Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour

Traveling from Kemer to explore Turkey’s storied past offers a fascinating glimpse into the civilizations that shaped the region. This full-day tour, priced at around $66 per person and lasting about 11 hours, takes you through a series of historically significant sites—Demre, Myra, and Kekova—with a blend of walking, boat rides, and awe-inspiring ruins. The tour’s highlights include a boat cruise over the sunken city of Kekova, a visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), and the chance to wander through the ancient city of Myra.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see some of Turkey’s most iconic antiquities in one day. The knowledgeable guides help bring the sites alive with stories and context, and the boat trip offers a unique perspective of the area’s submerged remnants. Plus, the opportunity to walk among Lycian tombs carved into the rocks adds a layer of authentic exploration.

However, potential travelers should be aware of a few considerations. The itinerary can feel rushed, and some reviews mention disappointing boat experiences—notably, the absence of the promised glass bottom. The long drive from Kemer to Demre (about two hours each way) also requires an early start. This tour is best suited for history buffs and those eager to explore Turkey’s ancient sites with a guided group, especially if you enjoy boat rides and walking tours.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip covering Demre, Myra, and Kekova with historical and scenic highlights
• Boat cruise offers a view of the sunken city with a glass-bottom boat, though experiences vary
• Expert guides provide insights into Lycian tombs, ancient ruins, and the story of Saint Nicholas
• Long travel time from Kemer; early start needed, so be prepared for a full day
• Optional visits to church of St. Nicholas and ancient amphitheater
• Some disappointment with boat features and timing noted by previous travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Departure and Travel to Demre

Starting from Kemer, the tour involves a roughly two-hour coach ride to Demre. While this might seem like a long bus trip, it offers a chance to enjoy scenic views of Antalya Province’s landscape—citrus groves, pine forests, and distant mountains. It’s worth bringing some snacks or a breakfast box from your hotel, as you’ll want energy for the day ahead.

Demre and the Church of Saint Nicholas

Upon arrival, the tour begins with a visit to the church of St. Nicholas, the site where the saint’s tomb is enshrined. This church is considered a major pilgrimage destination, especially for those interested in Christian history or the legend of Santa Claus. Inside, you’ll find beautiful murals, mosaics, and icons, which help tell the story of the beloved saint, known for his generosity.

Many reviews emphasize the religious significance of the site. One reviewer notes that every pilgrim considers it a must-visit. However, some find the entrance fee for this church to be an extra expense not included in the tour’s price.

The Ancient City of Myra

Next, the group visits Myra, founded in the 5th century BC and once the capital of Lycia. Here, the star attractions include the Roman amphitheater—a massive structure capable of seating around 10,000 spectators, surrounded by citrus orchards that add a bright, lively backdrop. Adjacent to the amphitheater are Lycia tombs, expertly carved into the cliffs and rocks, showcasing the artistry of ancient craftsmen.

Travelers who love walking among history will find the site fascinating. One reviewer mentions the scale of the rock tombs as breathtaking, and guides typically share stories about the Lycians’ unique funerary architecture. Expect to spend some time wandering among these ruins, soaking in the atmosphere of ancient Lycia.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Rest

The tour includes a lunch break, typically in a local restaurant or scenic spot. Since the itinerary is packed, we recommend bringing a lunch box from your hotel for a quick snack during one of the stops—this way, you won’t miss out on energy while exploring.

The Sunken City of Kekova and Boat Trip

After visiting Myra, the next adventure is a scenic boat cruise along the coast to Kekova, famous for its partially submerged ruins. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the sunken city, with some boats featuring glass-bottom sections to see underwater remains.

This is where the experience gets hit-or-miss. Some travelers, like Bernt, express disappointment that the glass bottom was not available or that the boat ride was rushed. He comments, “there was no glass bottom as described in the itinerary,” and the guide pointed at the hillside with a mirror, which might leave you wishing for more transparency in the experience.

Still, the ruins of Kekova—a city that sank after earthquakes—are impressive. You’ll see stone stairs, walls of submerged houses, and artifacts. The water is calm, and the scenery is pretty, making it a memorable part of the day despite some logistical hiccups.

Return Journey and Final Stops

After the boat trip, the group heads back to Demre for a second visit to the church of St. Nicholas—a chance for photo opportunities or to pay a second visit to the shrine. The return trip to Kemer takes around two hours, often at a brisk pace, with some reviews noting overly fast driving.

What Travelers Can Expect and Practical Tips

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses coach transportation with hotel pickups from the main hotel entrance, not the lobby. This means you’ll need to be ready at the designated pickup point. The group size isn’t specified but likely moderate, which helps keep the experience intimate enough for questions but still efficient.

Guides and Language

We found that the guides are generally knowledgeable and fluent in English and Russian. One review mentioned a guide who spoke good English and shared interesting stories, making the history come alive. However, some travelers experienced a language mismatch, like a guide supposed to speak German but speaking only English, which frustrated non-English speakers.

What to Bring

You’ll want to come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towels, and a camera to capture the moments. The boat offers a swim stop, so packing water shoes or sandals might be helpful. It’s also wise to bring cash for additional expenses like drinks or souvenirs, as well as a lunch box from your hotel.

Timing and Pacing

Given the long day’s schedule, expect to be on your feet quite a bit. The early start means missing some morning rest, but it also means you’ll maximize your time at each site. Be prepared for a full, busy day, especially since some reviews mention long waits and rushed moments.

The Value of This Tour

When considering the cost, the $66 per person ticket includes transportation, guiding, lunch, and the boat cruise. While some reviews point out disappointments—like the missing glass bottom or long wait times—the tour still offers a comprehensive look at some of Turkey’s most storied sites in a single day. For history lovers, the Lycia tombs, amphitheater, and Saint Nicholas shrine are undeniably worthwhile.

But if you’re expecting a luxury experience or a relaxed pace, this may not be the best fit. The roughly two-hour drive each way, combined with a packed schedule, means you’re primarily paying for guided access and the opportunity to see key sites without organizing logistics yourself.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts eager to explore Turkey’s ancient past without the hassle of planning. It’s also great for groups or families looking for a full-day adventure with guided commentary. If you enjoy boat rides and walking among ruins, you’ll appreciate the itinerary.

However, if you’re sensitive to long drives or prefer a more relaxed pace with more time at each site, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, expectations matter—if you’re excited about the glass-bottom boat or detailed underwater sights, be aware some travelers have been disappointed in this regard.

Final Thoughts

The Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour provides a compact but rich glimpse into Turkey’s ancient Lycian civilization, with the bonus of a boat cruise over a sunken city. The guides often bring the history to life, and the scenic sites are genuinely impressive. Still, the experience can be somewhat uneven—delays, rushed visits, and the boat’s features don’t always meet expectations.

If you’re looking for an affordable, guided day trip that hits a few major highlights—ancient ruins, religious sites, and underwater archaeology—this tour is worth considering, especially if you prioritize learning from knowledgeable guides and love scenic boat rides. Just remember to set your expectations about the boat’s features and the pacing, and bring your sense of adventure along.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from hotels at the main security gate, not the lobby.

How long is the bus ride from Kemer to Demre?
It’s approximately two hours each way, so expect a total of about four hours of travel time.

What’s included in the tour price?
The tour price covers guiding, lunch, the boat cruise, and entrance to Myra. The church of St. Nicholas has an additional fee.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Guides speak both English and Russian fluently. Some reviews mention issues with language matching, like guides who don’t speak German when expected.

Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes, bringing a lunch box from your hotel is recommended, especially since the schedule is busy.

Is swimming part of the tour?
Yes, there’s a stop for swimming and relaxing on the boat, but you might want to bring swimwear and towels.

Will I see the sunken city of Kekova clearly?
It’s hit or miss. Some travelers don’t see the underwater ruins through the glass bottom, as noted by a reviewer.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s suitable for most, but be aware of the walking involved, the early start, and the long coach rides. It’s not recommended for those with heart problems or mobility issues.

What should I bring for the day?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towels, camera, cash, and possibly snacks or a lunch box.

Embark on this journey if you’re eager to walk among ancient tombs, stand where saints once stood, and cruise over a city lost beneath the waves—just be prepared for a full day and some surprises along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: