Exploring Turkey’s Ancient Treasures: A Look at the Demre, Myra, and Kekova Tour
If you’re dreaming of uncovering Turkey’s historical sites without the hassle of planning every detail, the From Antalya/Alanya/Side/Kemer Demre Myra & Kekova Tour might catch your eye. This full-day excursion promises a mix of ancient ruins, fascinating underwater sights, and scenic coastal views—all with a guide to navigate the history and legends. While it’s not the most intensive or in-depth experience out there, it offers a solid introduction to some of the region’s most iconic sights.
What we like about this tour is how it combines cultural landmarks with opportunities to enjoy the water—whether you’re swimming or just soaking up the scenery. Plus, the chance to see the Church of St. Nicholas, the real-life inspiration behind Santa Claus, adds a special touch of history mixed with holiday cheer. On the flip side, some travelers find the attractions somewhat limited for a full 10-13 hour trip, with one review mentioning that the sites felt a bit underwhelming given the long day.
This experience is probably best suited for those wanting a straightforward, guided overview of key historic spots without being overly packed or complex. If you’re okay with a relaxed pace and don’t mind some busy hours, it can be quite rewarding. But if you’re after a deep dive into each location or extensive snorkeling, it might fall short.
Key Points
- Comprehensive day trip covering several highlights in one go.
- Knowledgeable guides add context and make the history accessible.
- Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in beautifully clear waters.
- Limited attraction scope might leave some feeling shortchanged, especially for a long day.
- Includes lunch and hotel transfers for convenience, but extra costs like entrance fees are on you.
- Good value for a full-day tour, though the experience depends on your expectations.
A Closer Look at What the Tour Offers
When considering a tour like this, it’s helpful to understand what the day actually looks like, what you’ll see, and what might not meet your expectations. We’ll walk through each part of the itinerary, highlighting what makes it special and where you might want to temper your expectations.
Planning more time in Demre? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Pickup and Transportation
The day starts with a hotel pickup from Antalya, Alanya, Side, or Kemer. The organizers say you should wait outside the hotel at the security point about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup, with times varying depending on your location. The transportation is likely a comfortable coach, designed for a long day of sightseeing. Given the duration (10-13 hours), expect to spend quite a bit of time on the road, but most travelers find that the comfort and ease of door-to-door service are worth it.
Demre and the Church of St. Nicholas
Your first stop in Demre is the Church of St. Nicholas, a site that holds religious and historical significance. It’s an ancient East Roman basilica dedicated to St. Nicholas, who’s better known today as Santa Claus. Visitors often enjoy the quiet reverence of the site, and it’s a meaningful stop for those interested in religious history or festive traditions.
Myra Ancient City and Lycian Tombs
Next, the tour visits the nearby ruins of Myra, once a thriving city on the Myros River. You’ll see impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs that are carved into the cliffs, showcasing ancient burial practices. The amphitheater, which has been described as beautiful but not very well laid out, is another highlight. As one traveler put it, “The amphitheater was beautiful but not very well laid out,” which hints at a somewhat less polished visitor experience compared to other Roman sites.
According to Strabo, Myra was once a large and influential city, especially during the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. It’s a place where history buffs can imagine the hustle of ancient life, but some might find the ruins are somewhat modest compared to other more famous archaeological sites in Turkey.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch Break in Demre
After exploring Myra, you’ll stop for a lunch in the town center. The inclusion of a meal is good value, especially since many similar tours charge extra for food. The restaurant options tend to be local, serving traditional Turkish cuisine, which is a nice way to take a break and fuel up for the rest of the day.
Sailing to Kekova and the Sunken City
Post-lunch, the tour moves towards the coast for some water-based adventures. You’ll board a boat, heading to Kekova Island, famous for its submerged ruins. This is where the tour gets particularly interesting for many travelers—sailing over turquoise waters to gaze upon the remnants of the sunken city of Simena.
Here’s where the experience can vary. The tour mentions opportunities to swim and snorkel, but one reviewer noted that there was no snorkeling stop due to jellyfish concerns. So, don’t count on a snorkeling adventure unless the conditions are right. The boat cruise offers scenic views of the coastline and underwater ruins, making it a photogenic part of the day.
The Underwater Ruins and Lycian Necropolis
The Kekova Sunken City is a highlight for many visitors. You can see remnants of ancient structures that have been submerged since an earthquake during the 2nd century. While you won’t get a detailed underwater tour (as it’s not a dive trip), the boat stops allow for surface viewing and maybe some quick photos.
The Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa adds to the archaeological appeal. Despite the limited attractions, many find the story of the sunken city and the underwater ruins fascinating and a unique snapshot of history.
Is It Worth the Price?
At $85 per person, this tour is priced to include transportation, a guide, and lunch. We’d say it offers decent value for a full-day experience that covers several key sites. But as the reviews indicate, the attractions are somewhat limited, and the overall experience might feel rushed or underwhelming if you’re expecting an in-depth exploration.
The fact that entrance fees are not included means you’ll need to budget extra for these, which could add to the cost. The guide’s insights are generally appreciated, making the history accessible and engaging—even if the sites themselves are modest.
What the Tour Doesn’t Cover
While the itinerary packs in a lot, there are some notable omissions. For example, the boat cruise along the sunken city is listed at an extra charge (around 10), which might be a disappointment if you were hoping it was included. On top of that, the snorkeling stop isn’t guaranteed—it’s dependent on weather and jellyfish presence—so don’t go expecting a full underwater adventure.
Also, some travelers felt that the sites, especially the amphitheater and the sunken city, could have been more expansive or better showcased. If you’re a history buff or someone who craves immersive archaeological experiences, this might feel a bit superficial.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a guided overview of some of Turkey’s ancient sites without the fuss of planning. If you’re interested in a relaxed, scenic day with opportunities for a swim and a taste of local history, it could be right up your alley. It’s especially good if you’re new to the region and want a safe, organized way to see a few highlights.
However, if you’re looking for deep archaeological exploration, extensive snorkeling, or a more personalized experience, you might find this tour a bit lacking. It’s also worth noting that the long day and limited attractions might not be ideal if you’re pressed for time or prefer a more leisurely pace.
Final Thoughts
The From Antalya/Alanya/Side/Kemer Demre Myra & Kekova Tour offers a decent snapshot of Turkey’s ancient past and scenic beauty, combined with the convenience of guided transport and lunch. The highlights—such as the Church of St. Nicholas and the underwater ruins—are memorable, and the knowledgeable guides seem to add value with their storytelling.
For around $85, you get a full day packed with history and coastline views, but be prepared for a somewhat rushed feel and some attractions that might not wow everyone. It’s a good option if you want a straightforward, organized trip that hits the main points without the stress of independent travel.
In essence, this tour is best for travelers who enjoy guided outings, scenic boat rides, and a quick taste of history. If your goal is a relaxed day with manageable sightseeing, it’s worth considering. But if you’re craving more in-depth exploration, you might want to explore other options or add extra time at each site.
From Antalya/ Alanya / Side / Kemer Demre Myra & Kekova Tour
“It was a nice day trip, but the attractions were limited. It was nice to see this, but for a 10 hour journey it was not enough for me. The church, …”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff from Antalya, Alanya, Side, or Kemer. Just be outside your hotel about 10 minutes early at the security point.
How long does the tour last?
The total duration is between 10 and 13 hours, depending on your hotel location and pace. Expect a long but generally comfortable day.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim or snorkel, and comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, lunch in Demre is included. The meal usually features local Turkish cuisine, giving you a taste of regional flavors.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price, so you’ll want some extra cash for sites you wish to explore more deeply.
Can I snorkel or swim during the trip?
There are opportunities to swim and snorkel, but a review mentioned that snorkeling was not possible due to jellyfish, so don’t rely on it.
How many people are in each group?
The tour is generally a group experience, but the exact size isn’t specified. Expect a typical coach load with other travelers.
Is it suitable for children?
The tour is more suited for adults interested in history and scenery. If you have children, consider their patience for long hours and walking.
What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of historical sites, the story of St. Nicholas, and scenic boat rides makes it a memorable if somewhat basic, full-day experience.
Would I recommend it?
If you’re after a convenient, guided overview of some key sites and enjoy light water activities, yes. For a more in-depth or relaxed experience, look for options with longer site visits or smaller groups.
To sum it up, this tour offers a practical way to see some of Turkey’s storied past and stunning coastlines. It’s best for travelers wanting a guided, all-in-one day with decent value, but not for those seeking a deep archaeological immersion or extensive snorkeling. As with any excursion, setting realistic expectations will help you enjoy what’s on offer.
You can check availability for your dates here:
