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

This full-day tour from Antalya offers an engaging mix of ancient ruins, scenic boat trips, and cultural highlights—perfect for history buffs, beach lovers, or anyone wanting a taste of Turkey’s historic coastline. At $60 per person, it’s an accessible way to see some of the region’s most intriguing sites—covering Kekova’s sunken city, Myra’s Lycian necropolis, and the famous Church of Saint Nicholas. With approximately 11 to 12 hours of activities, guided commentary, and stunning scenery, it’s a long day but packed with memorable moments.

What we especially appreciate about this trip are the carefully curated itinerary that balances land exploration with boat relaxation, and the knowledgeable guides who help bring the history to life. The boat trip around Kekova provides a rare chance to see the submerged ruins from the comfort of a glass-bottomed vessel, while the visit to Saint Nicholas’s tomb offers a connection to both religious and popular culture.

A potential consideration is the group size—with a maximum of 40 travelers, it’s not as intimate as private tours, and some visitors noted that descriptions during the sunken city stop could be more detailed. The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as there’s some walking and boat time, though it’s generally accessible for most travelers. If you’re looking for an immersive, well-rounded day that combines history, scenery, and a taste of local cuisine, this tour could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary balancing land and sea adventures
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of historical sites
• Stunning views of the sunken city and coastal scenery
• Value for money with included lunch, transfers, and guided boat trip
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical activity levels
• Caution for those seeking highly detailed descriptions during the boat tour

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting in Antalya

The tour kicks off early at 7:00 am with a hotel pickup, which makes it convenient and stress-free. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures you’re not worn out by the drive, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic ride along Turkey’s beautiful coastline. The 3-hour journey takes you from Antalya’s hotel zone to the first major stop, setting the tone for a full day of exploration.

Visiting Myra—A Step Back in Time

Once you arrive in Myra, your guide will lead you through the ancient Lycian city known for its rock-cut tombs and amphitheater. The site’s dramatic cliffs and well-preserved ruins create a vivid picture of ancient life. The guide’s commentary is supposed to enrich the visit, although some reviews suggest that the descriptions during the sunken city part might be less detailed, prompting some to seek closer proximity for better understanding.

Lunch Break in Demre

After exploring Myra, the tour moves to Demre, where a delicious, freshly prepared lunch awaits at a local restaurant. This meal offers a break from sightseeing and a chance to sample authentic Turkish cuisine in a relaxed setting. The lunch is included in the price, adding value to the overall experience.

Boat Trip to Kekova’s Sunken City

One of the highlights is the boat ride through Kekova’s calm waters. You’ll board a glass-bottomed vessel, giving you a unique view of the submerged ruins, which include ancient walls and structures that have been swallowed by the sea over the centuries. The boat’s upper deck provides space for sunbathing and taking in the panoramic vistas, while the transparent floor offers a closer look at the submerged relics.

Several reviews describe this portion as particularly memorable, with stunning scenery and peaceful waters. The boat trip lasts around 2 hours, offering ample time to relax and take photos. If you’re interested in swimming, it’s worth noting that chances are good, as the Mediterranean waters are inviting, and you can cool off during the trip.

Visiting Saint Nicholas’s Church

Back on land, the tour visits the Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, which is believed to be the original tomb of the saint. This site is both a religious landmark and a museum, drawing thousands of visitors eager to connect with the figure behind Santa Claus. While some reviewers mention that they were left to explore on their own, most agree it’s an inspiring site with a significant cultural history.

Return to Antalya

After a full day of sightseeing and exploration, the bus departs for Antalya around 4 pm, arriving back at your hotel approximately 3 hours later. The return journey offers a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Experiences and Real Insights

One reviewer, Rahul_S, summed up their experience with honesty: “It was a great tour and reasonably planned well to suit the weather— a very hot day. We felt the guide made less efforts during the sunken city tour for English descriptions, which forced us to seat close to other group to understand the site.” This highlights the importance of expecting some variability in guided commentary, especially during outdoor, boat-based sightseeing.

Conversely, many respondents appreciated the value for money, noting that the tour covers a lot—from ancient ruins to scenic boat trips—for a reasonable price. The inclusion of lunch, hotel transfers, and guiding services makes it a hassle-free way to see multiple sites without additional costs or planning.

Deep Dive: Why This Tour Works for You

If you enjoy a mix of history and scenery, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. The land visits to Myra and Saint Nicholas’s Church give you a tangible connection to history and legend, while the boat trip around Kekova provides a peaceful, scenic escape with an extraordinary view of the sunken city.

The guides’ insights help bring these sites to life—although some travelers note that during the boat trip, descriptions could be more detailed, so bringing a good camera and a sense of curiosity can elevate your experience. The included lunch is simple but tasty, saving you the hassle of finding a meal on your own.

Considering the duration, it’s a long day, but most enjoy the variety and the chance to escape the bustle of Antalya for a taste of ancient history and calm waters. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a comprehensive day trip without the stress of organizing separate transport and tickets.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate history, scenic boat rides, and cultural landmarks. If you’re someone who enjoys learning about ancient civilizations, you’ll find the ruins and the stories behind them fascinating. It’s also great for families or groups seeking a relaxed yet informative day out, especially given the included transfers and guided commentary.

If you prefer a more intimate experience or highly detailed narration, you might find some parts of the tour a bit rushed or lacking in depth. However, for value-conscious visitors looking to see key highlights without spending a fortune or time planning, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in Antalya, making the start of your day smooth and convenient.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 11 to 12 hours, beginning early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

What should I bring?
Remember swimsuits, sunglasses, a towel, sun cream, hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the scenery and ruins.

Is there an entrance fee for the sites?
No, entrance fees are not included, so you might want to carry some cash for optional tickets or souvenirs.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
While the tour description mentions swimming, this is dependent on weather and sea conditions. The boat does have a deck for sunbathing and relaxing.

Is this suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
As the tour requires some walking and boat time, travelers should have moderate physical fitness. It’s generally manageable for most, but check your comfort level.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking at Myra and Saint Nicholas’s Church, but the main focus is on sightseeing and boat relaxation.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour runs year-round, but the best weather is during spring and fall—hotter summer days may make the outdoor parts less comfortable.

Final Words

If you’re after a full day of exploring history and relaxing on the water, this Demre, Myra, and Kekova tour offers an excellent balance of both. You’ll gain a sense of the ancient Lycian civilization, enjoy beautiful coastal scenery, and learn about the origins of Santa Claus—all in one easy-to-book trip that takes care of transportation and logistics.

While some descriptions could be more detailed, most travelers find the overall package to be a worthwhile investment—especially considering the included lunch and guided boat trip. It’s a terrific pick for those curious about Turkey’s storied past or simply seeking a peaceful day out on the Mediterranean. Just pack your sense of adventure, your camera, and some patience, and you’ll return with plenty of stories to tell.