Please find below answers to frequently asked questions about Ephesus tours from Kusadasi port and other private tours operated by Best Ephesus Tour, and all other essential information regarding private Ephesus tours. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us 24/7 via e-mail, our contact form, or directly via WhatsApp.
No. For day tours, you are considered a transit guest. Therefore, guests returning to their cruise on the same day do not require a visa for Ephesus tours.
It’s easy to book your tour with us. Go to the tour page, click on the ‘Book Now’ button, and complete the booking request form. Alternatively, you can make your booking directly via Whatsapp by clicking on the “Book via Whatsapp“ button.
We will reply with a booking email typically in 30 minutes. If you wish to proceed with the booking, simply reply to our email and we will send you a “Booking Confirmation” with all the necessary details.
Please note that no pre-payment or deposit is required before the tour. You can pay the full amount to your tour guide in cash on the tour day. We only accept cash payments in Euros, Turkish Lira, or US Dollars.
A licensed local guide can manage your schedule to avoid wasting time and enrich your visit with details not only about the historical significance of the site but also about the important people who once lived here and more. A licensed guide will also provide valuable tips to ensure you don’t miss any of the major attractions in the ancient city of Ephesus or any attraction. Remember, nobody knows a region better than a local guide.
No, Best Ephesus Tour only offers private tours. We prioritize the satisfaction of each group and offer tours for individual private groups, regardless of size. Therefore, you are welcome to invite friends to join your tour if you wish.
We are an established tour company founded by professional, licensed, local tour guides who live in Ephesus. Unlike large group tours sold on cruise ships, we offer you a private tour experience at a more affordable price. We are so confident of your 100% satisfaction that we do not require any pre-payment or deposit to book our tours.
Cruise lines offer the same itinerary and visit the same sites but with large groups. In contrast, the BEST EPHESUS TOUR provides a private local tour guide, driver, and VIP vehicle for the entire day, includes pre-booked tickets to skip lines, saves time, and is more cost-effective than the tours offered on cruises.
At the cruise port of Kusadasi (or Izmir), your private tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit door of the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name on it.
Yes, your tour guide can arrange your itinerary to provide time for shopping. Turkey is well-known for its high-quality handicrafts, including Turkish carpets, tiles, ceramics, and leather products. These items are not only great for shopping but also offer a glimpse into the local arts. You may be interested in visiting government-supported carpet weaving associations, leather factories, and ceramic art schools to learn about the traditional and historical arts of the region.
In the Ephesus area, which is rich with these art manufacturing centers, you can even custom-order products such as a specially designed leather jacket or a hand-woven carpet. The products recommended by your guide are guaranteed for both quality and price, with a money-back offer if you find the same product of the same quality at a lower price elsewhere. If you prefer not to shop, please inform us or your guide accordingly.
If you are a cruise passenger, the tour usually starts shortly after disembarkation. With Best Ephesus Tour private tour, you have flexibility regarding the start time. Our guide will meet you at the exit gate of the port holding a sign with your name on it. If you are staying at a hotel, your tour will start when you meet our guide in the hotel lobby at the specified time. For the tour starting from the airport, we will be waiting for you at the airport as soon as you land.
Yes, you have the flexibility to request changes to the itinerary, even during the tour. We are eager to meet your expectations and include any additional sights you may be interested in. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any inquiries regarding visits to more distant destinations.
Please note that we do not require any pre-payment or deposit. However, we do request that you inform us of any cancellations at least one day before the scheduled tour date. Also see Terms and Conditions.
No, there are no specific dress codes, so you can dress as you would in your hometown without hesitation. Turkey is known as one of the most open-minded Muslim countries. For tours during the summer, it’s advisable to wear a cap or bring an umbrella for sun protection. Of course, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for a more comfortable tour experience.
No, gratuities are not included and are left to the discretion of our guests. If you are satisfied with the service provided by your guide, a gratuity of about 10% to 20% of the tour cost is recommended. Of course, any additional amount is always welcomed and can make them even happier.
The ancient city of Ephesus, Museums, and attractions around Ephesus are open on every day of the week including Sunday.
Yes, we have accommodated many guests who use wheelchairs on our tours. The Ancient City of Ephesus is more accessible than many other historical sites, with wooden platforms installed at certain spots for easier navigation. However, please note that the Terrace Houses in Ephesus are not recommended for guests with disabilities. For a better tour experience, please inform us in advance.
Yes, Turkey is considered one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, with a lower crime rate than many European countries. Interpol has ranked Turkey as one of the safest holiday destinations in Europe. We advise our guests to take the same precautions as anywhere else. Please remember that safety is a concern for all international travelers.
The ancient city of Ephesus is located in the Selcuk district of Izmir province in Turkey. Ephesus is 15 km from Kusadasi and 80 km from the center of Izmir. It is important to note that Izmir airport is located outside the city center, approximately 50 km from Ephesus.
Ephesus is about 600 kilometers (about 384 miles) from Istanbul. The driving time between Istanbul and Ephesus is about 6 hours. Alternatively, a flight from Istanbul to Izmir takes about 1 hour. The nearest airport to Ephesus, Izmir ADB Airport, is 50 kilometers away.
Ephesus is located 15 kilometers away from Kusadasi cruise port. The drive from Kusadasi port to Ephesus usually takes about 20-25 minutes.