Nestled along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coastline, Demre province offers a captivating blend of ancient history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the birthplace of St. Nicholas, enjoy the well-preserved Lycian and Roman ruins of Myra, and embark on a boat journey to uncover the sunken city of Kekova. This comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and uncover the secrets that lie beneath the waves. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Explore the ancient town of Myra, the birthplace of St. Nicholas, and discover well-preserved Lycian rock-cut tombs and a grand Roman theater.
- Venture to the sunken city of Kekova, where you can observe the captivating interplay between land and sea, and the submerged ruins.
- Set out on a boat trip to the island of Kekova and witness the remains of the ancient Lycian city of Simena, including its Lycian rock tombs and partially-ruined theater.
- Visit the charming coastal town of Kale, where you can wander through narrow streets, admire the whitewashed buildings, and savor fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- This 16-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, lunch, and boat trips, priced at $84.85 per person, offering an immersive experience in the region’s history and natural wonders.
Tour Details and Highlights
This tour offers an in-depth exploration of Demre province, delving into the ancient town of Myra and the captivating sunken city of Kekova.
Priced at $84.85 per person, the 16-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable local guide, lunch, and boat trips to the sunken island of Kekova and the ruins of Simena.
Highlights include visiting the ancient town of Myra, the birthplace of St. Nicholas, and exploring the well-preserved ruins. Participants will also have the opportunity to see the small town of Kale.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it promises a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to uncover the region’s rich history and natural beauty.
Exploring Demre Province
Demre province, located along Turkey’s southwestern coast, offers visitors a captivating blend of ancient history and natural wonders.
Its centerpiece is the town of Myra, the birthplace of St. Nicholas, whose well-preserved ruins and connections to early Christianity draw visitors from around the world. Travelers can explore the ancient Lycian rock-cut tombs and the impressive Roman theater at Myra, as well as the nearby sunken city of Kekova, whose submerged ruins provide a glimpse into the region’s past.
The small town of Kale, with its traditional architecture and scenic harbor, offers a charming respite from the historical sites. Throughout the province, the local guide provides insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Visiting Ancient Myra
Visitors to Myra can explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Lycian city, once a prosperous hub of trade and culture.
The centerpiece of the site is the impressive Roman theater, which showcases the architectural prowess of the region’s former inhabitants.
Nearby, visitors can find the remains of a grand necropolis, with elaborately carved tombs and sarcophagi dotting the hillsides.
The Myra site also boasts several Lycian rock-cut tombs, offering a glimpse into the funerary practices of this ancient civilization.
For those interested in religious history, the remains of the Church of St. Nicholas are also located in Myra, honoring the legacy of the beloved saint who once served as the city’s bishop.
Boat Trip to Kekova
After exploring the ancient ruins of Myra, the tour takes visitors on a boat trip to the sunken island of Kekova.
This tranquil voyage offers a unique opportunity to witness the submerged remains of the Lycian civilization, with the water’s clarity allowing for a captivating view of the sunken city’s foundations and architectural features.
The highlights of the boat trip include:
- Gliding over the crystal-clear waters, with the sunken structures visible beneath the surface
- Observing the fascinating interplay between land and sea, as partially submerged buildings and walls emerge from the depths
- Gaining insight into the region’s rich history and the factors that led to the city’s submersion over the centuries
Ruins of Simena
The ruins of Simena, an ancient Lycian city, dot the landscape along the boat trip to Kekova. Perched atop a rocky promontory, the remnants of this once-thriving settlement offer a glimpse into the region’s storied past.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved Lycian rock tombs, which feature intricate carvings and inscriptions. The ancient theater, though partially in ruins, still retains its impressive scale and grandeur.
Wandering through the site, one can almost imagine the bustling marketplace and lively gatherings that once took place here. The ruins of Simena serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Lycian people, who called this stunning coastal region home for centuries.
Small Town of Kale
As the boat trip from the ruins of Simena winds its way back to the mainland, the small town of Kale comes into view, nestled along the picturesque coastline.
This charming destination offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region. Visitors can:
- Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the whitewashed buildings and local shops
- Visit the ancient castle that overlooks the town, offering stunning panoramic views
- Savor the fresh seafood and local delicacies at the family-owned restaurants along the harbor
Kale provides a peaceful contrast to the more renowned archaeological sites, allowing travelers to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of a authentic Turkish coastal town.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- A knowledgeable tour guide
- A delectable lunch
- The boat trip to the sunken island of Kekova
- Entrance fees to Demre and Myra sites
The tour package excludes:
- Any drinks
- The entrance fees to the St. Nicholas Church
Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes as the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Important Information
Importantly, this tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the potentially strenuous nature of the activities.
This tour includes:
- Exploring the Demre province and ancient town of Myra with a local guide
- Boat trip to the sunken island of Kekova
- Visiting the ruins of Simena and the small town of Kale
It’s important to note that this tour may not be accessible for all travelers. Participants should ensure they’ve the necessary mobility and endurance to fully participate in the various activities and sights included in the tour.
Recap
This tour offers a captivating glimpse into the history and natural wonders of Demre province.
Visitors can discover the birthplace of St. Nicholas, explore the well-preserved Lycian and Roman ruins in Myra, and witness the submerged foundations of the sunken city of Kekova.
The tour provides an immersive experience, making it a unique opportunity for those interested in ancient civilizations and Turkey’s coastal treasures.
