Kekova - Myra - St. Nicholas Tour

Tour overview

This excursion takes us through the wild romantic Taurus Mountains and the most charming coastal region of the Turkish Riviera. From the ancient harbour Andriake we start our boat trip to the sunk city Kekova, the ruins of which can well be made out in the crystal- clear water. Opposite on a peninsula lies the ancient city Simena with its small castle. The most famous pilgrim place of Christianity is the city of the “St. Nicolas”. The church dating back to the 5th century AD is at least as attractive as the much older rock graves of Myra from the 5th century BC as well as the amphitheatre.

Departure from the hotel and travel to Demre to visit the best examples of Lycian tombs at Myra, Antique Theatre and the Church of St. Nicholas the saint to whom is referred as Santa Claus. Santa Claus was the bishop of Myra. Today he is 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 travellers, he was said to have lived here. Seeping with lemon and orange aromas, Demre, was choosen 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 belong 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 Antalya in the late evening where tour concludes witha hotel drop-off .