Sunken City Antalya Archaeology Tour
Experience a full 2 days Sunken City Antalya Archaeology Tour from Istanbul with private transfers. Follow a guided route through Perge, Aspendos, Side, Manavgat or Kursunlu Waterfall, St. Nicholas Church, Myra Ancient City, and Sunken City Kekova Simena Castle by boat.
Highlights
- Perge and Aspendos, two of Antalya region's strongest Roman-Pamphylian archaeological landmarks
- Side Ancient City and Manavgat waterfall, blending coastal antiquity with natural landscape stops
- St. Nicholas Church in Demre, one of the most important pilgrimage points associated with Saint Nicholas legacy
- Kekova Sunken City boat route, where submerged ruins and Simena shoreline create one of Turkey's most iconic maritime heritage views
Sunken City Antalya Archaeology Tour
Experience a full 2 days Sunken City Antalya Archaeology Tour from Istanbul with private transfers. Follow a guided route through Perge, Aspendos, Side, Manavgat or Kursunlu Waterfall, St. Nicholas Church, Myra Ancient City, and Sunken City Kekova Simena Castle by boat.
Itinerary
This itinerary is crafted as an immersive Sunken City Antalya archaeology tour for travelers seeking key Turkish Riviera highlights in two days. Starting from Istanbul, the route links Pamphylian ruins with Lycian coastal heritage in one coherent plan. Guests searching a private Antalya and Kekova tour can rely on this program because each included destination is clearly defined. Day one emphasizes Perge, Aspendos, Side, and a regional waterfall stop. Day two continues with St. Nicholas Church, Myra, and a complete Kekova boat and Simena Castle route.
Day one includes Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theatre and Ancient Site, Side Ancient City, and Manavgat or Kursunlu Waterfall. This combination suits visitors looking for a Perge and Aspendos private guide itinerary with strong historical narration. Perge offers extensive city remains, while Aspendos provides one of the best-preserved theater structures in Anatolia. Side adds seaside archaeology and broadens the architectural variety of the day. The waterfall stop completes a strong Antalya cultural and natural highlights day.
Day two includes St. Nicholas Church, Myra Ancient City, and the Sunken City, Kekova, Simena Castle boat tour as listed in the highlights. This segment fits travelers seeking a St Nicholas Church and Myra ancient city trip with coastal exploration. Myra rock tombs and Demre heritage add depth before the boat section begins. The cruise around Kekova and Simena delivers the signature maritime archaeology atmosphere of the region. The package ends as a dependable 2 days Sunken City and Antalya private tour from Istanbul.
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Day 1
Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Route
D
Pickup in Istanbul and transfer to departure airport.
Day one starts with private transfer for Antalya-bound domestic flight.
Flight from Istanbul to AntalyaDomestic flight segment to Antalya.
Flight connection enables full-day Pamphylia route.
Perge Ancient CityGuided exploration of Perge archaeological zone.
Perge preserves key Pamphylian-Roman urban structures including stadium and colonnaded avenues.
Perge Ancient City is one of the most satisfying Roman urban sites in southern Anatolia because its scale is so easy to read. Broad colonnaded streets, gates, baths, and public structures give the city a strong sense of order and civic confidence, making it possible to imagine everyday life with unusual clarity. The remains feel open and spacious rather than compressed. That gives the visit a very direct and visually rewarding rhythm.
Perge is also significant for travelers interested in early Christianity, since the city is linked to the journeys of Saint Paul. That adds another layer to a site already rich in architectural and regional importance. Even without that context, the urban plan alone makes a strong impression. Perge is one of those places where the ancient city still feels legible enough to walk through almost as a living layout.
Aspendos TheatreVisit the monumental theatre complex.
Aspendos theatre is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the Mediterranean.
Aspendos Theatre remains one of the clearest expressions of Roman monumental architecture in southern Anatolia. The building's preservation is so strong that it feels less like a fragment and more like a structure waiting for sound and audience to return. That immediate legibility is what gives the site so much power. It is both historically important and visually unforgettable.
What makes the visit especially satisfying is the balance between scale and detail. From a distance, the theatre dominates through sheer presence, but up close the craftsmanship and urban logic behind it become more visible. Even a short visit leaves a strong sense of architectural confidence and civic grandeur. Aspendos Theatre is one of the stops where Roman antiquity feels unusually complete.
Side Ancient CityWalk through Side's colonnaded streets and harbour-side ruins.
Side combines theatre, agora, and temple remains with a distinctive coastal archaeological setting.
Side Ancient City offers one of the most appealing combinations of archaeology and coastal atmosphere in the Mediterranean. Here, Roman and earlier remains stand within a setting shaped by sea light, harbor views, and the sense of a historic peninsula extending into the water. That gives the site a very different emotional quality from inland ruins. It feels open, scenic, and surprisingly easy to enjoy even on a busy day.
What makes Side so memorable is the blend of major urban remains with a setting that never lets you forget the city's maritime identity. Temples, streets, theatre, and harbor zone all work together to create a stop that is both historically rich and visually inviting. For many travelers, Side feels less severe than some larger archaeological sites and more naturally integrated into its landscape. Side is one of those places where history and scenery reinforce each other beautifully.
Manavgat WaterfallStop at waterfall viewpoint and park area.
Manavgat waterfall is one of Antalya region's most visited natural landmarks.
Manavgat Waterfall offers a welcome natural pause within routes dominated by archaeology and urban history. The waterfall is not about extreme height, but about broad, foaming flow and the easy riverside atmosphere around it, which gives the stop a relaxed and refreshing character. After ancient sites and transfer segments, that shift in rhythm can feel especially welcome. It is a scenic stop that works through freshness rather than drama.
The appeal of Manavgat lies in its accessibility and calm. The setting is easy to enjoy, easy to photograph, and well suited to a short break that lets you reset before continuing. For many travelers, the stop is memorable precisely because it offers something simple and natural in the middle of a history-heavy day. Manavgat Waterfall is a small but effective change of pace on the route.
Lunch Break on Side-Manavgat RouteMidday meal break during route (not included).
Lunch break is scheduled and paid directly by guests.
A lunch break on the Side-Manavgat route fits naturally within a day of classical ruins, coastal atmosphere, and Antalya-region heritage. This stop is useful not only for rest, but because the region also lends itself to a lighter Mediterranean lunch that keeps the day moving comfortably. After archaeological walking, a midday meal here usually feels well placed. The route does not need anything overly elaborate. It benefits most from freshness and ease.
If you have options, grilled fish, piyaz, salads, gözleme, simple kebabs, and meze-style dishes all suit the Side-Manavgat area well. Travelers often appreciate this kind of lunch because it reflects the coast without becoming too heavy for the afternoon. It is also a good moment to enjoy the more relaxed rhythm of the region between heritage stops. A sensible Mediterranean-style meal works perfectly here. The stop is practical, but it can still feel local.
Transfer to Antalya HotelDrive back to Antalya city for overnight stay.
Evening transfer returns to Antalya for hotel check-in.
Antalya Hotel Check-in and DinnerOvernight stay with included dinner.
Day one concludes with accommodation and dinner included in Antalya.
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Day 2
Demre, Myra and Kekova Sunken City Route
B
Start day-two route toward Demre after breakfast.
Morning departure begins Demre-Myra-Kekova circuit.
Transfer to DemreLong-distance road transfer to Demre district.
Road segment links Antalya center with Lycian coast heritage corridor.
St. Nicholas Church (Demre)Visit the church associated with Saint Nicholas legacy.
St. Nicholas Church is one of the most significant Christian pilgrimage sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the eastern Mediterranean, and visiting it gives a very different sense of history from the region's classical ruins. The church is deeply connected to the memory of Saint Nicholas, whose legacy extends far beyond Anatolia into global Christian tradition. That gives the stop both spiritual and cultural significance. It is a place where familiarity of name meets the reality of place. The result is often moving for visitors.
As you explore, remember that this site belongs not only to local history, but to a much wider devotional world shaped by centuries of pilgrimage and storytelling. Travelers often find Demre especially memorable because the church feels grounded and real despite the worldwide fame of the saint associated with it. The stop also enriches the Lycian route by adding a strong early Christian layer. It is a site of continuity rather than spectacle. That makes it powerful in its own way.
Myra Ancient CityGuided exploration of theatre and Lycian rock tombs.
Myra preserves striking Lycian tomb facades and a major Roman theatre complex.
Myra Ancient City is one of Lycia's most striking archaeological sites, where dramatic rock-cut tombs and a substantial Roman theatre stand close enough to create an unforgettable first impression. The cliff tomb façades immediately set the site apart, because they seem to turn the mountain itself into a memorial landscape. Combined with the theatre below, they reveal a city that was both culturally sophisticated and visually bold. Even if you have visited other ancient cities, Myra feels distinctive because of this powerful vertical setting. It is one of the highlights of the Lycian route for good reason.
As you explore, try to take in the relationship between burial tradition, public architecture, and natural terrain. Myra tells a story not only of urban life, but of how the Lycian world expressed status and memory in stone. The theatre adds another dimension, showing the city's later Roman life and civic scale. This stop rewards both careful observation and simple visual enjoyment, because the site is dramatic even before you study the details. For many travelers, Myra becomes one of the most photogenic and memorable ancient stops in southern Turkey.
Transfer to Ucagiz HarbourDrive to harbour for Kekova boat route.
Road transfer reaches the embarkation point for sunken city excursion.
Kekova Sunken City Boat RouteBoat tour across Kekova and submerged ruins zone.
Kekova route reveals submerged walls and harbor traces of the ancient shoreline settlement.
The Kekova Sunken City boat route lets you experience one of the Turkish coast's most unusual heritage landscapes from the water, where ancient shoreline remains and Lycian history are read through sea light and coastal movement. Instead of approaching ruins on foot, you glide past submerged traces that seem to hover between visibility and disappearance. That creates a special atmosphere, part archaeology and part seascape. The route feels calm, scenic, and quietly remarkable.
What makes this boat route memorable is the combination of historical imagination and coastal beauty. You are not just sightseeing, but reading a landscape altered by time, geology, and the sea itself. The water gives the ruins an almost dreamlike quality, especially when conditions are clear. It is one of those excursions where the method of travel is inseparable from the experience.
Simena (Kalekoy) Boat StopShort stop near Simena castle shoreline area.
Simena shoreline preserves layered Lycian and medieval settlement traces.
Simena (Kalekoy) Boat Stop lets you experience one of the most charming corners of the Kekova coast from the perspective that suits it best: the water. Approaching Kalekoy by boat reveals the relationship between shoreline houses, the hillside ruins, and the wider bay in a very natural way. The village feels beautifully scaled, neither overbuilt nor staged, and that gives the stop a strong sense of authenticity. It is easy to understand why this area remains a highlight of the route.
This boat stop works so well because it combines beauty, history, and pace in a single moment. You are close enough to feel the character of the place, yet still within the wider maritime landscape that defines Kekova. The castle above and the village below create a scene that feels almost timeless when seen from the sea. It is a short stop, but one that often becomes one of the most photogenic and atmospheric parts of the day.
Lunch Break in Ucagiz-Kekova AreaMidday meal break during route (not included).
Lunch break is scheduled and paid directly by guests.
A lunch break in the Ucagiz-Kekova area gives the route a very fitting coastal pause between Lycian archaeological sites and the boat experience. The surrounding setting is one of quiet water, small harbors, and an easy Mediterranean tempo, so lunch here naturally feels more scenic and relaxed than in many inland stops. It supports the route without interrupting its mood. The break feels appropriately tied to the shoreline.
Seafood, meze, salads, and lighter Mediterranean dishes are ideal choices in this area, especially if you want something fresh before more time on the coast. A simple village-harbor lunch often feels more memorable than a more formal restaurant stop elsewhere. The atmosphere does a lot of the work. It is a meal break that belongs fully to the route.
Transfer to Antalya AirportReturn transfer from Kekova region to Antalya airport.
Road return aligns with Istanbul-bound domestic evening flight.
Flight from Antalya to IstanbulDomestic return flight to Istanbul.
Air return completes the two-day Sunken City and Antalya route.
Istanbul Drop-offFinal drop-off at hotel or meeting point.
Services conclude at original Istanbul drop-off location.
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Informations
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What's Included
- 1 night accommodation with breakfast and dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
- Private deluxe A/C VIP vehicle for all ground transfers and tours
- Boat tour on Kekova Sunken City route
- Pickup from your hotel or meeting point
- 4 airport transfers as listed in itinerary
- Drop-off to your hotel or meeting point
- Parking fees for listed route locations
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private tour operation only for your group
- Local taxes
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What's Excluded
- Museum and site admission fees
- Personal expenses
- Lunches and beverages
- Domestic flight tickets unless explicitly added to booking
- Gratuities for guide and driver
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Entrance Fees
- Entrance fees are not included and are paid directly on site according to current official rates.
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Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring hat
- sunscreen
- water
- and light layers; carry swimwear and sun protection for the boat segment.
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Note
- This itinerary includes domestic flights
- long overland transfers to Demre-Kekova
- and a scheduled boat segment; sea conditions may affect boat timing.
Your Peace of Mind Options
Cancellation Policy
A transparent overview of applicable fees.
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FAQs
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What does the 2 Days Sunken City and Antalya Heritage itinerary include?
- 1 night accommodation with breakfast and dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
- Private tour operation only for your group
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private deluxe A/C VIP vehicle for all ground transfers and tours
- Kekova Sunken City boat tour as outlined in the itinerary
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point
- 4 airport transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Parking fees for outlined route locations and local taxes
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Are domestic flight tickets included between Istanbul and Antalya?
- No. Domestic flight tickets are excluded unless explicitly added to your booking
- The itinerary is planned with flights for timing efficiency, but inclusion depends on the selected option
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What is covered on Day 1 (Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat route)?
- Side Ancient City
- Manavgat Waterfall
- Overnight in Antalya with dinner
- Flight from Istanbul to Antalya
- Perge Ancient City
- Aspendos Theatre
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What is covered on Day 2 (Demre, Myra and Kekova Sunken City route)?
- Kekova Sunken City boat route and Simena (Kalekoy) stop
- Transfer to Antalya Airport for the return flight to Istanbul
- Transfer to Demre
- St. Nicholas Church (Demre)
- Myra Ancient City
- Transfer to Ucagiz harbour
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Is the Kekova boat tour included?
- Sea conditions can affect timing and the exact flow on the day
- Yes. The itinerary includes a boat tour on the Kekova Sunken City route
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Is this a private tour?
- Yes. It is operated privately for your group with a private guide and VIP vehicle
- Pace can be adjusted within the operational route
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Do entry fees come included, and what extras are not covered?
- Please plan budget for Perge, Aspendos, Side, St. Nicholas Church, Myra, and any optional stops
- No. Museum and site admission fees are excluded
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Are lunches and beverages included?
- No. Lunches and beverages are excluded
- Hotel breakfast and dinner are included for the overnight stay
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Will we have long transfers to Demre and Kekova?
- Travel times can vary depending on traffic and seasonal conditions
- Yes. Day 2 includes a long overland transfer from Antalya to the Demre-Kekova region
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What's not included in the package cost?
- Museum and site admission fees
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Domestic flight tickets unless explicitly added to booking
- Gratuities for guide and driver
General FAQs
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Do I need a visa for Turkey?
Visa requirements depend on your passport and can change.
- Before you travel, check the current rules for your nationality via official sources.
- If you are eligible, the e-Visa option is commonly used for short stays.
- If you tell us your passport country, we can point you to the correct official channel to verify.
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When is the best season for Turkey tours?
It depends on the route and what you want to prioritize.
- Spring and autumn: comfortable for city walking and archaeological sites.
- Summer: ideal for the coast, but can be hot inland and in big cities.
- Winter: fewer crowds in major cities, cooler weather, and sometimes a slower pace.
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How many days do I need for a Turkey itinerary?
Most travelers are happiest with enough time to balance cities and sites.
- Short trips focus on one region (for example Istanbul, or Cappadocia).
- Longer trips can combine Istanbul with Cappadocia, Ephesus area, and the coast.
- If you are adding another country, keep a buffer day for flights and transfers.
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Which currency is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY).
- Many prices are shown in TRY; some tourism services may quote in EUR or USD, but payment is typically taken in TRY.
- ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas.
- Keep small bills for quick purchases.
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Can I use credit cards in Turkey?
In most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, card payments are easy.
- For markets, small shops, and some taxis, cash is still helpful.
- Notify your bank about international travel to avoid card blocks.
- Carry a backup card or some cash as a fallback.
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Is Turkey safe for visitors?
Turkey is generally safe for tourists, especially in main travel zones.
- Use normal big-city awareness in crowded places.
- Stick to licensed taxis and official entrances for attractions.
- On guided days, follow your guide for meeting points and timing.
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What should I wear when visiting mosques?
Modest clothing is expected at religious sites.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Women may be asked to cover hair with a scarf.
- Shoes are removed, so socks can be useful.
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Is tap water drinkable in Turkey?
Many travelers prefer bottled water.
- Bottled water is easy to find everywhere.
- If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid ice in places you are unsure about.
- Hotels often provide bottled water daily.
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Is tipping expected in Turkey?
Tipping is common and appreciated.
- Restaurants: leaving a small amount or rounding up is typical.
- Drivers and guides: tipping is optional and based on service.
- Keep small change for convenience.
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What power plugs are used in Turkey?
Turkey generally uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V, 50Hz).
- Bring a plug adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
- Most phone and camera chargers are dual-voltage, but check your adapter.
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How do I buy a SIM or eSIM in Turkey?
SIM and eSIM options are available from major operators.
- Passport registration is usually required in official stores.
- If your phone supports it, an eSIM can be a convenient option.
- For short stays, compare data-focused packages.
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Do museums and attractions have closure days?
Opening hours vary by season and venue, and some places have weekly closure days.
- During national or religious holidays, schedules can change.
- Ticket rules can also differ by site.
- On guided tours, we plan routes based on current opening times.
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What should I pack for a Turkey trip?
Comfort matters, especially if you will walk a lot.
- Comfortable shoes for uneven streets and historical sites.
- Light layers: temperatures can change between morning and evening.
- Sun protection in summer, and a compact rain layer in spring or autumn.
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Can I take photos everywhere in Turkey?
Photography rules depend on the location.
- Some museums or sections may restrict flash or any photos.
- In mosques, photos are usually allowed with respect for worshippers.
- Always follow posted rules and staff instructions.
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Do I need to carry my passport while sightseeing?
We suggest keeping your passport safely at the hotel and carrying a copy.
- A photo on your phone plus a printed copy is usually enough for day-to-day needs.
- If you plan to buy a SIM, you may need the original passport at the shop.
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How do I get between regions in Turkey?
For longer distances, domestic flights are often the fastest option.
- Intercity buses are common and can be comfortable.
- Some routes have trains, but schedules can be limited.
- We can advise the best option based on your itinerary.
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Are bazaars and shopping areas tourist friendly?
Yes, and they are part of the experience.
- Bargaining is normal in bazaars, but not in fixed-price shops.
- Keep receipts for higher-value purchases.
- For carpets or jewelry, buy from reputable stores.
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What emergency number is used in Turkey?
Dial 112 for emergencies (medical, police, fire, and urgent situations).
- If you are traveling with us, inform your guide immediately so we can support you quickly.
Let's Customize Your Trip!
Prepare your own tour plan!
Good to Know
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Good to know: the boat segment depends on sea conditions
- Waves and wind can impact the boat schedule
- Bring a light windbreaker if needed
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Good to know: bring sun protection for open-air sites and the boat
- On the boat there is less shade, hat and sunscreen help a lot
- Perge, Side, and Myra are open-air sites
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Good to know: plan cash for tickets and lunches
- entry fees are excluded
- Lunches and beverages are excluded
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Good to know: comfortable shoes matter
- Non-slip shoes improve comfort and safety
- Archaeological sites have uneven surfaces
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Good to know: confirm flight inclusion when booking
- Flights are excluded unless explicitly added
- Check your confirmation for the exact option details
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