Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City

Nestled along the picturesque southwestern coast of Turkey, the Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City tour promises a captivating journey through the region’s rich history and natural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved Lycian rock-cut tombs, explore the remnants of an ancient submerged civilization, and discover the final resting place of St. Nicholas himself. With its blend of cultural significance and enchanting landscapes, this tour offers a truly unique experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The Demre Myra Kekova tour showcases the ancient city of Myra, the birthplace of St. Nicholas, and the Sunken City of Kekova, a unique underwater archaeological site.

• The tour includes a visit to the well-preserved Lycian rock-cut tombs and the ancient theater, agora, and necropolis of Myra, providing insights into the region’s Lycian heritage.

• Travelers can explore the final resting place of St. Nicholas at the St. Nicholas Church, which requires an additional entrance fee of 17€.

• The tour offers a diverse range of cultural and natural experiences, including a boat tour, but may pose challenges for travelers with mobility issues due to steep steps.

• Feedback on the tour is mixed, with positive aspects such as knowledgeable guides and scenic beauty, but also some complaints about organizational issues and language barriers.

Location and Highlights

The Demre Myra Kekova tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through the rich history and stunning natural beauty of southwestern Turkey.

Highlights include the ancient city of Myra, known for its impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs, and the otherworldly Sunken City of Kekova, which can be explored by boat.

Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the iconic St. Nicholas Church, the final resting place of the legendary St. Nicholas.

The tour covers a diverse range of cultural and natural wonders, offering a well-rounded experience for those seeking to enjoy the region’s captivating heritage.

Itinerary and Inclusions

The tour commences at 7:00 am, providing ample time to explore the day’s highlights.

Included in the package are a delicious lunch, the boat tour fee, and an experienced guide to lead the way.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as insurance and fuel surcharges, are also covered.

Entrance to the ancient city of Myra is included, while an additional fee of 17€ is required to visit St. Nicholas Church.

Transportation is via round-trip transit from Antalya hotels, with a maximum group size of 27 travelers.

The tour may be operated by multilingual guides, primarily in Russian and English.

Pickup and Accessibility

Pickup locations are selected during booking, allowing travelers to choose a convenient starting point for the tour.

The Demre Myra Kekova tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the presence of steep steps at the ancient theater. Those with mobility issues may find the tour challenging.

The tours are typically led by multilingual guides, with Russian and English being the primary languages. While the guides work to accommodate various languages, language barriers can sometimes occur, particularly for non-Russian or English speakers.

Guests should consider their physical abilities and language needs when booking this comprehensive historical and scenic excursion.

Historical Significance of Myra

Although the ancient city of Myra is renowned for its well-preserved Lycian rock-cut tombs, it also holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of St. Nicholas.

Once a thriving port city, Myra was a hub of early Christianity, serving as the episcopal see of the Lycian region.

The impressive ruins of the grand St. Nicholas Church and other Byzantine structures provide a glimpse into the city’s prosperous past.

Visitors can explore the ancient theater, agora, and necropolis, which offer insights into the daily lives and beliefs of the Lycian people who called Myra home centuries ago.

Exploring the Sunken City of Kekova

One of the highlights of the Demre Myra Kekova tour is the captivating boat excursion to the Sunken City of Kekova.

As the boat glides over the crystal-clear waters, visitors can glimpse the ruins of an ancient Lycian city, submerged centuries ago. The ghostly remnants of buildings, roads, and jetties emerge from the turquoise depths, evoking a sense of wonder and mystery.

Cruising along the scenic coastline, the tour provides a unique perspective on this remarkable archaeological site. Travelers can explore the sunken structures, imagining the vibrant city that once thrived in this picturesque Mediterranean setting.

Discovering the Lycian Rock-Cut Tombs

As the boat glides back to shore, the tour takes a turn inland to uncover another captivating aspect of the region’s rich history – the Lycian rock-cut tombs.

Carved directly into the cliffs, these ancient tombs offer a glimpse into the burial practices of the Lycian civilization that flourished in the region centuries ago.

Visitors can explore the intricate facades and peer into the recesses of these remarkable structures, imagining the lives and legacies of the individuals who were laid to rest within.

The tombs stand as silent sentinels, preserving the heritage of this remarkable land.

Visiting the St. Nicholas Church

After exploring the Lycian rock-cut tombs, the tour takes visitors to the captivating St. Nicholas Church.

This ancient structure, dating back to the 4th century AD, is a highlight of the excursion. Visitors can admire the church’s impressive Byzantine architecture, which features intricate stone carvings and a magnificent altar.

Inside, the atmospheric interiors create a sense of spiritual serenity. An additional fee of 17€ allows access to the church, providing the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this important Christian site.

The St. Nicholas Church offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich religious heritage.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

Travelers’ experiences with the Demre Myra Kekova tour have been a mixed bag, according to available feedback. While many enjoyed the historical aspects, knowledgeable guides, and scenic beauty of the boat tour, others reported issues with organization, language barriers, uncomfortable transportation, and inadequate air conditioning. Some found the tour too rushed or the guide uninformative.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Historical aspects	Organization issues
Knowledgeable guides	Language barriers
Scenic boat tour	Uncomfortable transportation
	Inadequate air conditioning
	Tour felt rushed
	Uninformative guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Ideal Time of Year to Visit This Tour?

The ideal time to visit this tour is during the spring or fall months when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Visitors can enjoy the historical sites and scenic boat tour without the intense heat of summer.

Can Participants Swim or Snorkel During the Boat Tour?

During the boat tour, participants can swim and snorkel to explore the stunning sunken city of Kekova. However, the tour does not provide any snorkeling equipment, so travelers should bring their own if they want to enjoy the underwater ruins.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but travelers can inquire about add-on activities or private tours if they’d like to spend more time exploring the region’s historical and natural wonders.

Can the Tour Accommodate Specific Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal options, upon prior request. Customers should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their needs are met during the included lunch.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Package Price?

The tour package includes most expenses, but there’s an additional fee of 17€ to visit the St. Nicholas Church. Travelers should also be aware of any personal expenses not covered in the base price.

The Sum Up

The Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City tour offers a captivating journey through southwestern Turkey’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can marvel at the ancient Lycian rock-cut tombs, explore the submerged ruins of the Sunken City, and pay respects at the final resting place of St. Nicholas. It’s a unique cultural experience that transports travelers back in time and leaves a lasting impression.