Demre Myra and Kekova Tour

The Demre Myra and Kekova Tour is an excellent way to experience the cultural riches of Anatolia. Participants can also enjoy a scenic boat ride over the submerged ruins of Kekova, gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

The Turkish Mediterranean region is home not only to pristine turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and stunning natural beauty but also to countless historical cities and remarkable cultural heritage. On this tour, you will embark on a blue voyage through the sunken city of Kekova, a hidden paradise of the Mediterranean. As you swim in its untouched waters, you'll be mesmerized by the ancient ruins beneath the sea and along the shoreline. Afterwards, you will visit the Santa Claus Church in Demre, the ancient city of Myra, and the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian civilization. A delicious open buffet lunch awaits you during the trip. Throughout the excursion, you'll soak in the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Mediterranean and breathe in the refreshing pine-scented air of the Taurus Mountains.

You can join the tour from any location between Antalya and Alanya, with hotel pick-up times varying depending on your location. For guests staying in Side, the tour begins at 5:30 AM.

Demre Myra and Kekova Tour Itinerary:

Your journey starts with a hotel pick-up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The first destination is the charming coastal town of Üçağız, where you will embark on a scenic Kekova boat tour. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, passing through the picturesque holiday towns of Kemer, Kumluca, and Finike. Along the way, you'll witness breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains, traditional nomadic villages, and the pristine Mediterranean coastline. A short breakfast break is scheduled near Antalya before arriving in the village of Kekova Üçağız.

At around 10:30 AM, you will board a spacious, two-story boat for an unforgettable cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Kekova. The boat features a glass bottom, allowing you to marvel at the fascinating ruins of the sunken city beneath the sea. Throughout the cruise, your guide will provide insights into the history of Kekova and the ancient city ruins visible along the shoreline.

A refreshing swim break is scheduled in a scenic bay near Kekova Island, offering the unique experience of swimming above the submerged ruins. After an hour-long boat ride, we will return to the pier and head to a local restaurant near Demre. Here, you will enjoy a freshly prepared open buffet lunch featuring two main dishes: rice, pasta, soup, and a selection of 12 salads.

Following lunch, you will board the bus to visit the St. Nicholas Church, also known as the Santa Claus Church. Before exploring this revered site, you will stop at a shop selling religious icons and souvenirs. We will spend approximately 45 minutes at this significant pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

Next, we continue to the ancient city of Myra, arriving around 2:00 PM. This historic site is renowned for its impressive amphitheatre, exceptional acoustics, and striking rock-cut tombs carved into the mountainside. You will have an hour to explore this fascinating archaeological wonder before boarding the bus for the return journey to Side. You can anticipate getting back to your hotel by around 6:30 PM.

The peaceful Lycian Union is famously known as the first civilization to adopt democracy as its government. The ancient Lycian civilization comprised 23 cities along the Anatolian coast, including Olympos, Myra, Phaselis, and Simena. The name 'Simena' means 'Mother Goddess' in the Luwian language, and the city's history dates back to the 4th century BC. The town was located by the coast and was part of the Union. However, after a series of earthquakes struck the area in the 2nd century AD, sections of the city submerged underwater, prompting the residents to leave. As time passed, a small community known as Kaleköy emerged on the remnants of the ancient city.

On the Kekova boat tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the ancient remains of Simena, stroll through the picturesque village of Kaleköy, and visit the historic Simena Castle, dating back to the medieval period. While sunbathing on the boat's top deck, you will be captivated by the stunning views around you before taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Known by various names in different cultures—such as Santa Claus, Père Noël, Weihnachtsmann, and Sinterklaas—Saint Nicholas, or Nikolaos of Myra, was born in 300 BC in Patara into a wealthy family. Saint Nicholas, who is said to have used his wealth to help the poor and performed many miracles, died in the city of Myra, where he had served as the Archbishop. The figure of Santa Claus is revered as the protector of children, students, travellers, sailors, and people with low incomes. After his death, a church was built in Myra in his honour, and his tomb was placed inside this church.

Today, the church is open to the public as a memorial museum and has been an important pilgrimage site for Christians. The building is notable not only for its historical significance but also for its architecture, which includes the tomb of Saint Nicholas, frescoes, icons, and mosaics. Outside the church, visitors are greeted by a statue of Santa Claus, a gift from Russia. Visiting this mystical and historical church will surely be an exciting activity during your holiday.

The ancient city of Myra was a vital settlement centre until the 11th century AD and is one of the key attractions in Demre. The city features two separate necropolises, and the rock-cut tombs in the mountains are sure to leave you in awe. The acoustics of the theatre, with its 11,000 seats, are impressive. As you sit in the rows of this theatre, walk through the city's streets, or explore the ancient baths and temples, you'll feel as though you've taken a time journey back to antiquity.

Our tour guides will provide English, German, Turkish, and Russian information throughout the tour. The boat is a small, two-story vessel, ideal for sunbathing on the upper deck. It features a glass bottom, allowing you to see underwater during the ride. Our tour guides, restaurant staff, and crew on the boat will warmly welcome you and attend to your needs and wishes during the tour. Entrance to the St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra is optional, so you can choose which sites to visit. We advise wearing comfortable clothing and footwear.

Additionally, as summer temperatures can rise, it's a good idea to pack some sunscreen. This trip is free for toddlers under 3 years old. However, free children will not have a seat on the bus, and parents must hold them on their lap. If you wish to reserve a seat for your child on the bus, please book them as a child participant. Children aged 4-11 receive a discounted price for the tour. Children under 8 years old enjoy free admission to the St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra.