14 hours
Daily Tour
36 people
English, Russian
The Demre, Myra, and Sunken City Kekova Tour is a comprehensive journey from Antalya to the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Begin your day with a half-day boat excursion and a half-day bus trip, discovering the rich historical treasures of Lycia and uncovering the mysteries of Santa Claus.
As you drive along the coast between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean, you’ll reach Cayagzı or Ucagiz Marina in Demre. Board a traditional wooden boat for an enchanting one-and-a-half-hour cruise, marveling at the ruins of the sunken city in Kekova. The shoreline is adorned with ancient remnants of towns partially submerged in the waters, creating a mesmerizing sight. Weather permitting, relish the opportunity for a refreshing swimming break.
Next, venture to Myra, an Anatolian gem, where you’ll explore the ruined city featuring impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs and an ancient amphitheater. Myra, once a vital port city of the Lycian civilization, also held significance as a religious center.
Conclude your day with a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas, the area’s focal point and the actual residence of Father Christmas (Santa Claus). The earliest iteration of the St. Nicholas church dates back to the 6th century, while the present-day structure took shape primarily from the 8th century onwards, with a monastery added in the 11th century. Recent renovations have restored the frescoes and enhanced the artwork. The tour wraps up in the late evening as you return to Antalya, concluding with a convenient hotel drop-off at your Antalya accommodation.
The primary language for group tour guidance is English or multilingual available. Tours in languages other than English are available exclusively as private tours. Please note that there might be a price variation for different languages. Kindly specify your preferred language for the tour if it's not English!
Tour fees include professional English guide service or assistant service. In half-day tours, meals are not included, but in full-day tours, a set menu or open buffet meal is generally included. Kindly refer to the tour description for a detailed breakdown of included and excluded services.
In group tours, hotel pick-up and drop-off are generally included. Rarely, some tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off or just drop-off. All private tours include hotel pickup and drop-off. Please read the description carefully to find out.
