Demre,Myra,Kekova Ancient Cities

Alanya Kekova-Demre-Myra trip will open to you the pages of Turkish history while visiting an ancient city in Myra, the church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and the sunken city in Kekova! Starting with the fascinating boat trip to Kekova sunken city, destroyed by an earthquake during the 2d century, You’ll visit an ancient Greek amphitheater and the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis in Myra!

Antique Theatre and the Church of St. Nicholas the saint who is referred to as Santa Claus. Santa Claus was the bishop of Myra. Today he is the patron saint of Russia, Beit Jala in Palestine, and New York City. (His church in New York was 170 years old when the falling World Trade Center towers destroyed it.) The defender of children, guardian of sailors, and protector of travelers, he was said to have lived here. Sleeping with lemon and orange aromas, Demre was chosen by St. Nicholas as his home and his final resting place.

After lunch, we sail over turquoise waters to the picturesque Kekova Island from Ucagiz Village. Discover the extraordinary underwater ruins of the sunken city belonging to Kekova Island and visit the noteworthy Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. There are opportunities to swim and snorkel if desired, so do not forget your bathing suit and towel. Return to Alanya in the late evening where the tour concludes with a hotel drop-off.

Ancient Cities – Demre and Myra

At the height of civilization, in the 5th century BC. in a quiet harbor near the Mediterranean Sea, the ancient city of Myra was founded, after the destruction it was rebuilt and received the name Demre or Kale. During its lifetime, the settlement has seen many wars and raids by enemies, natural disasters and successive rulers.

At different times the city was ruled by Persians and Byzantines, Seljuk sultans and Roman emperors. 400 AD fall on the heyday of Mira. Theodosius II, who ruled in that era, actively developed the city, during his reign basilicas and chapels, squares and triumphal arches, an acropolis and a huge amphitheater capable of accommodating 10,000 spectators were erected.

Now, walking along the streets of the ancient city, you involuntarily plunge into the atmosphere of great battles and spectacular gladiator fights, palace coups and bloody wars. The main monuments of Roman architecture are the ruins of the acropolis with fragments of statues, columns and sarcophagi, and a multi-level Roman arena built in the style of classical amphitheatres.

On the upper tiers there were luxurious lodges for the nobility, and in the lower ones there were rooms for performing artists and athletes, enclosures with wild exotic animals, which were taken to merciless fights with gladiators.

The Lycian tombs, which are burials in sarcophagi carved high in the mountains, have attracted archaeologists and historians, adventurers and inquisitive travelers for many years, because every stone here still holds the secrets of ancient times.

Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The program of the tour “Demre Myra Kekova From Alanya” also includes a visit to one of the main Christian relics – the church of St. Nicholas founded in the 4th century. According to legend, it was the local Bishop Nicholas who initiated the tradition of Christmas gifts, when, under cover of night, he left gifts at the gates of the poor.

They built the temple after the death of the priest, and immediately noticed that the pilgrims were miraculously healed by touching the sarcophagus with the relics of the Saint. And although several centuries have passed, many still find help and peace within the walls of the church.

For tourists, the ancient basilica is of no less interest, the walls decorated with frescoes and mosaics, biblical scenes, reliefs and ornaments on the ancient sarcophagus are unique reminders of the past, carefully protected by the state.

The sunken city of Kekova

The end of the tour “Demre Myra Kekova From Alanya” will be especially remembered by adventurers – on board a modern yacht you will go out to the open sea.

Devastating earthquakes many centuries ago took the ancient Lycian cities under water, the remains of which still rest on the seabed. Through the glass bottom of the boat you will see amphorae and columns, arches and stone stairs, altars and the ruins of a Byzantine church.

Excursion “Demre Myra Kekova From Alanya” will introduce you to the famous monuments of history and architecture, that natural ancient settlements and the enchanting nature of sunny Turkey. Vivid impressions from visiting iconic places, religious shrines and unexplored corners of the Mediterranean will stay with you for a long time, and spectacular photos and videos will resurrect memories of an exciting journey.

Fact Sheet

Duration
Approx. 15 hours. Pickup and drop-off time is not included

Pick up and Drop off included
Yes, Pick up time approx 03.15 from Alanya

Children friendly
Yes, but too long trip on a bus!

Children age rates
0-3  years old free of charge
4-8 years old 40 €

Optional Extras
Beverages

Meals Included
Yes, Lunch

Price Includes
Entrance to Myra ancient city and St.Nicholas museum ,Boat to Kekova island, and the Sunken City

Additional Information
Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothes,take your camera, swimming suit, towel and sunglasses
Tour Language: English,Russian,German
We accept payment in cash or c.card, on the bus to our guide.