+90 551 207 0050 info@turkeyadventure.com
+90 551 207 0050 info@turkeyadventure.com

Shore Excursion Tours Turkey

Private or small group shore excursions from Turkey’s top cruise ports.

Shore Excursion Tours Turkey

Turkey’s cruise ports Kusadasi, Izmir port, Istanbul, and Bodrum offer gateways to some of the world’s most unforgettable shore excursions. Tailored for cruise passengers, our offerings include both private and small group options ensuring comfort, expert guidance, and punctual returns to your ship.

From Kusadasi excursions, guests can join our on an iconic ephesus tours from Kusadasi port, visiting the marble streets of Ephesus, the majestic Celsus Library, Terrace Houses, and the sacred House of the Virgin Mary. Many tours include additional options like shaded village visits to Sirince Tour from Kusadasi.

At Izmir port, our popular Ephesus tour from Izmir and ephesus tour izmir deliver skip the line access to these same archaeological marvels. Departures from Izmir offer flexibility and fewer crowds, with memorable stops like the İnciraltı Sea Museum or passes through the lively Kemeralti Bazaar.

Cruising into Istanbul? Choose from immersive istanbul cruise excursions or istanbul tours from cruise ship that whisk you to Sultanahmet’s treasures Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace plus a captivating ride along the Bosphorus. Many guests extend the experience with a ferry trip to the car free Princes’ Islands for a scenic afternoon .

In Bodrum, our curated bodrum shore excursions guide guests through Bodrum Castle with its fascinating underwater archaeology museum, the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and idyllic bays like Kudur Peninsula an archaeological nature reserve perfect for a peaceful afternoon 

Each of these shore excursions in Kusadasi Turkey and shore excursions in Istanbul Turkey is crafted to respect your cruise timeline. Whether you prefer the personalized pace of private outings or the camaraderie of small groups, our professional guides ensure a culturally rich, timevefficient experience. From the ancient grandeur of Ephesus to the Byzantine‑Ottoman elegance of Istanbul and the scenic charm of Bodrum’s coastal treasures, your time ashore will be unforgettable.

Ephesus and Archaeological Museum Tour

6 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Ephesus
From€35

Ephesus Turkish Bath Tour

6 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Ephesus
From€50

Biblical Ephesus Tour

7 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Ephesus
From€35

Ephesus Tour From Izmir

8 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Ephesus
From€45

Half Day Ephesus Tour From Izmir

6 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Ephesus
From€45

Istanbul Basilica Cistern Tour

7 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Istanbul
From€30

Half Day Istanbul Tour

5 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Istanbul
From€30

Dolmabahce and Bosphorus Tour

6 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Istanbul
From€30

Bodrum City Tour from Port

5 Hrs
Daily Departure Guaranteed
Small Group or Private Tour
Bodrum
From€90

Why Choose Our Shore Excursions

Whether you’re exploring Ephesus, strolling the streets of Istanbul, or discovering the coastal beauty of Bodrum, our Turkey shore excursions are designed with your comfort, timing, and experience in mind. With years of local expertise and a focus on personalized service, we ensure that every tour fits perfectly within your cruise scheduleno rush, no stress, just unforgettable moments ashore.

  • Timely Return Guarantee
  • Private & Small Group Options
  • Expert Local Guides
  • Hassle-Free, Timed-to-Ship Experiences

Our Cruise Port Destinations

From the ancient wonders of Ephesus to the vibrant streets of Istanbul, Turkey’s cruise ports open the door to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re docking in Kusadasi, Izmir, Istanbul, or Bodrum, each location offers unique shore excursions that connect you with history, culture, and coastal beauty all in a single day. Browse the options above to discover what awaits you at each port.

What are the most popular shore excursions in Turkey?

Top-rated Turkey shore excursions include:

Istanbul Old Cit Tour: Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide.

Kusadasi Day Tour: Take a guided day trip to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities.

Antalya City Tour: Discover Kaleici Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, and stunning Mediterranean views.

Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port: Visit Ephesus on a full-day guided tour, just over 1 hour away. Perfect for cruise passengers docking in Alsancak Port.

Bodrum City Tour: Enjoy a Bodrum city tour, visiting Bodrum Castle, the ancient theater, Myndos Gate, and the charming marina area.

These tours are ideal for cruise passengers seeking culture, history, and comfort.

How do I book a shore excursion in Turkey?

You can book directly on our website before your cruise arrival. Early booking ensures availability and better rates compared to onboard excursions. All tours include port pick-up and drop-off and are designed to align with your ship’s schedule.

Are shore excursions in Turkey suitable for families with children?

Yes! Many excursions are family-friendly. For example, Ephesus tours are engaging for all ages, and Istanbul Tours offers activities like Bosphorus cruises and visits to museums or aquariums. We accommodate different age groups with flexible pacing and optional stroller-friendly routes.

Can I book a private shore excursion in Turkey?

Yes, private Turkey shore excursions are available from every port. These offer flexibility in timing and content, perfect for small groups, couples, or those seeking a VIP experience. You can fully customize your tour, from historic sites to culinary stops

Are your tours cruise-timed and guaranteed to return to port on time?

Absolutely. Our shore excursions in Istanbul, Kusadasi, Izmir, and Bodrum are aligned with your ship’s docking times. We guarantee timely return to your port with extra buffer time to ensure a worry-free experience.

How do I go from Kusadasi cruise port to Ephesus?

To reach Ephesus from the Kusadasi cruise port, you’ll take a quick 20 minute shuttle or private transfer that brings you into Selçuk, the gateway town to the ancient ruins. Once there, you’ll follow a short 5 minute drive to the entrance. These Kusadasi excursions are designed for cruise travelers, offering skip-the-line access and professional guides so you can maximize your shore excursion in Kusadasi Turkey without worrying about timing.

How to visit Ephesus from Kusadasi?

Visiting Ephesus from Kusadasi is seamless: book a private or small group Ephesus shore excursion from Kusadasi port, where air conditioned vehicles and licensed guides await. Tours typically include the Ephesus tour from Kusadasi port, key archaeological highlights, and extras like the House of the Virgin Mary or Terrace Houses all planned to return you to your ship early

How to visit Ephesus from Izmir?

For travelers landing at Izmir port, the Ephesus tour from Izmir is the perfect solution. After a 45–60 minute coastal drive to Selcuk, guides meet you and lead your Izmir Ephesus tours right to the main gate. It’s a popular option among cruise guests looking for a Ephesus day tour, combining ancient heritage with ease of travel.

How far is Ephesus from Cruise Ship Port?

Whether departing from Kusadasi or Izmir, Ephesus is just 20–60 minutes away depending on the port. Kusadasi offers closest access, while Izmir is a slightly longer scenic transit. Cruise friendly pickups are timed precisely so your Ephesus tour aligns perfectly with ship schedules.

What is the entry fee to Ephesus?

As of 2025, the standard entrance fee to the main Ephesus archaeological site is approximately €40 per person, with additional fees for Terrace Houses (€15), the Museum (€10), and the House of the Virgin Mary (€18) . Entrance is free for children under 8, and credit cards are widely accepted 

How many hours do you need in Ephesus?

Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours at Ephesus to explore the Grand Theatre, Library of Celsus, Terrace Houses, Latrines, and House of the Virgin Mary at a relaxed pace. Add on time for nearby attractions like the Museum or village visits to ensure a full shore excursion experience

Are there toilets at Ephesus?

Yes, Modern restrooms are available at the main entrance and exit gates, and there are also ancient public latrines within the site. Guides typically plan short breaks accordingly during your Ephesus tour from Kusadasi or Ephesus tour from Izmir.

Is there a dress code for Ephesus?

While there is no official dress code, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and modest, breathable clothing are essential. As an archaeological site and historic cultural space, respectful attire is recommended during your ephesus day tour.

Can you walk into Istanbul from a cruise port?

Yes, if your ship docks at Galataport or Karakoy, the istanbul cruise excursions begin right in town. You can walk or take a quick tram (10 min ride) to Sultanahmet. Walking is about 30–35 minutes, and plenty of attractions are near the port . This route makes istanbul tours from cruise ship accessible even for independent travelers.

How do I get from cruise port to Blue Mosque Istanbul?

After docking, simply take the T1 tram from Karakoy or walk through Galata Bridge towards Sultanahmet (30–40 min walk) . Once there, you can join an istanbul shore excursion to the Blue Mosque and other landmarks, or proceed independently with audio guide apps.

What is the best tour in Istanbul?

The most popular Istanbul cruise excursions are small group walking tours of Sultanahmet, which include skip the line visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and a Bosphorus ferry cruise. These private or boutique tours give cultural insights and time efficient logistics within cruise timelines

Is it worth getting a tour guide in Istanbul?

Absolutely. A licensed guide transforms your experience by offering historical context, fast track entry, and personalized storytelling. Without guidance, you risk missing key details or wasting time queueing especially important during short shore excursions in Istanbul Turkey.

What is the best way to tour Istanbul?

The best method is often a guided walking or tram based istanbul cruise excursion, starting near Galataport. These tours combine ease, cultural depth, and convenience. Alternatively, private tours offer enhanced flexibility choose what suits your group’s pace and interests.

Is Bodrum walkable from a cruise port?

Yes, Bodrum’s cruise terminal is right next to the waterfront promenade. It’s about a 10–15 minute easy walk into the town’s main attractions, where you’ll find markets, cafes, and Bodrum Castle . This makes bodrum shore excursions easy to combine with solo explorations.

How far is Bodrum Port to the town?

Just a stone’s throw roughly 1.5 km (10–15 minutes walking) from the dock to the central Bodrum market and castle . Cruise passengers can self-guide or upgrade to private excursions to see more of Bodrum’s rich heritage.

What to do near Bodrum Port?

From Bodrum cruise port, stroll along the waterfront to explore Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archaeology Museum. You can also shop at local markets, enjoy seaside cafes, or walk to the Mausoleum ruins and marina all easily reachable during your bodrum shore excursions.

Is Bodrum a walkable city?

Yes, Bodrum is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Walking paths around the harbor, castle, and market area are well-paved and scenic, making it enjoyable for independent exploration even within limited cruise time

Is Bodrum city worth visiting?

Absolutely Bodrum combines rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. With highlights like Bodrum Castle, Greek amphitheatre, wetlands, and waterfront dining, it offers a balanced, memorable stop during your Turkey cruise