Demre,Myra,Kekova With Sunken City Boat Tour & St. Nicolas Church

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and want to combine a bit of history, stunning scenery, and a relaxing boat ride, the Demre, Myra, Kekova tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this specific trip, I’ve sifted through plenty of reviews, details, and insights to give you a thorough picture of what you can expect. It promises a full day packed with ancient ruins, a boat trip over a sunken city, and even a visit to the church of Saint Nicholas—who famously inspired Santa Claus.

What I really like about this tour is how it balances sightseeing with some downtime—especially the boat ride, which offers a break from walking and a chance to unwind on deck. Plus, the guide-led visits mean you get a decent amount of context and history, making the experience richer. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the descriptions during the sunken city visit have been noted as somewhat lacking, which might mean you’ll want to pay close attention or do a little extra reading beforehand.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy history, scenic boat rides, and a full-day adventure. It’s not necessarily for someone looking for an ultra-relaxed, leisurely day—there’s a fair amount of movement, and the tour involves some walking and boat time—but if you want a well-rounded experience that combines different aspects of the coast’s heritage and natural beauty, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines land visits, a boat trip, and cultural sights, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The highlight for many, with views of the sunken city and a chance to swim in the Mediterranean.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides provide historical insights, though some reviews note efforts could be improved during certain site visits.
• Value for Money: At $60 per person, including lunch and transfers, it’s a fairly comprehensive package.
• Time Commitment: Long day (11-12 hours), so be prepared for an early start and a full schedule.
• Weather Considerations: Best on good weather days; cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t suitable.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point and Pickup

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in Antalya around 7:00 am. The tour provider offers hotel transfers both ways, which is a big plus—you won’t need to worry about logistics once you’re booked. The transport is described as comfortable, modern, and air-conditioned, making the long day a bit easier.

Visit to Myra Antik Kenti

Your first stop is the ancient city of Myra, an impressive site famed for its rock-cut tombs and Lycian amphitheater. Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore. The guide will share details about the historical significance of the site.

A common highlight is the amphitheater—huge and well-preserved—where you can imagine the crowds that once gathered here. The tombs carved into the cliffs are striking and offer some great photo opportunities. Keep in mind that the entrance fee isn’t included, so that’s an extra to budget for if you want to go inside.

Lunch in Demre

Next is Demre, where you’ll take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. The meals are described as freshly made, which suggests good quality and authentic flavors. Lunch is included in the tour price, giving you a chance to relax and refuel before the afternoon’s activities. This part of the day also acts as a buffer, breaking up the sightseeing and boat trip.

Boat Trip to Kekova

Post-lunch, you’ll head to the harbor for the highlight: a boat trip to Kekova. This boat ride lasts around two hours and takes you over the famous sunken city of Kekova. The boat features a glass bottom, allowing you to peek into the waters and see ruins submerged beneath the surface.

Most reviews mention the boat as being a great way to relax while taking in the scenery. You can sunbathe on the upper deck or take a swim in the Mediterranean—be sure to bring your swimsuit and towel. The waters are described as crystal clear, and the peaceful landscape offers a nice contrast to the busy land sites.

While the boat trip is generally well-reviewed, a few travelers noted that the descriptions given by guides during the sunken city tour could be more detailed. One reviewer commented that they felt the guide made less effort on the English explanations, which meant some of us had to crowd near others to catch bits of the story. So, if you’re a history buff, it might help to do a little reading in advance or ask questions to get more context.

Saint Nicholas Church in Demre

After the boat ride, the tour continues with a visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas. This site is quite popular because many believe it is the original tomb of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration behind Santa Claus. The church is now a museum, and the marble sarcophagus remains a focal point.

The guide will share how Saint Nicholas connects to Santa Claus, adding a fun twist to this religious site. Admission isn’t included, but the site is a major draw for many visitors, especially around Christmas time.

Return to Antalya

The day wraps up with the bus returning to Antalya, arriving back around 6-7 pm. You’ll get to reflect on a full day of history, scenic views, and relaxing moments—all included in the tour price.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:
– Lunch at a local restaurant
– Hotel transfers both ways
– Guided service
– Boat trip to Kekova’s sunken city

Not Included:
– Drinks & breakfast
– Entrance fees for sites like Myra and the Saint Nicholas Church

Remember, entrance fees are not included, so if you want to go inside certain sites, be prepared for that extra cost. Also, bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, swimsuits, and your camera to make the most of the day.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Pros

• Good Value: For $60, you get a full-day experience with transportation, lunch, and a boat trip, which feels like a fair deal.
• Beautiful Scenery: The boat ride over Kekova’s sunken ruins is often cited as a highlight—something truly unique and visually stunning.
• Informative Guides: Many reviews mention knowledgeable guides who add context, though some feel they could put in more effort during certain parts.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off mean you don’t need to worry about logistics, which is especially helpful when you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The Cons

• Weather Dependency: The tour is weather-dependent; bad weather can lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience.
• Limited Site Explanation During Certain Stops: Some travelers found the guide’s descriptions during the sunken city tour a bit lacking, so you may want to do some homework beforehand.
• Long Day: With an 11 to 12-hour schedule, it’s a full day that might be tiring for some—be prepared for early mornings and a packed itinerary.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for history enthusiasts, scenery lovers, and those wanting a taste of multiple sights in a single day. If you’re a fan of boat rides, the Kekova boat trip alone would appeal to you. It’s also good for travelers who prefer guided experiences, as the guide provides insights about each location.

If you have modest physical fitness and are comfortable with a full-day schedule, you’ll find this tour manageable. It might not be the best choice if you’re after a very relaxed, no-rush day, or if you prefer more flexibility to explore sites at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

The Demre, Myra, Kekova tour offers a decent value for those eager to combine history, coastal scenery, and a relaxing boat ride into one day. While it has its small flaws—like less detailed explanations at certain stops—the trip’s highlights, especially the boat ride over the sunken city and the visit to Saint Nicholas’ tomb, make it worth considering.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided day that covers key sights, with enough time to relax and enjoy the views. If you’re comfortable with a long day and enjoy a mix of land and sea adventures, this tour could add some memorable moments to your Antalya trip.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, making it convenient to join without worrying about logistics.

How long does the tour last?
Expect the entire experience to take approximately 11 to 12 hours, starting around 7 am and returning late evening.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, a towel, sunglasses, sun cream, a hat, comfortable shoes, and your camera to capture the sights.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like Myra and Saint Nicholas Church are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those if you wish to go inside.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the length and nature of the sites, it might suit older children comfortable with walking and boat rides.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, you can swim in the Mediterranean waters, so bring your swimsuit and towel.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour typically accommodates up to 40 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate enough for questions and interaction.

What’s the cost?
The tour costs around $60 per person, which includes lunch, boat trip, and transfers.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with options for a full refund or alternative date.

Will I get enough historical information?
Guides provide insights, but some reviews suggest descriptions during the sunken city might be brief. Doing a bit of reading beforehand can enhance your understanding.

Hopefully, this detailed overview helps you decide if this full-day tour fits your travel style. It’s a good mix of history, scenery, and relaxation—perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Antalya’s coastal charm.