Frequently asked questions
The questions we get before people book, with short answers. Each tour also has its own questions on its page.
Booking and payment
How do I book?
On the booking page choose the date of your port call; the ships in that day appear with their real hours and only the tours that make it back in time. Pick the tour, tell us how many you are and leave a WhatsApp number. With the deposit the booking is confirmed and we send you the meeting time.
How much is the deposit and when is the rest paid?
Group tours: 9 € or 10 dollars per person. Private tours: 39 € or 45 dollars per group; the Private Ephesus Express, 9 € or 10 dollars. The rest is paid on the day of the tour, in cash or by card, at the published price.
Can I pay in euros or dollars?
Yes, either. Prices are published in both euros and dollars and you choose which to pay in; the site shows your currency by country and you can switch it at the top. Cards are accepted in Kusadasi as well.
What is the difference between the group and the private tour?
On a group tour you share the vehicle and guide with other guests, pay per person, and the programme includes a stop at a leather outlet. On a private tour the vehicle and guide are for your group alone, up to 15 people, with one price per vehicle and no shopping stops.
Your ship and the schedule
How do you know what time my tour leaves?
From your ship's real schedule. We count about 45 minutes from docking to disembark and gather, and the return is at least one hour before sailing. The exact meeting, departure and return times appear on the booking page when you pick your date.
How long a port call do I need?
Under 5 and a half hours, the 3-hour Private Ephesus Express fits. Between 5.5 and 6 hours, the group tour to Ephesus in its express format and, from 5 h 45, the private essential tour. Between 6 hours and 7 hours 15 minutes, the essential programme as a group or private tour. From 7 hours 15 minutes, every private tour; the full group day with the House of the Virgin Mary from 7 and a half hours.
What if my ship is late or changes its schedule?
We follow the ship's real schedule and adjust the departure. If the delay leaves the call too short for the tour you booked, we propose a shorter one or refund the deposit. If the ship does not reach Kusadasi, the refund is 100%.
What if my ship is not on the list?
Type your ship's name and its arrival and departure times in the form on the booking page. With those we calculate your day just as we do for the ships on the calendar.
Ephesus and the tickets
Are entrance tickets included in the price?
No, they are paid separately on the day: Ephesus 40 € or 46 dollars, with the Experience Museum included; House of the Virgin Mary 15 € or 17 dollars; Basilica of St John 6 € or 7 dollars. The Temple of Artemis and Şirince are free. The guide handles the tickets so you do not queue.
How much walking is there in Ephesus?
About two kilometres in total, mostly downhill along the marble street, with frequent stops for the narration. Comfortable shoes, a hat and water; in summer the guide finds shade at every stop.
Can the tour be done with reduced mobility or with small children?
Yes, with caveats. Ephesus has uneven marble paving and some sloping stretches; on a private tour we adapt the pace and the stops to your group. Message us on WhatsApp with your situation and we will tell you frankly which option works best.
Is the Experience Museum worth it?
It is included in the Ephesus ticket, so it costs nothing extra. It is an immersive projection of about 25 minutes that rebuilds the city as it was; we do it right after walking the ruins, when it makes the most sense.
The leather outlet stop
Why does the group tour include a leather outlet?
Because it supports the per-person price: the outlet pays a commission for each visitor, which lets us offer a tour with a licensed guide at 39 €. We would rather say so before you book.
How long is it and do I have to buy anything?
Thirty minutes, with a short fashion show. Buying is your decision and nobody pushes; the vehicle leaves after half an hour whether you buy or not.
Do private tours stop at the outlet too?
No. No private tour includes shopping stops. The day is yours from start to finish.
Are there any other shopping stops?
No. Apart from the outlet on group tours there are no shops or workshops in the programme. In Şirince, on the private tour that includes it, you wander the village freely.
Cancellations and refunds
Can I cancel?
Yes, free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts; we refund the deposit. With less than 24 hours, message us anyway and we will look at the options together.
What happens if my cruise does not reach Kusadasi?
We refund 100% of the deposit, no paperwork. We follow the ships' itineraries, so we will know in time.
What if the group does not fill up one day?
We tell you the evening before, not on the morning of the tour, and you choose: switch to a private tour on special terms or a full refund of the deposit.
How do I get the deposit back?
By the same means you paid with, within the following days. We confirm on WhatsApp or by email once it is done.
Language and guides
Does the guide speak English?
On private tours, yes: your guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, as you choose. On group tours the standard narration is Spanish; an English-speaking guide depends on availability that day. Ask when you book and we confirm on WhatsApp.
Is Spanish the main language, then?
Yes. efesotours is built for Spanish and Portuguese speaking guests, and group tours are narrated in Spanish by licensed guides as standard. English speakers are welcome, and for a guaranteed English guide the private tour is the safe choice.
Who are the guides?
Professional guides licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye. We introduce each one by name, languages and photo on our guides page.
Who is behind efesotours?
Tayf Turizm, a Kusadasi travel agency licensed by the ministry, Group A, number 2290, working with cruise passengers since 1999. Bookings are handled by Volkan Yırtımcı on WhatsApp and by email.