Plan your cruise day in Kusadasi
Your ship docks in the morning and sails in the afternoon: the question is what you can actually see. Here is the short answer: Ephesus is 25 minutes from the port, the essential program takes 4 hours 20 minutes as a group (3.5 to 4 hours private) and you are always back at least one hour before sailing.
Which tour fits your port call?
| Hours in port | Our advice | Recommended tours |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5 and a half hours | The usable time is not enough for a group tour. We suggest the Private Ephesus Express, a 3-hour program | |
| 5.5 to 6 hours | The essential group programme fits in its express format, and from 5 h 45 so does the private essential tour, with no shopping stops | |
| 6 hours to 7 hours 15 minutes | The essential programme fits: 4 h 20 as a group, 3.5 to 4 hours as a private tour | |
| 7 hours 15 minutes or more | Every private tour fits, including the House of the Virgin Mary; the full group day with the Virgin Mary from 7 and a half hours |
On the booking page, pick your date: you will see the ships for that day and only the tours that get back in time.
From the ship to the meeting point
- 1
The port of Kusadasi has a single pedestrian exit and sits right next to the town center.
- 2
Before you cross the gate you will see the Ada Pier Lounge, inside the Cruise Plaza: that is our meeting point.
- 3
Your guide waits for you with an efesotours sign; the vehicle leaves straight for Ephesus, about 25 minutes away.
More detail in the Kusadasi cruise port guide.
What to bring on the tour
- Comfortable shoes: the marble ground at Ephesus is uneven
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (there is little shade at the site)
- Water: you can buy it before entering
- Cash in euros or dollars for the entrance tickets
- Your ship card to get back on board
Tickets for the day
Ephesus 40 €$46 (includes the Experience Museum) · House of the Virgin 15 €$17 · St John 6 €$7 · Artemis and Şirince are free.
Ticket prices and details in Ephesus: tickets and prices 2026.
Time to spare after the tour?
The center of Kusadasi is right next to the port: you can wander the bazaar, have a coffee facing the sea or walk along the promenade without straying far from your ship. Our team will gladly point out what is within reach for your sailing time.
Frequently asked questions about your day in Kusadasi
How many hours do I need in port to visit Ephesus?
Count the usable time, not the total hours: the day starts about 45 minutes after docking and ends one hour before sailing. With a 6-hour port call the essential group program of 4 hours 20 minutes fits, and the private essential tour already from 5 hours 45 minutes; to add the House of the Virgin Mary, a call of 7 hours 15 minutes works for a private tour and 7 and a half hours for the group. On the booking page we calculate your exact window from the schedule of your ship.
How far is Ephesus from the port of Kusadasi?
About 20 kilometers, around 25 minutes by vehicle from the port exit.
Where does the tour start?
At our meeting point, the Ada Pier Lounge, inside the Cruise Plaza at the port of Kusadasi. We send you the exact directions on WhatsApp.
Will I be back on my ship in time?
Yes. Every tour is planned around the schedule of your cruise and you are back at the port at least one hour before sailing. If your ship does not arrive, we refund 100% of the deposit.
How much do the site tickets cost?
Ephesus costs €40 or $46 and includes the Experience Museum. The House of the Virgin Mary costs €15 or $17 and the Basilica of St John €6 or $7. The Temple of Artemis and Şirince are free.
What if my port call is very short?
If your ship leaves you less than about 5 and a half hours in port, no group tour gets back in time and we would rather tell you before you book. For those cases we offer the Private Ephesus Express, a 3-hour program built around your schedule. On the booking page you will see your real window and only the tours that fit inside it.
More questions and answers Group or private? Compare the two options
Tell us your arrival day and we will build the plan
Book with a minimal deposit; we confirm everything on WhatsApp.