Kekova Sunken City, St.Nicolas Demre, Myra Tour From Antalya, Alanya & Side

Travelers exploring Turkey’s southwest coast often seek a mix of history, scenic views, and unique experiences. The Kekova Sunken City, St. Nicholas Demre, and Myra tour offers just that—a full-day adventure packed with stories of ancient civilizations, a boat cruise through a submerged Lycian harbor, and visits to iconic ruins and churches. This guided trip from popular bases like Antalya, Alanya, and Side promises a blend of cultural discovery and scenic relaxation, but it’s worth examining whether it delivers value and authenticity.

We like that this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, easing the logistics of a long day, and that it combines multiple highlights into a single trip. The air-conditioned transfers make the journey comfortable, especially considering the roughly 10-hour duration. Plus, the lunch, included in the tour price, allows you to refuel before exploring further. That said, the experience isn’t perfect for everyone—some reviews mention long travel times and cramped transport, which can diminish comfort. This tour suits travelers who enjoy learning on the go and don’t mind a packed schedule.

If you’re up for a long day filled with historical sites and stunning sea views, and you’re interested in seeing the underwater ruins and ancient Lycian tombs, this tour can be a rewarding choice. For those seeking a deeper or more relaxed experience, it’s worth considering the potential for fatigue or logistical hiccups.

Key Points

• All-in-One Day Trip: Combines visits to Myra, Demre, and Kekova Sunken City, maximizing your sightseeing in a single day.
• Comfortable Transportation: Includes air-conditioned vehicle transfers with hotel pickup and drop-off, easing travel logistics.
• Historical and Cultural Insights: Guided commentary on Lycia, St. Nicholas, and the Sunken City enriches the experience.
• Scenic Boat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the submerged ruins of Kekova, one of Turkey’s most unique sights.
• Lunch Included: Tasty meal in Demre’s city center helps keep energy up during the busy day.
• Potential Drawbacks: Long travel times, cramped bus conditions, and some reviews mentioning delays and comfort issues.

The Full Experience: What to Expect

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour typically begins with hotel pickup from Antalya, Alanya, or Side, with the provider arranging transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Expect a journey of about an hour or more depending on your location, with some reviews mentioning delays of up to an hour for pickup. The group size caps at around 100 travelers, which means you get a chance to meet fellow explorers but may also find the bus somewhat crowded and dark.

Demre and the Church of St. Nicholas

Your first stop is Demre, home of the church of St. Nicholas, where you’ll learn about the bishop who inspired Santa Claus. The church, which is often busy with visitors, offers a glimpse into early Christian architecture and the legacy of the beloved saint. The included lunch takes place in Demre’s city center—offering some local flavor and a good opportunity to stretch your legs.

Myra Ancient City and Lycian Tombs

Next is Myra, once a significant Lycian city. Here, we loved the chance to walk among the rock-cut tombs and stand in the ancient Greek amphitheater. The ruins, while modest, are evocative of the city’s past prominence. The guide’s commentary enhances understanding, especially when explaining the importance of the Lycian League and how Myra was once a hub of influence in the region.

Kekova Sunken City and Boat Cruise

The highlight for many is the boat cruise around Kekova, a partially sunken Lycian city destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. The boat ride offers spectacular views of the submerged ruins and turquoise waters. Some reviews, like that of Andrea, highlight the memorable experience of swimming in the pristine waters, if you’re prepared for a quick dip. The boat cruise is relatively relaxed, providing a change of pace from the walking-heavy stops.

Final Return

After the cruise, the tour wraps up with the return journey, generally arriving back at your hotel in the late evening. The total time on the road can be quite long—some travelers found the rides back and forth unnecessarily lengthy—but the variety of sights often makes up for it.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $75.63 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of transfers, guide, lunch, and the boat cruise. However, the reviews suggest that the experience can vary—some travelers found the bus conditions uncomfortable and the timing tight, especially if your hotel is farther out. The long duration means you should be prepared for a full day of touring and sitting.

The guided commentary adds significant value, helping to contextualize the ancient ruins and the significance of St. Nicholas, making the experience more meaningful. The boat cruise is a special feature that sets this tour apart, offering a unique view of Turkey’s underwater archaeological sites.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This trip is best suited for history enthusiasts eager to see Lycian tombs, ancient ruins, and the sunken city in one go. It’s ideal if you prefer a structured, guided experience and don’t mind a lengthy day. If you enjoy scenic boat rides and are curious about Turkey’s early Christian history, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction.

However, it may not be ideal for travelers looking for a slow-paced, relaxed day or those who are sensitive to long bus rides and cramped transport conditions. Those with limited time or a strong preference for more in-depth exploration might prefer visiting fewer sites for a more relaxed experience.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers a rich combination of sights packed into one day. The guides are often praised for their knowledge, and the scenic boat cruise around the sunken city makes for memorable photos and stories. The included lunch and hotel transfers add value, making it a hassle-free way to see some of Turkey’s most iconic archaeological sites.

For travelers who enjoy learning on the move, and who are comfortable with a busy schedule, this tour offers a practical, engaging way to explore the ancient Lycian past, underwater ruins, and Christian heritage in Turkey’s southwest coast. Be prepared for some logistical compromises—like long rides and crowded buses—but know that the sights are truly worth the effort.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including travel time, site visits, and the boat cruise.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, the entrance fees to Myra and the St. Nicholas Museum are not included. You might want to bring some extra cash if you wish to visit these sites.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a tasty meal in Demre’s city center is included, helping you stay energized for the day.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier. Exact pickup times vary based on your location.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, swimwear if you want to swim during the boat cruise, and some cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long rides and walking involved. Elderly travelers should assess their comfort with extended bus journeys.

This full-day trip offers a practical, engaging way to see some of Turkey’s most striking archaeological sites, especially if you’re interested in the ancient Lycian civilization and underwater archaeology. While the logistics and comfort might not suit everyone, the combination of history, scenery, and guided insights ensures an experience that’s both educational and memorable.