Best Ephesus Tours | Frequently Asked Questions

We have a strict "No-Port, No-Pay" policy. If your cruise ship cannot dock in Kusadasi due to bad weather or a change in itinerary, your booking is automatically cancelled, and no payment will be required.

Two words: Freedom and Comfort. Cruise Line tours often use large buses (40+ people), move slowly, and follow a strict schedule. With our Private Ephesus Tours, you have a private vehicle and a dedicated guide just for you. You can skip the lines, avoid the crowds, customize your tour programme, and move at your own pace. Plus, our private tours are more affordable than the rates offered by the cruise line.

No. We trust our guests. Unlike many other agencies, Best Ephesus Tours does not require a pre-payment or credit card deposit to secure your booking. You can pay the full amount in cash (USD, EUR, or Turkish Lira) directly to your guide on the day of the tour.

Since we do not require pre-payments, we rely on mutual trust. If your plans change, we kindly ask you to inform us at least 24 hours before the tour date so we can adjust our schedule.

To provide you the best flexibility, we do not include entrance fees in the base tour price. However, we will prepare your skip-the-line tickets in advance so that you won't have to wait in the ticket line under the hot sun. Skip-the-line tickets are the same price as box office tickets, and you pay your tour guide in cash at the end of the tour for the tickets you used. If you prefer to buy tickets with a credit card at the box office, please note that guides have priority at the box offices and will quickly purchase your tickets for you.

No. Gratuities are not included in the price and are entirely at your discretion. If you are happy with the service of your guide and driver, a gratuity (typically 15-20%) is a lovely way to say thank you, but it is never mandatory.

Simply click the "Book Now" or "Book via WhatsApp" button on the tour page. Fill out the simple booking form. We will respond promptly with a confirmation email that includes tour details. Since no pre-payment is required, your spot is secured as soon as we confirm your booking.

Meeting us is stress-free. Once you walk off the ship and pass through customs, head to the arrival hall exit. Your private guide will be waiting right there, holding a sign with YOUR NAME written on it. Furthermore, if you would like, we can share your WhatsApp number with our guide and also provide you with your guide's WhatsApp number for direct communication before the tour.

Usually, tours start shortly after the ship docks and passengers disembark. However, since this is a private tour, the timing is flexible. We will be waiting for you whenever you are ready to exit the terminal. However, to avoid the crowd, especially in Ephesus, we strongly encourage you to disembark the ship as soon as it docks.

No, for the daily shore excursions, you will be considered a transit guest for the day. Therefore, same-day return cruise guests do not need visas for Ephesus tours.

Yes. Ephesus Ancient City, the House of Virgin Mary, and the local museums are open every day of the week, all year round.

Ephesus is an ancient city with marble streets and uneven ground. A standard tour involves walking downhill and on flat paths. The tour in the Ancient City of Ephesus lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours (Except the Terrace Houses).
For standard walkers: Comfortable sneakers are recommended.
For wheelchair users: While not 100% accessible, we can customize the route to use the lower gate and see most of the main highlights without the steep hills. Please note: The Terrace Houses section has many stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

A licensed guide is essential for Ephesus. They manage your time so you don't miss the cruise, navigate the best routes to avoid crowds, and bring the ancient stones to life with history and local stories that you won't find in a guidebook.

Absolutely not. This is your private tour. We do not have forced shopping stops. However, Turkey is world-famous for rugs, leather, and ceramics. If you want to see high-quality local craftsmanship, we can take you to reputable local workshops. If you prefer to spend more time sightseeing, that is exactly what we will do. No pressure.

Yes! That’s the beauty of a flexible private tour. If you want to add the Terrace Houses, visit the Basilica of St. John, or stop for a local lunch, just let us know during booking or even tell your guide on the day. We are happy to adjust the itinerary to make your day perfect at no extra cost.

No. Best Ephesus Tours specializes in private tours. We do not mix different parties. This ensures you have the vehicle and guide all to yourself for a personalized experience.

We avoid "tourist traps." Since the tour is private, we can recommend excellent local spots serving authentic Turkish food (or vegetarian options) that are clean, delicious, and reasonably priced. You decide where and when to eat.

Comfort is key! Wear good walking shoes for the ancient stones. There is no strict dress code for Ephesus, but if you visit the House of Virgin Mary or a mosque, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended as a sign of respect.

Yes. Turkey is a very hospitable country and millions of tourists visit every year. Kusadasi and Ephesus are major tourism zones with high security and low crime rates. We take care of you from the moment you meet us until you are back on the ship.

Ephesus Ancient City is in the Selcuk district of Izmir, 15 km from Kusadasi and 80 km from Izmir center.

Ephesus is ~600 km from Istanbul (6 hours drive, 1 hour flight to Izmir).

Ephesus is 15 km from Kusadasi Port, approximately a 20 minute drive.