A sunken city and Lycian tombs in one day. This Antalya-area tour strings together Myra’s famous Lycian sites and a boat trip to Kekova Island, with transport handled for you so you’re not doing mental math between stops. I also like that lunch is included and the Myra entrance ticket is covered, which keeps the day simple when you’re up early.

One thing to think about: this is a long, early-morning schedule. You’ll start around 5:30 am (pickup is timed by where you stay), and you should expect the on-site time to feel brisk, especially if you hate rushing through ruins or you’re hoping for lots of extra stops.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Early pickup with a smooth plan so you can concentrate on ruins and the boat, not logistics
• Church of St. Nicholas + Myra necropolis in one run, including major Lycian rock-cut tombs
• Kekova sunken-city viewing from the water with time to photograph and get brief swim time
• Lunch and Myra ticket included which improves value versus tours that nickel-and-dime
• Group capped at 45 for a day trip that still feels social rather than chaotic

A Long Day Gets You to the Right Places Fast

This is one of those Antalya-area tours where you trade a big chunk of your day for big hits. You’re up very early, then you spend most of the day moving between Demre/Myra and Kekova. If your idea of a great trip day is seeing multiple “must-do” ancient sites without spending hours on planning, this works well.

You’ll also appreciate the practicality: air-conditioned transport, a driver who knows the route, and an itinerary that already has the timing baked in. For many people, that’s the difference between enjoying the experience and burning energy on ticket lines and finding the right bus.

If you’re the type who likes to linger, though, you’ll want to mentally prep for limited time at each stop.

Church of St. Nicholas: Where the Saint Story Starts

The day begins with a stop at the Church of St. Nicholas, tied to one of Anatolia’s most famous legends. The church is dedicated to Nicholas, the saintly figure who became the model for Father Christmas. Even if you’re not chasing the holiday connection, the setting and the scale of the ruins make the stop feel meaningful.

You typically get about 1 hour here, so treat it like a focused visit: take a moment to orient yourself, then choose your priorities—church details, the views, and the surrounding ancient structures.

Also note one practical item: the St. Nicholas entrance ticket is not included. That means you should expect to pay extra for this first stop unless your provider’s ticket bundle is different on your date. It’s a small cost, but it’s the kind that can surprise you when you’re already thinking about breakfast and coffee.

Myra’s Lycian Tombs: The Necropolis Stop That Defines the Day

Next comes Myra (Myra Antik Kenti), one of the most rewarding parts of a Demre–Myra–Kekova day. Myra is a Lycian city; its name is commonly explained as the Land of the Sun. That may sound poetic, but once you’re there, the sun-soaked stone and the dramatic rock-cut tombs make the name feel fitting.

You’ll have about 1 hour, and it’s time well spent if you’re interested in ancient funerary art and architecture. The tombs date back to around the 4th century BC, and the area is essentially a necropolis—a city of the dead built into the rock. This is the kind of site where a quick explanation from your guide can make you see more than you would on your own.

The big value point here: the entrance ticket for the ancient city of Myra is included. So compared with the first stop, you can feel more confident that you won’t be juggling cash or adding surprise fees.

One more thing: this is the portion of the day where your pace matters. If you like photos, give yourself permission to slow down for pictures—Myra’s tomb shapes and carvings are much easier to appreciate when you’re not rushing from sign to sign.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City: A Boat Trip You’ll Actually Remember

Then you get to Kekova. This is the headliner for many people: the remnants of Simena, an ancient city that—according to the story—was once part of the mainland and later fractured. Over time and after severe earthquakes, part of the city collapsed, while another part turned into what we can see today as an island.

You’ll have roughly 3 hours for the Kekova portion, which is a solid block for the boat trip plus viewing time on the water’s edge. The best way to experience Kekova is from the boat, because you’re looking at the stone remnants where the sea meets the site. From land, you don’t get the same sense of scale.

Plan on a boat component of around 40 minutes, and a shorter swim window—think about 20 minutes for a quick dip if conditions allow. That means you should bring your swim gear if you want to take advantage. If you’re just there for photos and views, you can keep it simple: camera, sunscreen, and a hat go a long way.

Kekova also tends to make the day feel worth the early start. Even if you’re tired, the water view has that instant wow effect—especially when you’re seeing the remnants in motion.

Transport, Pickup Times, and Why the Schedule Feels Tight

Let’s talk logistics honestly, because this is where your experience can either feel smooth or exhausting.

Pickup begins very early. Your start time is listed as 5:30 am, and pickup varies by area—Antalya pickups are around 6:00 am, and Belek pickups around 5:00 am. Expect a drive into the Demre/Myra region and then back toward Antalya later in the day.

Why this matters: you’re spending hours in transit, and the first and last parts of the day can feel repetitive if your hotel pickup is staggered or if the bus is gathering people from multiple stops. That’s normal for many group tours, but you should still adjust your expectations. Bring snacks if your tour day feels long to you, and don’t assume you’ll have a perfect window for a bathroom break without planning.

Also, pay attention to the possibility of extra stops. One common example is a brief onyx factory stop that can take time out of the ruins. If you’re trying to maximize ancient site time, ask your guide (or confirm with the operator) whether that stop is included on your departure.

The tour is capped at 45 travelers, which helps keep things from becoming unmanageable. Still, it’s not a private outing. You’ll share space, and you’ll follow a rhythm.

What You Pay for: Value at $79 Per Person

At $79 per person, this tour sits in the practical “day-trip price” category—especially when you compare what’s included.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes
• Entrance ticket for the ancient city of Myra

And here’s what is not included:

• Breakfast
• Coffee and/or tea
• Bottled water
• Entrance ticket for the Church of St. Nicholas

That missing ticket for St. Nicholas is the only clear extra cost listed for major sights. If you plan ahead with some cash or card readiness, it won’t derail your day. The bigger value win is that you’re not paying separately for Myra and you’re not searching for lunch.

One more value angle: if you’re staying near Antalya or Belek, the pickup-and-driver setup saves you time and the stress of organizing a multi-stop day yourself. If you’re traveling with limited Turkish language confidence, having an English-speaking driver/guide structure can help a lot.

Lunch and On-the-Go Comfort: Don’t Leave Yourself Dry

Lunch is included, but it’s smart to assume it’s meant for efficiency, not a slow sit-down feast. For best results, I recommend you eat without lingering too long—you’ll likely need your energy for Kekova and the ride back.

Water matters. Bottled water isn’t listed as included, and sun + boat time can drain you. Bring a small water bottle if you can, or plan to buy it at a stop if available.

For coffee or tea: it’s not included, so if you rely on caffeine early in the morning, plan for that. The day starts so early that you’ll feel the caffeine need more than usual.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a high-impact ancient day trip without planning between stops
• Like guided context for the Lycian tombs and the St. Nicholas story
• Prefer the convenience of included lunch and a covered Myra ticket
• Are okay with an early start and a schedule that moves

You might want to rethink it if you:

• Hate being on a tight clock at ruins
• Want lots of free time for wandering without a group
• Are sensitive to long bus days and repeated pickup routing

If you’re traveling solo and want structure, it can be a comfortable way to see more than you’d see alone. If you’re traveling with family, the early hours might be the main challenge—just plan snacks and hydration.

Should You Book This Demre–Myra–Kekova Day Trip?

Book it if your priority is covering Myra’s Lycian rock-cut tombs and seeing Kekova’s sunken-city remnants from a boat without coordinating transport yourself. The mix of included lunch and the Myra ticket makes it feel like solid value for the time.

Skip or choose a different format if you’re mainly chasing slow, deep exploration. This one is more of a “hit the highlights” day. Also, if the idea of an extra shop stop (like an onyx stop) bothers you, confirm the exact schedule for your departure date before you commit.

If you go in knowing it’s a long, early day with limited stop time, you’ll enjoy it a lot more.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Antalya Demre Myra Kekova tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

What time does pickup start?

The tour start time is listed as 5:30 am. Pickup times are area-based: Antalya around 6:00 am and Belek around 5:00 am.

Is pickup included, and is it offered in English?

Yes, pickup is offered, and the tour is offered in English.

Which entrance tickets are included?

The entrance ticket for the ancient city of Myra is included. The Church of St. Nicholas ticket is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Is a boat trip included for Kekova?

Yes. The schedule includes Kekova Island with a boat trip to view the sunken city remnants.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Ephesus Private DayBest of Red and Green Small Group Guided TourAntalya Hotels and Airport Transfer ServiceSide Sapadere Canyon Tour With Free Time In Alanya And Lunch