Antalya: Demre Myra Kekova Tour w/Boat Trip

Exploring Antalya’s Ancient Treasures: Demre Myra Kekova Tour with Boat Trip

If you’re visiting Antalya and craving a day filled with history, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure, the Demre Myra Kekova tour offers a well-rounded experience. Promoted at a reasonable price of $79 per person, this full-day journey takes you to some of the most captivating archaeological sites in the region—perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, or those wanting to see an authentic slice of Turkey outside the city bustle.

What we love about this tour is how it combines easy, comfortable transportation with engaging guided visits to iconic Lycian ruins. The boat trip to Kekova Island, with its sunken city, offers a unique glimpse into a natural disaster’s aftermath that left submerged ancient streets and structures. Plus, the fact that most of the logistics—admission tickets, itinerary planning—are handled for you, makes it a stress-free way to explore the region’s highlights.

On the flip side, a possible drawback is the early start time—beginning at 5:30 am—necessitating an early wake-up for many. Also, some travelers have noted that the tour involves quite a bit of time on the bus, which can feel exhausting, especially if you’re not a fan of long rides. This tour suits travelers who are eager to maximize their sightseeing in a single day, appreciate guided experiences, and enjoy scenic boat excursions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive archaeological experience with visits to Myra, Lycian tombs, and the Church of St. Nicholas.
• Unique boat trip to Kekova Island showcasing a sunken city, blending history with natural scenery.
• Convenient logistics including hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and pre-arranged entrance fees.
• Authentic insights provided by knowledgeable guides, enriching your understanding of the sites.
• Value-focused price, with most major sites included, and optional extras like the onyx factory.
• Early start favored for those who don’t mind an early morning and long day of travel.

The Tour in Detail: Ancient Ruins and Scenic Waterways

The day begins early, with pickup around 5:30 am, which might seem daunting but is typical for well-organized guided day trips that aim to maximize your sightseeing time. Once on the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll settle into a roughly 3-hour bus ride that’s often praised for its scenic views. As one reviewer noted, “The 3 hours bus ride was my favorite. Beautiful views and we really enjoyed it.” This highlights how the journey itself can be a pleasant part of the experience, especially if you enjoy Turkish countryside scenery.

Stop 1: Church of St. Nicholas

Your first stop is the Church of St. Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired the modern Santa Claus. While entrance tickets are not included, the site is a highlight for many—particularly those interested in religious history or folklore. The ruins, set against a stunning backdrop, are ideal for taking photos and imagining the past. This stop offers a quick glimpse into the early Christian history of the region and its connection to the legendary Santa.

Stop 2: Myra Ancient Lycian City

Next, you’ll explore the impressive ruins of Myra’s Lycian necropolis, featuring rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. These tombs, dating back to the 4th century BC, provide tangible evidence of the ancient Lycian civilization’s craftsmanship and cultural practices. The site is manageable in size but dense with history, giving visitors a real sense of the ancient atmosphere. One review emphasizes this by saying, “Our guide was well prepared and had a great knowledge about the places.” Admission tickets are included, making this part of the tour seamless and informative.

Stop 3: Kekova Island

The highlight for many is the boat trip to Kekova Island, an area famous for its sunken city, remnants of which can be seen just below the water’s surface. According to research, this city was once part of the mainland before earthquakes caused part of it to sink, turning it into a partially submerged archaeological site. During the approximately three-hour boat ride, you’ll see the ruins of Simena, a charming village perched on the hillside, and get close to the ancient remains visible from the boat.

Many travelers appreciate this part as a relaxing break from sightseeing. The boat trip provides great photo opportunities and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Turkish coastline. As one reviewer put it, “The boat trip to Kekova Island was a lovely way to see the sunken city and enjoy the water.” The tour includes all fees for the boat, making it a hassle-free addition to your day.

Practical Details: What You Can Expect

Transportation & Comfort: The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long drive, and with a maximum of 45 travelers, the group isn’t too large. The pick-up service from your hotel adds convenience, saving you the trouble of finding a meeting point early in the morning.

Timing & Duration: The tour lasts between 8 to 10 hours, depending on the size of the group and traffic. The early start means you’ll be returning late in the day, which may impact other plans but is necessary to cover all sites without feeling rushed.

Cost & Value: At $79 per person, this tour packs in visits to major archaeological and scenic spots, along with lunch included. While you’re responsible for optional extras like the entrance fee to St. Nicholas Church, the value comes from the guided experience and all included transportation and tickets.

Reviews & Feedback: The majority of reviews are positive, with many travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and scenic views. One reviewer said, “Wonderful tour! Our tour guide Huseyien was so funny and very knowledgeable about Türkiye in general and the places we went,” highlighting the value of a good guide. Some critiques mention the long bus rides and the early start, so if you’re sensitive to these, consider how they might affect your enjoyment.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits travelers eager to see multiple historic sites in one day, especially those interested in Lycian history and ancient ruins. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind early mornings and are comfortable with long bus rides, as the scenery along the way can be quite enjoyable. Families, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers who enjoy boat trips will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Antalya itinerary.

It may not be perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace or shorter days, but if you’re after a full immersion into the region’s archaeological and natural beauty, this tour delivers a solid package.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and comfort. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge, which enriches your understanding of the sites. The boat trip stands out as a memorable highlight, giving a different perspective on the ancient landscape. The inclusion of lunch and all major entrance fees makes it good value for a full day of exploring.

While the early start and long bus ride might not appeal to everyone, the overall experience is authentic and engaging. It’s especially well-suited for travelers wanting a structured, guided day that covers key highlights without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

If you enjoy learning about ancient civilizations, scenic boat rides, and worry-free logistics, this tour will likely satisfy your curiosity and provide plenty of memorable moments.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
Pick-up begins at 5:30 am, so be prepared for an early start.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, suitable for long hours on the road.

Are all entrance fees included?
Most, including Myra, are included, but the entrance to St. Nicholas Church is not covered.

Will I have enough time at each site?
Most travelers find the allotted time sufficient, though some wish for longer at certain stops, especially the ruins.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended. The tour provides lunch, so no need to worry about food during the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 45 travelers, keeping the experience relatively personal.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers consider it appropriate for families, provided children are comfortable with early mornings and bus rides.

What about language?
Guides are knowledgeable and can communicate effectively, though language specifics aren’t detailed.

Is there a dress code?
There’s no strict dress code, but modest, comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are advised.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations or just want a scenic day on the Turkish coast, this Antalya tour hits many high points with minimal hassle. It’s a reliable choice for a full, enriching day exploring the past intertwined with natural beauty.