Mount Olympos (Tahtali) Cable Car with Lunch by the River in Ulupinar

Antalya, Turkey

Travel from the sea to the sky and the very peak of a mountain ancient Greeks named for the home of the gods on this 7-hour day trip from Antalya and around. Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Olympos (Mount Tahtali), and enjoy spectacular views across the Mediterranean coast and mountains. Then savor a three-course lunch by the river in Ulupinar valley.

You'll be collected from your hotel by 9:30am – exact pickup time will be confirmed on booking. It's a little over an hour's drive to the city of Kemer and Beydaglari National Park.

Mount Tahtali, one of a number of mountains also known as Mount Olympos, towers above the city of Kemer. At 7,759 feet (2,365 meters) above sea level, it is capped in snow through spring and autumn: only in the summer is the peak exposed. It's easy to see why the ancient Greeks named it for Olympus, the home of their gods.

The base of the cable car station stands 2,300 feet (700 meters) high, with cars running every 15 to 20 minutes in high season. Enjoy spectacular views from the windows of your gondola as you cruise 15 minutes to the peak of Tahtali.

Here, observation decks offer spectacular views. Look out over mountains, gorges, the Mediterranean Sea, Kemer, Antalya, and even Demre, once home of the original St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy hot or cold drinks from the café (own expense), or even tan on beach chairs.

Once you've captured enough shots, descend by cable car and hop back in the vehicle for the 30-minute drive to Ulupinar. Sit amid shady forests by the cool water, surrounded by chirping birds, and soak up the ambience of this serene valley as you feast on three delicious courses of classic Turkish cuisine.

From here, it's about a 90-minute drive back to Antalya: expect to be back at your hotel around 4:30pm.