Sunken City and Antalya Discovery
Discover a 2 days Sunken City and Antalya Discovery Tour from Istanbul with private guide. Visit Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theatre, Side Ancient City, 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 and Antalya Discovery
Discover a 2 days Sunken City and Antalya Discovery Tour from Istanbul with private guide. Visit Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theatre, Side Ancient City, Manavgat or Kursunlu Waterfall, St. Nicholas Church, Myra Ancient City, and Sunken City Kekova Simena Castle by boat.
Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want a complete Sunken City and Antalya tour in a compact two-day format from Istanbul. The program combines major Pamphylian ruins with Lycian heritage and a boat-based coastal experience. Guests searching an Antalya ancient cities private itinerary can follow this plan because every destination is clearly listed. Day one focuses on Perge, Aspendos, Side, and a waterfall stop in the Antalya region. Day two adds Myra, St. Nicholas Church, and a full Kekova Sunken City boat tour segment.
Day one includes Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theatre and Ancient Site, Side Ancient City, and Manavgat or Kursunlu Waterfall in a logical sequence. This setup is ideal for visitors looking for a Perge Aspendos Side guided day trip with strong archaeological context. Perge introduces the urban structure of ancient Pamphylia through colonnaded streets and monumental remains. Aspendos presents one of the most preserved theaters in the region, while Side adds a coastal classical atmosphere. The waterfall stop balances the route and creates a complete Antalya archaeology and nature route.
Day two covers St. Nicholas Church, Myra Ancient City, and the Sunken City, Kekova, Simena Castle boat tour exactly as highlighted in the program. This section suits travelers searching a Myra and St Nicholas Church tour with additional coastal heritage depth. Rock-cut tombs at Myra and the spiritual atmosphere of St. Nicholas Church provide strong cultural contrast before the cruise. The Kekova boat route and Simena Castle complete the itinerary with maritime history and scenic views. Overall, the package delivers a reliable 2 days Antalya and Sunken City experience 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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Customer Comments - Tripadvisor
Tour Reminder!
You can create a reminder for yourself for this tour. We will send you a reminder e-mail/sms about this tour on the date you specify.
FAQs
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What does the 2 Days Sunken City and Antalya Heritage Tour include?
- 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 listed in the itinerary
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point
- 4 airport transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Parking fees for listed route locations and local taxes
- 1 night accommodation with breakfast and dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
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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)?
- Flight from Istanbul to Antalya
- Perge Ancient City
- Aspendos Theatre
- Side Ancient City
- Manavgat Waterfall
- Overnight in Antalya with dinner
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What is covered on Day 2 (Demre, Myra and Kekova Sunken City route)?
- Transfer to Demre
- St. Nicholas Church (Demre)
- Myra Ancient City
- Transfer to Ucagiz harbour
- Kekova Sunken City boat route and Simena (Kalekoy) stop
- Transfer to Antalya Airport for the return flight to Istanbul
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Is the Kekova boat tour included?
- Yes. The itinerary includes a boat tour on the Kekova Sunken City route
- Sea conditions can affect timing and the exact flow on the day
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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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Are entrance fees included?
- No. Museum and site admission fees are excluded
- Please plan budget for Perge, Aspendos, Side, St. Nicholas Church, Myra, and any optional stops
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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?
- Yes. Day 2 includes a long overland transfer from Antalya to the Demre-Kekova region
- Travel times can vary depending on traffic and seasonal conditions
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What is not included in the price?
- 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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What currency is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY).
- Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is still useful for small purchases.
- ATMs are common. Exchange offices and banks are also available.
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Can I pay by credit card in Turkey?
In most restaurants, hotels, and shops you can pay by card.
- For markets, small shops, taxis, and tips, carrying some cash is recommended.
- Let your bank know you are traveling to avoid card blocks.
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Is Turkey safe for tourists?
Turkey is generally safe for visitors, especially in main tourist areas.
- As in any destination, watch out for pickpockets in crowded places.
- Use licensed taxis/transport where possible and keep valuables secure.
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What should I wear when visiting mosques in Turkey?
Dress modestly when entering mosques.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Women may be asked to cover their hair.
- Shoes are usually removed at the entrance.
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Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality.
- Please check the latest rules from official sources (consulate/embassy or the official e-visa portal) before travel.
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What is the best time to visit Turkey?
Spring and autumn are popular because temperatures are usually milder.
- Summer can be hot on the coast and inland.
- Winter is quieter and can be great for cities and some regions.
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Will English be enough in Turkey?
Turkish is the official language. In tourist areas, English is commonly spoken.
- Learning a few basic Turkish words is appreciated and can help outside major areas.
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What power plug is used in Turkey?
Turkey typically uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V, 50Hz).
- If your devices use a different plug type, bring a travel adapter.
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Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?
In many places, visitors prefer bottled water.
- Hotels and restaurants usually provide bottled water easily.
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Is tipping expected in Turkey?
Tipping is common and appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, rounding up or leaving a small amount is typical.
- For guides and drivers, tips are at your discretion based on satisfaction.
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Do I need to carry my passport in Turkey?
We recommend keeping your passport safely in your hotel and carrying a copy (photo or printed) when out.
- Some venues may request an ID; your guide can advise for your route.
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Do museums and sites have weekly closure days in Turkey?
Opening hours can change by season and some venues may have weekly closure days.
- We recommend checking the latest opening hours close to your travel date.
- Starting earlier in the day helps to avoid crowds at popular sites.
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What are the emergency numbers in Turkey?
Dial 112 for emergencies (medical, police, fire and other urgent situations).
- 112 is a unified emergency line in Turkey.
- If you do not speak Turkish, try English and share your location clearly.
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How do I get from airports to the city in Turkey?
Options depend on the city, but common choices are:
- Official airport taxi
- Airport shuttles/buses
- Metro/train (available in some cities)
- Pre-booked private transfers
If you arrive late at night or with luggage, a pre-booked transfer can be the easiest option.
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Are taxis and ride-hailing apps reliable in Turkey?
Use licensed taxis and make sure the meter is used (unless a fixed airport fare is confirmed).
- In some cities, taxi-hailing apps can help you find a taxi more easily.
- If possible, keep small cash and ask for a receipt when needed.
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How do I buy a SIM/eSIM in Turkey?
You can buy SIM/eSIM options from mobile operators and official stores.
- Bring your passport for registration.
- For longer stays, foreign phones may require device registration (IMEI) to keep working on local networks.
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What are typical opening hours in Turkey?
Opening hours vary by city and season.
- Many shops and malls stay open late, especially in tourist areas.
- Some museums may close earlier and may have weekly closure days.
- During national or religious holidays, hours can change.
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How do pharmacies work in Turkey (duty pharmacy)?
Pharmacies are called Eczane. Outside normal hours, there is usually a rotating on-duty pharmacy (Nöbetçi Eczane).
- Regular pharmacies typically post the on-duty pharmacy information on the door/window.
- Your hotel reception can also help you find the nearest one.
Let's Customize Your Trip!
Prepare your own tour plan!
Good to Know
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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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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
- Perge, Side, and Myra are open-air sites
- On the boat there is less shade, hat and sunscreen help a lot
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Good to know: plan cash for tickets and lunches
- Entrance fees are excluded
- Lunches and beverages are excluded
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Good to know: comfortable shoes matter
- Archaeological sites have uneven surfaces
- Non-slip shoes improve comfort and safety
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