Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour

Discovering the Best of Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour

When it comes to exploring Turkey’s Turkish Riviera, this Antalya-based tour offers a varied day packed with history, scenery, and maritime adventure. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, reviews and detailed itineraries reveal a mix of highlights and some room for improvement. It seems ideal for travelers who want a taste of ancient Lycia, stunning coastlines, and a boat trip without breaking the bank.

What we love about this tour is how it combines cultural sites like Myra and the Lycian necropolis, with the excitement of sailing to a sunken city—a truly unique sight. Plus, the snorkeling in crystal waters is an activity that appeals to many who enjoy the sea. The complimentary lunch adds to the overall value, making it a practical choice for those on a budget. However, some reviews note that the long hours and transportation concerns might be less appealing for families or travelers with limited stamina.

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, sea lovers, and those looking for a full-day, all-in-one experience. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and longer travel times, it can provide an enriching and scenic day trip from many popular Turkish Riviera resorts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historical richness: Visit ancient Lycian sites like Myra and the necropolis.
• Unique maritime experience: Sail to Kekova and explore the sunken city ruins.
• Snorkeling opportunities: Swim in clear waters and see underwater ruins.
• All-inclusive value: Includes guide, lunch, and transportation.
• Long day: Expect a full, 9- to 15-hour itinerary with some reviews mentioning lengthy travel times.
• Suitable for: History buffs, sea adventurers, and travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip.

A Closer Look at the Trip Itinerary

This tour kicks off with hotel pickups from locations like Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, making it accessible for many travelers. The first stop is the ancient town of Myra, where you’ll wander through history-rich sites like the Greek amphitheater and the Lycian rock-cut tombs. These structures are quite photogenic and offer a tangible connection to Turkey’s past. Reviewers mention the guide’s humor and knowledge as a highlight here, with one reviewer praising Alp for his engaging storytelling and honesty.

Next, a complimentary lunch is served, typically described as delicious, which provides necessary fuel before the boat trip. The timing here is important—while the meal is included, some reviews note that dinner isn’t provided afterward, which could be inconvenient for those with dietary restrictions or long travel days.

The boat trip to Kekova is undoubtedly the highlight. You’ll sail over turquoise waters to see the sunken city of Simena, a UNESCO-listed site partially submerged after earthquakes. The waters surrounding Kekova are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, with reviews confirming the water’s clarity and the opportunity to explore underwater ruins firsthand. Some travelers mention that while snorkeling is advertised as part of the tour, it might not always be fully emphasized, so be prepared for some surprises.

The last stop is the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa, which you can explore on foot and admire the ancient tombs carved into cliffs. The overall pace of the day tends to be relaxed yet packed, with some travelers noting long bus rides—up to 3 hours from Antalya—and an extended day that can stretch over 15 hours, depending on pick-up points and traffic.

Finally, the tour concludes in Demre, where you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas—the historical figure behind Santa Claus. This adds a charming, festive touch to the trip’s end and provides a fitting cultural finish.

Transportation, Timing & Group Dynamics

Transportation during the tour is by minivan, with pick-up and drop-off services from most major resorts. Reviewers comment on the size and comfort of the vehicle; some found it cramped, especially for taller travelers (noted as being too small for two 182 cm guests), which could impact comfort during the lengthy transfers.

Timing-wise, the tour runs from early morning to late evening, often around 9-15 hours, including travel time. This could be a pro or con depending on your stamina and interests. The early start means you’ll beat some crowds at sites, but also needs a good breakfast and patience for longer drives.

Group sizes vary, but the presence of knowledgeable guides like Alp suggests a more personalized experience. The language options are English and Russian, making it accessible for varied travelers.

Value for Money & Overall Experience

At $65 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price considering the number of sites visited and the included boat trip and lunch. The reviews highlight good value, especially for travelers interested in combining multiple activities—culture, history, and sea adventures—into a single day.

However, some drawbacks are worth noting. Several reviews mention long travel times and transportation discomfort. If you’re not a fan of long bus rides or are traveling with young children, this could be a tough day. Plus, while snorkeling is part of the package, it may not be as prominent or organized as in dedicated water activities.

The guides seem to make a positive difference, with some reviewers praising Alp for his humor and honesty, adding an authentic touch to the trip. Yet, other travelers noted issues like guide oversharing personal opinions or microphone problems, which can affect the overall experience.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to see Lycian sites and sea lovers wanting a boat adventure with underwater sights. It’s also suitable for those seeking value for money and don’t mind a long day on the road. Families with active children might want to prepare for a lengthy itinerary, and travelers with mobility issues should consider the bus ride and walking involved.

If you prefer short, relaxed trips or are on a tight schedule, this might be less ideal. But for a comprehensive day exploring the highlights of Demre and Kekova, it offers a well-rounded experience.

Final Thoughts

The Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour promises a mix of history, scenery, and maritime discovery, making it a popular choice for many visitors. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide, a tasty lunch, and the chance to witness underwater ruins are definite advantages.

That said, the long hours and transportation comfort are points to consider. It’s a good fit for travelers who are physically prepared for a full day of sightseeing and enthusiastic about exploring ancient sites and underwater mysteries. If you’re looking for a balanced, historically engaging, and scenic full-day trip, this tour offers solid value.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off services are available from all hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, making logistics easier.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around sites and on the boat. Also consider a hat, sunscreen, and a towel for swimming and snorkeling.

Are meals included?
A complimentary lunch is provided, which many reviewers have enjoyed. However, dinner isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you have dietary needs or prefer a later meal.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day trip can take anywhere from 9 to 15 hours, depending on pick-up locations and traffic conditions.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?
Snorkeling is part of the activities at Kekova, but some reviews suggest it might not be emphasized strongly, so it’s good to be prepared for that.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak English and Russian, which should cover most travelers’ language preferences.

In summary, this tour offers a rich mix of history, scenic boat rides, and coastal exploration, making it a solid choice for those eager to see the highlights of Demre, Myra, and Kekova in one well-organized day. Just be prepared for the long hours and transportation aspects, and you’ll find it a worthwhile adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: