From Antalya/ Alanya / Side / Kemer Demre Myra & Kekova Tour

This full-day tour from Antalya offers a captivating journey through Turkey’s ancient sites, including Demre, Myra, and Kekova. For $85 per person, travelers enjoy a comprehensive experience that combines historical exploration with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. The tour lasts between 10 and 13 hours, making it suitable for those eager to see several key attractions in one day.

While the tour features highlights like the Lycian tombs, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Kekova Sunken City, it also has some limitations, such as the absence of snorkeling due to jellyfish and limited time at each stop. This makes it a solid option for visitors wanting an overview of the region’s history, though it may feel rushed for those seeking deeper immersion.

Key Points

• Price: $85 per person for a full-day experience
• Duration: 10 to 13 hours with flexible starting times
• Highlights: Myra ancient city, Lycian rock-cut tombs, St. Nicholas Church, Kekova Sunken City
• Activities: Sightseeing, walking tours, swimming, snorkeling opportunities
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, guide, insurance
• Limitations: No entrance fees included, no boat cruise on the sunken city due to jellyfish

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Demre’s Historic Significance and Key Attractions

The tour begins with hotel pickup from the Antalya region, setting the stage for a full day of exploration. The first stop is Demre, home to the Church of St. Nicholas—a site of religious and cultural importance. Visitors can admire this East Roman basilica dedicated to the saint known worldwide as Santa Claus.

Next, the guide leads you through the Myra Ancient City, renowned for its Lycia-style rock-cut tombs and an ancient Greek amphitheater. According to historical records like those from Strabo, Myra was once a large and influential city in the Lycian League during the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The Lycia necropolis at Teimiussa adds another layer of historical richness to the area.

Exploring the Lycian Necropolis at Myra

In Myra, travelers see the Lycian rock-cut tombs, which are highly distinctive with their rock facades and carved inscriptions. These tombs reflect the unique Lycian architecture and provide insight into the region’s ancient funerary practices. The ancient amphitheater, though not very spacious, is still a notable structure with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The guide provides context about Myra’s role in Lycian history, emphasizing its significance as a bustling city in antiquity. Though the site is interesting, some may find that the layout isn’t very well planned, which can affect the overall experience.

Visiting the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Church of St. Nicholas, which is believed to be the original tomb of the saint. This historical basilica attracts visitors interested in Christian history and religious architecture. The church’s East Roman style offers a glimpse into the Byzantine era, and the site is often bustling with pilgrims and travelers alike.

The visit combines historical facts with a sense of the spiritual significance of the place. It’s a meaningful stop that enriches the overall understanding of the region’s religious past.

Lunch Break in Demre’s Town Center

After exploring the historical sites, the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant in the center of Demre. The meal offers a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy Turkish cuisine in a cozy setting. While the details of the menu are not specified, this stop is practical for refueling before the afternoon activities.

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Sailing to Kekova and the Sunken City

Post-lunch, the tour shifts to sailing over turquoise waters toward Kekova Island. The boat trip provides a fresh perspective of the coastline and sets the scene for the Kekova Sunken City. The underwater ruins of Simena reveal a once-thriving town submerged by an earthquake during the 2nd century.

The sunken city is a captivating sight, especially for those interested in marine archaeology. While the photos from the flyer are mentioned as representative, the actual underwater views do not always match expectations, and the snorkeling stop is not included due to jellyfish presence.

Discovering the Lycian Necropolis at Teimiussa

The journey also includes a stop at Teimiussa, where you can learn about the noteworthy Lycian necropolis. This archaeological site features tombs and ruins that showcase the region’s ancient burial practices. The site offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to understand the Lycian civilization more deeply.

Opportunities for Swimming and Snorkeling

Travelers are encouraged to bring swimwear and towels for potential swimming and snorkeling. Even though a snorkeling stop isn’t part of this tour due to jellyfish warnings, guests can still enjoy the crystal-clear waters and soak in the beautiful scenery from the boat or shoreline.

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making travel easy, especially for those staying in Antalya or nearby areas. Guides are available in English and Russian, and the group size is manageable with the inclusion of a live guide. The insurance is part of the package, providing peace of mind throughout the day.

The timing depends on your hotel location, with pickup times updated the day before. It’s recommended to wait outside the hotel at the security point about 10 minutes before scheduled pickup.

Cost, Inclusions, and Optional Extras

At $85 per person, the tour offers a cost-effective way to see multiple historic sites in one day. Included in the price are hotel transfers, lunch, a guide, and insurance. However, entrance fees and drinks are not included, so travelers should budget extra if they wish to visit additional sites or purchase beverages.

A boat cruise along the sunken city is offered as an optional extra, but it is not included in the standard package, mainly due to jellyfish.

Summary of the Tour’s Strengths and Limitations

The main strengths of this tour are its comprehensive itinerary, covering Myra’s ancient ruins, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Kekova Sunken City, all led by knowledgeable guides. The lunch break adds convenience, and the proximity of the sites makes this a practical day trip.

However, the limitation of limited attraction time—especially at the Sunken City—and the absence of snorkeling due to jellyfish can be disappointing. The amphitheater and tombs, while interesting, may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeper exploration or more immersive experience.

Demre, Myra, and Kekova Tour: Who Will Appreciate It?

This tour suits history enthusiasts interested in Lycia and Byzantine sites, and those who want a full-day sightseeing experience without extensive walking. It’s best for visitors prioritizing major highlights over detailed exploration, given the time constraints at each stop.

It is ideal for families or group travelers looking for a organized, guided trip with lunch included. It might be less suited for adventurers seeking snorkeling or archaeology buffs craving in-depth visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the Antalya region. Pickup times are updated the day before.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 10 to 13 hours, depending on your hotel location and traffic conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim or snorkel. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ruins.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Guests should budget separately for entry to sites.

Can I snorkel at Kekova?
Snorkeling is not included in the tour due to jellyfish warning, but there are opportunities to swim in the clear waters from the boat or shoreline.

Is food provided?
Yes, lunch in Demre is included, allowing travelers to enjoy Turkish cuisine during the break.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in English and Russian.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible if canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much does the tour cost?
The experience is priced at $85 per person.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, younger children should be prepared for some walking and boat riding.

Are there any hidden costs?
Additional expenses include entrance fees, drinks, and personal purchases. The boat cruise is optional and paid separately if desired.

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