St Nicholas Treasures and Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island From Side

Set out on a captivating journey through time and tides with the St Nicholas Treasures and Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island tour from Side.

This extraordinary excursion offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to uncover the hidden secrets of the Turkish Riviera.

From tracing the trail of St Nicholas in Demre to exploring the ancient Lycian tombs of Myra, the adventure unfolds with a sense of intrigue and discovery.

But the true highlight lies in the boat cruise to Kekova Island, where the sunken city’s mesmerizing ruins await, offering glimpses into a submerged world of ancient wonders.

As the boat glides over the crystal-clear waters, curiosity abounds about what lies beneath.

Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of Kekova Island and explore a realm lost to time?

Good To Know

• The tour offers a full-day itinerary visiting historic sites along the Turkish Riviera, including following the trail of St Nicolas in Demre, exploring the ancient Lycian tombs of Myra, and cruising to the sunken island of Kekova.
• Hotel pickup and lunch are included in the tour, making it convenient for travelers.
• The boat cruise to Kekova Island provides views of ancient city ruins, including a fortress, theater, and sarcophaguses, and offers a glass-bottomed section for observing underwater remains.
• Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but any changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time will not be accepted. Plus, if the minimum number of travelers is not met, the tour may be canceled with alternative options or a full refund offered.

Tour Overview and Itinerary

Set out on a full-day adventure from Side as you explore the historic sites along the Turkish Riviera, including following the trail of St Nicolas in Demre, admiring the ancient Lycian tombs of Myra, and cruising to the sunken island of Kekova.

The tour begins with an early morning departure from your central Side hotel. Travel by air-conditioned bus for a 3.5-hour journey to Demre, passing through Kumluca and Finike along the way.

First, explore the Lycian site of Myra, known for its ancient tombs and theater. Then, visit the modern town of Demre, where the church houses the sarcophagus of St Nicholas. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, head to Ucagiz port for a boat cruise to Kekova Island. The boat offers stunning views of the ancient city ruins, including a fortress, theater, and sarcophaguses. There’s even a glass-bottomed section for observing the underwater remains. During the cruise, there’s a short stop for swimming or sunbathing.

After the cruise, the driver will be waiting at the shore for the return journey to Side.

Historic Sites on the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera is home to a wealth of historic sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past. One of the most historically significant places to visit is Demre, a modern town that holds the church housing the sarcophagus of St Nicholas. This connection to Christmas makes it a popular destination for those interested in the holiday’s origins. The ancient city of Myra, with its impressive Lycian tombs and theater, is another must-see site in the area. And for a unique experience, visitors can take a boat cruise to Kekova Island, a sunken island that now lies beneath the sea. This cruise offers views of ancient city ruins, including a fortress and theater, as well as the chance to observe underwater remains through a glass-bottomed section of the boat. The historical significance of Demre and the stunning sights along the Turkish Riviera make this region a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

Trail of St Nicholas in Demre

Discover the captivating Trail of St Nicholas in Demre, where history and legend intertwine to create a fascinating journey through time.

Demre, located on the Turkish Riviera, holds significant cultural importance as the birthplace of St Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. Visitors can explore the modern town of Demre, where the church houses the sarcophagus of St Nicholas, and learn about his legacy as the patron saint of children, sailors, and travelers.

The trail takes you through the ancient Lycian site of Myra, known for its impressive tombs and theater, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

This trail isn’t only a pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual connection but also a chance to explore the cultural significance of Demre and its ties to the beloved figure of St Nicholas.

Ancient Lycian Tombs of Myra

Nestled within the ancient city of Myra, the Ancient Lycian Tombs stand as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the Lycian civilization. These tombs, carved into the rock face, provide a fascinating glimpse into the burial customs and beliefs of the Lycian people. As visitors explore the site, they can marvel at the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating these ancient structures.

Plus, the Ancient Lycian Tombs aren’t the only attraction in Myra. The city is also home to an impressive ancient theater, where performances were once held to entertain the local population. Today, visitors can still admire the grandeur of this theater and imagine the vibrant atmosphere that once filled its halls.

Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the sunken Kekova Island, where ancient ruins and underwater wonders await.

This full-day tour from Side includes a boat cruise to Kekova Island, offering breathtaking views of the sunken city remains. The boat, equipped with a glass-bottomed section, allows visitors to observe the underwater treasures beneath the crystal-clear waters.

As you sail along, you’ll catch glimpses of the ancient city ruins, including a fortress, theater, and sarcophaguses. The cruise also provides a short stop for swimming or sunbathing, allowing you to fully learn about the beauty of the surroundings.

After the cruise, the driver will be waiting at the shore for the return journey to Side, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the hidden wonders of Kekova Island.

Exploring Kekova Island’s Underwater Ruins

As the boat glides through the crystal-clear waters, visitors are transported into a mesmerizing world of ancient wonders beneath the surface, where the sunken ruins of Kekova Island reveal their captivating secrets. Exploring Kekova Island’s underwater ruins offers a unique opportunity to explore the realm of underwater archaeology and witness the remnants of an ancient civilization.

Here are five reasons why this experience is a must-see:

• Discover the submerged city ruins, including a fortress, theater, and sarcophaguses.
• Observe the underwater remains through the glass-bottomed section of the boat.
• Enjoy the marine life exploration, as the waters teem with vibrant and diverse creatures.
• Take a break for swimming or sunbathing in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
• Uncover the mysteries of Kekova Island’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history.

Embark on this extraordinary adventure and be captivated by the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface.

Swimming and Sunbathing on the Boat Cruise

Passengers on the boat cruise to Kekova Island have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim or sunbathe on the deck, soaking up the sun and taking in the breathtaking surroundings. As they relax and unwind, they can also marvel at the ancient city ruins that lie beneath the crystal-clear waters. The boat, equipped with a glass-bottomed section, allows passengers to observe the underwater remains, including a fortress, theater, and sarcophaguses. To grab the attention of the audience, here is a table highlighting the key features of the boat cruise:

With these enticing features, passengers can make the most of their time on the boat cruise by seeing history, nature, and relaxation.

Cancellation Policy and Reviews

After enjoying the opportunity to swim and sunbathe on the boat cruise to Kekova Island, it’s important to familiarize oneself with the cancellation policy and reviews of the tour.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Refund Policy:

• Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be refunded.

• Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be accepted.

• Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.

• If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, the tour may be canceled and alternative options or a full refund will be offered.

• Reviews:

• The tour has an overall rating of 3.5 stars based on 5 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor.

• Ratings range from 1 to 5 stars.

• Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the lack of English or German tour guides and the dominance of Russian commentary.

• Others enjoyed the sights but found the day to be long and tiring.

It is essential to review the cancellation policy and consider the feedback from previous travelers to make an informed decision about the tour. Plus, keep in mind the potential language barrier during the tour.

Common Questions

What Is the Significance of St. Nicholas in Demre?

The significance of St. Nicholas in Demre lies in his history and legends, making it a popular tourist attraction. St. Nicholas is connected to Christmas traditions and is revered as a religious figure.

Are English or German Tour Guides Available on This Tour?

Yes, English and German tour guides are available on this tour. They provide informative commentary throughout the trip, ensuring that all participants can fully understand and appreciate the historic sites and attractions.

How Long Is the Boat Cruise to Kekova Island?

The boat cruise to Kekova Island lasts for an enjoyable duration, providing ample time to explore the ancient city ruins and observe the underwater remains through the glass-bottomed section. The best time to visit is during the sunny and warm months.

Is There a Minimum Number of Travelers Required for the Tour to Proceed?

Yes, there is a minimum number of travelers required for the tour to proceed. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled, but alternative options or a full refund will be offered.

Can Changes Be Made to the Tour Itinerary Less Than 24 Hours Before the Start Time?

Yes, last minute changes to the tour itinerary cannot be accepted less than 24 hours before the start time. It is important to notify the tour operator in advance if any changes need to be made.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey through history and culture with the St Nicholas Treasures and Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island tour from Side.

Explore ancient sites, follow the trail of St Nicholas in Demre, and discover the fascinating ancient Lycian tombs of Myra.

Then, set sail to Kekova Island, where you can marvel at the remains of a sunken city beneath the crystal-clear waters.

With its breathtaking sights and immersive experience, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure on the Turkish Riviera.