Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour

A Deep Dive into Turkey’s Ancient Treasures: Kemer Demre Myra Kekova Tour

If you’re someone eager to connect with the roots of Turkey’s history—touching on the Lycian civilization, exploring the story of Saint Nicholas, and gazing at sunken cities—this tour from Kemer to Demre, Myra, and Kekova offers a solid itinerary. Spanning about 11 hours, it packs in a boat trip, archaeological wonders, and scenic coastal views.

What I appreciate most about this experience is its combination of historical depth and stunning scenery. You’ll get to walk through ancient Lycian tombs, stand in the church where Saint Nicholas’s relics rest, and glide over the submerged remains of Kekova on a glass-bottom boat. Plus, the small group size and guided commentary help make the day more engaging.

One thing to keep in mind is that, based on some reviews, the tour’s execution can vary. While guides are often knowledgeable, some travelers have noted issues like miscommunication regarding languages or missing promised features, such as the glass bottom. Plus, the two-hour coach ride from Kemer might feel long if you’re not a fan of bus travel, but it’s a small price for such a concentrated historical experience.

Still, for those with a curiosity about Turkey’s ancient civilizations or a love for scenic boat rides and religious sites, this tour offers good value—and plenty of authentic moments.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic historical sites: Visit the Lycian necropolis of Myra with its impressive rock-carved tombs and Roman amphitheater.
• Religious significance: The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, a pilgrimage site, offers a chance to see murals, mosaics, and the tomb of the saint.
• Scenic boat cruise: Sail over the sunken city of Kekova, with clear views of underwater ruins visible through the boat’s glass bottom.
• Guided insights: Expert guides share stories and facts, though some reviews mention language barriers or inconsistencies.
• Includes transportation and entrance fees: Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, plus entry to Myra, make logistics straightforward.
• Variable reviews: While many praise the guide’s knowledge and the scenery, some travelers found the program disorganized or incomplete, especially regarding the glass-bottom boat.

Exploring the Full-Day Itinerary

The Journey Begins with the Coach Ride from Kemer

Starting early, the coach ride from Kemer to Demre takes about two hours. The roads wind through citrus groves and rural landscapes, giving you a glimpse of Turkey’s agricultural side. It’s not the fastest part of the day, but it sets the scene for what’s to come.

Myra: Ancient Lycian Capital

Once in Demre, the highlight is Myra, founded in the 5th century BC. I love how walking around the Roman amphitheater, which could seat 10,000 spectators, makes history feel tangible. It’s surrounded by lush citrus orchards, and the Lycian rock-cut tombs, some carved into towering cliffs, are truly striking. The tombs’ sizes hinted at the social standing of their occupants—imagine that when looking at the scale and craftsmanship.

The guide’s commentary (usually in English or Russian) offers details about the Lycian civilization’s customs and the city’s Roman period. Some reviews note that the guide “spoke good English,” which definitely enhances the experience. However, a few travelers felt the narrative could be more engaging or better paced.

Saint Nicholas Church: A Pilgrimage Highlight

After exploring Myra, you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas—the site where the saint’s relics rest. It’s a small but meaningful space, with murals, mosaics, and icons that tell stories of Nicholas’s generosity. Pilgrims from all over the world visit here, so it radiates a sense of spiritual history. Keep in mind that the entrance fee isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need cash if you want to go inside, but many find it worth the small extra cost.

Lunchtime and Rest

After the church visit, the tour typically includes a lunch—often a buffet or set menu—at a local restaurant. You might want to grab a snack beforehand or bring a packed lunch, especially if you prefer a specific diet or want to save time.

Kekova: The Sunken City

The highlight for many is the boat trip to Kekova. The boat, often with a glass bottom, glides over the ruins of what was once an island city, submerged due to earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. Here, you’ll see remnants of stone stairs, walls, and household items.

This part of the tour sometimes faces criticism—as some reviews mention the boat lacked a glass bottom as advertised. For example, one traveler said, “There was no glass bottom, so we didn’t get to see the sunken city,” which was disappointing. The guide pointed at the hillside with a mirror, which doesn’t quite match the vivid underwater views some expect.

Swimming and Leisure

There’s usually a stop for swimming, giving you a chance to cool off or relax on deck. If you’re a swimmer, bring your gear and towel. Otherwise, enjoy the scenery from the boat.

Return Journey

The return trip often involves a speedy coach ride, sometimes criticized for being overly fast or loud, with some travelers feeling it’s “well over the speed limit.” After a long day, it’s a mixed bag—on the one hand, quick returns are efficient; on the other hand, they can feel a bit reckless.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those with a keen interest in ancient civilizations, religious history, or scenic boat rides. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided storytelling and don’t mind a lengthy coach ride. However, it might be less suitable if you are sensitive to disorganized logistics, language barriers, or missing features like the glass bottom.

Families with mature children and history enthusiasts often find this tour rewarding, especially those who appreciate seeing authentic archaeological sites and learning from knowledgeable guides—if the guide’s language skills match your needs.

If you’re looking for a luxurious or perfectly smooth experience, be prepared for some bumps in the road—literally and figuratively.

Price and Value Analysis

For $66 per person, the tour offers a packed itinerary with hotel transport, guided commentary, entrance fees, and a boat cruise. That’s a reasonable price considering the site visits and the boat trip—especially given the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, the value depends on your expectations. If the glass-bottom boat was a major selling point for you, be aware it might not always be available. Also, some travelers feel that the organization could be tighter, with better communication and clearer timing. Conversely, many appreciate the authentic sites and scenic views, which make the price worthwhile for history lovers.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Book early and confirm your language preferences, especially if you want explanations in Russian or German.
• Bring cash for entrance fees and small souvenirs.
• Pack sun protection—sunscreen, hat, sunglasses—since you’ll be outdoors most of the day.
• Bring snacks or a breakfast if you’re an early riser, as the tour usually starts with a long coach ride.
• Prepare for the boat trip by bringing swimwear, towel, and waterproof camera if you want underwater shots.
• Check the weather forecast, since the boat trip and outdoor sites are weather-dependent.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid introduction to Turkey’s ancient Lycian culture, Christian heritage, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s most valuable for travelers eager to see archaeological sites with historical significance, to visit the revered Church of St. Nicholas, and to enjoy a scenic boat ride over a sunken city.

While there are some hiccups—like inconsistent execution and occasional logistical issues—the core experiences tend to make the effort worthwhile. Guides often bring stories alive, and the views are memorable. If you’re okay with a full day of sightseeing, some bus time, and potential surprises, this tour can be quite rewarding.

For history buffs, curious travelers, or those looking for an easy way to see multiple highlights in one day, it balances value with genuine experiences. Just keep your expectations realistic about the boat’s features and the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel’s main security gate, not the lobby or reception.

How long is the coach ride from Kemer?
Approximately two hours each way, traveling through scenic citrus orchards and rural landscapes.

What does the tour cover?
Visits include the Lycian necropolis and Roman amphitheater at Myra, the Church of St. Nicholas, and a boat cruise over the sunken city of Kekova.

Is there an entrance fee for the Church of St. Nicholas?
No, the entrance fee is not included, so you’ll need cash if you want to go inside.

Does the boat have a glass bottom as advertised?
Sometimes yes, but some travelers report that the boat lacked a glass bottom, which can be disappointing.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s best for those who are comfortable with long coach rides and walking around archaeological sites. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with heart problems.

How much does it cost?
$66 per person, which covers most costs including guiding, entrance fees, and the boat cruise.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

In all, the Kemer Demre Myra Kekova tour offers an engaging day of exploring both the ancient and scenic aspects of Turkey, perfect for those ready to step back in time while enjoying the coastal views. Just keep your expectations balanced and your camera ready—there’s plenty to see and learn.