Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Alanya

Exploring the Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra from Alanya: An Honest Review

Planning a trip that combines history, culture, and stunning scenery? Then the Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Alanya might sound tempting. While it offers a full day of exploring some of Turkey’s most intriguing ancient sites, it’s worth peeling back the layers to see what’s really on offer—and what you might want to consider before booking.

What draws people to this tour are its unique stops: the chance to visit the church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, wander through the ruins of ancient Myra, and glide across the waters of Kekova to see the sunken Lycian city beneath the glass-bottomed boat. The fact that all entrance fees and lunch are included makes it straightforward and convenient, especially for travelers wanting a hassle-free experience. Plus, with a professional guide to help bring the history to life, you get more than just a sightseeing checklist—you get some context to make those ruins and underwater views meaningful.

However, there’s a notable downside. The early start (meeting at 4:00am) and long duration (roughly 14 hours) may not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling with small children. The reviews are mixed; some travelers rave about the scenery and guide, while others find the early wake-up and long travel hours a bit taxing. If you’re mainly after a comprehensive, well-organized day trip that covers multiple highlights, this could be a good pick, but if you’re seeking a more leisurely or intimate experience, it might be worth looking elsewhere.

This tour is best suited for those who want to pack in a lot of history and scenery in one big day and don’t mind an early start and a busy schedule. It’s particularly good if you value having entrance fees and lunch included without fuss, and if you enjoy guided tours that aim to educate and entertain.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines historical sites with scenic boat trips in one day.
• Value for money: Entrance fees and lunch included, making it straightforward.
• Early start: Begins at 4:00am, which might be tough but ensures a full day.
• Guide quality matters: The guide is generally friendly and informative.
• Mixed reviews: Some find it too long or tiring, others love the scenery and insights.
• Group size: Max 35 travelers, providing a sense of space but still a sizable group.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

The Beginning: Early Wake-up and Transport

The tour kicks off at 4:00am, so expect to set an alarm early. The pickup service is included, which is a real plus—no need to worry about navigating or finding your way to the meeting point. However, as one reviewer mentioned, the ride initially feels long, with about 3 to 4 hours spent on the road, during which many travelers might end up catching some sleep. You might find the early start a bit challenging, especially if you’re not a morning person, but it does mean you’ll maximize your sightseeing time later in the day.

The transportation is generally comfortable, and the group size is capped at 35, so it won’t feel too crowded. The service is professional, and the guide is often described as friendly and knowledgeable, helping keep spirits up during the long journey.

Stop 1: Demre—Church of Saint Nicholas

Your first major stop is Demre, home to the Church of Saint Nicholas. While entrance to the church is not included in the tour (you pay separately if you choose to go inside), the exterior and the historical significance of the site are worth seeing. This spot is especially meaningful for those interested in Saint Nicholas, who inspired Santa Claus.

Travelers have different opinions here; some wish they had more time or preferred guided commentary to better understand the history, but most agree it’s a meaningful stop for a quick glimpse into this region’s religious heritage.

Stop 2: Ancient Myra

Next, you’ll explore ancient Myra, where entrance fees are included. The ruins are impressive—the Lycian rock tombs, the Roman theater, and the archaeological site itself are quite evocative. Walking around this open-air site, you can really imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. The guide adds value here by explaining the significance of the tombs and other relics, helping you picture the ancient city’s past.

One traveler remarked, “We loved the way the guide brought the ruins to life, making history feel tangible.” It’s a highlight for history buffs and those who enjoy wandering through ruins with a knowledgeable guide.

Stop 3: Saint Nicholas Church (Optional)

If you want to step inside the Church of Saint Nicholas, this can be arranged separately, but keep in mind, this is not included in the main tour price. Be prepared for additional costs and limited time, depending on how busy the site is. For many, a quick exterior visit suffices, especially when time is tight.

Stop 4: Kekova Island & Sunken City

The final major part of the tour is the boat trip from Kekova. Here, you’ll cruise on a glass-bottomed boat for about two hours, viewing the submerged remnants of the ancient Lycian city. The waters around Kekova are pretty calm and inviting, and the underwater views are captivating—whether you’re peering through the glass or just enjoying the scenery from the deck.

Travelers have described the boat trip as a highlight, with the crystal-clear water making the sunken ruins look almost surreal. The boat is usually equipped with plenty of space and safety features, and the guide provides commentary to enhance your experience.

The Lunch and Return

Lunch is included in the tour, typically featuring local Turkish cuisine. It’s generally well-reviewed for being tasty and filling, offering a good break amid the busy day.

After the boat trip, the return journey is long, but participants are often tired, and many prefer to relax quietly. The tour concludes with hotel drop-off, which is a convenient way to finish a full day of exploring.

The Realities of This Tour

From the reviews, we gather that timing can be a sticking point. One traveler pointed out, “We were picked up at 3:45am, and didn’t do much for the first few hours,” which suggests that the long early ride might be less appealing if you’re not an early riser or if long bus rides aren’t your thing.

However, others appreciate that the early start allows the group to beat the crowds at some sites and make the most of the day. The inclusion of all entrance fees and lunch** offers ease and transparency, saving you from extra expenses or planning.

The guide’s role is often highlighted positively; they tend to be friendly and informative, which adds value to the experience. Still, some reviews mention that the itinerary can feel rushed, especially if you prefer to linger at each site.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip suits travelers who want a comprehensive, organized experience with all logistics handled. It’s ideal if you’re interested in history and scenery, and value the convenience of having entrance fees and lunch included.

However, be aware of the early start and the long travel hours—if you’re someone who prefers more relaxed, less scheduled days, or if traveling with small children, you might find it a bit tiring.

People who enjoy guided tours and narrated stories will appreciate the expertise of the guides, while those who prefer exploring independently might find the schedule a bit restrictive.

FAQ

• What is the start time for the tour?
  The tour begins at 4:00am, so you’ll need to be prepared for an early start.

• Is hotel pickup included?
  Yes, the tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start and end your day.

• Are entrance fees included?
  Entrance fees for Demre, Myra, and Kekova boat trip are all included in the price. The Saint Nicholas Church fee is not, so be prepared for an extra charge if you want inside access.

• How long is the boat trip at Kekova?
  The boat trip lasts approximately two hours, offering plenty of time to view the sunken ruins from the glass-bottomed boat.

• Can I get food or drinks on the boat?
  Lunch is provided, but drinks are not included, so you might want to bring water or purchase drinks separately.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  The tour is generally accessible to most travelers, but the early start and long day may be less suitable for very young children or those who tire easily.

• How many people are in the group?
  The maximum group size is 35 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but still sizable enough to feel like a group adventure.

• What if I want to cancel?
  You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed day that hits the highlights of Turkey’s south coast—covering historic ruins, religious sites, and scenic underwater views—this tour ticks many boxes. The combination of guided insights, included entrance fees, and lunch makes it a convenient choice for travelers eager to maximize their sightseeing without extra planning.

That said, the early start and lengthy schedule might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re someone who prefers a slower pace or traveling with small children, it’s worth weighing whether this intense day trip aligns with your travel style.

For those who don’t mind the early mornings and long hours, you’ll likely come away with a richer understanding of Turkey’s history and some memorable views. The positives—friendly guides, stunning scenery, and the ease of everything being arranged—outweigh the minor inconveniences, making this a solid option for a full-day adventure from Alanya.

In summary, this tour is best for curious travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience combining history and scenery with minimal hassle. If you’re after a deep dive into Turkey’s ancient past and scenic waters, and don’t mind a packed schedule, it’s a good way to go. Just remember to pack some patience and a sense of adventure, and you’re likely to enjoy it.