Demre and Kekova Full-Day Tour from Antalya

If you’re visiting Antalya and craving a glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past combined with stunning coastal scenery, the Demre and Kekova Full-Day Tour offers a compelling way to do just that. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded, immersive experience that balances history, culture, and natural beauty—all in one day.

What really stands out about this tour are three things: the chance to visit the famous St. Nicholas Church, the impressive rock-hewn tombs at Myra, and the sunken city of Kekova. The guided element ensures you won’t miss the key facts, and the inclusion of transport from Antalya makes it easy to focus on enjoying the sights. One possible consideration is the price at $840 per person, which might seem steep but includes most entry fees, guiding, and transfers—adding up to good value if you love exploring historical sites with expert insights.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, curious travelers who want a manageable, full-day experience, and those interested in authentic local stories. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of walking, sightseeing, and boat trips, and who prefer having logistics sorted out for them. If you’re after a comprehensive, stress-free day of learning and discovering, this tour could be a top pick.

Good To Know

• Convenience: Includes pickup and transfer from Antalya’s city center, saving hassle.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Belgin enhance the experience with detailed stories.
• Rich history: Visits to St. Nicholas Church and Myra reveal Turkey’s early Christian and Lycian past.
• Unique scenery: The sunken city of Kekova offers a rare glimpse of underwater ruins.
• Value for money: Entrance fees, parking, and guiding are included, making the $840 fee more justifiable.
• Limited flexibility: The tour lasts around 7.5 hours, so it’s a full but busy day.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at St. Nicholas Church

Your day kicks off with a visit to the famous St. Nicholas Church, known also as the Santa Claus Church. Built in the 6th century, this basilica is a highlight for anyone interested in early Christian architecture and lore. The site is not just a religious monument but also a place where stories of the real Saint Nicholas—who inspired Santa Claus—originate.

Tourists seem especially appreciative of this stop. One reviewer mentions that their guide, Belgin, was “very knowledgeable on all sites visited,” which really enhances the experience. You’ll spend about an hour here, exploring the church and its small museum, soaking in the atmosphere of a site that has witnessed centuries of history.

Exploring the Rock Tombs of Myra

Next, the tour moves on to the ancient city of Myra, where Lycian rock tombs carve into the cliffs above the town create a striking landscape. These tombs, dating back to the Lycian period, are carved directly into the rock faces—an incredible feat of ancient craftsmanship.

You’ll have about two hours to wander through the ruins and marvel at the well-preserved theater that once hosted thousands. The rock-hewn tombs are especially impressive and photogenic, making for great photos and a chance to imagine what life was like here centuries ago. Reviewers point out that the tombs are free to visit, which adds to the value of the stop, and many appreciate the insightful guidance, making these ruins come alive with stories.

Lunch Break

After soaking in the history, the tour pauses for a lunch break. While lunch isn’t included in the tour price, this is your chance to sample some local Turkish cuisine or grab snacks from nearby eateries. Having a meal here helps recharge before the afternoon’s boat trip, and many travelers find this break essential to keep energy levels up for the next part of the day.

The Sunken City of Kekova by Boat

The highlight for many visitors is the Kekova excursion, a boat trip lasting about two hours. The boat sails around the sunken ruins of Dolchiste, a town destroyed in an earthquake during the 2nd century. You’ll get a close-up view of the submerged walls, towers, and ancient streets that remain partially visible beneath the surface.

Guided commentary during the boat ride provides fascinating stories behind the ruins, and the scenery of the coastline is breathtaking. The boat tour offers a relaxed way to experience history from a different perspective—literally. This part is especially popular among reviewers, with one praising how “seeing the underwater ruins from the boat was like stepping into an ancient city’s skeleton”.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

Transport and Group Size

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Antalya city center, which is convenient and saves you the hassle of organizing transportation. The group size is generally small—up to 15 travelers—ensuring a more personalized experience. The vehicle is comfortable, and the guides are professional and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Timing and Duration

Starting at 10:00 am, the tour spans about 7.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day. It’s well-paced, with enough time to explore each site without feeling rushed. The tour ends back at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

Cost and Value

At $840 per person, the tour might seem on the higher side, but considering it covers all entry fees, parking, guiding, and transfers, it presents reasonable value—especially if you value expert commentary and seamless logistics. The included guiding helps to bring the ruins and historical significance to life, which adds to the overall experience.

What’s Not Included

Keep in mind that drinks and lunch are extra, so budget accordingly. Also, if your hotel is located more than 10 km from Antalya’s city center, additional transfer costs might apply, so clarify this when booking.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

One aspect that reviewers particularly enjoyed was the expert guidance—a guide like Belgin can make the difference between a superficial visit and a truly engaging experience. Her detailed stories and friendly attitude left a lasting impression.

Travelers with a keen interest in history will appreciate the chance to see sites that are not just tourist spots but also stories carved into the landscape. The Sunken Kekova adds a dash of adventure, transforming what could be a simple sightseeing day into an immersive journey through time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits those who want an all-in-one day of history, culture, and scenic beauty with minimal planning fuss. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a guided walk through ancient sites, appreciate stories behind the ruins, and want a convenient, organized trip. Given the small group size and professional guidance, it’s a good option for first-timers looking to maximize their time in the region.

Final Thoughts

The Demre and Kekova Full-Day Tour from Antalya offers a rich, well-structured package for history lovers and curious travelers. It strikes a good balance between cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and ease of logistics, all led by knowledgeable guides who bring the sites to life.

While the price may seem high to some, the inclusion of guiding, entrance fees, and transfers makes it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day. The stops at St. Nicholas Church, Myra’s rock tombs, and the sunken city of Kekova are genuinely memorable, offering insights that go beyond surface-level sightseeing.

If you’re after an engaging historical experience that’s organized and informative, and if you’re comfortable with a full day’s outing, this tour could be a standout choice in Antalya.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and transfer from Antalya’s city center, simplifying your logistics.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour starts at 10:00 am, making it suitable for daytime exploration. Confirmations are received at booking, and it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers all entry fees for the sites visited, including the museum at St. Nicholas Church.

How long does the boat trip last?
The Kekova boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a relaxed view of the underwater ruins.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience. However, it involves walking and some uneven terrain at the ruins.

To sum it up, this tour offers a rich tapestry of history, scenic beauty, and cultural insights—all with the convenience of guided expertise and smooth logistics. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Turkey’s ancient sites without the hassle of planning it all themselves, especially if you’re fascinated by stories of early Christian history and Lycian tombs.