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- Ancient Tour
TRD11
5 Hours (Half Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Ephesus and St. John Basilica Tour
Enjoy a half-day private excursion from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica with local licensed guide.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Enjoy a half-day private excursion from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica with local licensed guide.
- Ancient Tour
TRD12
5 Hours (Half-Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour
Enjoy a half-day private excursion from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Ephesus Ancient City and the House of Virgin Mary with local licensed guide.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Enjoy a half-day private excursion from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Ephesus Ancient City and the House of Virgin Mary with local licensed guide.
- Ancient Tour
TRD13
5 Hours (Half-Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Ephesus Ruins and Terrace Houses Discovery
Discover Ephesus Ruins and Terrace Houses on a private 5-hour half-day vehicle tour from Selcuk with licensed professional guide.
From Selcuk
Discover Ephesus Ruins and Terrace Houses on a private 5-hour half-day vehicle tour from Selcuk with licensed professional guide.
- Biblical Tour
- Ancient Tour
- Historical Tour
TRD14
4 Hours (Half Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Ephesus and Artemis Temple Discovery
Discover Ephesus Archaeological Site and the Temple of Artemis in a private half-day 4-hour excursion from Kusadasi.
From Kusadasi
Discover Ephesus Archaeological Site and the Temple of Artemis in a private half-day 4-hour excursion from Kusadasi.
- Ancient Tour
TRD15
4 Hours (Half Day)
1 City • 1 Place
Sirince Village Walking and Organic Tasting Experience
Take a half-day 4-hour car experience from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Sirince village for local walking, organic product tasting, and scenic free time.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Take a half-day 4-hour car experience from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Sirince village for local walking, organic product tasting, and scenic...
- Best Tour
- Ancient Tour
TRD16
7-8 Hours (Full Day)
1 City • 5 Places
Ephesus Complete One-Day Heritage Tour
Discover House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica, and Temple of Artemis on a private full-day vehicle tour.
From Kusadasi
Discover House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica, and Temple of Artemis on a private full-day...
- Ancient Tour
TRD17
9-10 Hours (Full Day)
1 City • 3 Places
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Private Day Tour
Take a full-day 9-10 hour private car tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Pamukkale white travertines, Hierapolis ruins, and optional Cleopatra Pool.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Take a full-day 9-10 hour private car tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Pamukkale white travertines, Hierapolis ruins, and optional...
- Biblical Tour
- Ancient Tour
TRD18
7-8 Hours (Full Day)
1 City • 4 Places
Ephesus Biblical Heritage Full-Day Experience
Experience House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica, and Temple of Artemis on a private 7-8 hour full-day tour.
From Selcuk
Experience House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica, and Temple of Artemis on a private 7-8 hour...
- Ancient Tour
TRD19
5 Hours (Half Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Ephesus Ancient City and Selcuk Museum Tour
Explore Ephesus Ancient City and Selcuk Archaeological Museum on a private half-day 5-hour car tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Explore Ephesus Ancient City and Selcuk Archaeological Museum on a private half-day 5-hour car tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk.
- Ancient Tour
- Jewish Tour
TRD20
8 Hours (Full Day)
3 Cities • 5 Places
Izmir Jewish Quarter and Ephesus Full-Day Experience
Experience Izmir Jewish Quarter landmarks and Ephesus ruins on a private full-day 8-hour vehicle tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Experience Izmir Jewish Quarter landmarks and Ephesus ruins on a private full-day 8-hour vehicle tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk.
- Ancient Tour
TRD21
5 Hours (Half Day)
1 City • 3 Places
Meandros Wetlands Birdwatching Tour
Take a private half-day 5-hour birdwatching tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Lake Belevi, Meandros wetland areas, and Lake Gebekirse.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Take a private half-day 5-hour birdwatching tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Lake Belevi, Meandros wetland areas, and Lake Gebekirse.
- Ancient Tour
TRD22
8 Hours (Full Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Aphrodisias Ancient City Full-Day Private Tour
Take a private full-day 8-hour car tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Aphrodisias Archaeological Site and the on-site Aphrodisias Museum.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Take a private full-day 8-hour car tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Aphrodisias Archaeological Site and the on-site Aphrodisias Museum.
- Ancient Tour
TRD23
11 Hours (Full Day)
2 Cities • 5 Places
Aphrodisias and Pamukkale Shore Excursion
Plan a private full-day shore excursion to Aphrodisias and Pamukkale from Kusadasi or Selcuk. Visit Aphrodisias ruins, museum collections, Pamukkale terraces, and Hierapolis.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Plan a private full-day shore excursion to Aphrodisias and Pamukkale from Kusadasi or Selcuk. Visit Aphrodisias ruins, museum...
- Ancient Tour
- Historical Tour
TRD24
7 Hours (Half Day)
1 City • 2 Places
Ephesus and Sirince Combined Tour
Experience Ephesus Ancient City and Sirince Village on a private 7-hour combined tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk with a licensed guide and private transfers.
From Kusadasi or Selcuk
Experience Ephesus Ancient City and Sirince Village on a private 7-hour combined tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk with a licensed guide and...
- Ancient Tour
- Historical Tour
TRD66
7 Hours (Full Day)
1 City • 8 Places
Izmir Historical City Discovery
Discover Izmir’s historical city fabric in a private 7-hour tour featuring Kizlaragasi Han, Konak Square, Elevator quarter, Kadifekale, Agora, and Izmir Archaeological Museum.
From Izmir
Discover Izmir’s historical city fabric in a private 7-hour tour featuring Kizlaragasi Han, Konak Square, Elevator quarter, Kadifekale,...
- Ancient Tour
- Islamic Tour
TRD67
7 Hours (Full Day)
1 City • 5 Places
Ephesus Heritage from Izmir Day Tour
Explore Ephesus in a private 7-hour heritage route from Izmir including Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Ancient Site, House of Virgin Mary, Isa Bey Mosque, and Selcuk lunch break.
From Izmir
Explore Ephesus in a private 7-hour heritage route from Izmir including Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Ancient Site, House of Virgin Mary,...
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT US
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT US
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT US
Welcome to Gigil Travel Agency, offering professionally organized Kusadasi Tours focused on shore excursions for cruise passengers arriving at Kusadasi port. Kusadasi Tours are designed to provide perfectly timed excursions to Ephesus, Pamukkale, and the highlights of Kusadasi, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience that fits cruise schedules. Whether you choose a short shore excursion, an Ephesus tour, or a Pamukkale day tour from Kusadasi, Kusadasi Tours deliver reliable transportation, expert guidance, and memorable experiences tailored specifically for cruise travelers.
A Perfect Day in Turkey!
If you are going to Kusadasi, be sure to book with Gigil Travel. We spent 5 days in Rome, 12 days on a cruise, and 5 days in Venice and this was the best tour of all we did. The van price was reasonable and shared among 6 of us. We went to St. Mary’s home, Ephesus and had a wonderful lunch. We were concerned about visiting Turkey with the unrest we have had with them. We felt very safe. The town is very modern and clean. The area at the port was great for shopping and the prices are very reasonable. I would highly recommend Eren and this tour!
Ashenafi T
February 2022
Toured Ephesus with Harun
We had a wonderful tour of Ephesus with Harun, a well prepared guide who provided a terrific experience for our whole family (ranging in age from 10 to 77). Highly recommend Gigil tour company.
Akramul Ghani C
February 2022
Pergamon and Asklepion
Both sites are very interesting, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area in Pergamon. Asklepion is worth visiting.
Martha W
January 2022
Pamukkale Visit
Few months ago me and my family went to turkey and we visited Pamukkale with gigil company. They were excellent, friendly and very helpful to our services. I recommend everyone visiting turkey to go to excursions with this company.
Zhang M
December 2021
Pamukkale and Ephesus
One day of our 10-day tour was spent in Pamukkale and Ephesus. These two places were great vacation spots. Ephesus is a magnificent historical ruin and Hierapolis has the same atmosphere. We spent time in the healing pool and the incredibly pleasant Cleopatra pool in Pamukkale. It was possible to do a balloon tour in Pamukkale, but we did that activity in Cappadocia. We would like to try the Pamukkale balloon tour on our next visit. Thanks to the agency for the organization, they were really well organized.
Emrah Ö
October 2021
An amazing day in Ephesus with Gigil
My husband, daughter and I used Eren and had the pleasure of having Eren as our tour guide. She was extremely professional and very very knowledgable. She was very respectful our our time and wanted to make sure we got to do everything we wanted to do. I highly highly recommend her!
Zhang M
December 2021
Reliable Agent!
They respond quickly to email and chat. They can customize your trip and the best part is, our tour guide Işık speaks fluent English and knows a lot about the places you go. He also handles the tour well and lets you enjoy the trip. We also told him that we enjoyed taking photos and that he took notes on special spots for the photos. Finally, the journey will not be perfect without your transportation, a brand new mercedes benz minibus with our lovely driver who makes everything safe... I highly recommend this tour if you visit Ephesus! Thanks Haron!
Joanna G
December 2021
Very good tour company
We did the Ephesus tour, everything was very well organized. Our guide Harun was both knowledgeable and very kind. Driver Omut was a very cheerful person and made us laugh a lot. We were very pleased with this tour that we participated with my friends. Thank you Gigil staff. I would definitely recommend this team.
Lucia S
November 2021
Great guide and beautiful Ephesus
We spent a day touring the ancient city of Ephesus and it was wonderful. Our guide Harun was great. He had a lot of knowledge and gave us plenty of time to see all the sights. We came to Kusadasi by ship and joined the tour from there. We did not book directly with Gigil but from our experience we would be happy to tour with them again.
Billie Ann B
November 2021
Good team nice guide knowledge and love of his country
My wife and i used eren as a guide we launched turkey from istanbul, gellibolu, pamukkale, ephesus cappadocia and many other places, eren's knowledge of turkey, we didn't miss anything, him as a guide I advise. istanbul is an amazing city and something you will miss a lot without a guide, I would recommend eren and his team without hesitation and hope to use them again in the future.
Wilfredo L
September 2021
Let's Organize Your Tour Plan Together!
I have chosen for you the best regions. Feel free to create your own itinerary.
FAQs
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What is Kusadasi best known for?
Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most popular Aegean resort towns and a major cruise gateway to Ephesus. Visitors typically combine the port area with short drives to:
- Ephesus Ancient City
- Selcuk (St. John Basilica, local museums)
- Sirince Village
- Local beaches and viewpoints
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How far is Ephesus from Kusadasi Cruise Port?
Ephesus is close to Kusadasi. Driving time is usually around 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and the exact entrance used. Your total time at the site will be longer because Ephesus is a large open-air archaeological area with a lot of walking.
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Where is the meeting point for shore excursions in Kusadasi?
For cruise visitors, the meeting point is typically just outside the terminal exit in the port area (a short walk after security). If your ship anchors and uses tender boats, the meeting starts after you disembark at the port. Always follow the latest instructions shared in your tour confirmation because port layouts can change.
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What if my ship arrives late or uses tender boats?
If your arrival is delayed or tendering takes longer than expected, the tour start time may shift accordingly. The key is to provide your ship name and the latest all-aboard time so the day can be planned with buffer. On tender days, expect extra time for:
- Waiting for tender boats
- Port security checks
- Walking from the pier to the meeting point
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Will I be back at the ship on time?
Shore excursions are planned around the ship's schedule, but you should always share your all-aboard time and avoid last-minute shopping stops. A good rule is to aim to be back at the port well before the all-aboard time to account for traffic and port security lines.
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Is ship time the same as local time in Turkey?
Not always. Some cruise lines keep ship time aligned with the previous port or a different timezone. Turkey follows its official local time, so it is important to confirm whether your ship is using local time or ship time on the day of your excursion.
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What is the best time to tour Ephesus to avoid crowds and heat?
Early mornings are usually the most comfortable and the least crowded. In peak summer, midday heat can be intense, and large groups arrive later in the morning. If you can start early, you typically get:
- Better temperatures
- Cleaner photo opportunities
- More relaxed pacing at key highlights
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How much walking is there at Ephesus?
Ephesus involves a moderate to high amount of walking on uneven stone surfaces. There are marble streets, steps, and areas with limited shade. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
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Is Ephesus suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?
Ephesus can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers due to cobblestones, slopes, and steps. Some parts may still be possible with assistance, but it is not an easy site for mobility devices. If accessibility is important, consider a customized route and discuss limitations in advance.
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What should I wear for Ephesus and religious sites?
For Ephesus, wear comfortable shoes and light layers (sun can be strong). For religious sites (such as the House of Virgin Mary), modest clothing is recommended:
- Shoulders covered
- Shorts/skirts not too short
- A light scarf can be useful
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Should I add the Terrace Houses at Ephesus?
The Terrace Houses are an optional section with well-preserved mosaics and frescoes under a protective roof. If you enjoy archaeology and Roman-era daily life details, it is one of the most impressive add-ons. If you prefer a shorter, faster visit, you can skip it.
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Is the House of the Virgin Mary included and is it worth it?
The House of the Virgin Mary is a meaningful stop for many visitors and is located on a nearby hill with a different atmosphere than Ephesus itself. It adds driving time and a separate entrance, so whether it is worth it depends on your interests and how tight your cruise schedule is.
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Can we combine Ephesus with Sirince Village?
Yes. Sirince is a small hillside village often combined with Ephesus for a relaxed break, local products, and a different view of the region. It is a good option if you want something beyond archaeological sites without adding a long drive.
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Is Selcuk worth visiting on an Ephesus day?
Selcuk is very close to Ephesus and can be a great addition, especially if you want to see St. John Basilica or local museums. It can also be a practical stop for a lunch break depending on the day plan.
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Can I do Pamukkale as a day trip from Kusadasi?
It is possible but it is a very long day because Pamukkale is far from Kusadasi. Expect an early start, long driving hours, and limited free time at the terraces. If you want a more relaxed experience, Pamukkale usually works better as part of a multi-day itinerary.
