Demre (St. Nicholas Church) & Myra Tombs & Kekova Island Boat Tour

Demre (St. Nicholas Church) & Myra Tombs & Kekova Island Boat Tour

A long day with lots of travelling but worth it for the stunning scenery and to be able to say “I have visited the birthplace of Father Christmas”

ABOUT

The tour starts by driving along the Mediterranean coastline with a beautiful view of Taurus Mountains. Stop on the ridge of the mountain to get a stunning view of Kumluca village with the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful landscape (photo stop). Proceed to Demre for the boat trip. Boat trip includes approximately 2 hours cruising. For those who want to learn the fascinating secrets of history, this is where the adventure begins! The sunken city was flooded after an earthquake happened two thousand years ago, will leave an unforgettable impression that carries the power of history on your holiday. While our boat cruises along with the view of the sunken city, you can either take photos or enjoy the enchanting beauty of the city. The glass bottom of the boat allows you to be a living witness of the unique beauty of the ruins. The ruins of Simena visible on the cliffs from the sea and 20 minutes swim stop (Subject to weather conditions).

Lunch time will be in Kekova, in one of the local rustic restaurants at the bay. Weather conditioned can be taken on boat during the tour.

After lunch continue to the church, the burial place of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). The church to honor Saint Nicholas and contain his tomb was built in AD 520 on the foundations of the older Christian church where Saint Nicholas served as bishop. Over time the river changed course and the church filled with silt and was buried. In 1862 Russian Tsar Nicholas I restored the church, adding the tower and making other changes to its Byzantine architecture. The church is regarded as the 3rd most important Byzantine structure in Anatolia. It is noted for the remarkable wall frescos, its architectural and its religious significance.

St Nicholaus Churh followed by a visit to the Ancient city of Myra. (3 km. from the church) where guests can see 2400 years old Lycian Rock cut Tombs, part of the city walls and a Roman Theatre that are all that is now left of Myra. Even though you are not allowed to walk around the rock tombs, you can still get a feel for the ancient Lycian culture and their beliefs. Lycian tombs were always placed at the top of hills or on the cliffs as there was a belief that the dead would be transported to another world by a wing liked creature.

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