Antalya Myra Kekova & St Nicholas Daily Tours

Exploring Antalya’s Hidden Treasures: Myra, Kekova, and St. Nicholas Tour Review

If you’re planning to visit Antalya and want a day packed with history, stunning scenery, and a bit of adventure, a tour covering Kekova Island, the ancient city of Myra, and the St. Nicholas Church might just fit the bill. From what we’ve seen, this tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation, especially if you’re into discovering ancient ruins and enjoying scenic boat rides.

What really stands out is the chance to see Kekova’s sunken city by boat—an experience that’s both visually impressive and fun—plus learning about St. Nicholas, the real-life figure behind Santa Claus. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a difference, turning what could be standard sightseeing into a more engaging experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that admission tickets for Myra and St. Nicholas are not included, so you’ll want to budget a bit extra. The full day stacks up to about 12 hours, starting early at 6:30 am, which might be a long day for some. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy history, scenic boat trips, and don’t mind a full itinerary, but it’s not ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling with very young children.

Key Points

• Balanced day of sightseeing with a mix of boat rides, ancient ruins, and religious sites
• Knowledgeable guides help enrich your understanding of the sites and history
• Includes lunch and transfers, removing some planning hassle
• A good value at around $65.85 per person, considering transportation, guide, and boat tour
• Not suitable for spontaneous or last-minute bookings—most travelers book about 10 days in advance
• A maximum of 16 travelers keeps the group small and manageable

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Starting Early for a Full Day Out

The tour kicks off bright and early at 6:30 am, which might seem early, but it gives you plenty of time to cover all stops comfortably. The transportation is organized, with hotel pickups included, so you won’t have to worry about finding your way to the meeting point. Expect a small group — typically no more than 16 people — which means more interaction and less chaos than large bus tours.

Kekova Island and Its Sunken City

The first big highlight is Kekova Island, famed for its sunken city. You’ll hop on a boat and spend around 2 hours exploring this site, which is known for its submerged ruins visible from the surface. The boat tour is a key part of the experience, and during the summer months, you might even have time for a quick swim—roughly 30 minutes of swimming, weather permitting.

While the admission ticket isn’t included, the boat ride itself is included, offering a chance to enjoy the unique landscape and crystal-clear waters. From the reviews, it sounds like this part of the trip is quite memorable, with visitors noting the stunning views and historic intrigue.

Exploring Myra Antik Kenti

Next, you’ll visit Myra, one of the most significant ancient Lycian cities. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into antiquity with its rock tombs and amphitheater. You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, and while the admission ticket isn’t included, the key attractions are accessible in that time frame.

A reviewer mentioned that the ruins are “incredibly beautiful” and that the views on the sea add to the overall experience. It’s a compact visit but enough to get a sense of the grandeur of this ancient city.

The Church of St. Nicholas

The final stop is St. Nicholas’ church, which holds special importance because it’s linked to the real Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. You’ll spend roughly 30 minutes here, exploring the site where the bishop once preached and learning about the legend surrounding him.

Again, admission isn’t included, but the site is mostly appreciated for its historical and religious significance. It’s a fitting way to wrap up a day of exploring ancient sites with a bit of local lore.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers guides, hotel transfers, lunch, and the boat tour on Kekova Island, which makes it convenient and fairly priced. However, you’ll need to purchase tickets for Myra and St. Nicholas separately. This can be a small extra expense but lets you choose whether to visit those sites or not.

Lunch is included, which is a big plus—after a long morning of sightseeing, it’s nice to sit down and refuel without extra planning. The guide’s role is also highlighted in reviews as a real plus, with many travelers feeling well looked after and informed thanks to knowledgeable staff.

Considerations and Practical Tips

Since most travelers book around 10 days in advance, this indicates it’s a popular option, so planning ahead is wise. The early start time means you’ll be active for most of the day, and it’s worth bringing sunscreen, a hat, and water—especially if visiting during summer.

Keep in mind that bad weather could cancel the tour, and refunds are given if the weather is poor. Also, because tickets for some sites are not included, budgeting for those in advance is a good idea.

The small group size (max 16 people) is great for intimacy and easier navigation at each stop. This tour suits history buffs, scenery lovers, and those who appreciate guided experiences that make exploring easier.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re curious about ancient history, enjoy boat rides, and want to see iconic sites without the hassle of organizing each detail, this tour fits well. It’s particularly good for travelers who want a guided experience to enhance their understanding of the sites — the guides seem to make a difference here. It’s a solid choice if you’re comfortable with a full day of activity and are okay with the extra expenses for entry tickets.

While not tailored explicitly for families with very young children, older kids might enjoy the boat rides and ruins, especially if they’re interested in stories about Saint Nicholas or ancient civilizations. For those wanting a relaxed, unstructured day, this might feel a little hectic, but for most, the mix of history and scenery hits the spot.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup offered? Yes, transfers from and to your hotel are included in the tour. You just need to be ready at the designated pickup point.

What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 6:30 am, so early risers will get the most out of the day.

How long is the tour? Expect approximately 12 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and lunch.

Are tickets for Myra and St. Nicholas included? No, the tour price does not include entry tickets for these sites. You’ll need to buy them separately.

Can I swim at Kekova Island? Yes, in summer months, around 30 minutes are allocated for swimming, weather permitting.

How many people usually go on this tour? The group size is limited to 16 travelers, making for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children? While not explicitly designed for families, older children interested in history might enjoy it. The early start and full day may be tiring for very young kids.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, hat, water, and comfortable walking shoes. Pack some extra cash for site tickets and souvenirs.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour can be canceled due to poor weather, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a pretty well-rounded snapshot of Antalya’s nearby treasures, blending ancient history, scenic beauty, and storytelling. It’s a good pick if you want the convenience of guided visits and enjoy soaking in scenery from a boat, but be prepared for an early start and some extra expenses for site tickets. Whether you’re into history, stunning views, or simply want a hassle-free way to see some iconic sights, this experience likely has something for you.