Kekova Sunken City, St.Nicolas Demre, Myra Tour From Antalya, Alanya & Side

Exploring the Kekova Sunken City, St. Nicholas Demre, and Myra Tour

If you’re eyeing a full-day adventure exploring some of Turkey’s most fascinating ancient sites, this Kekova Sunken City, Demre, and Myra tour could be a good pick. While it might not be perfect for everyone, it offers a mix of history, scenery, and a boat cruise that many travelers find memorable.

What we love about this experience is the combination of beautifully preserved ancient ruins and the chance to see the famous sunken city from the water—a storybook setting. Plus, the guided tour and included lunch make it a relatively straightforward way to tick off several must-see spots in just one day. On the flip side, some might find the transportation lengthy, with reviews noting long rides and late pickups that could impact your overall enjoyment.

If you’re someone who appreciates history, scenic boat rides, and well-organized group tours, this trip could suit you well. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long travel hours, you may want to consider your options carefully. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this tour involves and why it could be worth your time—or not.

Key Points

• Full-day experience covering multiple historic sites and the sunken city.
• Comfortable transfers with air conditioning and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• Includes a traditional Turkish lunch, saving you the hassle of finding a meal on your own.
• Boat cruise provides a unique view of the sunken city from the water.
• Mixed reviews highlight great sights but mention long travel times and some comfort issues.
• Best suited for history buffs and travelers eager for scenic views.

An Overview of the Tour

This guided full-day tour is designed to give you a taste of western Antalya’s most notable ancient attractions. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, heading first to the ancient city of Myra. Here, you’ll see impressive Lycian tombs and a well-preserved amphitheater, offering a tangible glimpse into the past.

Next, the tour takes you to Demre, home to the church of St. Nicholas. This site is steeped in history and religious significance, making it an interesting stop both for history lovers and those interested in the stories surrounding Santa Claus.

Finally, the day culminates with a cruise to the Kekova Sunken City. You’ll get to enjoy the boat ride and view the submerged ruins—an unusual sight that creates a sense of stepping back in time. The boat cruise is often praised as the highlight, with many travelers appreciating the chance to see the ancient remains from the water.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting in Antalya or Alanya

Most travelers will start their day with a hotel pickup, which in itself can be a good convenience, especially if you’re staying in Alanya or nearby. The journey to the sites takes quite a bit of time, as the tour covers a broad area, so be prepared for a long day of travel. Some reviews note that the bus was dark and somewhat cramped, which might impact comfort during the ride. Others comment that the pick-up was about an hour late, so patience is helpful.

Myra: The Ancient Lycian City

Your first major stop is Myra, a city with roots dating back to the Lycian civilization. You’ll see the rock-cut tombs that are carved into the cliffs—these are among the most striking features of the site. The amphitheater is another highlight, offering a sense of the grandeur of ancient Lycia.

One of the reviews mentions, “The photos for these attractions look great and fell short in real life,” which suggests that while the site is impressive, expectations should be managed. The ruins are significant, but they are ruins—so don’t expect a fully restored ancient city. Still, the guide’s insights help add context, making the visit educational and memorable.

Demre and the Church of St. Nicholas

Next, you’ll go to Demre, the modern town where the church of St. Nicholas is located. This site draws many visitors because of its connection to the legendary Santa Claus, but it’s also a historically important church. The tour includes some time to explore and learn about the bishop of Myra, whose relics are housed here.

A traveler noted that the lunch in Demre was “ample and tasty,” which is often a relief during long tours. The included meal is typically a Turkish restaurant experience that offers some local flavors—convenient and, generally, well-reviewed.

Kekova and the Sunken City

The final, often most memorable part of the day is the boat cruise to Kekova Sunken City. This ancient city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, leaving ruins beneath the water. From the boat, you can see submerged walls and structures, which create a surreal visual experience.

One review states, “Spectacular underwater city, swimming in pristine turquoise waters was memorable,” emphasizing how the boat ride adds a special element to the tour. Be aware that swimming is optional, and if you don’t bring swimwear, you might miss out on some of the fun. The boat ride is the highlight for many, combining scenic views with a fascinating peek into history.

What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics fewer worries. The bus is air-conditioned, which helps on the long drive. Guided commentary is included, enhancing your understanding of each site, and a lunch is also part of the package.

However, some travelers noted that entrance fees to Myra and St. Nicholas Church aren’t included, so plan for those additional costs. Likewise, the boat cruise isn’t included in the price, though it’s often a popular add-on. Drinks and personal expenses are on your tab, so pack accordingly.

Cost and Value

At $75.63 per person, this tour is generally considered a reasonable price for a full-day trip with multiple stops. When you factor in the guided tour, transportation, and lunch, it offers decent value—especially if you’re interested in history and scenic boat rides.

Group Size and Timing

Most tours have up to 100 travelers, so it’s a fairly sizable group. While that can make the experience lively, it might also mean less personal attention from guides. The duration is around 12 hours**, so be prepared for a long day, especially if you’re staying farther away from the pickup points.

What Travelers Say

Feedback on this tour is mixed but leaning positive for the sights and scenery. A reviewer mentioned, “The places we visited are totally worth it! Amazing tombs & theater, spectacular underwater city, swimming in pristine turquoise waters was memorable.” They recommend it if you’re based in Kemer but note that it’s less suited for travelers from Alanya or Side given the time spent on the bus.

On the flip side, some found the bus ride uncomfortable and the pick-up timing frustrating. One review pointed out that the bus was about an hour late, and the cramped, dark conditions were less than ideal. Plus, the tour’s value depends partly on whether you speak Russian, as one reviewer noted the guide was better at English than expected, but language could be a barrier for some.

Final Thoughts

This Kekova Sunken City, Demre, and Myra tour offers a solid package for those wanting to explore the Lycian region with ease. The combination of ancient ruins, a scenic boat ride, and cultural sites makes it a well-rounded experience, especially if you enjoy history and beautiful views. The included lunch adds convenience, and the guided commentary helps bring the sites to life.

However, prepare for long travel hours and some comfort compromises, like cramped bus conditions and late pickups. The tour’s success truly depends on your expectations—if you’re looking for an immersive, leisurely experience, it might feel rushed. But if you’re eager to see key attractions in one go and don’t mind a full day on the road, it can be a worthwhile outing.

For travelers with a keen interest in ancient history, scenic water views, and manageable group sizes, this tour is worth considering. Just be sure to bring some patience and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from hotels, which is a nice convenience if you’re staying in the area.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for Myra and the St. Nicholas Church are not included, so you’ll need to budget extra for those.

Does the tour include a boat cruise?
The boat cruise is part of the experience, but it is not included in the ticket price. It’s often an additional option many travelers opt for.

How long is the total tour?
The whole day lasts approximately 12 hours, which means a long but full day of sightseeing and travel.

Is it suitable for families or children?
The information doesn’t specify, but given the long hours and bus conditions, it might be more suitable for older children or teenagers comfortable with lengthy travel.

What are the main highlights?
You’ll visit the Lycian tombs and amphitheater at Myra, explore the church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and enjoy a boat ride over the sunken ruins of Kekova.

What do travelers say about the experience?
Reviews mention great sights and scenery, with some noting the boat ride as a highlight. Others point out the long trips and occasional logistical frustrations, so manage expectations accordingly.

In the end, if you’re craving a day of history, scenic water views, and easy logistics, this tour can be a good choice—just go in with realistic expectations and a sense of adventure.