Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

This full-day tour from Kemer offers a fascinating glimpse into some of Turkey’s most captivating historical sites, all wrapped up in a scenic journey along the Turquoise Coast. It combines boat rides, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks, making it a well-rounded experience for history buffs and curious travelers alike. The $56.89 price tag includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and entrance fees to major sites, which makes it quite a compelling option for a full-day adventure.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is the expert guidance. Guides like Alp, who is frequently praised for his knowledge and friendly approach, can make a significant difference in how much you learn and enjoy the day. The boat cruise, especially in a glass-bottomed boat, offers a unique and memorable way to see the sunken city of Kekova—a highlight that often surprises visitors with its haunting beauty and underwater stories.

However, it’s worth considering the logistics—such as the long drive from Kemer, which can take around two hours each way, and that some parts of the tour, like the St. Nicholas church, require an extra fee if you want to visit inside. These are small factors but worth noting to avoid surprises. This tour suits those who love history, scenic boat rides, and a touch of adventure, especially if you’re staying in Kemer and want an efficient way to explore these iconic sites.

Key Points

• Historical richness: Visit ancient Lycian sites, tombs, and the tomb of St. Nicholas.
• Scenic boat trip: Experience the beauty of Kekova and see the sunken ruins from a glass-bottom boat.
• Authentic culture: Explore local landmarks and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch.
• Guided expertise: Led by knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories about the sites.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, saving you time and hassle.
• Flexible options: Some sites may require additional fees, like the St. Nicholas church.

This tour spans approximately nine hours, making it a full day of sightseeing, learning, and relaxing. Starting early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, you’ll first head to Myra, one of the region’s most impressive Lycian archaeological sites. Here, you’ll be able to walk among rock-cut tombs and ancient ruins, marveling at how the Lycian people carved their stories into stone. Reviewers like Jessica note the “impressive” tombs and a “very interesting” history lesson from guides, which helps bring the site alive.

While admission fees to Myra are not included, the entrance fee is generally affordable, and guides often enrich your visit with stories about the Lycian culture. Expect about two hours here, with plenty of time for photos, wandering, and absorbing the historical atmosphere. Many travelers, such as Julia, mention how their guides—like Alp—”shared a lot about the history,” making the experience far more engaging than a simple walk-through.

Next, you’ll hop on a glass-bottom boat to explore Kekova Island. Here, the boat cruise lasts around two hours, during which you’ll see the sunken city from a unique vantage point. The water is clear, and the underwater ruins are surprisingly well-preserved, giving the illusion of a city frozen in time beneath the sea. One reviewer, Anne, mentioned how she “missed out on swimming” because it wasn’t explicitly advertised, but many still find the boat trip itself captivating, especially if you enjoy scenic views and a relaxing vibe.

You may get a chance to see turtles in the harbor, as some reviews mention, which adds an extra touch of wildlife to your day. The boat itself may not be the newest (some reviewers like Marco noted the boat’s “not modern” look), but the experience still feels special, especially in the small-group setting, which keeps it cozy and intimate.

The final highlight is a visit to Demre to see the Church of Saint Nicholas. While the church itself involves an extra fee if you want to go inside, even just viewing the exterior and learning about Saint Nick’s tomb from outside can be quite meaningful. Many guests, such as Zsombor, enjoy learning about the “interesting facts” and appreciate the opportunity to relax at local cafes afterward—something reviewers like Indr_G highlight as a “nice, relaxing end” to an active day.

Transport and Group Size

Transportation is comfortable, with most travelers praising the timely pickup and the coach’s air-conditioning, especially appreciated on hot days. The group size is capped at around 35 people, keeping the experience manageable, and some reviews mention the benefit of being in small groups—like the 10-person group—with guides who speak fluent English, making communication smooth and friendly.

While the tour is well-organized, some reviews point out that the long drive (approximately 2 hours each way) can make the day feel quite lengthy, especially if you’re not used to extended travel. Still, being picked up from your hotel in Kemer is a significant perk that minimizes hassle.

Food and Additional Costs

The included lunch is generally praised as “delicious” and a good way to refuel for the day. It’s a typical Turkish meal that most travelers find satisfying. However, alcohol or soft drinks are not included, and some reviews mention that drinks must be purchased separately.

Entrance fees to major sites like Myra and Demre are covered, but the St. Nicholas Church requires an additional fee if you wish to go inside. Reviewers have pointed out this extra cost, so it’s good to carry some cash just in case. Also, note that some sites, such as the church interior, might be closed or have limited access depending on the day, so flexibility can be helpful.

Authenticity and Guides

Guides like Alp and others have received high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling ability. They make the experience more than just ticking off sights; they turn it into a storybook of regional history. Some guests, like Julia, mention how guides “taught them a lot about the history”, enriching what might otherwise be just ruins.

A common thread in reviews is the positive vibe created by guides, who balance educational insights with humor and attentiveness. However, a few reviews also highlight language issues—some guests received tours in unexpected languages, like Russian, due to logistics, so it’s worth confirming your preferred language at booking.

Value for Money

Given that the price covers hotel pickup, entrance fees, a boat cruise, and lunch, many travelers find the tour offers good value. The experience combines scenic beauty, cultural insight, and leisure, making it a comprehensive day out for a reasonable budget. For those interested in Turkey’s ancient sites and scenic boat rides, this tour hits the mark without breaking the bank.

This experience suits history enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a relaxed, informative day. If you enjoy boat trips, exploring ancient ruins, and learning about local legends like St. Nicholas, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s ideal for travelers based in Kemer looking to explore the region efficiently, especially if you prefer guided experiences that handle logistics for you.

While it’s a full-day commitment, the pace is moderate, and the small group sizes help keep the trip intimate. Keep in mind the long drive, so be prepared for a day that combines sightseeing with some downtime on the bus.

This Kekova, Demre, and Myra tour from Kemer offers a well-rounded glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past and scenic beauty. The highlight for most is the glass-bottom boat trip over the sunken city of Kekova, a sight that’s both haunting and beautiful. The visit to Myra is equally captivating, with its Lycian tombs and ruins providing a sense of stepping back in time. The inclusion of a delicious Turkish lunch and the convenience of hotel pickup make it a solid option for travelers wanting to make the most of a day along the coast.

The guides play a crucial role, with reviews emphasizing their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling, which elevates the entire experience. While some minor drawbacks like extra costs for certain sites or the length of travel time exist, they are outweighed by the overall value and authenticity of the tour.

If you’re after a mix of history, scenic views, and relaxed exploration, this tour provides an excellent introduction to some of Turkey’s most treasured sites—perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a structured, hassle-free day out.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, most bookings include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long is the bus ride from Kemer to the sites?
The journey takes about two hours each way, so be prepared for some travel time, though the coach is generally comfortable and air-conditioned.

Can I visit the inside of St. Nicholas Church?
The church itself requires an additional fee if you want to go inside, as it’s not included in the main tour price.

Is there an opportunity to swim during the boat trip?
While the boat cruise is scenic, some reviewers mention that swimming is possible but not explicitly included or advertised. Bringing swimwear just in case is a good idea.

Are entrance fees to the sites included?
Entrance fees to Myra and Demre are covered, but the fee for the St. Nicholas church may be extra if you wish to go inside.

What should I bring on this tour?
Bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, water, and perhaps some cash for extras like snacks or additional site fees. Also, a camera or phone for photos is essential.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, many families enjoy the trip, especially because it’s a manageable full-day with opportunities for relaxing and exploring. The boat trip and sites are generally stroller-friendly, though you might need to carry young children in some areas.

How can I ensure I get an English-speaking guide?
It’s best to confirm your language preference when booking, as most tours offer multi-lingual guides, and some reviewers have experienced tours in other languages due to logistics.

This full-day Kekova, Demre, and Myra tour from Kemer offers a fantastic balance of history, scenery, and simplicity, making it a worthwhile addition to your Turkish coast adventure.