Port call · PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS IN TURKEY

15 Private Shore Excursions in Turkey Worth Booking

116 tours  ·  from $10 a head

Every cruise has one call too few. These 15 private shore excursions in Turkey justify the day, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the balcony.

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return - What happens after Ephesus
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

1.FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,527 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi cruise port, then travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatih, Dicle, Banu, Ulas, and Zeynep have tailored visits for different walking abilities and interests. Terrace Houses, shopping, and craft stops can be added or declined.

“She took time to explain all that was seen and had the answers to all my questions. I very much enjoyed being with her.”

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PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line - Walking the marble streets of Ancient Ephesus
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

2.PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,807 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your licensed local guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port, then ride by private air-conditioned minivan to Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatima, Nilay, Mehmet, and Ismail are available according to assignment. Add the Terrace Houses or a Turkish lunch if you wish. The schedule follows your ship’s departure time.

“We had a great day with Fatima. She was very knowledgeable and shared her passion for the history of the area. The ruins of Ephesus are truly amazing. We enjoyed a farm to table lunch and experienced the locals weaving rugs and toured an olive oil and pottery collective. I told her ahead of time we were not interested in purchasing a rug and they respected our wishes. They showed us several rugs but did not put the hard sell on us.”

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PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus - Mary’s House, a short visit with serious meaning
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary’s House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

3.PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary’s House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,349 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your licensed guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a private 4 to 6-hour tour of Mary’s House, Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatima, Josh, Ozzy, and Filiz tailor the pace to your group. Air-conditioned transport, port pickup, and an on-time return are included. Entry tickets depend on the option you choose.

“Such a great tour! Fatima was a wonderful tour guide! Very intelligent and articulate. She had a wealth of information to share.”

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Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel - Blue Mosque: a graceful first look at Ottoman Istanbul
Istanbul Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel

4.Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 536 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $280

You’ll tour Istanbul’s Old City with a private English-speaking guide such as Ozlem, Ayse, Hazal, or Isha. Expect hotel or Galataport pickup, an air-conditioned Mercedes van, major sights, guided walks, and flexible time at the Grand Bazaar. Entrance fees and lunch cost extra, and mosque queues cannot be skipped.

“We met up with our incredible tour guide Ayshe right at the door (top of escalator) in the port. Very easy to cover alot of ground by hopping in a private shuttle van both to and from old town where all of the sites were located. Ayshe was extremely professional, knowledgeable, a native of Istanbul, highly educated and delightful. We couldn’t ask for anything more from our tour. We were able to discuss the options with Ayshe and customize according to our wants which included a stop at a local coffee shop for a snack and Turkish coffee/tea. Despite the size of the city market Ayshe knew exactly where to…”

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Ephesus Small Group - Semi Private Shore Excursion - Meeting your guide at Kusadasi Port
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Ephesus Small Group – Semi Private Shore Excursion

5.Ephesus Small Group – Semi Private Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 406 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $27Best value

Visit Ephesus, Meryemana, the Temple of Artemis, and nearby Christian sites from Kusadasi Port with a licensed guide and private Mercedes Sprinter. Guides such as Ahmet, Tas, Taylan, and Nagi are praised for clear English, flexible timing, and strong knowledge of the ruins. Lunch and a carpet demonstration are included, but entrance fees are extra.

“Absolutely incredible experience, far exceeded our expectations! We had a private tour of 5 ppl with Asli. She was knowledgeable, kind, helpful and friendly. Saw all the major sites we wanted to see and had a fantastic day of memories! Great tour!!”

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Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port - The Blue Mosque and its strict dress rules
Guided, Istanbul Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port

6.Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend 7 to 8 hours with a private English-speaking guide, air-conditioned minivan, and flexible sightseeing from Galataport. Visit Istanbul’s major historic sites, use skip-the-line tickets arranged by your guide, and adjust the pace for your group. Guides such as Ezgi, Tayfun, Buse, and Onur have led this tour.

“Excellent tour. Nicely paced. Information was relevant, well thought through and balanced. Tukran had a great sense of humour and made the tour a real pleasure. We would certainly recommend her to friends. This private tour was a highlight of our 2-week cruise trip around the Med.”

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3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only - A quick look at Kusadasi’s historic sights
3-Hour Experiences, Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Shore Excursions

3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only

7.3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a private visit to Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Bilal, Umut, Taylan, and Utku have earned praise for clear explanations and flexible pacing. Expect a private van, countryside lunch, possible craft stops, and careful timing back to your ship.

“Our tour guide Oscar (I hope I spelled correctly) made the trip memorable. He was knowledgeable and patient as we asked many questions. This was a good day. :-)”

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Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour - Topkapi Palace and the machinery of Ottoman power
Istanbul Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour

8.Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 258 reviews · 7 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Spend about seven hours with a private English-speaking guide such as Sercan, Ayşe, Nazli, or Ramazan, exploring Istanbul’s Old City from Galataport. The day covers Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, the Grand Bazaar, and Turkish handicraft shops. Expect substantial walking, public transport unless you choose the van option, and help getting back to your ship on time.

“Awesome Day. Ramazan did an incredible job with our tour. It was nice to have a small group. We got to see what we wanted. Ramazan was very good about getting us through the lines quickly. He had a wealth of information to with us in a short period of time. The restaurant he recommended for lunch was delicious. Would highly recommend.”

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From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers - Meeting your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Pier
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers

9.Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 252 reviews · 6 - 7 hours · from $30

Meet guides such as Gül, Guray, or Vedat at Kusadasi Port for a private, air-conditioned tour of the House of Mary, Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis. You get a flexible pace, local Turkish lunch options, and time to return to your ship comfortably. Entrance fees and lunch cost extra.

“We appreciated our guide’s flexibility when my husband grew tired of walking- very informative, plus we got to see how silk is made, how turkish carpets are woven and got to blow glass!”

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ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH - The Temple of Artemis in a few quiet minutes
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ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH

10.ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 203 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $134

You’ll explore Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis with a private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned van. Guides such as Aleyna, Cem, Nejdet, Cenk, and Ozzy are praised for clear storytelling and flexibility. Lunch, entrance fees, and port transfers are included, with optional carpet or pottery stops.

“Ganja was a terrific tour guide. Her knowledge about everything we saw really added to the experience.”

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Private Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tours for Cruisers - Skip The line - Meeting at Kusadasi port and driving into the hills
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Private Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tours for Cruisers – Skip The line

11.Private Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tours for Cruisers – Skip The line

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 176 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $79

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi port or your hotel, then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis. You can add the Terrace Houses for Roman-era mosaics and frescoes. Mini groups are advertised at up to 10, with private tours also available. Guides such as Inan, Emre, Cenk, and Ozan are frequently assigned.

“Good value trip in a small group. Would recommend. We were on a cruise and were met at the terminal. Far cheaper than the same trip in a big group with the cruise company”

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Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers - Bodrum Castle: the essential first stop
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Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers

12.Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 140 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

You’ll tour Bodrum with a private English-speaking guide and separate driver, visiting the castle, Underwater Archaeology Museum, Myndos Gate, windmills, amphitheater, and bazaar. Guides such as Dee, Selin, Nora, and Eylem have helped shape flexible half-day visits, though the handicraft stop may include a strong carpet and jewelry sales pitch.

“This private group tour was amazing for our group of 11. Our guide Melike, was amazing, and knowledgeable. We truly had an unforgettable experience. Would recommend this tour.”

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Ephesus Private & Mini Group Shore Excursions - Skip The Lines - What skip-the-line entry really means
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Ephesus Private & Mini Group Shore Excursions – Skip The Lines

13.Ephesus Private & Mini Group Shore Excursions – Skip The Lines

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $79

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi port, then ride 20 minutes to Ephesus for two hours among marble streets, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis. Groups are capped at 10, with private tours also available. Expect a practical, history-filled shore trip with possible shopping stops.

“This was the best tour I took during my entire Mediterranean Cruise. Mehmet was our guide and was great!!! The small group tour is the only way to do Ephesus. Then the rest of the day we were given different options so we had a choice of rug factory or pottery workshop. We did the pottery. No hard sales. We had several stops for photo ops. This tour truly was an amazing day. We plan to do this exact same itinerary next year and I really hope we can get the same driver and guide. They were amazing!!!”

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Kusadasi Shore Excursion : Ephesus Private Tour / ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS - Walking through the ancient streets of Ephesus
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Kusadasi Shore Excursion : Ephesus Private Tour ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS

14.Ephesus Private Tour ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $39

Meet your licensed local guide 30 to 45 minutes after your ship docks, then travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Ephesus, Meryemana, and the Temple of Artemis. The 5 to 7-hour tour is limited to your group, with port transfers included. Admission tickets and meals cost extra.

“We had a tour with Burak and he was AMAZING! He was super knowledgeable, relaxed and just an all around interesting person. He created the perfect itinerary for our group of 4 and we learned so much! I can't imagine doing Ephesus by ourselves, there is so much history. Burak made it such a special day!”

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Ephesus Shore Excursion: Private Guide and Vehicle - Meeting your guide at Kusadasi port
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Ephesus Shore Excursion: Private Guide and Vehicle

15.Private Guide and Vehicle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $173

Meet your private guide at Kusadasi port and ride in an air-conditioned minivan to Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and Şirince. Expect a flexible six-hour outing with expert commentary, time for the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre, plus a fruit-wine tasting. Entrance fees, food, and drinks are extra.

“Erman, our guide, was excellent, and he made our visit to Ephesus an outstanding experience. We also visited Sirince, which was delightful, and not at all busy when we were there. We anticipated lunching at one of the lovely restaurants theRead more”

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NEW: Private The Most Detailed Ephesus Shore Excursion / with Lunch - Entering Ephesus through its public heart
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NEW: Private The Most Detailed Ephesus Shore Excursion / with Lunch

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