The Demre Myra & Kekova Tour offers a chance to explore the rich historical and natural wonders of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. From the ancient city of Myra to the sunken ruins of Kekova, this full-day excursion promises an immersive experience for just $81.42 per person. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, the tour’s highlights – including a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas – are sure to captivate. What’s more, the optional boat cruise provides a unique perspective on this remarkable region.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Antalya, Alanya, Side, or Kemer takes visitors to the ancient town of Myra and the Kekova Sunken City.
- The tour includes a boat cruise along the sunken city, which is an additional 10€ per person.
- Highlights include exploring the ancient Greek amphitheater, Lycian necropolis tombs, and the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre.
- The tour duration ranges from 10 to 13 hours and includes hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
- Customer reviews suggest mixed experiences, with some finding the attractions limited for the long journey, while others enjoyed the overall experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Although the tour covers several notable destinations, the pricing for this full-day experience starts at $81.42 per person.
Lasting 10-13 hours, the tour includes a visit to the ancient town of Myra, the underwater ruins of Kekova Sunken City, and the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre.
This full-day tour explores the ancient town of Myra, the underwater ruins of Kekova Sunken City, and the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre.
Along the way, guests can explore Lycian rock-cut tombs and an ancient Greek amphitheater.
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, lunch, insurance, and entrance fees.
However, the boat cruise along the sunken city is an additional 10€ per person.
Customers can reserve now and pay later, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Looking for more options in Demre? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour takes visitors to explore the ancient town of Myra, situated along the river Myros. Highlights of the itinerary include:
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Wandering through the ruins of the Kekova Sunken City, destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, and getting a glimpse into the past.
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Marveling at the ancient Greek amphitheater and the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis in Myra, offering a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
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Visiting the Church of St. Nicholas, an East Roman basilica dedicated to Santa Claus, providing a fascinating historical perspective.
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Enjoying a delicious lunch in Demre and the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, offering a refreshing respite.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, lunch in Demre, insurance, and all entrance fees.
It excludes drinks and personal expenses. Participants can also book a boat cruise along the sunken city for an additional 10€.
Travelers should bring swimwear and a towel, as there’s an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
The pickup time is 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, and travelers should wait outside their hotel at the security point.
The pickup times are updated one day before the tour.
Important Information
What should travelers bring on this tour? Swimwear and a towel are recommended, as there will be an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
Plus, it’s important to:
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Arrive at the pickup location 10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure a smooth start to the day.
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Be aware that pickup times may be updated the day before the tour.
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Keep in mind that the boat cruise along the sunken city is an additional 10€ cost.
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Expect a long journey, as the tour duration ranges from 10 to 13 hours.
Customer Reviews
According to the reviews, customer experiences with this tour have been mixed.
Some found the attractions to be limited for a 10-hour journey, with specific comments on the church and amphitheater layout, as well as snorkeling opportunities being affected by jellyfish.
However, others seemed to enjoy the overall experience, with the opportunity to visit the ancient town of Myra, explore the underwater ruins of Kekova Sunken City, and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, indicating a range of satisfaction levels among past participants.
Exploring Myra: Ancient City on the Myros River
Though a prominent ancient city in the Lycian region, Myra stands along the river Myros, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich historical past.
The highlights include:
Exploring the well-preserved ancient Greek amphitheater, nestled amongst the ruins. Marveling at the remarkable rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis.
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Exploring the well-preserved ancient Greek amphitheater, nestled amongst the ruins.
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Marveling at the remarkable rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient architects.
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Visiting the iconic Church of St. Nicholas, an important East Roman basilica dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.
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Discovering the remnants of the city’s flourishing past, with its ancient structures and artifacts providing a window into Myra’s storied history.
Discovering the Kekova Sunken City
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to explore the remarkable Kekova Sunken City. Destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, the partially submerged ruins now lie beneath the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Visitors can observe the ghostly remains of houses, streets, and buildings from the comfort of a boat. The experience offers a unique window into the past, allowing a glimpse of this once-thriving Lycian settlement. It’s a captivating and eerie sight that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Location | Mediterranean Sea, near Demre |
| Cause of Submersion | 2nd century earthquake |
| Visible Ruins | Houses, streets, buildings |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour operator has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitization measures. Guests should check the latest updates on the tour provider’s website or contact them directly for details.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Personal Interests?
The tour can be customized to accommodate personal interests, though specific details may not be readily available. Passengers should inquire with the tour operator about personalization options when making their reservation.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can discuss their interests with the tour operator and request a customized itinerary that provides more time at specific sites or additional activities within the tour.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?
The tour may pose some accessibility challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The itinerary includes walking through ancient ruins and boarding a boat to the sunken city. However, the tour provider offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which can help accommodate those with limited mobility.
Are There Any Additional Costs for Larger Group Sizes?
The tour doesn’t mention any additional costs for larger group sizes. The price listed is per person, so the total cost would scale with the number of participants, but there aren’t any group-based surcharges mentioned.
The Sum Up
The Demre Myra & Kekova Tour offers an enriching full-day experience exploring ancient Myra, the Kekova Sunken City, and the Church of St. Nicholas. At just $81.42 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, professional guidance, lunch, and entrance fees, with an optional boat cruise available. Visitors can enjoy swimming opportunities amidst the stunning historical sites, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and memorable journey.
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