Group tour from Side to the sights of ancient Lycia. Demre-Myra-Kekova
About this experience
This tour combines Christian shrines, ancient artifacts, and a yacht trip. You will travel to Demre, where you will touch the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas and admire the frescoes. In Myra, you will visit a huge amphitheater and inspect the faces on the rock-cut tombs. Then, you will sail near the city of Kekova, which sank underwater after an earthquake.
What to Expect
St. Nicholas Church in Demre. This is the resting place of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - one of the most significant Christian saints. You will explore the sarcophagus where his relics were kept until the 11th century and be able to address prayers to the saint. Learn about the miracles and the extraordinary life of Nicholas, as well as admire the frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries.
Ancient city of Myra. Once the capital of the Lycian state - you will hear about its fate, about the impressive structures erected here in honor of the Roman emperors. The greatness of the city will be told by the amphitheater, which could accommodate up to 10,000 people, as well as the rock-cut tombs of the wealthiest Lycians.
Yacht trip near Kekova Island. You will sail past the ancient fortress, sunken amphorae, and tombs. After that, we will anchor to swim in the turquoise waters and relax after a hot day.
Program
- Group transfer from accommodation in the Side region (05:00 - 06:00)
- Stop in the mountains for breakfast (around 09:00)
- Visit to the Icon Center of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
- Visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (pilgrimage to the sarcophagus)
- Yacht trip around the sunken island of Kekova and the ancient city of Dolchiste, the ancient peninsula of Symena, and the ancient city of Teimussa + swimming stop
- 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 accommodation in the Side region (19:00 - 19:30)
Organizational Details
How the tour goes
- In a comfortable bus with a group of up to 17, 30, 40, or 54 people (group size depends on the number of participants who have made a reservation for the date of the tour)
- Take your passport with you (or a photo of your passport on your phone)
- The tour will be conducted by one of our professional history guides
- The sequence may change depending on the weather or other factors
- The distance from the center of Side to Demre is 219 km
- The tour includes shopping stops, during which you will get acquainted with the historical crafts of the region
- Children under 4 years old are not provided with a separate seat in the bus. Children sit together with adults (on laps). If you want your child under 4 years old to have a separate seat on the bus, you need to buy a separate ticket for them when booking.
What is included in the price
- Transfer from and to your place of residence
- Insurance policy for the duration of the tour, accompanied by a Russian-speaking tour guide
- Services of a Russian-speaking tour guide
- Lunch (buffet or set menu depending on the season, drinks not included)
- Yacht trip near the sunken Island of Kekova and the ancient city of Dolchiste, the ancient peninsula of Symena, and the ancient city of Teimussa
Additional charges (optional)
- Drinks
- Entrance ticket to St. Nicholas Church - €20
- Entrance ticket to the ancient city of Myra - €13
We also recommend bringing:
- Breakfast: a lunchbox that should be ordered at the hotel the night before
- Video / photo camera;
- Comfortable clothes and shoes, headgear, sunglasses, and sunscreen;
- Swimming accessories: swimsuit / trunks, slippers, towel;
- A scarf (for women) to visit the Church of St. Nicholas;
- Money to pay for additional services (or a bank card).
