About this experience
This tour combines Christian holy sites, ancient ruins, and a yacht cruise. You will visit Demre, where you will see the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas and admire the frescoes. In Myra, you'll explore the grand amphitheater and marvel at the faces on the rock-cut tombs. And then you'll sail near the sunken city of Kekova.
What to expect
Church of St. Nicholas in Demre. This is the final resting place of St. Nicholas, one of the most significant Christian saints. You will see the sarcophagus that housed his relics until the 11th century and have the opportunity to pray to the saint. Learn about the miracles and extraordinary life of Nicholas, and admire the frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries.
Ancient city of Myra. Once the capital of the Lycian state, you'll hear about its history, impressive structures built in honor of Roman emperors. The grandeur of the city will be showcased by the amphitheater, which could accommodate up to 10,000 people, and the rock-cut tombs of wealthy Lycians.
Yacht cruise near Kekova Island. Sail past ancient fortresses, sunken amphorae, and tombs. Afterward, anchor to swim in the turquoise waters and relax after a hot day.
Itinerary
- Group transfer from accommodations in the Antalya region (06:00 - 07:00)
- Breakfast stop in the mountains (around 09:00)
- Visit to the Icon Center of St. Nicholas
- Visit to the Church of St. Nicholas (pilgrimage to the sarcophagus)
- Yacht cruise around the sunken Kekova Island and ancient city of Dolichiste, the ancient peninsula of Simena and the ancient city of Teimussa + swimming break
- Lunch stop at a restaurant
- Visit to the ancient city of Myra (Greco-Roman amphitheater, Lycian rock-cut tombs)
- Return departure (15:30 - 16:30)
- Return to accommodations in the Antalya region (18:00 - 19:00)
Organizational details
How the tour goes
- Comfortable bus ride in a group of up to 17, 30, 40, or 54 people (group size depends on the number of participants who have made reservations for the tour date)
- Be sure to bring your passport (or a photo of your passport on your phone)
- The tour will be led by one of our professional history guides
- The sequence may change depending on the weather or other factors
- Distance from the center of Antalya to Demre is 145 km
- Shopping stops are provided during the tour, where you will learn about the historical crafts of the region
- Children under 4 years old are not provided with a separate seat on the bus. Children sit together with adults (on their laps). If you want your child under 4 years old to have a separate seat on the bus, you need to purchase a separate ticket for them when booking.
What's included in the price
- Transfer to and from your accommodation
- Insurance for the duration of the tour, accompanied by a Russian-speaking tour guide
- Lunch (buffet or fixed menu depending on the season, drinks not included)
- Yacht cruise near the sunken Kekova Island and ancient city of Dolichiste, the ancient peninsula of Simena and the ancient city of Teimussa
Additional costs:
- Drinks
- Entrance ticket to the Church of St. Nicholas - €20
- Entrance ticket to the ancient city of Myra - €13
We also recommend bringing:
- Breakfast: a lunch box, which should be ordered the day before at the hotel
- Video/camera
- Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Swimwear: swimsuit/trunks, slippers, towel
- Headscarf (for ladies) to visit the Church of St. Nicholas
- Money for additional services (or a bank card)
