For Cruisers: Cruise-Friendly Ephesus Tour with Return Guarantee

Kusadasi , Turkey

For Cruisers: Cruise-Friendly Ephesus Tour with Return Guarantee

Active

(5 reviews)

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This private, cruise-friendly tour is designed especially for travelers visiting Kuşadası for just one day. With limited time ashore, we help you make the most of every moment through a fully customizable itinerary tailored to your interests and pace. Explore the highlights of Ephesus in comfort with an experienced, friendly licensed guide who brings history to life with clear and engaging storytelling.

Enjoy the flexibility of a private experience, personalized attention, and smooth logistics from start to finish — including a guaranteed on-time return to your ship. With years of experience guiding cruise guests, we understand port schedules, crowd management, and timing, ensuring a relaxed, enriching, and worry-free day ashore.

• Private & fully customizable tour
• Ideal for cruise guests visiting Kuşadası for one day
• Experienced, friendly licensed guides
• Guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Available options

For Cruisers: Cruise-Friendly Ephesus Tour with Return Guarantee

What's included

Private transportation

Private Professional Licensed Guiding

All Taxes

Private Tour

All Parking Fees

Pick up & Drop Off from Cruise Port

Detailed itinerary

We will meet you in the Kuşadası Cruise Port

Stop 2

Visit Ephesus, one of the world’s richest and most rewarding archaeological sites, featuring ruins from the Classical Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, and early Byzantine periods. Highlights of the tour include:

• The ancient Great Theatre
• The famed Library of Celsus
• The Mosque of Isa Bey
• Recently excavated early Byzantine mansions featuring exceptionally well-preserved floor mosaics and frescoes

At Ephesus, the past comes to life through a remarkable display of architectural and artistic achievements found in few other places in the world.

Stop 3

(Optional Visit) Luxurious Roman homes of Ephesus’ elite, famous for their remarkably preserved mosaics, frescoes, and advanced heating systems.

Stop 4

Ephesus is also closely associated with the beginnings of the Christian faith. In addition to being the city to which the Letters to the Ephesians were written, St. John and St. Paul both visited the city, and the Virgin Mary herself is said to have spent her last days nearby. We will make a short pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin Mary, which stands high on a mountainside overlooking the Aegean Sea the Greek island of Samos.

Stop 5

Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this sacred site reveals the scale and importance of ancient Ephesus.

Stop 6 Pass by

A historic fortress on Güvercinada Island offering scenic views and insight into the region’s Ottoman and maritime past.

Return to the pier on time at the end of your tour

What's not included

Entrance fees (tickets can be arranged in advance to skip long ticket lines)

Lunch

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For cruise passengers, we highly recommend meeting at the port 30–45 minutes after your ship docks. An early start helps you beat large crowds, other tour buses, and the afternoon heat, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit to Ephesus

This tour is available exclusively to cruise ship guests. It is scheduled around ship docking times and is not suitable for non-cruise travelers

Enjoy a private tour experience exclusively for your group

Guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Not recommended for travellers with walking difficulties

About Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a vibrant coastal city on the Turkish Riviera, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and proximity to ancient ruins. It offers a blend of modern resort amenities and traditional Turkish culture, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Lady Mary's Bath

A historic hamam (Turkish bath) built in 1640, offering traditional Turkish bath experiences and spa treatments.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Kusadasi Castle

A medieval castle with a rich history, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Long Beach (Long Beach)

A popular beach with golden sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports and activities.

Beach Half day to full day Free to Moderate (for amenities and water sports)

Ephesus Ancient City

One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (entry fee applies)

Pigeon Island (Kusadasi Castle)

A small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, featuring a historic castle and beautiful views.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to enter, moderate for activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gözleme

A traditional Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or potatoes

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian options available

Kusadasi Köfte

Spicy meatballs made with ground beef, onions, and spices, often served with rice or bread

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Parasailing Jet skiing Hiking in nearby nature parks Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga on the beach Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and vibrant nightlife. The sea is at its warmest, perfect for swimming and water sports.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kusadasi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious of strangers offering services

Getting there

By air

Adnan Menderes Airport • 75 km south of Kusadasi

By bus

Kusadasi Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent minibuses that follow set routes. Easy to use but can get crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi, Gett

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Kadınlar Denizi Davutlar

Day trips

Ephesus

20 km • Half day to full day

One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.

Pamukkale

160 km • Full day

A natural wonder featuring terraces of white travertine pools filled with thermal water.

Sirince

30 km • Half day

A charming village known for its wine production, fruit wines, and traditional architecture.

Festivals

Kusadasi International Music Festival • July Kusadasi International Kite Festival • May

Pro tips

Visit Ephesus early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
Try the local street food, especially simit and kebabs
Bargain politely when shopping in bazaars
Learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Use dolmuş (shared taxis) for affordable and convenient transport within the city