues might find the walk up to Chimera challenging.

If you’re looking for a memorable sunset, natural flames, and authentic Turkish food, this experience offers a solid balance. Just keep in mind that guide quality varies, so managing expectations about commentary and interaction is wise.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Check availability, but it typically begins around 5:30 PM with hotel pickups in Kemer.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable with walking and jeep rides. Bring warm clothes and water for comfort.

How long is the swimming stop?
Expect around 30-45 minutes at Cirali beach to swim and relax.

Is the dinner included?
Yes, a set Turkish dinner with options like fish or chicken, plus starters, salad, and fruit.

What should I wear for the Chimera visit?
Comfortable shoes are a must for walking up the stony path. Bring warm clothes, especially at night.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some or purchase them separately.

Can I visit Olympos?
Yes, there is an extra fee of 10 for entrance to Olympos, which you can pay on-site.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case plans change.

This tour offers a rich experience for those eager to combine natural beauty with cultural legends. The glowing flames of Chimera are a sight that sticks with you, especially at night, while the beach stop provides a refreshing break. The dinner at Ulupinar adds a tasty local touch that rounds out the evening.

While the experience’s success partly depends on guide quality, the sights and food make it a good value overall. It’s perfect for travelers who want something a little different from typical sightseeing, and an evening that balances adventure with relaxation.

If you prioritize authentic experiences, stunning views, and a touch of legend, this tour is well worth considering. Just prepare for a late night and come with an open mind — the flames of Chimera are truly unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: