Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya

If you’re eager to explore some of Turkey’s most fascinating archaeological and religious sites, the Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya offers a comprehensive day trip for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Priced at $840 per person and lasting approximately 7.5 hours, this tour combines cultural visits with scenic boat excursions, making it an engaging way to experience Turkey’s southern coast.

The tour is designed for small groups, limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention from a professional English-speaking guide. A key advantage is the private transfer service, which picks you up from your hotel in Antalya or within 10 km of the city center, streamlining your journey. It’s a flexible opportunity to see the iconic St. Nicholas Church, the well-preserved ruins of Myra, and the extraordinary Kekova Sunken City via boat.

This tour balances cultural exploration with scenic boat rides, but it’s worth noting that lunch and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal afterward. Also, transfers from hotels beyond 10 km from Antalya’s center are available as an add-on, providing extra convenience for travelers staying further out.

Key Points

• Exclusive small group experience limited to 8 participants ensures personalized attention.
• Visits to the St. Nicholas Church, Myra ruins, and Kekova Sunken City provide a mix of religious, archaeological, and scenic attractions.
• Includes all entry tickets and boat tour fees, with the guide leading you through each site.
• Tour duration of 7.5 hours makes this a full but manageable day trip from Antalya.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later arrangements.
• Lunch and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Hotel Pickup to Demre: Convenient Transportation and Private Guide

The tour begins with a private guide and driver collecting you from your hotel or a specified location in Antalya. This setup ensures a smooth start, avoiding the hassle of navigating public transport or multiple pickups. The transportation covers destinations within 10 km of Antalya city center, making the journey comfortable and efficient.

Once onboard, the guide shares insights about the day’s highlights, providing context for each stop. The small group size fosters an intimate atmosphere and allows for personalized questions and interaction. This service guarantees you an uncluttered, focused visit to the key sites, with the comfort of air-conditioned transport.

Visiting the Iconic St. Nicholas Church in Demre

Your first stop in Demre is the St. Nicholas Church, also known as the Church of Santa Claus. This historic church hosts a museum that showcases relics and artifacts related to St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. The church’s architecture and history are central to understanding the religious significance of the area.

The visit provides a close-up look at this renowned religious site, with ample time to explore the interior and admire its craftsmanship. The church’s historical relevance makes it a must-see for those interested in Christian heritage and the legend of Santa Claus.

Exploring the Well-Preserved Ruins of Myra

After the church visit, the tour continues to the ancient city of Myra, where you’ll find impressive rock-hewn tombs carved into cliffs and a remarkably well-preserved theatre. These ruins offer a glimpse into Lycian civilization and its architectural ingenuity.

The antique theatre, capable of hosting large audiences, remains a striking feature, with its stone seating and commanding views. The rock tombs are carved directly into the mountainside, giving the site a dramatic visual impact. Your guide explains the history and significance of each feature, enriching your understanding of this ancient city.

Lunch Break Before the Kekova Boat Tour

Following the exploration of Myra, the tour pauses for a lunch break. While the tour price does not include lunch, the guide can recommend nearby options or suggest bringing snacks. This break offers a chance to relax and prepare for the next activity: the boat trip.

Lunch timing fits smoothly into the schedule, ensuring you’re refreshed before heading out onto the water. Most travelers appreciate having some flexibility here to enjoy a meal of their choice.

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Discovering the Sunken City of Kekova by Boat

The highlight for many is the boat tour of Kekova’s Sunken City, which lasts approximately 2 hours. The boat glides over the calm waters, revealing the submerged ruins of a once-thriving Lycian settlement.

During this trip, you can admire the partially sunken walls, houses, and steps, all visible just below the surface. The boat provides a relaxed vantage point for photos and exploration, with the guide sharing stories about the historic site and its legend. The scenery around Kekova also features beautiful coastline views, making this a memorable part of the day.

The Tour The Sum Up and Return to Antalya

After the boat trip, the guide leads you back to your hotel or designated drop-off point in Antalya. The return journey concludes the 7.5-hour tour, allowing ample time for rest or additional sightseeing in Antalya afterward.

The tour’s structure ensures a well-paced day, balancing sightseeing, relaxation, and scenic travel. The small group setting fosters a friendly atmosphere and makes the experience more personal.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This Demre – Myra Tour suits travelers with an interest in history, architecture, and religious sites. The inclusion of Kekova’s boat trip makes it ideal for those who enjoy scenic water excursions combined with cultural visits. It’s a good choice for those who want a comprehensive day trip with all logistics taken care of, especially with the private transfer and small group size.

However, the lack of lunch included may mean extra planning for some, and the transfers from hotels farther than 10 km from Antalya require an additional purchase. The 7.5-hour duration offers a full experience, but travelers with limited mobility or tight schedules might want to consider the pacing.

Final Thoughts on the Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya

This tour offers a balanced mix of religious, archaeological, and scenic experiences within a compact day. The privately guided visits to St. Nicholas Church and Myra’s ruins provide depth, while the boat trip to Kekova adds a relaxed, scenic dimension. The inclusion of all entry fees and boat tour costs helps with budgeting, and the small group size ensures personalized attention.

While not including lunch or extended hotel transfers beyond 10 km, these are minor considerations in exchange for the convenience of a well-organized, informative trip. This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those wanting a full day of sightseeing with minimal hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but there are options to purchase food during the break or bring snacks.

What is the duration of the boat trip?
The boat tour of Kekova’s Sunken City lasts approximately 2 hours.

Are transfers available from hotels outside Antalya city center?
Transfers from hotels more than 10 km away from Antalya center are optional add-ons at the time of booking.

What sites are covered on this tour?
The tour visits St. Nicholas Church, the Myra ruins (including rock-hewn tombs and an ancient theatre), and offers a scenic boat trip to Kekova.

How many people are in each tour group?
The small group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is there a guide during the entire tour?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the trip, providing insights at each site.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby