ITINERARY

• Demre Myra region is one of the most important points to visit from Antalya. We pick you up from your hotel or meeting point in Antalya early in the morning and after our 2.5-hour journey, we arrive at our visit area.
• We’ll head to Demre harbour where the boat awaits you for the start of your trip to Kekova. Once the anchor is raised, away we go!
• Discover the fascinating secrets of Kekova’s history on this unique adventure around the Sunken City. The ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and its resulting underwater ruins never fail to leave an impression.
• Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here, so what better way to explore the site than by cruising alongside the ruins on our glass-bottom boat, giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos.
• We stay here for a certain period of time and have the chance to see the castle ruins and the area where the Necropolis is located.
• A drive along the coast between the Taurus Mountains and the sea brings you to the waterfront in Demre where a traditional wooden boat is waiting. From here, a 90-minute cruise takes you to Kekova, an island whose coast holds the ruins of a 2nd-century city that was destroyed by an earthquake and now lies submerged in the sea. Weather permitting, you can go for a swim before moving on to the ancient city of Myra, one of the Lycean civilisation's most important port cities and an important religious centre. You can still see the ancient Greek amphitheatre and the amazing rock tombs of Lycian kings. After lunch, visit the St Nicholas Church in Demre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place for the real-life figure who inspired the legend of Father Christmas. In the last few years, the church's frescoes have been repaired and its artwork retouched to evoke the glory of this ancient place of worship.
• Time for a lunch and swim break at beautiful Esmeralda Bay where you can enjoy peace and tranquility during this fun journey.
• Your chance to discover Demre’s most famous archeological site! A true step back in history as you observe some of Myra’s most significant ancient ruins dating as far back as the 5th century B.C.
• St. Nicholas Church is an ancient East Roman basilica church in the ancient city of Myra, now a museum located in modern Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey. It was built above the burial place of St Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop of Myra, an important religious figure for Eastern Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics and the historical inspiration for Santa Claus. Its use dated from its 6th century construction for the state church of the Roman Empire by Justinian the Great. The basilica is on UNESCO's tentative list to become a World Heritage Site.
• Once all destinations have been explored, we’ll take you back to the bustling city of Antalya, where your tour ends.