Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya

Exploring Demre, Myra, and Kekova: A Practical Look at the Turkey Tour

If you’re planning to visit Antalya and want to experience more than just beaches and city life, this Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya is a solid option. It packs in a good mix of history, culture, and a little adventure—thanks to a boat trip—making it especially appealing if you’re into exploring ancient sites without too much hassle.

What we really like about this tour is the personalized touch—a private guide and driver mean you’ll get more tailored attention and flexibility than in large, crowded groups. Plus, the combination of historical sights and a boat trip means you get both cultural context and a chance to relax on the water.

That said, $840 per person isn’t exactly cheap, so it’s worth considering whether the price matches what you’re hoping for—especially since lunch and drinks aren’t included. Also, keep in mind that transfers for guests staying beyond 10 km from the Antalya city center require an extra option, which could add to your costs.

Overall, if you’re a history buff, a curious traveler eager to see ancient Lycian ruins, or someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It suits travelers who appreciate a well-organized, small-group experience with lots to see in a day.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Private guide and driver for a more tailored visit.
• Includes key sites: Myra, St. Nicholas Church, and Kekova Sunken City.
• Historical and scenic mix: Ruins, church, and boat trip offer variety.
• Cost and inclusions: Price covers entry tickets, boat tour, and transfers within Antalya city center.
• Travel considerations: Lunch and drinks are extra, and transfers for locations beyond 10 km need an add-on.
• Small group setup: Limited to 8 people for a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting with a pick-up from your hotel or preferred location in Antalya, the tour kicks off with a comfortable ride to Demre. From there, your private guide will lead you through the highlights, beginning with the St. Nicholas Church. This site isn’t just about the religious significance; it’s also a museum that preserves the story of Santa Claus, which adds a charming layer to your visit. Expect to spend some time here, soaking in the atmosphere and learning about the history.

Next, you’ll head over to the Myra ruins. This ancient city is known for its rock-hewn Lycian tombs, which are carved directly into the cliffs—impressive and evocative of a bygone era. The well-preserved antique theatre is another highlight, giving you a real sense of what life was like for the ancient Lycians. As several reviews mention, “the theater is really well kept and gives a good sense of the scale of the city,” so do take your time to explore here.

After a good dose of history, the tour pauses for lunch—though it’s not included, so you might want to budget for that. Many travelers opt for local restaurants nearby, which offer traditional Turkish dishes. A quick tip: bringing some water or a beverage with you is a good idea since drinks aren’t included in the package.

The afternoon is reserved for the boat trip to Kekova’s Sunken City. This is the most visually stunning part of the tour, where you’ll cruise over the remains of a submerged Lycian town. We loved the way the boat tour, lasting about 2 hours, offers a relaxed yet fascinating experience. You’ll see the ancient walls and ruins just below the surface, and the views of the rugged coastline are pretty captivating.

The tour wraps up with your driver returning you to your hotel, typically in the late afternoon. Overall, it’s a well-rounded day that balances history, scenic views, and leisure.

Deep Dive into Each Stop

St. Nicholas Church: Visiting this church feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s not just a religious site but also a museum that details the life of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration behind Santa Claus. The building itself is modest but filled with history, and many visitors enjoy connecting with the legend while appreciating the quiet atmosphere.

Myra Ruins: The Lycian rock tombs are carved directly into the cliffs—once you see them, it’s hard not to be impressed by their craftsmanship. The theatre, which is still intact, offers a tangible link to the past. One review pointed out that “the theater is really well kept and gives a good sense of the scale of the city,” which highlights how well-preserved these remains are.

Lunch Break: While not included, this is a good opportunity to taste local flavors. Many travelers find that local restaurants near the ruins are cozy and serve authentic Turkish dishes. Just keep in mind that this part of the day is flexible, so you can choose something light or hearty depending on your appetite.

Kekova Boat Trip: The highlight for many is this boat ride. The Sunken City is fascinating because you’re literally looking at remains beneath the water, with the waves lapping against the submerged walls. The boat is comfortable enough, and with only about 8 people on the tour, you get a more relaxed and engaging experience. Reviewers have said, “the boat trip was a highlight—beautiful scenery and great commentary from the guide,” which adds to the enjoyment.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The private transfer service within Antalya makes getting to and from the sites smooth. Since transfers are included within a 10 km radius, it simplifies logistics and saves time. For those staying further out, an add-on option exists, but be prepared for extra costs.

The duration of 7.5 hours means you’ll have plenty of time to see everything without feeling rushed. The tour starts at a time that’s best suited to your schedule—you’ll want to check availability for exact starting times.

The small group limit of 8 participants enhances the experience, fostering more personalized conversations and allowing the guide to focus on your interests. Many travelers appreciate this setup, especially when exploring archaeological sites that benefit from a more intimate atmosphere.

Price and Value Analysis

At $840 per person, this tour isn’t inexpensive. But when you consider what’s included—entry tickets to Myra and St. Nicholas Church, the boat tour, and private transfers—it provides a comprehensive, hassle-free day. For travelers who want a hassle-free, guided experience that hits all the main attractions without worrying about logistical details, this can be a good investment.

However, if you’re budget-conscious, you might find DIY options or smaller group tours for less. Still, the included tickets and the small-group setting add value if you prefer a more curated experience.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history lovers, those who enjoy scenic boat trips, and travelers who prefer private or semi-private experiences over large group excursions. It’s also a good pick if you want everything organized and don’t want to worry about logistics—especially with the included tickets and transfers.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who are keen on exploring ancient ruins and enjoy boat rides, it can be a memorable day out. However, keep in mind that the tour is quite full and involves some walking and sitting—so it might be less ideal for those with mobility concerns.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya offers a solid way to see some of Turkey’s most iconic sites with minimal fuss. It balances culture, scenic beauty, and comfort, making it a good choice for those who want a well-organized day focused on history and natural beauty.

It’s especially valuable for travelers who prefer private guides and small groups, seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit. While the price might seem steep, the combination of guided insight, tickets, and a scenic boat trip makes it a reasonably comprehensive package.

If your interests include ancient Lycian sites, the story of Santa Claus, and beautiful coastal views, this tour is likely to meet your expectations—just be prepared for a full, enriching day.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for travelers staying outside Antalya city center?
Transfers are included only within 10 km of Antalya city center. For stays further out, an optional add-on is available, but additional costs may apply.

Does the tour include lunch or drinks?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. Most travelers plan to bring some money or buy food during the break near the ruins.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat tour of Kekova lasts approximately 2 hours, offering plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and explore the sunken city from the water.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
You’ll visit the St. Nicholas Church, explore the ancient ruins of Myra, see Lycian rock tombs, and enjoy a boat trip to Kekova’s Sunken City.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the sites are generally suitable for older children and teenagers interested in history and scenery. Keep in mind the walking involved at the ruins.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Check availability for your preferred dates, especially since it’s a small-group experience. Booking early ensures you get a spot during busy seasons.

This tour offers a balanced, insightful way to experience some of Turkey’s most fascinating historical sites with a touch of seaside adventure. Perfect for anyone eager to combine learning, landscape, and a bit of relaxation in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: