Şirince Village Tour W/Traditional Lunch (Fixed Price up to 15)
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is not your typical cruise excursion. Instead of rushing through big sites with big crowds, you’ll step into a real Turkish village — where cobblestone streets, handcrafted traditions, and homemade flavors welcome you like family.
Your visit to Şirince offers a genuine look at village life, enhanced by a stop at a local weaving school where culture is passed down through generations. Enjoy a garden lunch prepared with love, sip Turkish coffee, and wander through historic stone houses without the pressure to buy anything.
Crafted especially for North American cruise guests, this private tour combines comfort, authenticity, and cultural depth — with guaranteed on-time return to your ship. It’s not just sightseeing. It’s a meaningful memory.
Available options
ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
Choose language at booking. : This option is only available for ENGLISH.
<br/>Traditional an Local: Turkish cuisine with meze, salad, main dishes, and desserts.<br/>MERCEDES Vito or Sprinter: A new model vehicle with air conditioning and a professional driver.<br/>Pickup included
OTHER LANGUAGES
Choose language at booking. : This option is only available for
SPANISH, GERMAN, FRENCH, ITALIAN, PORTUGUESE, RUSSIAN.
<br/>Traditional and Local: Turkish cuisine featuring meze, salad, main dishes, and desserts.<br/>MERCEDES Vito or Sprinter: A new model vehicle with air conditioning and a professional driver.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
New model vehicles
Licensed English-speaking guide
Parking Fees
Home-style Turkish lunch in a garden setting(drinks extra)
Port pickup and drop-off from Kuşadası Cruise Port
Detailed itinerary
1
Your licensed English-speaking guide will meet you at the main gate of Kuşadası Cruise Port, holding a personalized sign. After a brief introduction, your private cultural journey begins.
Enjoy a comfortable ride in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide will share insights about local life, nature, and regional traditions along the way.
2
After exploring the village, you'll be welcomed into a peaceful garden or shaded terrace at a traditional weaving school — a place where generations have shared their craft and hospitality.
Here, you’ll enjoy a home-style Turkish lunch, freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients. From savory vegetable dishes to grilled meats and traditional mezes, this meal offers an authentic taste of local flavors in a setting that feels like visiting a family home.
As you dine, you'll be surrounded by artisan works-in-progress — a quiet backdrop of looms, woven colors, and the sounds of village life. It’s not just lunch — it’s a chance to slow down, connect, and savor true Anatolian hospitality.
(Drinks not included)
3
Step into a postcard-perfect hilltop village where time seems to slow down. With its whitewashed stone houses, terracotta rooftops, and winding cobblestone streets draped in grapevines and bougainvillea, Şirince feels like a scene from a Turkish fairytale.
Your guide will lead you through this peaceful village filled with artisan shops, fruit wine tastings, and panoramic valley views. Hear stories of early Anatolian life, admire the blend of Greek and Ottoman architecture, and meet friendly locals proud of their traditions.
This is a place where you can truly connect with authentic Turkish village life — far from tourist crowds, but close to the heart of the culture.
4
Your guide and driver will ensure you arrive back at the cruise port with plenty of time before your ship departs — no stress, no rush. With a heart full of memories and perhaps a few local treasures in hand, you'll return relaxed and enriched by a day of real connection and culture.
What's not included
Personal shopping or wine tastings (optional)
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Selçuk
Selçuk is a charming town in Turkey's Aegean Region, renowned as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural sites, Selçuk offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and authentic Turkish hospitality.
Top Attractions
Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate (Entrance fee around 20 USD)
Selçuk Basilica
The Selçuk Basilica is an ancient Christian church with well-preserved mosaics and architectural details, offering insights into the region's early Christian history.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
İsa Bey Mosque
İsa Bey Mosque is a 14th-century Ottoman mosque with beautiful Seljuk architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Şirince Village
Şirince is a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses, local wines, and olive oil. It's a great place to experience authentic Turkish village life and sample local produce.
Cultural
Half day
Free to explore, budget for food and wine tastings
Ephesus Museum
The Ephesus Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including sculptures, mosaics, and coins.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate (Entrance fee around 5 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Çökertme Kebap
A traditional dish made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices, cooked on a skewer over an open flame.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be spicy
Karnıyarık
A stuffed eggplant dish made with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be spicy
Şakşuka
A traditional dish made with green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be spicy
Midye Dolma
Stuffed mussels filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices, served with a lemon wedge.
Snack
Contains seafood, can be spicy
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding countryside
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Beach relaxation in Kuşadası
Spa treatments in Pamukkale
Wine tasting in Şirince Village
Exploring ancient ruins
Visiting local museums
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit Selçuk is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the ancient sites and enjoying the local cuisine.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Turkish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Selçuk is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Be wary of fake petitions or surveys, as they may be a distraction for thieves.
Getting there
By air
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport • 80 km
By train
Selçuk Railway Station
By bus
Selçuk Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Selçuk, connecting the town center to major attractions and nearby towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: BiTaksi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Ephesus Area
Şirince Village
Day trips
Pamukkale
150 km • Full day
Pamukkale is a natural wonder known for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Selçuk.
Kuşadası
20 km • Half day
Kuşadası is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. It's a great day trip for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.
Priene, Miletus, and Didyma
50-60 km • Full day
Priene, Miletus, and Didyma are ancient cities located near Selçuk, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. These sites are less crowded than Ephesus and offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins.
Festivals
International Selçuk Ephesus Culture and Art Festival • May
International Selçuk Ephesus Jazz Festival • July
Selçuk Wine Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit the ancient city of Ephesus early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Try the local specialties, such as Çökertme Kebap and Şakşuka, at traditional restaurants like Dünyayla Otel Restaurant or Selçuk Pidecisi.
- Explore the charming village of Şirince for a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with its stone houses, local wines, and olive oils.
- Take a day trip to Pamukkale to experience the natural wonders of the travertine terraces and thermal springs.
- Visit the Ephesus Museum to learn more about the ancient city and its rich history, with a collection of artifacts that includes sculptures, mosaics, and coins.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
