From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Tour with Boat Trip

From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Tour with Boat Trip — A Detailed Review

Exploring Turkey’s southwestern coast offers a mix of history, scenery, and seaside relaxation. This full-day tour from Alanya takes you to some of the most evocative sights in the Antalya Province: the sunken city of Kekova, the Lycia tombs, the ancient city of Myra, and the church of Saint Nicholas. It’s a well-organized trip that balances cultural discoveries with a scenic boat ride, making for a memorable day.

We love the way this tour combines history with natural beauty — notably the boat trip around Kekova’s shimmering bays and the chance to glimpse the submerged ruins from the water. The visit to Myra’s ancient theater and the rock-cut tombs offers a tangible connection to the past. The stop at Saint Nicholas Church adds a spiritual and cultural layer, especially given the saint’s association with Christmas.

One possible consideration is the itinerary’s timing, which can be tight, especially if you tend to linger at each site. Also, the museum entrances are not included in the price, so if you’re eager to explore further inside the museums, that will be an extra expense.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and a touch of adventure. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a full day packed with fascinating sights, comfortable transportation, and guidance in multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Kekova, Demre, Myra, and a boat cruise.
• Two-hour boat tour providing scenic views of the sunken city and bays.
• Historical highlights include Lycian rock tombs, Myra’s theater, and Saint Nicholas Church.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Includes lunch, guide, and transportation, but excludes drinks and museum entrance fees.
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy culture with plenty of photo opportunities.

Exploring the Sights: What to Expect on This Tour

When you sign up for this full-day adventure from Alanya, you’re stepping into a well-curated experience that blends history, natural beauty, and a bit of leisure. Here’s a detailed look at what awaits you.

Pickup and Initial Drive

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Alanya, making it easy and stress-free. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel, but you’ll be asked to be ready about 10 minutes early in the hotel lobby. The drive to Antalya is a scenic journey, giving you a taste of Turkey’s lush countryside as you head toward the coast.

Morning Breaks in Antalya

Expect a break in Antalya for some light refreshments or a quick stretch. This is a good time to review your day’s plans and get ready for the culture ahead. The guide will brief you on the itinerary, setting expectations for what’s to come.

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Exploring Myra’s Ancient Ruins

Your first major stop is at Myra, an ancient Lycian city. Here, you’ll see the impressive theater, still standing proudly and capable of hosting modern performances, and the rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffside — a haunting reminder of Lycian funerary practices. You might find that standing among these ancient structures makes history feel vivid and real. The guide will explain the significance of these tombs and the history of Myra, giving you context for what your eyes are witnessing.

Saint Nicholas Church

Next, you’ll visit the Church of Saint Nicholas, the real-life inspiration for Santa Claus. The church is a humble but meaningful site, especially for those curious about the saint’s legacy. It’s a quiet, reflective moment amid the busy day — a chance to appreciate the blend of religious history and cultural tradition.

Sunken City and Kekova

After a lunch break, the highlight of the tour begins: the boat trip around Kekova. The boat ride lasts about 2 hours, during which you’ll glide past the sunken city — ruins that have been partially submerged since an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. We loved the way the boat provides a unique vantage point for viewing the ancient ruins beneath the water’s surface. The boat is comfortable, and the stops at different bays allow for swimming and photo ops.

The scenic views from the boat are stunning, with clear waters, rugged coastlines, and the faint outline of sunken walls or staircases just beneath the surface. The guide points out notable sites and offers insights into the history of the city and the geological activity that caused the sinking.

Bays and Swimming Breaks

During the boat tour, you’ll have several stops at bay areas, giving you time to swim or simply relax on deck. Pack your swimwear if you want to take a dip — the water is usually inviting. These breaks are appreciated by travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

Lunch at Myra

After the boat tour and some free time, a lunch is included — typically a Turkish meal that offers a taste of regional cuisine. It’s a chance to relax and fuel up for the afternoon’s activities.

Return and Antalya Break

Post-lunch, the group heads back toward Antalya for a short rest before being transported back to your accommodation in Alanya.

The Practical Side: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This tour offers value through its all-in-one approach — visiting multiple sites, including a boat trip, for a single price. The guided experience ensures you understand the significance of each location, and the multilingual guides help make the history accessible for international travelers.

The scenic boat ride at Kekova is a major draw, especially for those who love being on the water and want a break from walking. The two-hour cruise is well-paced, with enough stops for photos, swimming, and enjoying the views.

The visit to Myra and the church of Saint Nicholas provide a tangible connection to history and legend. The Lycia tombs are an impressive sight, carved directly into the cliff face, and a reminder of an ancient civilization.

The lunch included adds convenience and value, eliminating the need for extra expenses during the day. Plus, the pick-up and drop-off service in Alanya simplifies logistics for travelers.

Considerations and Tips

While the tour is well-rounded, keep in mind that museum entrances are not included, so if you’re keen on exploring further inside, you’ll need extra funds. Also, the itinerary can be busy, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time at individual sites, this might feel somewhat rushed.

The weather can influence your experience — bright, sunny days will enhance the views, especially on the boat, but make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The group size tends to be moderate, which helps with comfort but can mean some wait times during busy periods.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history enthusiasts who enjoy seeing archaeological sites firsthand, and for those who want a beautiful scenic cruise as part of their day. It’s also suitable for families and couples looking for a full, engaging day with various activities. If you’re interested in cultural stories, stunning vistas, and a leisurely boat ride, this tour ticks many boxes.

However, if you prefer more free time at each site or are on a tight budget, you might find the included extras (lunch, guided tours) less flexible.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Kekova Demre Myra tour from Alanya offers an excellent blend of history, scenery, and comfort. The highlights — especially the boat cruise over the sunken city and the visit to Myra’s ancient theater — make it a worthwhile experience for those wanting a taste of Turkey’s rich past combined with stunning coastal views.

It’s a good choice for travelers who enjoy a structured day with guided insights, and who want to see some of the most iconic sites in the Antalya region without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions themselves. The value is solid, considering the included transportation, guide, lunch, and boat ride.

For anyone curious about the ancient Lycian civilization, or simply eager to enjoy a scenic boat trip with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off where you stay in Alanya, making logistics easy.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Russian, Polish, and Turkish, so you’ll likely find one that suits your preference.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with swimming breaks and stops at various bays.

Are museum entrances included?
No, museum entrance fees are not included, so you may want to budget extra if you wish to explore inside the sites.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear if you plan to swim, and a camera for the panoramic views.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Turkish lunch is part of the package, giving you a taste of local cuisine.

What’s the best time of year to go?
Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather, but summer days are perfect for swimming and enjoying the boat.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children are welcome, especially those who enjoy history and water activities, but check with the provider for any age restrictions.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day packed with history, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to learn about ancient civilizations and enjoy spectacular coastal views — all in comfort and style.

You can check availability for your dates here: