Antalya, Alanya, Side: Demre, Myra, & Kekova Island / Boat

If you’re planning a trip through Turkey’s stunning southern coast, a tour covering Demre, Myra, and Kekova Island promises a day packed with history, scenic views, and unique experiences. Based on the reviews and detailed descriptions, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of archaeological exploration, cultural insight, and natural beauty — all from the comfort of a bus and boat.

What makes this trip particularly appealing? Firstly, the knowledgeable guides who bring each site to life, adding stories and humor that make the history memorable. Secondly, the value for money—including transportation, a hearty local lunch, and a boat cruise—delivers a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price. Thirdly, the flexibility in the itinerary, allowing enough leisure time at each stop to truly soak in the sights.

A potential drawback for some might be the long travel times—the journey from Alanya, for example, can be quite lengthy. However, reviews suggest that the comfort of the bus and the engaging guides help make this part of the adventure bearable.

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to combine history, culture, and scenic views into a single day. Those interested in archaeological sites, Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), or sea views of sunken cities will find this experience particularly fulfilling.

Good To Know

• Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging storytelling and humor.
• Includes lunch and boat cruise, offering excellent value.
• Visits to iconic sites like Saint Nicholas Church and Myra’s theater.
• Opportunity to see the Sunken City of Kekova from the water.
• Long travel distances can be tiring but are offset by the comfort and entertainment provided.
• Flexible sightseeing time at each stop ensures you can explore at your own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect on This Full-Day Tour

This 14-hour tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is smooth and convenient, removing the hassle of organizing transport on your own. The first leg involves a bus journey from places like Alanya, Side, Belek, Antalya, or Kemer—meaning you’ll get to relax and enjoy the scenery before reaching your first destination.

Visiting Saint Nicholas Church & Museum

Your first stop is the Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, which is the highlight for many. This site isn’t just a church but also a museum dedicated to the saint who inspired Santa Claus. As one reviewer pointed out, the structure and exhibits give a fascinating glimpse into his life and influence. You’ll walk through the storied rooms and see relics that tie into the legends of Santa Claus, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in cultural and religious history.

Exploring Myra’s Ancient Ruins

Next, the tour continues to Myra, a city famous for its amphitheater and rock-cut tombs. The theater, carved into the hillside, is impressive both for its size and its preservation, and the tombs provide a peek into the artistry of ancient civilizations. A guide provides context, sharing stories about the significance of the ruins, which helps bring the stones to life.

One reviewer, Jessy, raved about the guide’s storytelling skills, saying he explained so many interesting facts with humor, making what could be just ruins into a lively story. You’ll also see the necropolis, with tombs carved into cliffs, giving an insight into burial practices and architecture.

Local Lunch Experience

After exploring Myra, you’ll enjoy a local Turkish lunch. While reviews don’t specify the exact menu, they highlight that the meal features fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, providing a nice energy boost for the afternoon. It’s a chance to taste regional cuisine, which adds to the authenticity of the day.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Boat Cruise and Kekova Island’s Sunken City

The highlight for many is the boat cruise to Kekova Island, famous for its Sunken City. You’ll glide over waters where you can see the remains of ancient structures submerged beneath the crystal-clear sea. According to reviews, this part of the tour is awe-inspiring, with many noting the haunting beauty of the ruins visible through the water.

The boat cruise offers a different perspective from the land, letting you appreciate the scale and mystery of a city claimed by the sea. Some travelers, like Jessy, found the boat ride relaxing and enjoyable, with the added bonus of scenic views.

Transportation & Timing

Most travelers find the bus comfortable, though a reviewer pointed out that air conditioning might be unreliable on some vehicles, making the journey in summer quite hot. The company tries to mitigate this by parking in shaded areas when possible. The 14-hour duration might seem long, but the pace is not rushed, and plenty of breaks are included.

Group Size & Guides

Group sizes are typically large but manageable, with guides speaking German, English, and Russian. The guides are praised for their friendly and attentive attitude, often going the extra mile, like buying cold drinks in high heat. Their stories and explanations make the trip’s historical sites more engaging.

Flexibility & Booking

Booking is straightforward with options to reserve without upfront payment and cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility adds peace of mind, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

Cost & Value Analysis

While the tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, the guide, entry tickets, and boat cruise, it’s worth considering the value. For a full day filled with multiple sites, a boat ride, and a local meal, the cost is competitive. The inclusion of entry tickets—which can sometimes add up—means less worry about extra expenses on-site.

The reviews underscore that many find the guided explanations and well-organized itinerary well worth the cost, especially given the convenience of having everything arranged. The boat cruise and visits to iconic sites like Saint Nicholas Church make this a comprehensive experience that offers great value, especially for those interested in history and scenic nature.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a wonderful way to see some of Turkey’s most intriguing ancient sites and scenic wonders in one day. It balances history, culture, and natural beauty, with the added bonus of expert guides who make the experience more enjoyable and informative.

Travelers who are patient with longer travel times will find this tour rewarding. It’s perfect for those who want a well-rounded day trip with plenty of opportunities for photos, learning, and relaxing on the water.

If you’re eager to explore Saint Nicholas’s legacy, marvel at ancient ruins, or enjoy sea views of sunken cities, this tour will check all those boxes. Be prepared for a full day, but rest assured, it’s a journey packed with memorable sights and stories.

FAQ

What is the starting time of this tour?
You’ll need to check availability as the tour duration is about 14 hours and starting times vary depending on your pickup location.

How long is the bus ride?
The bus ride from places like Alanya or Side can be quite long. While the journey can be tiring, the bus is described as modern and comfortable, and some reviews mention the benefit of sleeping en route.

Are meals included?
Yes, a local lunch is included, featuring Turkish delicacies made from fresh ingredients. Drinks are not included, so bring water or purchase beverages separately.

Is there a boat cruise involved?
Yes, the tour includes a round-trip boat cruise to Kekova Island, where you can see the Sunken City from the water.

What sites do I get to visit?
You’ll visit the Saint Nicholas Church and Museum, Myra’s theater and tombs, and enjoy the boat cruise of Kekova Island with its submerged ruins.

Are entry tickets included?
Yes, entry to the Church of Saint Nicholas, Ancient City of Myra, and Ancient Theater and Rock Cemetery are included if you select the options during booking.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It generally suits most ages, especially those interested in history and scenic views. Keep in mind the long day and walking involved.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, beachwear, and a change of clothes for after the water activities.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak German, English, and Russian to accommodate diverse travelers.

Overall, this tour offers a thoughtfully organized day filled with significant sites, stunning scenery, and cultural insights, making it a worthwhile addition to any Turkey itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: