Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

Discover Turkey’s Coastal Treasures: A Complete Review of the Kekova, Myra, and Demre Day Tour from Kemer

Taking a day to explore Turkey’s Turquoise Coast can be a highlight of any trip, especially when it involves ancient ruins, sunken cities, and scenic boat rides. This popular full-day tour from Kemer promises a blend of history, stunning views, and some well-deserved relaxation — all wrapped up in around nine hours. While we’ve never personally been on this exact trip, a close look at reviews and the itinerary reveals what makes this experience worth considering, along with some points to watch out for.

What we love about this tour is its combination of boat trip and historical exploration — you get to see the sunken city of Kekova from a glass-bottom boat, walk among Lycian tombs in Myra, and visit the church of St. Nicholas in Demre, the real-life inspiration for Santa Claus. The knowledgeable guides and small group size (around 10-35 people) also add a friendly, personal touch, making it easier to connect with history and ask questions. Plus, the included lunch and hotel pickup make it a seamless experience.

One possible consideration is that the itinerary involves some long travel times (about two hours each way), and not all stops may meet every traveler’s expectations — for instance, the sunken city isn’t always fully visible or dramatic. It’s also important to note that some entrance fees (like St. Nicholas Church) are extra, and the boat’s condition may not be top-of-the-line. This tour seems best suited for those who love history, scenic boat rides, and a relaxed, well-organized day out.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of boat trip and land exploration offers diverse ways to experience the coast.
• Guides are knowledgeable and engaging, enhancing understanding of the sites.
• Inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup adds convenience and value.
• The itinerary includes multiple historic sites with optional swimming.
• Some reviews mention long travel times and minor logistical issues.
• Price seems reasonable for a full-day guided tour with transportation, meals, and entrance fees.

An In-Depth Look at the Kekova, Myra, and Demre Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start with Hotel Pickup at 8:00 am, which is quite standard for tours of this nature. From there, the coach takes you on a scenic drive to Demre, with most travelers noting the journey itself is quite pleasant, often accompanied by interesting commentary from guides. Expect about two hours in transit, so bringing snacks or entertainment can make this part more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Stop 1: The Rock Tombs in Myra

Your first stop is the Lycian necropolis of Myra, renowned for its spectacular rock-cut tombs cut into the cliffs. Here you’ll get roughly two hours to explore, with the opportunity to see the ancient city’s amphitheatre and the tombs carved into the hillside. Visitors often comment on how impressive the tombs are, with some describing them as “very interesting” and noting the guide’s detailed explanations.

One reviewer mentioned that their guide Alp was “very skilled and nice”, adding humor and historical context to the visit, which made the experience more engaging. The entrance fee isn’t included, so be prepared for that.

Pro tip: Bring a camera — the views are striking, and the tombs are quite photogenic. You’ll also have the chance to walk along the ancient streets, soaking up the atmosphere of one of Turkey’s most evocative Lycian sites.

Stop 2: Kekova Island and Sunken City

Next, you’ll hop onto a glass-bottom boat for approximately two hours at Kekova Island. This part of the tour stands out because of its unique underwater landscape. The boat cruise offers glimpses of the sunken Lycian city, which lies beneath the water, partially visible through the transparent boat floor.

Many reviewers highlight how beautiful the boat ride is, with some mentioning they saw turtles during the trip — a rare and delightful bonus. The boat’s glass-bottom feature allows you to see underwater ruins without getting wet, although some travelers noted that the sunken city’s remains are not as extensive or dramatic as they might have expected, with only a small part visible beneath the water.

Swimming opportunity: Some reviews mention that there’s an opportunity to swim off the back of the boat, but this isn’t explicitly advertised. If swimming is important to you, it’s wise to bring your gear, as one reviewer lamented missing out because they weren’t prepared.

Stop 3: The Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre

The final stop is in Demre, home to the Church of St. Nicholas, where you can see his tomb. Allocate about two hours here. The church itself is a modest but historically significant site, and many find it quite moving to stand where Saint Nicholas was laid to rest.

Note: Entrance fees to the church are not included, and some reviews mention that it’s an extra cost. If you’re interested in the religious or cultural significance of Saint Nicholas, this is a meaningful visit. Others choose to relax at nearby cafes, enjoying the local atmosphere after the sightseeing.

The Overall Experience: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, the boat cruise at Kekova, and entrance fees to Myra and Demre. This makes it a good value considering the full day of guided sightseeing, transportation, and meals.

However, entrance fees for St. Nicholas Church are extra, and drinks are not included — an important note if you’re counting on everything being covered. Some reviews mention that the boat was not as modern as expected, and the visibility of the sunken city was limited during their trip.

Group size seems manageable, ranging from around 10 to 35 travelers, which allows for personalized interaction with guides. Guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with Alp and others providing engaging commentary that brings the sites to life.

What Travelers Say

People frequently highlight the expertise of guides, with many reviews praising Alp’s storytelling and humor. It’s clear that a small, friendly group enhances the experience, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy the sites at a relaxed pace.

Many reviewers loved the scenic boat ride and the delicious lunch — a genuine highlight — with some noting that the meal exceeded expectations. The views from the boat and the ruins in Myra are frequently described as breathtaking.

On the flip side, some mention that the sunken city isn’t as extensive as shown in photos, and a few found the long travel times tiring, especially if starting from a distant hotel. Also, a handful of travelers experienced language issues or unexpected extra costs, emphasizing the importance of verifying what’s included before booking.

Practical Tips for Your Day Out

• Bring your swimming gear if you’d like to take advantage of the swimming opportunity during the boat trip.
• Carry some cash for entrance fees not included, especially for St. Nicholas Church.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially since there’s some walking involved.
• The pick-up time is around 8:00 am, so plan your morning accordingly.
• Snacks or water are advisable for the journey, especially if you’re traveling with children or sensitive to long drives.
• If you’re interested in photography, the scenic views at Myra and Kekova are not to miss.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, those interested in ancient Lycian culture, and scenery lovers who enjoy boat rides and open-air exploration. It’s also perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive day out that combines land and sea adventures, with the convenience of hotel pickup and included lunch.

If you’re traveling with children or prefer a more relaxed pace, the manageable group size and engaging guides make this a comfortable choice. However, if you prefer a more immersive or extensive archaeological experience, you might find the sunken city somewhat underwhelming.

The Sum Up

The Kekova, Myra, and Demre Day Tour from Kemer offers a well-rounded glimpse of Turkey’s fascinating coastal and historical sites. With friendly guides, scenic boat trips, and a tasty included lunch, it provides good value for a full-day adventure. The stops at Myra’s rock tombs and St. Nicholas Church are especially meaningful, and the boat cruise adds a relaxing, picturesque element.

While some travelers find the visibility of the sunken city limited and the long travel times a bit tiring, most agree that the guide’s storytelling and the overall atmosphere make it worthwhile. It’s a solid choice for those who relish history, scenic views, and a taste of Turkish culture in one package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Kemer are included in the tour.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at around 8:00 am.

Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees to Myra and Demre are included, but the fee for St. Nicholas Church is extra and not included.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim off the back of the boat, but it’s not explicitly advertised, so bring your gear just in case.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hats, water, and possibly a camera. If you plan to swim, pack your swimwear and towel.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Most reviews mention the boat is not modern but still comfortable enough for a scenic cruise, with some noting the glass-bottom feature is a highlight.

What’s the group size?
The group usually ranges from about 10 to 35 travelers, creating a friendly atmosphere.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the tour price.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention traveling with children, and the manageable pace makes it family-friendly. Just remember to pack swimming gear if swimming interests your family.

This tour offers a charming mix of history, scenic sailing, and cultural insight, making it a memorable day for those interested in Turkey’s coastal legacy.