Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Tour from Turkler
A long day with a big reward: from Turkler you travel west into ancient Lycia to the church of St. Nicholas, the rock tombs of Myra and a boat trip over the sunken city of Kekova.
- Duration
- 18 hours
- Operating days
- Wed, Sun
- Pickup
- 03:30
- Destination
- Demre & Kekova
Before sunrise from Turkler
Demre and Kekova lie far to the west, beyond Antalya, so the day starts very early: we usually pick you up in Turkler around 03:30 and confirm your exact time after booking. After a breakfast break near Antalya, the coach follows the coast into Lycia, a land of rock-cut tombs, sarcophagi by the sea and turquoise bays.
In Demre you visit the Church of St. Nicholas: in the 4th century Nicholas was bishop of Myra – the generous saint later known around the world as Santa Claus. Byzantine frescoes, mosaics and the sarcophagus associated with him make the church a place of pilgrimage. Just outside the town, the cliff of ancient Myra is carved with house-shaped Lycian rock tombs above a large Roman theatre decorated with stone masks. After lunch at a local restaurant, a boat from the fishing village of Üçağız takes you along the island of Kekova, where an earthquake in the 2nd century sank part of an ancient town: in the clear water you see foundations, stairs and walls, and on the shore sarcophagi and the castle of Simena. You are back in Turkler in the evening.
Tips if you stay in Turkler
- Go to bed early the night before – the coach is comfortable enough for a nap on the way.
- Cover your shoulders for the church.
- Pack swimwear just in case: depending on route and weather there may be a short swim stop in a bay.
- Choose the package with or without entrance fees; drinks are always extra.
Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Turkler, lunch and the boat trip are included, and you pay on the tour day. Fancy another big journey? See the 2-day Pamukkale trip from Turkler.
Highlights
- Church of St. Nicholas – the original Santa Claus
- Lycian rock tombs and Roman theatre of Myra
- 1-hour boat trip over the Kekova sunken city
- Lycian sarcophagi and Simena castle from the water
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Scenic coastal drive along the Lycian coast
Pickup times from Turkler
| Where you stay | Pickup |
|---|---|
| All hotels in Turkler | 03:30 |
These are our usual pickup times. We confirm your exact time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking – please wait at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Turkler
- Wyndham Alanya
- Armas Green Fugla
- Venessa Beach Hotel
- Numa Bay Exclusive Hotel
- Mary Hotel Alanya
- Alaiye Resort & Spa Hotel
- Aydinbey Gold Dreams
- Kahya Hotel
- My Home Resort
- Lonicera Premium
- Kandelor Hotel
- Silence Beach Resort
- Eflina Resort Hotel & Spa
- Lonicera Resort
- Adin Resort Hotel
- Club Sun Paradise Hotel
- Loft's Alanya Luna
- Justiniano Beach
- Seda Holiday
- Esma Apart Hotel
- Granada Luxury Red
- Club Sun Heaven
- Club Hotel Ruza
- Alaiye Kleopatra Hotel
- Kleopatra Micador Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
-
03:30
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Turkler – see the pickup times above.
-
05:00–05:30
Breakfast break
Short stop near Antalya.
-
08:00–09:30
St. Nicholas Church
Visit to the church museum and icon centre in Demre.
-
10:00–11:30
Ancient Myra
Roman theatre and Lycian rock tombs.
-
12:00–13:00
Lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant.
-
13:30–14:30
Kekova boat trip
From Üçağız over the sunken city (about 1 hour).
-
15:00–16:00
Return journey
Departure and drive back along the coast.
-
18:30–19:00
Break
Rest stop near Antalya.
-
20:30–21:30
Hotel drop-off
Arrival time depends on your area.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Alanya, Side and surroundings
- Air-conditioned coach
- Professional guide
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- 1-hour boat trip to Kekova and the sunken city
- Entrance fees to Myra and St. Nicholas Church (only with the ‘with entrance fees’ option)
Not included
- Drinks
- Entrance fees (with the ‘without entrance fees’ option)
- Tips and personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know
- Runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Very early start: pickup between about 03:30 and 05:00, return around 20:30–21:30.
- The boat trip depends on sea conditions.
- Please dress modestly for the church (shoulders covered).
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and a towel
- Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- A light jacket for the early morning and the air-conditioned bus
- Cash for drinks, breakfast and souvenirs
Frequently asked questions
What time is the pickup in Turkler?
Usually around 03:30 – Demre and Kekova are a long drive away. We confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking.
Are entrance fees included?
You choose: the basic price includes lunch and the boat trip without entrance fees, or you book the option with the entrance fees for Myra and the St. Nicholas Church.
Can we swim over the sunken city?
No – the underwater ruins are protected, so swimming directly over them is not allowed. Depending on route and weather, there may be a short swim stop in a nearby bay.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Older children who enjoy history and boats usually love it, but it is a long day. Children aged 3–11 pay the child price; under-3s travel free.
