A long drive, a sunken city, and tombs carved into rock. This is a rare Turkish Riviera day that mixes big land sights in Myra with real time on the water at Kekova. I love how the day feels paced, not rushed, with a boat segment that actually gives you time to swim and snorkel. I also like that you get a live guide and included access, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time looking around.

The main drawback is logistics: if you’re based in the Antalya city area, you may face a long ride and an early start. One commenter even flagged a drive that can run upward of 3 hours, which may be a lot for kids.

Key things to know before you go

• Myra plus Kekova in one day: amphitheater, Lycian tombs, then a boat over the Kekova area for underwater ruins
• Swim and snorkel time: you’re not just taking photos from the deck
• Lunch is included, but basic: plan to top up with snacks if you have strong opinions about food
• St. Nicholas Church may cost extra: entrance to the church is listed as not included
• A great guide can make it: one guide named Alp stood out for being both friendly and honest

Demre, Myra, and Kekova: why this day feels different

Most Riviera tours choose either land ruins or a boat ride. This one stitches them together, and that’s the appeal. You start with Lycian and Greek-era sights in Myra, then shift gears to the coast where the shoreline and the sea tell the story.

What I like most is the contrast. You’ll see carved tombs and a classic amphitheater on land, then watch the character of the coast change as you head toward Kekova. If you enjoy places where history is visible above and below the surface, this is a strong match.

The full-day flow: Myra amphitheater to Kale (Demre)

Your day generally starts with hotel pickup from the Antalya region, including hotels in Antalya, Alanya, Side, Belek, and Kemer, depending on where you’re staying. You’ll transfer to Myra, which sits on the banks of the River Myros. From there, the tour keeps moving, with stops that are timed around the boat segment.

The day typically follows this pattern. You’ll visit Myra first, then enjoy a complimentary lunch, then sail toward Kekova. After time on the water and stops connected to the sunken area, you’ll finish in Kale (Demre) for the St. Nicholas church visit before returning to your hotel.

Myra amphitheater and the Lycian rock-cut necropolis

Myra is where the day takes on an “on the ground” feel. You go to an ancient Greek amphitheater and then see the rock-cut tombs that make up the Lycian necropolis. These aren’t generic ruins you scroll past, they’re carved into the landscape, so you get a real sense of how people lived and remembered their dead.

A big plus here is included entrance fees to Myra, plus a guide who helps connect the dots between what you’re looking at and why it matters. If you like archaeology that’s readable without a lot of guesswork, Myra delivers.

Also, you’re not stuck in a single spot. The amphitheater gives you the layout and the scale, then the tombs show a different side of the same world. It’s a strong sequence, because your eyes learn the area as you go.

Lunch on the move: what included means in real life

You’ll have a complimentary lunch before the boat portion. That’s convenient, because it means you’re not trying to find food in the middle of a packed day while your group is loading up and heading out.

The tradeoff is that lunch is included, so it tends to be simple. One past experience described the lunch as basic, and even suggested the restaurant wasn’t especially clean. If you’re picky, bring a couple of snack items to back you up, and keep water handy.

This is also the part of the day where timing matters. Eating early helps you feel better when you’re in the sun later and when you’re focused on swimming and snorkeling. So even if the meal isn’t a food highlight, it supports the rest of the itinerary.

Kekova Sunken City boat trip: Simena underwater ruins and snorkeling time

Kekova is the main event, and the boat trip is where the day earns its keep. You sail over the coast toward picturesque Kekova Island, then get to explore the sunken-city area connected with Simena. The big draw is the underwater ruins, which you experience as part of the sailing route rather than only as a distant view.

Then comes the part that makes this tour feel active: you stop to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters around the island. This is one of those “you can’t really fake it” experiences. Even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler, the water time turns the coast into something you feel, not just something you look at.

If you want the best results, treat the water segment like a mini mission. Wear something easy to move in, think about sun protection, and have a plan for where you’ll stash your things before you get in. While the tour clearly highlights snorkeling, the details on gear aren’t specified, so if you already have a mask you like, bringing your own can be a smart move.

You’ll also visit the Lycian necropolis of Teimiussa during the Kekova portion of the day. That stop adds variety, because it connects the sea story back to the people who built along this coastline.

Kale (Demre) and St. Nicholas: worth the stop, check what you pay

Near the end of the day, you return to Kale (Demre) and visit the church of St. Nicholas. This is a meaningful stop if you connect the name to history and the long tradition around Myra. It’s also a relief to have a final fixed point before the return transfer.

One important detail: the tour lists St. Nicholas Church as not included. At the same time, entrance fees to Demre are included. So you should expect that the church visit could involve an on-site fee, even if you have other access covered. When you arrive, ask your guide what is included versus what you might need to pay at the church.

What the guide adds, especially when you get a standout like Alp

This tour runs with a live tour guide in English or Russian. That matters more than people think, because these areas can feel confusing if you’re only reading signs. With a good guide, the amphitheater makes sense, the tombs become a story, and the sunken ruins are no longer just scattered rocks.

One standout example in the info you provided is a guide named Alp, who was described as knowledgeable and refreshingly honest. Even if your guide isn’t Alp, the point stays the same. A strong guide turns the day from sightseeing into understanding, and that’s usually where the best value hides.

If you’re traveling with a language preference, check that English or Russian is available for your departure. That’s the simplest way to avoid ending up with a guide you can’t fully follow.

Price and value: is $78 a fair deal?

At $78 per person for a 9 to 10 hour day, you’re paying for three high-cost parts rolled into one: a guided land day (Myra), a boat trip to the Kekova area, and included access with entrance fees to Myra and Demre. Lunch is also included, which helps your budget during a long day out.

The value works best if you would otherwise pay separately for the boat ride and multiple site entries. If you’re the type who likes to move efficiently, this pricing makes sense because you’re buying coordination as much as attractions.

Where value can feel weaker is if you hate early starts or long rides. If you’re in the Antalya city area and you’re looking at a long transfer and early pickup, the day becomes more about endurance than pleasure. In that case, the attractions still shine, but you’ll want to plan extra rest and snacks.

A small plus to keep in mind: the tour lists skip the ticket line. That can save time at busy sites, especially on a day with many stops.

Who this tour fits best, and who should think twice

This is a great fit for adults who want a classic Turkish Riviera day without building a DIY route. You’ll likely enjoy it if you like history you can see clearly (amphitheater and rock-cut tombs) and if you love being in the water (snorkeling time at Kekova).

It can be tougher for families with young kids, mainly because of the early start and the travel time to reach the Demre and Myra region. One comment flagged that the drive can be upward of 3 hours from the Antalya area, which adds up fast when you’re traveling with little ones.

If you’re older, comfortable with long seating on a coach, and you’re excited for the Kekova sea portion, it’s a strong choice. If your holiday is built around slow mornings, you might feel the day’s structure more than you enjoy it.

Practical tips: make the boat and swim segment easier

You’re going to want to feel comfortable from pickup through the last stop. The tour requests comfortable shoes, and I’d treat that as non-negotiable. You’ll move around historical areas, and rock and uneven surfaces are common in places like Myra.

For the water time, don’t wait until you board the boat to think about sun and comfort. Based on the practical advice shared in the info you provided, bring sun protection and stay hydrated. A simple pack like sunscreen plus water (and maybe a hat) can make the difference between a good swim stop and a miserable one.

Also, consider snacks. Lunch is included, but it’s described as basic, so having a backup keeps you happy if the meal doesn’t hit your standards.

Should you book the Antalya Demre, Myra and Kekova boat trip?

Book it if you want a full-day mix of Myra ruins plus the Kekova sunken-city experience, and you’re genuinely interested in snorkeling time. The included boat ride, entrance fees, and lunch help the day feel “all-in-one,” especially if you don’t want to coordinate transfers and tickets yourself.

Skip this tour if you’re sensitive to long travel times, dislike early starts, or need a day that’s built around short movement and lots of downtime. The itinerary is active and structured, and the value depends on you enjoying that rhythm.

If you’re on the fence, I’d base the decision on one question: do you want to spend real time in the water at Kekova? If the answer is yes, this is the kind of day that tends to feel worth it, even when the pickup is early.

FAQ

How long is the Antalya Demre, Myra & Kekova tour?

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $78 per person.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from hotels in the Antalya area, including Antalya, Belek, and Kemer. The tour also indicates pickup from Alanya and Side accommodations.

What does the tour include?

It includes a live guide, lunch, entrance fees to Myra and Demre, and the boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova. It also notes skip the ticket line.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Lunch is included and described as complimentary. Drinks are not included.

Is the St. Nicholas Church ticket included?

No. St. Nicholas Church is listed as not included.

What languages are the guides available in?

The guide is available in English and Russian.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes. It’s also smart to bring sunscreen and something to stay hydrated, since you’ll be outdoors for a long day.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.