Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Tour from Antalya

The Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Tour from Antalya offers a full-day journey through history, scenic boat rides, and cultural highlights, all for $74.52 per person. With a duration of approximately 10 hours, this tour includes hotel pickup and visits to some of Turkey’s most notable archaeological sites, including the famous sunken city of Kekova, the Lycia-era ruins of Myra, and the church of Saint Nicholas in Demre. It is especially suited for those interested in history, ancient ruins, and picturesque boat trips, though some reviews highlight the importance of managing expectations around certain stops and the overall pace.

The tour is designed for groups of up to 45 travelers, with most bookings occurring around 25 days in advance. It offers a comprehensive experience, with all entrance fees included and a lunch served during the day. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making this a solid choice for visitors wanting a well-rounded day of exploration.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Antalya covering Kekova, Demre, and Myra
• Includes a 1-hour boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova
• Visits to the Church of Saint Nicholas and Lycia ruins in Myra
• All entrance fees covered, with lunch included
• Hotel pickup and drop-off provided for convenience
• Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience

Scenic Departure from Antalya with Hotel Pickup

This tour departs from Antalya at 7:00 am with hotel pickup included, making logistics straightforward. The transportation is by bus/coach, and the group size is capped at 45 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience. The journey begins with scenic views of the Turkish countryside as the group heads towards the first stop.

While some reviews mention delays during hotel pickups—taking over two hours in some cases—once underway, the pace improves, and the day begins to unfold smoothly. The transportation allows travelers to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes en route to Kekova.

Exploring Kekova Island and the Sunken City

The highlight of the tour is the 1-hour boat trip around Kekova Island, which features the famous sunken city. Travelers get to view the submerged ruins through glass-bottomed boat windows, offering a fascinating glimpse of ancient structures that now lie beneath the water.

The boat ride is generally appreciated for its stunning scenery, with clear waters and visible ruins. However, some reviews note that the glass bottom is limited, with only a few small windows. This may affect those expecting a full view of the submerged city, but the overall experience remains a visual treat.

After the boat trip, there’s time to swim in the Mediterranean waters, providing a refreshing break amid beautiful surroundings. The combination of ancient ruins and crystal-clear seas makes this stop memorable for many.

Visiting Demre and the Church of Saint Nicholas

Next, the tour visits Demre, home to the church of Saint Nicholas, believed to be the historical figure of Santa Claus. The site is free to enter, but visitors should be aware that additional entrance fees are required if they wish to see the interior and the tomb.

While some find the church’s structure unimpressive physically, the historical significance and religious atmosphere are appreciated. The site can get crowded, especially with groups of Russian Orthodox visitors, which may influence the experience.

Discovering Myra’s Lycian Necropolis and Ancient Ruins

The Lycia-era archaeological site of Myra is a major highlight. The rock-cut tombs and amphitheater are in good condition, with intricate carvings visible on the tombs. The amphitheater, used during Roman times, remains a striking reminder of the site’s historical importance.

The one-hour visit allows plenty of time to admire the rock tombs and ancient city layout. Reviewers note that these ruins are well-preserved and offer fascinating insights into Lycian civilization. Some critiques mention that the visit could be longer to explore more thoroughly, but overall, it’s a rewarding stop.

Additional Stops and Unplanned Visits

The itinerary also includes stops in Kemer and Demre, with some reviews referencing visits to gems or onyx factories that are not explicitly listed in the official plan. These additional visits are sometimes seen as time-consuming and not always aligned with the main sites, leading to some frustration, particularly when less time is spent at key ruins.

Travelers should prepare for a lengthy day, sometimes involving long bus rides and multiple hotel pickups. The pace of the day can be slow, especially if there are delays during transfers or if additional stops are added unexpectedly.

Food, Drinks, and Refreshments

A lunch is included in the tour, typically provided during the day. The quality can vary, but it generally offers a satisfying meal to refuel after a morning of sightseeing. Be aware that drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are not included and must be purchased separately.

Reviewers mention that lunch is well-organized, though some found it to be factory-style with limited taste. It offers good value given the overall price of the tour.

The Role of the Guide and Group Dynamics

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to manage large groups. Some reviews highlight guides who speak multiple languages, such as English, German, Turkish, and Russian, making communication accessible for diverse groups.

One guide, Mustafa, receives multiple mentions for engaging storytelling and good organization, particularly in arranging lunch and ensuring everyone stays informed. Having a professional guide greatly enhances the experience, especially at sites like Myra and Demre.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour involves a lot of traveling, with an approximate 10-hour duration. Expect long bus rides, especially during pickup and drop-off, which some reviews describe as lengthy or tiresome. Travelers should be prepared for early start times and full schedules.

Since the Sunken City of Kekova can no longer be seen in its original form due to soil erosion and earthquakes, the boat trip focuses on visuals of the underwater ruins rather than a clear “sunken city” view. This is an important consideration for those expecting a comprehensive underwater archaeological display.

Customer Satisfaction and Common Criticisms

While many praise the value for money, scenic stops, and professional guides, some reviews point out disappointments such as delays during hotel pickups, short visits at major sites, and extra fees for certain entries like the St. Nicholas Church.

Others mention unplanned visits to shops or factories, which can affect overall pacing and time management. Despite these issues, the overall rating of 4.5/5 indicates satisfaction among most participants.

Kekova Sunken City and the Boat Experience

The boat trip to Kekova stands as the tour’s centerpiece, offering stunning views of the waters and the sunken city ruins. Although the glass-bottom windows are limited, the experience of cruising on calm waters with the ruins below is widely appreciated. The swimming opportunity adds a fun element, giving travelers a chance to cool off after exploring.

Some reviews mention that the boat was crowded and the viewing windows could be better, but overall, the scenic beauty and water clarity make this a memorable part of the day.

Visiting Myra’s Lycian Necropolis and Roman Theater

At Myra, the rock tombs carved into limestone cliffs showcase Lycian craftsmanship. The amphitheater is remarkably well-preserved, with seats and stage area easily visible. The site allows for close-up viewing of intricate carvings, and the large size of the ruins gives a sense of the historical importance.

Time at Myra is generally sufficient, but some reviews suggest adding more time to explore on your own or to visit additional structures, such as the small museum.

Exploring Demre and Saint Nicholas’ Church

Demre features the church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus. The church’s exterior is modest, but the interior contains the tomb of Saint Nicholas and religious artifacts. Entrance may involve additional fees, and the crowds can be significant, especially during peak times.

The religious and historical significance of the site is what draws visitors, despite the less impressive architecture. Some visitors prefer to spend more time here or explore nearby sites, but the tour allocates about an hour for the visit.

Additional Sites and Optional Activities

Some reviews mention visits to gem or onyx shops, which are not included in the official itinerary. These stops can extend the day and impact the time spent at main archaeological sites. Participants should be prepared for extra shopping opportunities or additional delays.

The tour’s pacing may be affected by these unplanned stops, so managing expectations about the length of the day and site visits is advisable.

Practical Advice for Participants

Given the long hours and multiple stops, comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended. The bus rides can be long and sometimes bumpy, so patience is essential.

Bringing extra cash for souvenirs or drinks is advisable, as small shops are available at some stops. Also, expect crowding at popular sites like St. Nicholas’ church and Myra, especially during busy seasons.

Kekova, Demre, and Myra: Worth the Journey

This tour provides a comprehensive look at some of Turkey’s most important archaeological and scenic sites, all packed into a full-day experience. The inclusion of a boat trip and guided commentary makes it a valuable choice for those keen on history and ancient civilizations.

While the pace can be fast and some stops feel rushed, the guides’ expertise and the variety of sights compensate. The price, including lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup, offers good value for a full day of exploration.

This tour suits history buffs, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts willing to endure long travel hours for the chance to experience Kekova’s waters, Lycia’s ruins, and the Santa Claus connection in Demre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient for most travelers.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Most entrance fees to Demre and Myra are covered; however, additional fees apply for St. Nicholas Church.

What is the duration of the boat trip?
The boat ride on Kekova lasts about 1 hour, with opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean after.

Is there enough time to explore Myra thoroughly?
The one-hour visit provides a good overview of rock tombs and ancient ruins, but some wish for longer exploration time.

Are there any unplanned stops during the tour?
Some reviews mention additional visits to factories or shops, which are not part of the official itinerary and may affect timing.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and extra cash for souvenirs or drinks are advisable, given the long day and crowded sites.

Can I visit Saint Nicholas’ Church if I have limited time?
The church is accessible during the tour, but additional entrance fees and crowds might limit the experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though long bus rides and walking around ruins may be challenging for some.

What is the guide’s role during the tour?
Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and multilingual abilities, enriching the visit with stories and context.

How is the overall value for money?
Most reviews agree that the price includes a lot—lunch, entrance fees, and guidance—making it good value for a full day out.