Demre, Myra and Kekova Tour

Your pick-up will be scheduled for 08:30 am from the hotel to start the Ephesus Tour. Our Professional tour guide will be introducing the ancient sites of Demre-Myra, Kekova-Simena.

Drive to Myra, founded during the Hellenistic period as part of the Lycian Union, and since it was one of the 6 biggest cities, it was eligible to give 3 votes. Myra is also where St. Nicholas had been lived and died, who also known as “Santa Claus.” Saint Nicholas was born in 300 AD in Patara, then moved to Myra, where he was a bishop. There is a church on behalf of his name where he is buried. Saint Nicholas is known as the protector of the kids and the sailor. Saint Nicholas died on 6 December 365 AD when he was 65.

Pilinius, in 1C AD, first mentioned the visit to Simena, and it dates back to 4C BC, where we learn from Lycian inscriptions and silver coins. Simena was part of the Lycian Union and was represented the city Aperlai. After Anatolia became part of the Roman Empire, Simena sustained its independence. When approaching the shore, a Roman bath comes first, which was built in 79 BC. Lycian cities are famous for the rock tombs and sarcophaguses, which you can see in Simena. The Lycians built a theater that has a 300 person capacity and a temple which was converted into a church, later a mosque. Most of the sarcophaguses are in the water.

After the Demre-Myra, Kekova-Simena sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel.