Early start, then real variety. This Demre, Myra, and Kekova day trip mixes road-trip scenery, big ancient-site stops, and a boat ride by the coast of southern Turkey. I like the way the day is paced with a morning coffee break and viewpoints along the drive, not just a straight line of monuments.

Two things I especially like: the Myra stop, with its rock-cut tombs and theater where the guide can connect the dots, and the human touch of the team—Osman as the guide and Engin as the driver. One consideration: the whole outing runs about 11–12 hours with roughly 5.5 hours of transfers, and the boat portion may not give you the kind of underwater-city visibility you’re hoping for.

Price and logistics: what you get for $114.88

At $114.88 per person, this tour is priced like a full-day value package rather than a bare-bones shuttle. You’re paying for transportation, professional guidance, key entrance fees (Myra and the St. Nicholas Church), a lunch, plus the Kekova boat ticket and insurance. That matters because the day is packed, and adding those items one by one usually costs more.

The start is early: 6:00 am. You should plan on an all-day rhythm, since about 5.5 hours are simply getting you between Antalya and the Demre–Kekova area. The group is kept to a maximum of 27 travelers, and the tour is offered in English, with a mobile ticket.

One practical note: if you want drinks beyond lunch, they’re not included. Bring cash or a card for water, soft drinks, and anything you crave during stops. Also, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Morning drive from Antalya: Taurus scenery and a coffee break

The tour starts with hotel pickup in the early morning and then a scenic ride through southern Anatolia toward Kekova. I like this part because it’s not only about transport—you actually get frequent views of bays and nature scenes tucked into the Taurus Mountains.

There’s also a planned break around 9–10 am at Falcon Hill, with a coffee stop and a viewpoint that gives you a sense of where the coastal area opens up. Expect the day to feel calmer during these pauses, especially compared with the later pace at the ancient sites.

This first leg includes a short stop at the Piknik alanı area, then you’re back on the road. It’s a good setup if you hate arriving tired: you get a chance to reset before the history starts.

Entering Myra: Lycian rock tombs and the theater above the necropolis

Myra is the kind of place where a guide makes a difference. This city was part of the Lycian Civilization and served as a long-time capital, and the story threads into major cultural shifts in the region. You’ll hear references connecting to Kybele becoming Artemis, and you’ll also get the broader geography—how the city relates to the sea through Adriane Harbor.

The standout is the burial setting. Embossed rock tombs and the carved details in the river necropolis are exactly the sort of things that look “cool” on a quick glance but become memorable when someone explains how the art is meant to be read. The ancient theater sits above the tombs and is described as expanding downward, which helps you picture the layout instead of just seeing stone rows.

This stop is about 1 hour, and entrance is included. That’s not a long time, so if you’re the type who wants to photograph every carving up close, use the guide’s guidance to prioritize what to focus on during your window.

Also, this is where having Osman as your guide can really pay off. From the way the tour team is described, he’s the kind of guide who offers context without turning the day into a performance.

St. Nicholas Church near Myra: the Santa Claus story in stone

Right next to Myra is the Church of St. Nicholas, and it makes for an excellent pairing. You go from carved tombs and theater seating to a church visit with a very specific legend attached—one that stretches across Europe and beyond.

The tour frames the story like this: St. Nicholas is tied to the cleric associated with what many people know as Santa Claus, with the idea that he was benevolent toward children and was remembered through gifts and charity. The commemoration is described as held on December 6, and the church visit is timed as a chance to walk through the meaning behind the place, not just the architecture.

This church stop is also about 1 hour, and the entrance fee is included. Since it’s located right beside the Myra area, the timing keeps you from losing time driving between sites.

One practical tip: dress comfortably and bring a light layer. Early in the day, you’ll be on the move, and church interiors can feel cooler than the street.

Lunch near St. Nicholas: buffet time that actually fits the schedule

Lunch is included and served at a local restaurant near the St. Nicholas Church. You get an open buffet, with about 45 minutes on the clock. That’s a real gift on a long day trip—too many tours either squeeze lunch into a rushed 20 minutes or skip it entirely.

Because drinks aren’t included, think ahead. If you know you’ll want water or something cold, plan to buy it at lunch or use a stop during the day. The day runs long enough that staying hydrated helps you enjoy the later boat ride instead of just surviving it.

This lunch period also gives you a chance to reset mentally. After walking tombs and reading about ancient life, you’ll likely appreciate a simpler break where you can eat, stretch, and decide if you want to prioritize photos or simply enjoy the rest of the day.

Kekova boat ride: sunken city ruins and realistic expectations

After Myra and lunch, the tour heads to the coast for a 2-hour boat tour in Kekova. This is the main show for most people, and it’s also where expectations need a quick reality check.

The sunken city is described as a result of earthquakes and geological movements—so you’ll see a scene where parts of the ancient city are underwater while others remain above the waterline. The main Lycian settlements in the area are referenced as Teimiussa and Simena, and the effect is compared to something like Atlantis.

Here’s the key consideration: underwater visibility isn’t something any operator can fully control. If you want to see clear building outlines under the water, you might find it hard depending on the light and conditions. In the experience of one visitor, the sunken ruins were difficult to see beneath the surface, even though the boat ride itself was relaxing.

Still, the boat portion isn’t only about spotting stones under water. It’s also scenic time on the water, and the tour includes a swimming break to cool off. In one account, the swim stop was around 15 minutes—short, fun, and practical if you want to get out of the heat without losing too much momentum.

Comfort with Engin and Osman: the value of a steady driver

On a long day trip, your biggest comfort factor is often your driver and schedule timing. This tour benefits from that. Engin, the driver, is described as driving smoothly and confidently, which matters when you’ve got a 6:00 am start and long road stretches.

Osman is described as sharing information with context and respect—again, the kind of guide style that helps you learn without feeling dragged into a scripted lecture. When the group includes people who want photos, people who want stories, and people who just want a calm day, that balance matters.

Group size is capped at 27, which is small enough to keep things manageable. It also helps with the flow at key stops, where waiting too long can eat your time—especially because the day is already built around a heavy travel component.

Practical takeaway: if you’re sensitive to motion or just hate long rides, the smooth driving plus early planning can make a big difference. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and something for warmth if you get cold on the boat.

Who should book this Demre, Myra and Kekova tour?

This is a great fit if you want one day to cover multiple “mood types”: mountain-and-coast scenery, serious ancient sites, and a boat experience. It also works well if you like structure—pickup, timed stops, a guide to keep you oriented, and included entrance fees so you’re not chasing ticket lines.

It’s especially sensible for solo travelers who prefer not to negotiate every detail on their own. One account highlighted how the presence of Osman and Engin felt reassuring, particularly in a context where some visitors don’t want to deal with random attention while sightseeing.

I’d also recommend it if you’re comfortable with long days. You’re signing up for a schedule where a big chunk is transfer time, so you should go in expecting that and treating it as part of the journey. If you only want the shortest time possible in a vehicle, look elsewhere.

Should you book this tour from Antalya?

Book it if you want a guided, included-fee day that hits Myra + St. Nicholas + Kekova without you having to plan transport yourself. The value is in the package: lunch, boat ticket, guidance, and major entrances are bundled into the price, and that saves real hassle.

Skip or rethink it if your main goal is crystal-clear visibility of a sunken city underwater. The boat is relaxing and scenic, and there’s time for a swim break, but the underwater ruins can be harder to see than you might imagine.

My quick decision rule: if you want the combination of history on land and a coastal boat day, this works. If you want maximum underwater detail, you may leave with mixed results.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Demre Myra and Kekova tour?

The tour runs about 11 to 12 hours total.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins early, with a start time of 6:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered, and the tour includes transportation.

What entrance fees and tickets are included?

Entrance is included for Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas, plus the Kekova boat ticket.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as an open buffet at a local restaurant near the St. Nicholas Church.

Is there a swimming stop on the Kekova boat?

There are swimming breaks during the boat experience, and one account mentions a short swim stop of about 15 minutes.

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