From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Embarking on a captivating day trip from Kas, travelers can explore Turkey’s stunning history and natural beauty. Venturing out on a glass-bottom boat, they’ll witness the submerged ruins of an ancient city at Kekova, before visiting the historic sites of Demre and Myra. With stops at the Church of St. Nicholas and impressive rock-cut tombs, this intimate tour offers an immersive experience. As the day unfolds, visitors can uncover the region’s rich cultural heritage and be left eager to delve deeper into its fascinating past.

Key Points

A glass-bottom boat tour from Kas to the sunken ancient city of Kekova, followed by visits to the historic sites of Demre and Myra.
Includes admission to key attractions like the Church of St. Nicholas, the Ancient City of Myra, and Simena Castle.
Offers an intimate experience with a maximum of 15 participants, with hotel pickup/drop-off and a delicious lunch included.
Highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the underwater ruins of Kekova to the impressive Lycian rock tombs and Roman theater.
Receives positive reviews for the boat staff, meal quality, and scenic views, though some concerns are noted about group size and entry fees.

Tour Overview

The tour departs from Kas, Turkey, on a glass-bottom boat to explore the island of Kekova, followed by visits to the historic sites of Demre and Myra.

This small-group tour focuses on Turkey’s rich history and natural beauty. Pickup and drop-off from hotels are provided for convenience, and a delicious lunch is included.

Travelers will have the opportunity to visit St. Nicholas Church, the ancient city of Myra, and Simena Castle. With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour offers an intimate experience.

Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

This day trip provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s highlights.

Tour Details

This small-group tour to Kekova, Demre, and Myra costs from $55.32 per person and has a maximum of 15 travelers. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but you’ll receive confirmation of your booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for free.

The tour includes lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and entrance fees to St. Nicholas Church ($12), the Ancient City of Myra ($9), and Simena Castle ($4). The meeting point is Smileys in Kas, with an 8:30 am start time. Pickup times vary by season, and you’ll be notified the day before via WhatsApp or email. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Reviews praise the boat staff, meal quality, and scenic views, though some note issues with group size and entry fees.

Inclusions

The tour includes a tasty lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, and admission fees to key attractions – namely, St. Nicholas Church (€12), the Ancient City of Myra (€9), and Simena Castle (€4). These inclusions ensure a seamless and enriching experience for travelers.

The lunch provides a chance to refuel and sample local cuisine, while the comfortable vehicle makes for a relaxing journey between the sites. Entrance fees cover access to the historic and natural wonders, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Turkey’s captivating heritage.

With these essentials taken care of, travelers can focus on soaking in the stunning landscapes and fascinating cultural insights that this tour promises.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at Smileys in Andifli, Iskelet Sk., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey, at 8:30 am for the tour’s departure. Pickup times vary by season and are communicated to participants one day prior via WhatsApp or email. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

The meeting location is convenient, as it’s centrally located in Kaş. Participants don’t have to worry about transportation, as the tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off.

The early morning start ensures ample time to explore the day’s destinations. With the meeting details confirmed in advance, travelers can look forward to a seamless, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Traveler Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews provide valuable insights into the tour’s highlights and areas for improvement. Participants praise the boat staff, meal quality, and scenic views, but express mixed feedback on group size and entry fees for attractions. Standout experiences include swimming stops and visits to Simena Castle and Myra.

Review Highlights	Positive	Negative
Tour Experience	Friendly staff, beautiful scenery	Group size too large
Attractions	Enjoyed visiting Simena Castle and Myra	High entrance fees
Logistics	Convenient hotel pickup/drop-off	–
Recommendations	Pay in Turkish Lira, consider audio guides	–

The tour host acknowledges the feedback and emphasizes their commitment to providing a high-quality experience, while addressing any inconveniences experienced by guests.

Response From Host

In response to the traveler reviews, the tour host acknowledges the valuable feedback and emphasizes their commitment to delivering a high-quality experience.

They express gratitude for the positive comments on the friendly staff and scenic beauty, while addressing any inconveniences, such as museum renovations, that may have impacted the tour.

The host understands the mixed reviews regarding the group size and entry fees. They encourage guests to pay in Turkish Lira and consider using audio guides for a more informative museum experience.

The host apologizes for any issues and assures travelers that they’re continuously working to improve the tour and address any concerns.

They welcome guests to reach out directly for any assistance or feedback.

Exploring Kekova Island

Sailing across the turquoise waters, the glass-bottom boat offers an enchanting glimpse into the submerged ancient city of Kekova, where the ruins of houses, streets, and a sunken necropolis lie preserved beneath the waves.

As the boat slowly navigates the serene coves, visitors can marvel at the remarkably intact structures that were once part of a thriving Lycian civilization.

The island’s dramatic landscape, with its rugged cliffs and hidden caves, adds to the sense of mystery and discovery.

Whether exploring the ruins or simply admiring the stunning natural beauty, a visit to Kekova Island is a highlight of the day trip, providing a unique window into Turkey’s rich historical and archaeological heritage.

Discovering Demre and Myra

After exploring the sunken ruins of Kekova, the tour moves inland to the historic sites of Demre and Myra. Visitors can discover the well-preserved rock tombs and ancient theaters that once thrived as part of the Lycian civilization.

The tour provides a comprehensive look at the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the underwater archaeology to the impressive architectural remains on land.

In Demre, the group will visit the Church of St. Nicholas, a Byzantine-era structure that draws pilgrims from around the world. Nearby, the ancient city of Myra boasts impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs and a grand Roman theater, both showcasing the area’s storied past.

These inland sites offer a fascinating complement to the sunken wonders of Kekova, giving guests a well-rounded understanding of this captivating corner of Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a formal dress code. Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for a boat trip and walking is recommended. Swimwear may be worn for the swimming stops during the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a tasty lunch is already included in the tour price, so it may not be necessary. Passengers should check with the tour operator if they have any special dietary needs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions – it’s open to travelers of all ages. Children are welcome, though parents should ensure their safety and supervision throughout the day trip.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour’s duration can be extended if needed, though extra fees may apply. Guests should discuss any requests for an extended tour with the host in advance to ensure availability and pricing. Flexibility is offered to accommodate travelers’ needs.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not currently offer discounted pricing for children or seniors. However, the host is open to feedback and may consider introducing special rates in the future to accommodate families and older travelers.