Sunken ruins plus ancient tombs make this day trip feel packed. You’ll cover Myra and the Lycian necropolis, then visit Demre’s St. Nicholas Church, and finish with a boat cruise to Kekova’s underwater city. I like the comfort of air-conditioned transfers and the fact that lunch is handled for you. The main drawback is time: it can be a long day on the road, especially if you’re coming from Alanya or Side.

I also like that the tour is guided, so you’re not just “looking at rocks.” You’ll get context about why these places mattered in antiquity. Just be aware that entrance fees for Myra and the St. Nicholas museum, plus the boat ride, are extra.

Key things to know before you go

• Myra’s rock-cut Lycian tombs and amphitheater: this is the star stop for most people.
• St. Nicholas Church in Demre: simple, historic, and strongly connected to the legacy of the bishop.
• Kekova Sunken City boat cruise: the earthquake story becomes very real when you’re on the water.
• Lunch in Demre’s center: generally ample and tasty, so you’re not scrambling for food.
• Pack for a swim: there’s an opportunity to get in the water during the Kekova part.

Why this Myra–Demre–Kekova combo is worth doing

This is one of those “big hits, one day” routes. You’re moving between three classic western Antalya-area stops that most independent travelers would normally stretch across multiple days. With hotel pickup and drop-off, you trade flexibility for convenience—and on a long day, that trade can be worth it.

What makes it work is the way the sights connect. Myra gives you the Lycians’ funerary world in stone—rock-cut tombs carved into the hillside, plus an ancient theater where public life happened. Then Demre shifts the focus to a religious figure tied to Myra: St. Nicholas. Finally, Kekova adds the dramatic layer—an ancient settlement damaged by an earthquake that left parts of the city underwater.

The best part? You’re not just hopping between photo spots. The guided narration ties the places together, so you’ll have a clearer mental picture of what you’re seeing when you’re standing there.

Price and what you’re really paying for

The tour price is about $75.63 per person, and it typically runs for around 12 hours. On paper, that can look like decent value because pickup, drop-off, and a guided day are included, plus lunch.

But there are two important extras to keep in mind:

• Entrance fees for Myra Ancient City and the St. Nicholas museum are not included.
• The boat cruise to Kekova’s Sunken City costs 10€.

So your real budget is the tour price plus these site costs. If you compare that to the cost of renting a car or booking separate tickets and boat transfers, the combo can still make sense—especially if you want structure and a driver handling the roads.

One more value note: the tour group size can be up to 100 travelers. That doesn’t automatically mean chaos, but it does mean you’ll want to be patient, follow the timing, and keep your meeting point habits tight.

Pickup, long drives, and how to stay sane on day one

This tour is built around hotel pickup and drop-off using an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s a plus in Antalya’s heat, and it also eliminates the most annoying part of these routes: finding transportation and coordinating departure times.

Now the caution. Expect a lot of road time. People who are farther out—like those departing from Alanya or Side—can spend most of the day traveling. You might still have enjoyable stops, but your energy level will depend on how you manage the transit.

Practical tips to make the ride easier:

• Bring water and a light snack for between stops (drinks are not included).
• Wear layers. Coaches can swing from chilly to hot depending on the weather and how long they sit.
• If you’re sensitive to late starts, double-check your pickup window the day before.

Also, one real-world issue to be aware of: some departures have been reported as late and vehicles described as cramped/dim. You can’t control that, but you can plan for it. A little patience goes a long way on this kind of all-in-one route.

Demre’s St. Nicholas Church: the human side of Myra

Demre is where you slow down a bit and connect the story of Myra to a person most people already recognize. You’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas and learn about the former bishop of Myra.

Even if you’re not a religious-history deep diver, this stop helps you “place” Myra in a wider context. Myra isn’t just tombs and theater. It’s tied to the story of a bishop whose legacy travels far beyond Lycia.

What to expect in practical terms:

• This is a site visit inside a church setting, so dress modestly (cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts).
• The narration matters here; the meaning of the place comes from the details the guide provides about St. Nicholas and the church’s connection to Myra.

One cost reminder: the entrance fee to the St. Nicholas museum is not included. If you plan to see everything inside, budget that extra.

Myra Ancient City: tombs you can’t stop looking at

Myra is the stop that tends to steal the show. You’ll see an ancient Greek amphitheater and the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis.

Here’s why this place hits:

• The tombs aren’t generic ruins. They’re cut into rock, carved for display and remembrance. You get a sense of how the Lycians turned geography into architecture.
• The amphitheater anchors the feeling of a living city. It’s not only about the dead; it’s about public gathering—performance, debate, and daily civic rhythm.

It also helps that the guide provides some clear context: Myra was once a large city, and in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC it was influential within the Lycian League. That matters because it explains why this city had the scale and organization to create major public spaces and elaborate tombs.

A key logistics note: the entrance fee to Myra Ancient City is not included. If you’re the kind of visitor who hates paying surprises, check the fee when you arrive—or confirm it ahead of time with the operator.

Kekova Sunken City boat cruise: where the earthquake becomes visible

Then you go to the water. The Kekova Sunken City experience is centered on a boat cruise along the area where parts of the ancient city were destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century.

This is where the tour earns its keep. On land, you can imagine ruins. On the water, you see how the coastline and submerged structures create an entirely different kind of “ruin landscape.” You’ll understand the story faster, because the views are connected to the geology.

A few practical tips:

• Bring a swimsuit if you can. One review specifically flagged that there’s a great chance to swim, and it’s the kind of moment you’ll be glad you planned for.
• Bring something to protect your phone/camera (you’ll want to capture the views without worrying about splashes).
• If you get seasick easily, it’s worth thinking about how you react to boats. The tour does include a cruise, so you’ll be on the water for that portion.

The boat cruise has a 10€ cost that’s separate from the tour price. That’s a small add-on compared to what you get, but it’s still money—plan for it.

Lunch in Demre: simple, filling, and usually not an afterthought

Lunch is included, and it happens in Demre’s city center. From the way people describe it, the meal is generally ample and tasty—the kind of lunch that keeps you going through the long day without turning into an ordeal.

What I like about included lunch on these tours is that you don’t have to guess where to eat in a new town while everyone else is rushing to the next stop. It also helps you avoid the “last-minute sandwich” problem that can happen on tightly timed tours.

Since drinks are not included, I suggest you plan to buy water or other drinks at the restaurant or bring what you can from the start. Hydration matters on this route.

What to bring (and what to skip) for this specific day

This isn’t a minimalist tour. You’re walking in archaeological zones, sitting on a coach, and then dealing with the boat part in Kekova. Pack for that mix.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel or quick-dry option (if you want to take advantage of the water time).
• Comfortable walking shoes. Tomb areas and amphitheaters can be uneven.
• A light layer for the coach ride.
• Sunscreen and a hat. You’ll be in the sun for stretches.
• A small waterproof pouch if you plan to take photos on the boat.

Skip (or don’t overpack):

• Heavy bags. You’ll want to move through multiple stops without juggling stuff.
• Anything fragile you can’t protect. Boat splashes happen fast.

Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• One full day covering Myra, Demre, and Kekova without organizing separate transport.
• A guided explanation so you don’t feel lost at the amphitheater and tombs.
• Included lunch and door-to-door-style convenience.

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re easily bothered by long driving days. If you’re starting from Alanya or Side, the road time can swallow the day.
• You expect perfectly paced timing with zero waiting. This is a group tour (up to 100), so the day runs on a schedule, not on “when you feel like it.”

Language note: one departure highlight was a Russian-speaking guide who managed strong English. If you’re counting on a specific language level, keep your expectations flexible—and ask questions early so you don’t miss the key points.

Should you book this Myra–Demre–Kekova tour?

Book it if you want maximum payoff: Myra’s tombs and theater plus Kekova’s underwater city in a single day, with pickup and lunch handled. It’s also a solid choice for first-timers who want structure and a guide to translate the sites into something you can actually understand.

Think twice if you’re the type who hates coach time. From farther starting points, this can feel like a bus day first and a sightseeing day second. If that sounds like you, consider splitting your travel plan or picking a slower-focused itinerary.

If you do book, go in prepared: bring swim gear, budget extra for the Myra/St. Nicholas entrances and the 10€ boat, and manage the long transit with water, snacks, and patience.

FAQ

What is included in the Myra, Demre, and Kekova Sunken City tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, tour guiding, an air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch are included.

Is the boat cruise to Kekova included in the tour price?

No. The boat cruise along the sunken city costs 10€ and is not included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees for Myra and the St. Nicholas museum included?

No. Entrance fees to Myra Ancient City and the museum of St. Nicholas are not included.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is approximately 12 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts in Demre, Antalya, Türkiye, and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need good weather for the tour to run?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

How many travelers can be on the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 100 travelers.

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