Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour

Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour Review: A Deep Dive into Turkey’s Ancient Coastline

If you’re exploring the Turkish Riviera and craving a journey into the past, the Kemer Demre Myra Kekova tour offers a fascinating mix of history, scenic boat rides, and picturesque landscapes. Priced at around $66 per person, this full-day excursion promises to bring you face-to-face with ancient Lycian ruins, the legendary city of Myra, and the sunken city of Kekova. It’s a popular choice for travelers eager to connect with Turkey’s roots without venturing too far from Kemer.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines a variety of experiences—visiting historical sites, enjoying an open sea cruise, and walking through ruins—all in one day. The guide’s knowledge is often highlighted as a bright spot, helping to make the history come alive. However, it’s worth considering that some reviews mention issues like misleading descriptions and uneven logistics, which can impact your overall experience. Still, if you’re interested in authentic sites and don’t mind a busy itinerary, this tour could be a great fit.

This tour tends to suit those with a keen interest in ancient history, scenery lovers, and those happy to spend a long day on the move. It’s not ideal if you prefer a slow pace or have mobility concerns, as the day involves a fair amount of walking, boat cruising, and some historical site exploration. With that in mind, let’s break down what you can expect and how to make the most of this full-day adventure.

Key Points

• Historical significance: Visit the ancient city of Myra, known for its Lycian necropolis and Roman amphitheater.
• Cultural highlights: See the Church of St. Nicholas, a major pilgrimage site and historical icon.
• Unique scenery: Experience a boat ride over the sunken city of Kekova with its visible ruins beneath the water.
• Travel logistics: The trip covers about 116 km from Kemer to Demre, taking roughly two hours each way.
• Tour inclusions and limitations: Includes guiding, entrance fees to Myra, and a traditional lunch but not the church fee or photos.
• Mixed reviews: While guided tours are praised for their knowledge, some travelers report inconsistencies, especially regarding boat features and timing.

In-Depth Exploration of the Tour Experience

The Journey from Kemer to Demre

Starting early from your hotel, you’ll be picked up and driven approximately 116 km to Demre, a journey that takes around two hours. The coach ride offers a chance to settle in and get the first glimpses of the Turkish coastline and rural scenery, which are quite charming. It’s worth bringing some snacks or a light breakfast from your hotel, as recommended, so you can enjoy your morning during the drive.

Demre and the Church of Saint Nicholas

Your first stop is Demre, where the highlight is the Church of St. Nicholas, the site believed to house the tomb of the man known worldwide as Santa Claus. This church, with its beautiful murals and ancient mosaics, is a key pilgrimage destination. Visitors often find the atmosphere quite moving, especially as the shrine inside is said to hold miraculous powers.

A common note from past travelers is that this site can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early might help you avoid the crowds. Entrance fees for the church are not included in the tour price, so be prepared to pay separately if you wish to enter.

Ancient Myra: Roman Theatre and Lycian Tombs

Next, the tour takes you to Myra, founded in the 5th century BC. This city once thrived as a Lycian hub and later as a Roman city. The highlight here is the Roman amphitheater, which could seat about 10,000 spectators, and the Lycia tombs carved into the cliffs—some of which are remarkably detailed and painted.

Reviewers point out that the guide’s commentary makes these ruins come to life, describing their significance and stories behind their construction. One traveler mentioned that the guide was very knowledgeable and spoke good English, helping to enrich the experience.

Lunch Break and Scenic Drive

After exploring Myra, you’ll enjoy a lunch, typically included in the tour. Most reviews note that the meal is simple but satisfying—usually a traditional Turkish offering. It’s a good moment to relax and reflect on the morning’s sights before heading to the boat cruise.

The Boat Trip to Kekova

The highlight for many is the boat cruise over the sunken city of Kekova. The boat, often equipped with a glass bottom, allows for a unique view of the underwater ruins, including ancient walls, stairs, and household items. This provides a tangible connection to the past, and the scenery around Kekova is particularly stunning, with turquoise waters and lush hills.

However, some reviews mention that the glass bottom was not available or not functioning during their trip, which was disappointing. The guide explained that the ship’s equipment sometimes varies, so lower expectations might be wise.

The boat stop for swimming offers a refreshing break, and travelers can enjoy swimming in the clear waters or just relax onboard. The scenic coastline, combined with the mysterious sunken ruins, makes for a memorable experience.

Returning to Kemer

The tour wraps up with the return drive, which can be quite quick and sometimes a bit hurried, as some travelers note. The trip back takes about two hours, and the experience is mostly spent resting or sharing stories from the day.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The entire tour lasts about 11 hours, so prepare for a long day. Starting times vary, so check availability in advance.
• Transportation: The coach pickups are from the hotel’s main security gate—don’t expect to be picked up inside the hotel lobby.
• What to bring: Pack sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and some cash (for tips or optional purchases). A lunch box from your hotel is recommended for a quick breakfast before departure.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and weather conditions. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with heart problems.
• Language: Guides operate in English and Russian, with an audio guide also available. If you don’t speak either language fluently, you might find some explanations less accessible.

What’s Missing or Could Be Better?

Despite the scenic promise, some travelers felt the boat trip did not meet expectations—either due to the absence of the glass bottom or logistical issues. One review mentioned that during their cruise, there was no glass bottom, and the guide only pointed out the hillside with a mirror, which limited the experience of viewing the sunken city.

Timing can also be an issue, with some reports of waiting around for transport or feeling rushed through sites. Plus, the church entrance fee is not included, which can add to the cost unexpectedly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history buffs eager to see real ruins and relics of ancient Lycian civilization. If you enjoy scenic boat rides and picturesque coastal views, you’ll find the Kekova cruise particularly appealing. The inclusion of the Church of St. Nicholas makes it appealing for those interested in cultural and religious history.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or are sensitive to long hours and busy sites, this might not be the perfect choice. Also, the mixed reviews about boat facilities mean you should have realistic expectations about the boat cruise’s quality.

The Sum Up

The Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour offers a compelling package of ancient history, scenic boat rides, and cultural sights, all in one day. Its value lies in the chance to stand amid ruins that have survived for millennia and to glide over waters that conceal stories of sunken cities. The tour’s guided narration and the chance to see the tomb of Saint Nicholas add meaningful layers to the experience.

For travelers passionate about exploring Turkey’s roots, this trip provides a well-rounded, if busy, day out with opportunities for photo-worthy moments and educational insights. It’s best for those who don’t mind a full schedule and appreciate guided storytelling. If you go in with realistic expectations about boat facilities and timing, you’ll likely find it a worthwhile addition to your Turkish adventure.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
No, this tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with heart problems, as it involves some walking and site exploration.

What should I bring for the boat cruise?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. A lunch box from your hotel is recommended to save time and ensure you have a snack.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, it includes the entrance fee to Myra, but the fee for the Church of St. Nicholas is not included and must be paid separately if you wish to enter.

What if I don’t speak English or Russian?
Guides operate in both languages, and an audio guide is available in Turkish, English, and Russian. However, some reviews note that explanations might be less accessible if you don’t speak these languages.

Can I expect to see the sunken city?
You might see parts of it from the boat using the glass bottom, but some travelers experienced the boat without a functioning glass bottom, so don’t rely solely on this for viewing the ruins.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 11 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and the boat cruise.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is included in the tour price, providing a good break amidst the busy schedule.

In summary, this tour offers a snapshot of ancient Lycian civilization with scenic boat rides, making it a worthwhile option if you’re eager to explore Turkey’s historical depths firsthand. Just keep your expectations realistic, prepare for a full day, and enjoy the adventure.