Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour

Discover a captivating journey through Turkey’s ancient past with the Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour. Priced at $77 per person and lasting around 12 hours, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenic views, and relaxing boat rides. Starting from Antalya Province, it takes travelers to significant sites like the sunken city of Kekova, the church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and the ancient Lycian ruins.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the opportunity to sail on a glass-bottom yacht over the sunken city of Kekova, where underwater ruins are visible through the clear waters. The tour also includes visits to ancient rock tombs, the Greco-Roman amphitheater, and the historic St. Nicholas Church. The experience combines cultural insights with leisure, making it suitable for those interested in history and scenic boat trips.

A key strength of this tour is its comprehensive itinerary, which covers multiple historic sites in one day. The hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, and the lunch included offers a satisfying break. The guide-led explanations are praised for their informativeness, helping to bring each site alive. However, travelers should be aware that St. Nicholas Church has an entrance fee of approximately 790 Turkish Lira, not included in the tour price.

The long travel times between stops—sometimes up to several hours—mean this is best suited for those comfortable with extended bus rides. Despite that, its value for money and well-organized nature make it a popular choice among visitors to Antalya and Kemer. The reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge, the beauty of the boat ride, and the delicious included lunch as standout features.

Key Points

• Cost and Duration: The tour costs $77 per person and runs approximately 12 hours.
• Highlights: Sail on a glass-bottom yacht, see the Kekova Sunken City, visit the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, and explore Lycian ruins.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Inci, Ismail, and Ece are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills.
• Historic Sites: The tour visits the Roman Theatre, Lycian rock tombs, and Simena Castle.
• Boat Experience: The scenic boat ride provides underwater views of the sunken city and opportunities for swimming.
• Food: An included lunch is considered tasty and filling, with options and good local flavors.

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Journey Through Ancient Lycia and Demre

The tour begins with a pickup from your Antalya or Kemer hotel, making transportation straightforward. Once on the bus, the drive takes you through the ancient Lycian region, where guides share insights on the region’s mythology, culture, and history.

The first stops include Lycia’s rock tombs and a Greco-Roman amphitheater, showcasing impressive ancient architecture. The guides excel at explaining the significance of these sites, making the history accessible and engaging. These visits are typically brief but packed with interesting details, setting an informative tone for the day.

Next, the journey continues to the town of Demre, home to the church of St. Nicholas, built above his 4th-century burial site. The church is an important religious site with a small entrance fee of about 790 Turkish Lira, which visitors should prepare for as it’s not included in the tour price. The time allocated for visiting the church is around 30 minutes, which some reviews suggest might feel a little short if you want to explore more deeply.

Visiting the Kekova Sunken City by Yacht

The highlight of the tour is the yacht cruise to Kekova Island. You board a glass-bottom boat that allows views of the underwater ruins of the ancient Lycia city, destroyed by an earthquake. As the boat glides past, you can spot the ruins of houses, walls, and other structures beneath the water through clear glass windows.

The boat ride offers plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to see Simena Castle from the water. Travelers often praise the scenic coastline and the calm waters that make the cruise especially peaceful. Before heading back, there’s an opportunity to dive into the water for a swim, which is refreshingly cool and clear, especially near Kekova Island. The swimming stop is a favorite part for many, providing a relaxing break in the middle of a busy day.

The boat ride length and the underwater visibility may vary depending on weather conditions, but most reviews confirm it is a beautiful and tranquil experience. The guide’s commentary about the history and legends of Kekova adds an educational layer to the scenic cruise.

The Lunch Experience and Food Quality

A midday meal is included in the tour, providing a much-appreciated pause during the long day. The lunch is typically served at a local restaurant, with reviews mentioning delicious food options and generous portions. The menu often features grilled chicken with additional options available, and the staff is praised for their politeness and attentive service.

This meal gives travelers a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy the local flavors. The satisfaction with the lunch enhances the overall value of the tour, especially considering the price point of $77.

The Role of Guides and Tour Organization

The guides, such as Inci, Ismail, and Ece, receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to explain the sites clearly. Their storytelling makes the history of the ruins, the legends of St. Nicholas, and the stories of Lycian culture more vivid.

Tour organization is generally smooth, with hotel pickups arranged and timely departures. The pace of the day is well-managed, with enough time allocated for each stop while keeping the group moving comfortably. Many reviews mention the professional drivers who handle long drives with care, making the journey pleasant despite the distance.

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Practical Tips for Participants

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen to handle the outdoor and boat environments. Since swimming is part of the experience, packing swimwear and a towel is recommended. Cash is useful for extra expenses, such as souvenirs or optional entrance fees.

It’s worth noting that pregnant women and wheelchair users are advised to consider the physical demands of the tour, especially the walking around ancient sites and the boat ride.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s historical sites and scenic boat experiences, long travel times—potentially several hours between stops—might not suit travelers seeking a shorter, more relaxed day. The visit to St. Nicholas Church is limited to about 30 minutes, which some may find insufficient for a thorough exploration.

The entrance fee to St. Nicholas Church (~790 Turkish Lira) is not included, so travelers should prepare for this additional cost. The boat trip can be affected by weather conditions, occasionally leading to cancellations or reduced visibility underwater.

Final Thoughts on the Kekova and Demre Tour

This tour offers excellent value for those interested in Turkish history, mythology, and scenic cruising. The combination of ancient Lycian ruins, a historic church, and a boat trip over the sunken city creates a varied experience that is both educational and relaxing.

Guides are highly praised for their expertise, ensuring the story behind each location is well shared. The lunch and boat ride add memorable highlights, especially for nature and photography lovers.

However, the long travel times and the additional fee for St. Nicholas Church are factors to consider. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, boat lovers, and travelers seeking a full-day dive into Turkey’s ancient culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and the boat ride.

Is there an age limit or physical requirement?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to walking and physical demands.

What is included in the price?
The hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, entrance fees to the Kekova Sunken City and amphitheater, and the glass-bottom yacht tour are included.

How much should I budget for extras?
The entrance fee for St. Nicholas Church (~790 Turkish Lira) is not included and should be prepared for in cash.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, there is a swimming stop where you can dive into the water near Kekova Island for a refreshing swim.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
The live tour guide speaks English, and no other languages are specified in the data.

Is this tour good for families or solo travelers?
It is suitable for families and groups, but not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Travelers should be comfortable with long bus rides and walking.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash for additional expenses.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Boat rides are weather-dependent; tours may be canceled or adjusted if conditions are poor. However, guides and organizers aim to provide a satisfying experience regardless.

How do I book and pay?
Reservations can be made with flexible cancellation policies; you can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

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