Kekova Sunken City, St.Nicolas Demre, Myra Tour From Antalya, Alanya & Side

Exploring the Kekova Sunken City, St. Nicholas in Demre, and Myra from Antalya, Alanya, or Side

If you’re after an authentic look at some of the most captivating historical sites along Turkey’s southern coast, this full-day guided tour might be just what you’re looking for. Priced at around $75.63 per person, it promises a mix of ancient ruins, scenic boat rides, and a glimpse into the past — all packed into roughly 12 hours. The tour covers Myra’s rock-cut tombs, the church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and the famous Kekova Sunken City. And yes, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient way to explore without the hassle of planning.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is how it combines history, scenery, and comfort. The air-conditioned transfers are a welcome relief after a morning on the road, and the included lunch allows you to refuel while soaking in a bit of Demre’s lively atmosphere. The boat cruise to the Sunken City is a highlight, offering stunning views and memorable moments.

One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary is quite packed — expect a full day on the move with some long bus rides, especially if you’re coming from places like Alanya or Side. Also, the reviews mention some variability in the guide’s English, and that the bus might be cramped and late at times. This tour is best suited for those who love a good mix of history, scenic boat rides, and don’t mind spending a chunk of the day on a coach.

If you’re curious about ancient Lycia, enjoy scenic boat trips, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour offers solid value and authentic sights, especially if you’re staying in Antalya, Alanya, or Side.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics for travelers.
• A mix of historical sites and scenic boat cruising offers a well-rounded experience.
• Long day on the road, which may be tiring but offers plenty of time for sightseeing.
• Good value for money considering the included lunch and guided commentary.
• Some reviews highlight variable guide quality and bus comfort, so expectations should be realistic.
• Best for travelers interested in history, scenery, and boat rides who are okay with a busy schedule.

A Deep Dive Into the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickups in Antalya, Alanya, or Side. This is a huge plus for those who prefer not to navigate local transportation or worry about parking. The journey to the sites takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on your starting point, giving you a chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers or enjoy the scenery.

The coach is air-conditioned, which is vital in the warm southern Turkish climate. However, some reviews note that the bus can be cramped and sometimes late — worth considering if you’ve got mobility issues or prefer larger, more spacious vehicles.

Demre and the Church of St. Nicholas

The first major stop is Demre, home to the church of St. Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired Santa Claus. The church itself is a meaningful visit, especially for those interested in religious history, and the lively town center offers a taste of local life. The tour includes a lunch break in Demre’s city center where you can enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. The lunch is generally viewed as ample and tasty, providing a good chance to recharge before heading to the next sites.

Ancient Myra and Lycian Tombs

Next, we visit Myra, famous for its rock-cut Lycian tombs and a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Walking among these ancient structures feels like stepping back in time; the tombs carved into the cliffs are particularly striking and tell stories of Lycia’s once-powerful civilization. Strabo, the ancient geographer, noted that Myra was once a large and influential city, which makes it a compelling stop.

One reviewer mentioned that the amphitheater and tombs are stunning, describing them as “amazing views of the past.” The guide, if knowledgeable, can add context about how these tombs and ruins reflect the Lycians’ unique culture and their burial practices.

The Boat Cruise and Kekova Sunken City

The highlight for many is the boat ride across the turquoise waters of Kekova Bay, leading to the Sunken City. Although destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, the submerged ruins remain a spectacular sight — visible from the boat or snorkeled around if you brought your swim gear (though the tour doesn’t explicitly include swimming).

The boat cruise offers stunning perspectives of the partially submerged walls, ancient ruins, and the rugged coastline. The reviews rave about the spectacular views and the memorable experience of floating above an ancient city. One traveler pointed out that swimming was a great addition, but you’ll need to bring your own swimsuit since it’s not included.

Overall Pace and Group Size

With a maximum of 100 travelers, the group size is fairly typical for large tours, which helps keep costs down but can sometimes lead to a more hurried experience. The long duration and bus rides mean you’ll spend a lot of time on the road, but the stops are well-chosen for their historical and scenic value.

Price and Value

At around $75, this tour offers good value considering the inclusion of hotel transfers, guiding, lunch, and a boat cruise. Entrance fees to sites like Myra and the museum of St. Nicholas are not included, so budget extra for those if you wish to explore further on your own.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback is mixed but generally positive about the guides’ knowledge and the scenery. One reviewer loved the boat ride and the guide’s English, calling her “super fantastic,” but noted the bus was cramped and late pick-up times. Another praised the spectacular views and historic sites, though they found the long bus rides tiring. Given the comments, travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides and are flexible about comfort will likely enjoy this tour.

Who Would This Tour Suit?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, scenic lovers, and those wanting a full-day adventure without the hassle of organizing transport. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a busy schedule, long bus rides, and some variability in guide quality. If you’re keen to see the Lycia ruins, explore St. Nicholas’ church, and float above an ancient sunken city, this tour hits many highlights in one go.

The Sum Up

For travelers in the Antalya region seeking a combination of history, scenery, and convenience, this tour offers a compelling package. The guided commentary helps bring the sites to life, and the boat cruise provides a memorable highlight. While it’s not perfect — with some comments about comfort and timing — the overall value, especially considering the included lunch and transport, makes it a solid choice.

If you’re interested in ancient civilizations, enjoy scenic boat trips, or want a full-day guided experience that minimizes planning, this tour can be a rewarding way to spend your day. It’s especially well-suited for those staying in Antalya, Alanya, or Side who want a taste of Lycia’s treasures and the fascinating underwater ruins of Kekova.

FAQ

Q: Does the tour include hotel pickup?
A: Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, Alanya, or Side, making it very convenient.

Q: How long is the total tour?
A: The full experience lasts about 12 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and lunch.

Q: Is lunch included?
A: Yes, a tasty restaurant lunch in Demre is included in the tour price.

Q: Can I swim during the boat cruise?
A: Swimming isn’t officially part of the tour, but reviews mention it would be a nice addition. You’d need to bring your own swimsuit if you want to swim.

Q: Are entrance fees included?
A: No, entrance fees to the Myra ancient city and St. Nicholas Museum are not included.

Q: Is the boat ride suitable for children?
A: Generally, yes, but keep in mind long bus rides and boat time might be tiring for very young children.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim.

Q: How is the group size?
A: The tour can have up to 100 travelers, typical for large guided excursions.

Q: What is the rating of this tour?
A: It has a rating of approximately 3.5/5 based on six reviews, reflecting mixed but generally positive experiences.

Q: Who is the tour provider?
A: The experience is operated by FAM TOUR TRAVEL AGENCY.

This tour offers an engaging way to experience some of Turkey’s most intriguing ancient sites and scenic waters. It’s a good pick for those eager to combine history, nature, and local culture in a no-fuss package.