Morning ruins, then a sunken city boat ride. This Antalya to Demre, Myra, Kekova day trip is interesting because it pairs major Lycian sites with Kekova’s dramatic Simena remains, all with early hotel pickup and a ready-made plan. I love that Myra’s entrance ticket is included, and I love the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle with lunch handled for you. The tradeoff to consider is timing: it’s a full 8 to 10 hours, and the stops can feel like fast check-ins rather than slow wandering.

I also like that the group stays small-ish, up to 45 people, and the tour runs in English. When guides are at their best, you get clear explanations and an upbeat pace, like Huseyien, who’s described as funny and well prepared.

One more practical note: St. Nicholas is not included in the ticket bundle, so you may want a little cash or a plan for the entrance fee there. If you’re counting every minute, pack for early starts and brief photo stops, and keep your expectations realistic about how much you can see.

Key Points at a Glance

• Early pickup schedule that gets you moving before the day gets crowded
• Myra entrance ticket included, so you skip one ticket line
• Kekova sunken city boat portion with time to look, photograph, and possibly swim briefly
• Lunch included, plus an air-conditioned ride between stops
• St. Nicholas ticket not included, so factor that extra cost in
• Maximum 45 travelers, which is a nice middle ground for a day tour

Why This Demre, Myra, Kekova Route Works in One Long Day

This is a “big highlights” tour, built for people who want the essentials of the Demre area without planning anything. You get three major stops that are usually spread across multiple trips, and you spend most of your day in the right places, not hunting down transportation.

My favorite part of this setup is the blend: tombs and ancient streets at Myra, then a very different mood at Kekova where the coastline tells the story of earthquakes and a submerged city. It’s a strong day if you like seeing how the region connects geology, empire, and faith in one sweep.

The pacing is the real variable. Expect an itinerary that is structured enough to keep you moving, yet not so rushed that you never get photos. You just need to be ready for the reality of a long day with early morning logistics.

5:00-6:00 Pickup and the Reality of an 8-10 Hour Day

Plan on a very early start. The tour lists a 5:30 am start time, with pickup depending on where you’re staying in Antalya or Belek, so you’re likely looking at pickup roughly in the 5:00 to 6:00 window.

That early launch is not a gimmick. Leaving early helps you reach Demre while it’s cooler and before the day’s crush builds. But it also means the return ride back to Antalya can be late enough that the day feels like it gets used up.

There’s also a group-transport rhythm to understand. Even with air-conditioned comfort, a route that collects passengers from multiple hotels can add fatigue at the start and end. If you’re the type who hates waiting, bring snacks for the road and accept that some “bus time” is part of this bargain price.

Stop 1: Church of St. Nicholas and the Legend Behind the Walls

The first stop is the Church of St. Nicholas, tied to one of the most famous Christian stories linked to this region. You’ll have about one hour here, and it’s listed as a stop without the admission ticket included.

This is a “see it, appreciate it, then move on” kind of visit. The value is partly in the names and partly in the setting, especially if you like religious art and the way local history gets tied to global traditions. Think of it as an introduction to Demre before the more archaeological Myra ruins.

Two tips to keep it smooth:

• Have your entrance plan ready before you arrive, since this site is separate from the included ticket set.
• If you’re sensitive to early mornings, use this first stop to orient yourself before the harder walking at Myra.

Stop 2: Myra Ancient City and the Lycian Rock-Cut Tombs

Next comes Myra Antik Kenti, the main Lycian draw. This stop runs about one hour, and here the entrance ticket is included.

Myra is special because it’s not just standing ruins. You’re looking at a necropolis of Lycian rock-cut tombs dating back to around the 4th century BC. In plain terms: the hillside is shaped by burial culture, carved into the rock, so you get that sense of a whole landscape built around the dead.

You’ll also see the ancient amphitheater area and the feel of a city that once mattered a lot in this corner of Anatolia. Even with a one-hour limit, you can still get a solid look if you prioritize:

• tomb facades and carved details first
• then the amphitheater perspective for wide views

One more point: because Myra’s ticket is included, you avoid an extra cost step that can slow down a day tour. That small convenience matters when the schedule is tight.

Stop 3: Kekova Island, Simena Ruins, and the Boat Trip Moment

Then the mood shifts. At Kekova Island, you’ll spend about three hours total, with the entrance ticket listed as included. The tour’s focus here is the sunken city remains of Simena, a place that became an island area after major earthquakes.

The highlight is the boat trip to view the remnants along the coastline. Based on how the day tends to run, you can expect a boat portion around the 40-minute range for seeing ruins from the water. That vantage point is honestly the whole reason to come to Kekova, because the damage and the layout make more sense when you’re looking at the shoreline from sea level.

You may also get a short window for a swim, roughly 20 minutes, depending on conditions. It’s not long, so treat it as a bonus, not the main event. Your main job is to look, photograph, and enjoy the strange, quiet feeling of ruins that have been underwater for ages.

Photo tip: bring your phone or camera strap, and don’t assume you’ll have time for endless angles. If you want a particular shot, decide on your spot quickly once you’re on the water.

Food, Comfort, and the Occasional Extra Stop

The tour includes lunch, and it’s typically served as a buffet style meal. The upside is simple: you get fed without having to find a restaurant on your own. The downside is that buffet quality can be basic on day tours, so keep expectations grounded.

You’ll also ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade in this region, especially early. Still, bring what you need for comfort. Bottled water is not listed as included, and coffee and/or tea is also not included, so plan to buy it if you’ll need caffeine or extra hydration.

One thing to know about the day structure: there can be an added stop at an onyx-related shop. Some people love learning about local crafts. Others want pure ruins time and feel it’s a detour. If you know you dislike factory or showroom stops, mentally label it as possible downtime so you’re not surprised.

Price Check: Is $79 Good Value for This Day Trip?

At $79 per person, this tour sits in the value zone for a full day that strings together two major ruins areas plus a boat time at Kekova. The included pieces help justify the price.

Here’s what you do get built in:

• Lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes
• Entrance ticket for Ancient City Myra
• Entrance ticket for Kekova Island

What you do not get built in:

• St. Nicholas church entrance ticket
• Coffee and/or tea
• Bottled water

That ticket mix is important for evaluating value. Myra and Kekova are the big ticket items you would otherwise pay separately, so including them is a win. St. Nicholas being extra isn’t a deal-breaker, but it means your total out-of-pocket could rise a bit.

If you want maximum sightseeing per minute, the value depends on how the day is timed for your exact pickup location. If you’re closer to the main pickup routes, you’ll likely feel like you get more of your day in Demre and Kekova.

How to Make the Most of Tight Visit Times

The itinerary has set durations, so your edge is preparation. When you arrive at Myra and Kekova, you won’t have endless time to wander, so it helps to go in with a quick plan.

I suggest doing this before you board:

• Pick your “must photograph” moment at Myra, then ignore distractions for five minutes.
• At Kekova, prioritize the water views first, because that’s the part that won’t be repeatable on land.
• If you’re visiting St. Nicholas, use the hour to learn the core story and capture a couple of angles early.

Wear comfortable shoes. Even if the walking is manageable, you’re dealing with ancient stone surfaces, uneven ground, and early-day fatigue. Also keep your phone charged. Early mornings add up fast, and you’ll want photos that do not rely on guessing angles later.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• Two top ruins experiences in a single day: Myra tombs plus Kekova sunken-city viewing
• A boat element that gives you a different perspective than land tours
• Someone else handling the driving and the admission steps where they are included

It also fits you if you prefer small group energy without paying for a private guide. A max of 45 travelers is a decent size for staying organized.

I’d be more cautious if you hate early pickups or if you get irritated by schedule-heavy days. This is not a leisurely “stay as long as you like” style tour. It’s structured, and you should be ready to follow the plan.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work because the stops are limited and the bus segments are comfortable. Just be ready for the early start and the fact that Myra and St. Nicholas are time-boxed.

Should You Book This Demre Myra Kekova Tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced way to hit Myra tombs and Kekova’s sunken Simena ruins without dealing with transport planning. The inclusion of Myra and Kekova entrance tickets, plus lunch, makes the $79 price feel more reasonable than a ticket-by-ticket approach.

Think twice if you’re extremely sensitive to long bus time or you need lots of free time at each stop. The day is long, and some of the value hinges on how efficiently your pickup and drop-off run.

My practical call: if you can handle an early morning and you’re excited to see Kekova from the water, this is a strong choice for a one-day highlights hit.

FAQ

What time does pickup start?

The tour lists a 5:30 am start time, with pickup depending on where you’re staying. Antalya pickup is listed for around 6:00 am and Belek pickup around 5:00 am, so plan for an early departure.

How long is the Demre Myra Kekova tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 to 10 hours.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Which entrance tickets are included, and which are not?

Entrance ticket for the Ancient City of Myra is included. Entrance ticket for the Church of St. Nicholas is not included. Entrance ticket for Kekova Island is listed as included.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Is the Kekova part of the tour a boat trip?

The tour includes a boat trip to Kekova Island to view the remnants of Simena, the sunken city.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.