St Nicholas Treasures and Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island From Side

Discover the captivating history and natural wonders of Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast on the "St Nicholas Treasures and Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island" tour from Side. This comprehensive excursion transports you back in time, exploring the ancient Lycian site of Myra, the revered Church of St. Nicholas, and the serene sunken ruins of Kekova Island. Indulge in a delectable Turkish buffet lunch as you learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage, led by a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour promises to leave you with lasting memories of Turkey’s remarkable coastal treasures.

Quick Points

• This comprehensive tour from Side, Turkey features visits to the ancient Lycian site of Myra, the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and a boat cruise to the sunken ruins of Kekova Island.
• The tour includes a buffet lunch showcasing authentic Turkish cuisine, as well as hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, and a professional multi-lingual guide for historical insights.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the impressive rock tombs and ancient theater in Myra, and the opportunity to view the submerged remnants of a fortress and theater from a glass-bottom boat.
• The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to learn about the legacy of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for the Santa Claus tradition, and the archaeological significance of the Kekova Island ruins.
• While the tour is generally well-received, some travelers have reported language barriers and occasional delays in pickup, though the tour maintains a 3.5/5 rating based on 5 reviews.

Tour Overview

The tour is called "St Nicholas Treasures and Cruise to Sunken Kekova Island" and takes place in Side, Turkey. It lasts approximately 14 hours and has a 3.5/5 rating based on 5 reviews.

The tour includes a buffet lunch, a boat cruise to Kekova Island, a professional multi-lingual guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all gratuities and entrance fees.

The journey begins with a 3.5-hour bus ride to Demre, where travelers will visit the ancient Lycian site of Myra and the modern town featuring the Church of St. Nicholas and his sarcophagus.

After this, travelers will embark on a glass-bottom boat cruise to view the sunken ruins of Kekova Island.

Key Inclusions

This tour includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, allowing travelers to savor authentic Turkish cuisine.

The boat cruise to Kekova Island is a highlight, where visitors can marvel at the sunken ruins through a glass-bottom boat. A professional multi-lingual guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the historical significance of the sites.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees and gratuities, are included, ensuring a seamless experience. Guests can also enjoy swimming and sunbathing during the Kekova excursion.

With these comprehensive inclusions, this tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

Detailed Itinerary

Early in the morning, travelers depart from their central Side hotels at 5:30 AM to embark on the 3.5-hour journey to the town of Demre, passing through the scenic landscapes of Kumluca and Finike along the way.

The first stop is the ancient site of Myra, where they’ll explore the ancient tombs and theater while learning about the history of St. Nicholas.

Next, they visit the modern town of Demre, home to St. Nicholas’ church and sarcophagus.

After enjoying a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, travelers depart from the Ucagiz port for a boat ride to Kekova Island, where they’ll take a glass-bottom boat cruise to view the sunken ruins, including a fortress and theater, before returning to Side.

Visiting Myra

After the scenic journey from Side, travelers arrive at the ancient site of Myra.

Once a thriving Lycian city, Myra is now known for its remarkable rock tombs carved into the cliffs. The group explores these ancient burial sites, learning about the Lycian civilization and the legacy of St. Nicholas, who served as the bishop of Myra in the 4th century.

The impressive Myra Theater, carved into the hillside, also captivates visitors with its well-preserved Greek and Roman architectural features.

Throughout the visit, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable archaeological site.

Exploring Demre

From Myra, the group continues on to the modern town of Demre, the final destination on this day-long tour.

In Demre, they visit the Church of St. Nicholas, which houses the saint’s sarcophagus. Travelers learn about the historical significance of this site, as St. Nicholas, known as the inspiration for Santa Claus, was the bishop of Myra in the 4th century.

After the church, the group enjoys a local lunch before departing for the Ucagiz port.

From here, they’ll board a boat and embark on the much-anticipated cruise to the sunken ruins of Kekova Island.

Kekova Island Cruise

The Ucagiz port serves as the embarkation point for the much-anticipated Kekova Island cruise.

Aboard a glass-bottom boat, visitors can explore the sunken ruins beneath the tranquil waters. The cruise provides a unique opportunity to witness the remnants of a centuries-old fortress and theater, now submerged due to a 2nd-century earthquake.

Guests can enjoy swimming and sunbathing during a stop on the island. The boat ride offers a leisurely way to take in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with the chance to spot local marine life through the boat’s transparent bottom.

This immersive experience allows travelers to fully appreciate the archaeological significance of the Kekova Island ruins.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights include visiting the ancient Lycian site of Myra, where travelers can marvel at the impressive rock tombs and learn about the history of St. Nicholas.

The excursion also features a glass-bottom boat cruise to the sunken ruins of Kekova Island, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of the submerged fortress and theater.

Other key attractions are:

1. The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, which houses the saint’s historical sarcophagus.
2. A scenic journey through the Turkish countryside, passing by picturesque towns like Kumluca and Finike.
3. A relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to savor the regional cuisine.
4. Ample time for swimming and sunbathing during the boat tour.

Important Details

Confirming the details at booking is crucial, as the tour accepts infants but they must sit on laps.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible. With a maximum group size of 40 travelers, guests can expect a personalized experience.

While the tour generally runs smoothly, some travelers have reported language barriers, as the commentary is provided in Russian, and occasional delays in pickup.

The Final Verdict

This immersive tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient Lycian site of Myra, the Church of St. Nicholas, and marvel at the sunken ruins of Kekova Island during a scenic boat cruise. Complemented by a delicious Turkish buffet lunch and an informative multi-lingual guide, this 14-hour excursion from Side, Turkey, provides an unforgettable and well-rounded experience.