Demre – Myra and Kekova Sunken City Tour from Antalya

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary blending history, natural beauty, and maritime adventure.
• Boat trip with glass-bottomed boat offers a unique view of the submerged city.
• Visit to Myra’s rock tombs and amphitheater provides a glimpse into Lycian history.
• All-in-one experience with lunch, professional guides, and hotel transfers included.
• Excellent value for money for a full-day tour covering multiple highlights.
• Some reviews highlight inconsistencies in what’s included versus what travelers expect.

A Practical Overview of the Demre – Myra and Kekova Sunken City Tour from Antalya

If you’re looking for a full-day exploration of some of Turkey’s most fascinating archaeological and natural sites, this tour from Antalya offers a compelling package. For around $52.36 per person, you’ll spend approximately 10 to 11 hours visiting Demre, home of the Church of St. Nicholas, the ancient city of Myra with its impressive rock-cut tombs and amphitheater, and the sunken city of Kekova, with a boat trip that showcases the submerged ruins in a way that sparks the imagination—think Atlantis with a Turkish twist.

What we love about this experience is the blend of history and scenery that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The boat with a glass bottom makes the underwater ruins visible without getting your feet wet, which is perfect for those who want a memorable, visual experience without the need to snorkel or dive. Also, the local guides are generally praised for their knowledge, making the historical stops both educational and engaging.

One aspect to consider is the itinerary’s inclusiveness—some reviews mention that meals and visits might not always match expectations, so it’s worth being prepared for possible additional costs. Still, the tour offers great value for the comprehensive experience, especially given the hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price, saving you the hassle of organizing transport.

This tour is best suited for history lovers, scenery seekers, and those wanting a relaxed but full day exploring Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see multiple sites without extensive planning, but it’s also smart to stay flexible and attentive to what’s included.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Antalya: The Journey Begins

After being picked up from your hotel, the day starts with a 2.5-hour drive toward Demre. This gives you a chance to rest, enjoy the scenery, and get briefed by your guide on what’s ahead. The transportation is comfortable, and the early start means you’ll beat some of the crowds on certain sites—always a plus in busy tourist spots.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City: The Boat Adventure

The highlight for many is the boat trip to Kekova Island. This vessel features a glass-bottom deck, so you can peer into the water and see the sunken ruins beneath the surface. The boat ride lasts about 1.5 hours, giving ample time to relax, snap photos, and marvel at the crystal-clear waters. The sunken city is a testament to ancient Lycian engineering, and the view through the glass offers a surreal feeling—like peering into a lost world beneath the waves.

From reviews, we learn that this part of the tour is often praised for its visual appeal. One traveler noted, “the highlight was the boat trip through the sunken city, the crystal clear water and the submerged ruins are breathtaking.” This makes it one of the most memorable aspects of the day.

Myra’s Rock Tombs and Amphitheater: The Ancient Lycians

Next, the tour takes you to Myra, an archaeological site famous for its rock tombs carved into the cliffs and an ancient amphitheater that once hosted Lycian dramas and gatherings. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes here. Your guide will explain the significance of these tombs, which are often called “rock-cut” because they’re literally carved from the cliff face. Their intricate design and strategic placement tell stories of Lycian aristocrats and ancestors.

The ancient amphitheater, set in a scenic valley, gives you a tangible sense of how the Lycians enjoyed performances and civic life. As one reviewer mentioned, “impressive rock tombs of Demre and the amphitheater make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.”

Lunch and Rest at Myra Antik Kenti

Refueling is important after a busy morning, and the tour includes a lunch break at Myra Antik Kenti. The stop lasts about an hour and provides a chance to sample local dishes—usually a buffet or set menu—that offer both value and convenience.

The Church of St. Nicholas: Turkey’s Santa Claus

One of Turkey’s most visited Christian sites, the Church of St. Nicholas, is central to the legend of Santa Claus. Located in Demre, this church was built after the saint’s death and is filled with history and religious significance. Expect to spend about an hour here, with your guide providing insights into St. Nicholas’s life and the church’s history. Some reviews mention the small entrance fee (around 400 TL), but most find it worthwhile for the historical context and photo opportunities.

Return to Antalya

After a full day of exploration, the journey back to Antalya takes approximately 2.5 hours. By now, you’ll have plenty of photos, stories, and memories to share—plus a new appreciation for Turkey’s coastal history.

What Travelers Can Expect

Transportation:
Comfortable, air-conditioned buses are standard, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. This setup saves you from navigating local transportation and ensures a smooth start and finish.

Group Size:
The tour typically accommodates up to 40 travelers, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and personal space.

Guiding:
Guides are generally knowledgeable, fluent in English, and willing to share stories and facts about each site. Several reviews mention guides like Olga who go the extra mile to explain in English, which enhances the experience.

Timing:
The schedule is quite packed, especially with long drives and sequential stops. You’ll want to be prepared for a full day’s commitment but also to enjoy the variety of sites without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value:
While $52.36 is a reasonable price considering the full itinerary, some reviews highlight that certain elements—like the lunch or church entry fee—might be additional or not included in the initial booking. The tour’s value lies in combining multiple sites with hotel transfers, which saves you time and potential hassle.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler notes, “Having read the other review, we were expecting the tour to be entirely in Russian, which neither of us speak, however, we were very pleasantly surprised when our guide Olga repeated the information in English for us.” This highlights the importance of clear communication and the value of a bilingual guide, especially for non-native speakers.

Another review emphasizes the unique landscape: “Pleasant cruise to Kekova island, impressed by Myra ancient city, only one negative part—the guide wasn’t well informed on some aspects.” Despite this, most travelers find the boat trip and historical sites to be well worth the effort.

Some concerns include the discrepancy between advertised and actual inclusions—meals and entrance fees are sometimes not covered and require extra payment. Travelers should clarify what’s included beforehand or be ready for some minor out-of-pocket expenses.

The Sum Up

This Demre, Myra, and Kekova tour offers a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s coast — from the sunken ruins of Kekova to the rock tombs of Myra and the legend of St. Nicholas. Its value lies in combining scenic boat rides, archaeological marvels, and cultural insights into a single, accessible trip. It’s perfect for travelers eager for a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple tours themselves.

If you prioritize value for money, engaging guides, and a mix of natural beauty and ancient history, you’ll find this tour rewarding. Just remember to be prepared for the possibility of additional costs and to manage expectations about the inclusiveness of meals and entrance fees.

For those wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive day out that hits major highlights and provides plenty of photo opportunities, this tour is a dependable choice. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy boat rides, historical sites, and scenic Mediterranean landscapes—all wrapped into one memorable experience.

FAQ

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire tour lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, including travel time, site visits, and meals.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and saving you transportation stress.

What’s the main highlight of the boat trip?
The boat features a glass-bottom deck, allowing you to see the sunken ruins of Kekova without getting wet.

Are meals included in the tour price?
Lunch is included, but some reviews suggest that other visits or additional meals might require extra payment.

Can children join this tour?
Most travelers of “most ages” can participate, but since the itinerary is quite full, young children should be prepared for a long day.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds available if canceled in time.

This tour balances adventure and culture in a way that feels authentic and manageable, making it a worthwhile addition for your Antalya visit.