Shore Excursion: Istanbul and Kusadasi
Active
2d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Two day shore excursion from Kusadasi and Istanbul port. In Istanbul, you can visit sites in the Old City and during your stay in Kusadasi, you will visit sites in Ephesus area.
Available options
Istanbul and Kusadasi
2 day shore excursion from Istanbul and Kusadasi port; in Istanbul, you will have chance to visit the Old City (Sultanahmet area). During your stay in Kusadasi, you will visit sites in Ephesus area<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You will have a detailed tour of Hagia Sophia which used to be the biggest church in the world in its time. It is famous for its unique architecture and nowdays it is one of the most visited sites in Turkey.
2
Stop 2
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) is one of the highlights of the area; it is famous for its tiles
3
Stop 3
It is the most important Ottoman palace beautifully located in the Old City in Istanbul. It has various sections that you can see during the tour.
4
Stop 4
During the tour guide will also show you the biggest ancient cistern of Istanbul
5
Stop 5
The Hippodrome of Constantinople will be another stop during this tour
6
You will walk with your guide in Grand Bazaar (with or without stops for shopping, as you prefer) before we take you back to the cruise port
7
Stop 7
You will have a guided tour of famous ancient city of Ephesus and chance to see the highlights of the city: Celsus Library, Grand Theatre, Odeon, Hadrian Temple...
8
Stop 8
This is one of the nicest parts of the ancient Ephesus, the area where rich Ephesians used to live
9
Stop 9
You will see the ruins of the temple that used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
10
Stop 10
This place used to be an important church; nowdays you can see the ruins and the tomb of Apostle John there
11
Stop 11
In the Ephesus Archaeological Museum you will see some of the most important artifacts from Ephesus
12
Stop 12
It is believed that Mother of Jesus spent some thime in this location; today it is an active catholic church
What's not included
Entrance fees approx €180 pp in total
Lunch
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
Cruise ship passengers must provide following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
