Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour

If you’re craving a day filled with history, beautiful scenery, and a touch of adventure, the Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour from Antalya offers just that. This 12-hour journey takes you through some of Turkey’s most intriguing archaeological sites, complemented by a relaxing yacht cruise and visits to culturally significant landmarks.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of historical exploration and scenic boat rides. You’ll see the famous sunken city of Kekova from a glass-bottom yacht, so you can marvel at ruins that have been underwater for centuries, and get a peek into a world frozen in time. Plus, visiting St. Nicholas Church, where the legend of Santa Claus began, adds a spiritual and cultural dimension to the day.

That said, this tour isn’t perfect for everyone. It involves long hours, some travel by bus through mountainous terrain, and a fair amount of walking and boat cruising. If you’re not comfortable with a full schedule or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering these factors.

Ultimately, this trip suits history buffs, those interested in ancient civilizations, and travelers looking for a well-rounded day out that mixes culture, scenery, and a bit of adventure — all at a reasonable price.

Key Points

• Historical immersion: Discover Lycian, Greco-Roman, and Byzantine sites, including tombs, theatres, and churches.
• Unique boat experience: Sail on a glass-bottom yacht over the sunken city, offering incredible views beneath the water.
• Cultural highlights: Visit St. Nicholas Church, the original burial site of the legend that inspired Santa Claus.
• Scenic beauty: Enjoy the turquoise waters of Kekova and the surrounding coastlines, perfect for photos and swims.
• Comfort and convenience: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and entry fees for key sites, promising a hassle-free day.
• Authentic insights: Guides like Levenet, Ismail, and Inci are praised for their knowledge, making the experience more meaningful.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the day with hotel pickup in Antalya makes the journey seamless. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personalized interactions, which many reviewers appreciated. The coach ride through the Lycian region is comfortable, with some travelers noting the long drive but also recognizing that the scenery en route is part of the charm. Expect to pass through mountains, rural towns, and ancient ruins, gaining an immediate sense of Turkey’s layered history.

The Lycian and Greco-Roman Sites

The first stop takes you to Myra, an ancient city with remarkable tombs and an impressive Roman theatre. Travelers like Darren praised the guide Ismail for his wealth of knowledge and friendly approach, which made exploring such ancient sites engaging rather than just another set of ruins. We loved the way guides connect history to stories, making it accessible and memorable.

Next, a visit to St. Nicholas Church in Demre offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of history. The church, perched above the 4th-century burial site of St. Nicholas, is a serene spot that combines religious significance with a sense of awe. Reviewers like Mina mentioned the limited time at the church, suggesting that if you’re eager to explore inside thoroughly, you may wish for more than the allotted 30 minutes.

The Yacht Cruise and Kekova Island

From Demre, the tour transitions to the highlight of the day: sailing to Kekova Island on a glass-bottom yacht. The yacht itself is a comfortable vessel, with some reviewers noting that the boat’s age was slightly noticeable, but the crystal-clear waters and underwater ruins more than compensate for that. The glass-bottom windows provide a glimpse of the sunken city, which was destroyed by an earthquake centuries ago but remains remarkably well-preserved underwater.

Many travelers, like Ian, found the boat ride relaxing and fascinating, especially with the opportunity to jump into the water for a swim. The waters near Kekova are notably refreshing and clear, making for a memorable dip. For those who don’t swim, the views from the boat are still stunning, with ruins and castle remnants visible from the side.

The Sunken City of Kekova

The sunken city remains one of Turkey’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Many reviews highlight how special it is to see ruins that have been underwater for so long, with some mentioning that the view from the boat’s glass windows was clearer than expected. While some noted that the viewing ports are somewhat limited, the overall experience of seeing a city lost to time is unforgettable.

Lunch and Additional Stops

A hearty lunch is included, with options that reviewers found tasty and satisfying — much appreciated after a busy morning of sightseeing and boat rides. The meal is served at a local restaurant, and some reviews note the delicious grilled chicken or alternative options, emphasizing good value for the tour price of $77.

The day also features a visit to Simena Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the coastline. While some travelers appreciated the photo opportunities, others felt they had limited time to explore the castle’s grounds and surrounding village.

End of the Day and Return

The return journey is a long drive back to Antalya, but many travelers mention that the scenery, guides, and overall experience make it worthwhile. The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs, easing the logistics of the day and letting you relax after a full itinerary.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 12 hours, so prepare for a full day.
• Price: At $77, it offers solid value considering the inclusion of transport, lunch, and site entry fees.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash for extras.
• Group size: Generally manageable, with many reviewers praising the guides’ attentiveness.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, mainly due to the nature of site visits and boat activities.
• Timing: Starting times vary; check availability and plan accordingly.

Guides and Experience

From Ian’s praise of Levenet’s pleasant and informative commentary, to others mentioning guide Inci’s great energy and detailed explanations, the guides significantly enhance the experience. They make the sites come alive, adding stories and context that elevate the trip from a sightseeing tour to a memorable storybook adventure.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This day trip is ideal for those who love history, are curious about ancient civilizations, and want a mix of cultural visits and relaxing boat rides. It’s especially suited for travelers comfortable with a packed schedule and long travel times, eager to see a diverse set of sights in one day.

If you’re traveling with family, couples, or friends who enjoy learning about history and don’t mind a bit of a long day, this tour offers excellent value, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities to capture memorable photos. The inclusion of good food and comfortable transportation adds to its appeal.

However, if you’re less mobile, or need more time at each stop, you might find the schedule a little tight. Also, those hoping for an entirely scenic, relaxed day might prefer a less busy itinerary.

In sum, this tour delivers a well-rounded glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past and coastal beauty, making it a worthwhile choice for many visitors to Antalya.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Antalya, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

What’s the cost?
The experience costs $77 per person, which covers transportation, lunch, and entry fees to major sites like Kekova Sunken City and the Amphitheater.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 12 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, boat rides, and travel.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance to St. Nicholas Church costs around 790 Turkish Lira and is not included. Drinks are also not included, so bring some cash if you want beverages.

Is swimming available?
Yes, you can swim near Kekova Island, and many enjoy jumping into the clear waters. If you don’t swim, you can still enjoy the boat views from the deck.

Is the boat comfortable?
The yacht is generally comfortable, though some reviews mention the boat’s age, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it.

What sort of guide will I have?
Guides like Levenet, Inci, and others are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to explain the sites’ stories in an engaging way.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s best suited for those without mobility issues, as some site visits and boat activities involve walking or climbing.

Can I customize my experience?
The schedule is fairly fixed, but some sites, like the church, have limited time, so plan accordingly if you wish to explore deeply.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and some cash for extras or souvenirs.

This Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour offers a fantastic way to connect with Turkey’s ancient history and stunning coastlines in one memorable day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of scenic boat trips, or just curious to see some of the country’s most captivating sights, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable experience at a reasonable price.