Private shore excursions · Istanbul · Kusadasi · Bodrum · Izmir · Marmaris · Kas
Match your port call
Pick your Turkish port, then type your ship name. Matching ships appear instantly below.
Explore your ship across Turkey
Choose a ship above to see every Turkish port matched to it, then compare fixed tours or build a private route from scratch.
From Galataport
Old City, Bosphorus and flexible one- or two-day private options.
Istanbul
Best with an 8-hour-or-longer Istanbul call; shorter focused Old City routes are possible.
Istanbul
Best for a long or overnight Istanbul call; the program can be split across one or two days.
From Kusadasi / Ephesus
Ephesus classics, Sirince, wine country, Pergamon and long-range Pamukkale options.
Kusadasi
Best with an 8-hour-or-longer Kusadasi call; shorter Ephesus routes can be tailored.
Kusadasi / Izmir
Best with a 10-hour-or-longer call for Ephesus plus Sirince.
Kusadasi / Izmir
Best with a 9–10 hour call for a relaxed wine and sightseeing day.
Kusadasi / Izmir
Best with a 10-hour-or-longer call because Pergamon is a regional drive.
Kusadasi / Izmir
Needs a long call — usually 11–12 hours or more. We check the exact ship time first.
From Bodrum Cruise Port
Bodrum highlights, peninsula routes and longer archaeological day trips.
Bodrum
Best with an 8–9 hour Bodrum call for the classic city highlights.
Bodrum
Needs a long Bodrum call because Ephesus is roughly a two-hour drive each way.
Bodrum
Best with a 10-hour-or-longer Bodrum call for the three ancient-city route.
Bodrum
Best with an 8-hour-or-longer Bodrum call for a relaxed peninsula day.
Prices shown are starting references from the linked live products and may change by date, party size or promotion. The linked product page is the final reference for current price and inclusions.
Select a port and ship above and this card will become specific to your cruise call.
Turn the research into a real plan
We copy the trip summary first, then open the contact form so you can paste it into the Message field.
Choose your port and ship, then add the date and guest count.
Why choose a private shore excursion?
Your licensed local guide meets your party at the port. Choose a ready-made private tour or build your own day; every route is planned around your ship’s confirmed schedule, with our on-time return guarantee.
| Port | Schedule calls | Median valid window* | Practical access | Best-known excursion focus | Current inventory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 386 | 13.0h | Hagia Sophia ~2 miles (3 km) / ~10–15 min by tram/taxi | Old City, Bosphorus, Taksim, Palaces | 2 dedicated shore products | |
| 701 | 10.0h | Ephesus ~12 miles (20 km) / ~30 min | Ephesus/Sirince, Pamukkale, Virgin Mary | 5 fixed products | |
| 129 | 12.0h | Town Center ~10–15 min walk | Castle, Halicarnassus, peninsula | 4 fixed products | |
| 72 | 9.0h | Regional archaeology requires road transfer | Pergamon, Ephesus/Sirince, Pamukkale | 4 compatible fixed products | |
| 101 | 10.0h | Town center ~10 min walk | Waterfront + custom regional route | Custom private planning | |
| 14 | 8.0h | Town / marina ~0.6 miles (1 km); landing varies | Local old town + custom plan | Custom private planning |
*Median uses rows with reliable arrival/departure times and is only a planning reference. Overnight calls can distort Istanbul’s median. Always use the selected ship’s exact schedule when available.
↑ Back to page guideResearch the details only if you need them
Use these deeper sections after you shortlist a tour to compare port logistics, ship timing, realistic call length and practical booking details.
Start with the high-volume examples below. Open the extra lists only when you need a specific ship or port.
Schedule data is a planning snapshot, not a complete future sailing calendar. Your cruise line’s final itinerary always takes priority.
Schedule information on this page is compiled for trip-planning reference from published cruise and port schedule information. It may change, may be incomplete, and is not an official cruise-line timetable. Always confirm your final itinerary with your cruise line.
Istanbul / Galataport
Costa Pacifica — Istanbul / Galataport
29 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Apr 18, 2027–Oct 31, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 07:00 arrival, 18:00 departure; 11.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Apr 18, 2027, 07:00–17:00.
View Istanbul plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Celestyal Discovery — Kusadasi / Ephesus
110 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 4, 2026–Nov 20, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 07:00 arrival, 13:00 departure; 6.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 18, 2026, 07:00–13:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Marmaris
MSC Divina — Marmaris
57 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 4, 2026–Jul 31, 2028). Typical recorded pair context: 12:00 arrival, 21:00 departure; 9.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 18, 2026, 07:00–17:00.
Marmaris is an important match for MSC Divina in this snapshot. This hub currently handles Marmaris as a custom-planning port rather than forcing a fixed product that does not fit.
Plan a custom Marmaris day →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Odyssey Of The Seas — Kusadasi / Ephesus
35 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 5, 2026–Oct 27, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 09:00 arrival, 19:00 departure; 10.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 19, 2026, 09:00–19:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Celestyal Journey — Kusadasi / Ephesus
34 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 9, 2026–Oct 10, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 08:00 arrival, 18:00 departure; 10.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 23, 2026, 08:00–18:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Celebrity Infinity — Kusadasi / Ephesus
32 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 4, 2026–Oct 21, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 08:00 arrival, 18:00 departure; 10.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 18, 2026, 08:00–20:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Istanbul / Galataport
MSC Orchestra — Istanbul / Galataport
26 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Nov 4, 2026–Dec 29, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 09:00 arrival, 20:00 departure; 11.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Nov 4, 2026, 09:00–20:00.
View Istanbul plan →Izmir
MSC Orchestra — Izmir
26 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Nov 3, 2026–Dec 28, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 07:00 arrival, 16:00 departure; 9.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Nov 3, 2026, 07:00–16:00.
View Izmir plan →Istanbul / Galataport
MSC Splendida — Istanbul / Galataport
22 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Apr 27, 2027–Nov 2, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 10:00 arrival, 23:00 departure; 13.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Apr 27, 2027, 10:00–23:00.
View Istanbul plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Wind Surf — Kusadasi / Ephesus
22 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (May 6, 2027–Oct 9, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 07:00 arrival, 23:00 departure; 16.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: May 6, 2027, 07:00–23:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
MSC Splendida — Kusadasi / Ephesus
21 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (May 5, 2027–Nov 10, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 07:00 arrival, 15:00 departure; 8.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: May 5, 2027, 07:00–15:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
MSC Divina — Kusadasi / Ephesus
19 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 3, 2026–Sep 20, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 09:00 arrival, 18:00 departure; 9.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 24, 2026, 09:00–18:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Rhapsody Of The Seas — Kusadasi / Ephesus
19 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (May 11, 2027–Nov 7, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 08:00 arrival, 18:00 departure; 10.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: May 11, 2027, 08:00–18:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Bodrum
Aroya Manara — Bodrum
18 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 4, 2026–Aug 3, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 08:00 arrival, 22:00 departure; 14.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 25, 2026, 08:00–20:00.
View Bodrum plan →Kusadasi / Ephesus
Silver Nova — Kusadasi / Ephesus
18 schedule calls in the current schedule snapshot (Aug 14, 2026–Oct 16, 2027). Typical recorded pair context: 08:00 arrival, 23:00 departure; 15.0h median valid window. Next reliable call stored after the audit date: Aug 28, 2026, 08:00–22:00.
View Kusadasi plan →Open only the port you need. Each guide keeps the key distance, meeting, mobility and timing facts in readable HTML.
ISTANBUL
Galataport uses a large underground cruise terminal, so allow time for passport/customs clearance before meeting your guide. In the Old City, walking or tram can be faster than a vehicle.
Tour fit: under 7h = focused Old City or Bosphorus; 7–10h = classic full-day; overnight/two-day calls can split Old City from Bosphorus and modern Istanbul.
KUSADASI
Ege Port places central Kusadasi immediately outside the terminal. Ephesus is the main inland transfer, while Terrace Houses add stairs and more walking.
Tour fit: 6–8h = Ephesus-focused; 9–10h = Ephesus plus Sirince or extra sites; 10h+ = long-range options such as Pamukkale only after checking the exact ship window.
BODRUM
Bodrum is the easiest port on this page for a town-based day. Castle and archaeological visits still include stone surfaces and steps.
Tour fit: 6–7h = Bodrum city/peninsula; 8–9h can support Didyma–Priene–Miletus. Ephesus from Bodrum is long-range and should be checked carefully against departure.
IZMIR
Izmir works best when you choose one major regional focus rather than trying to combine several distant sites.
Tour fit: around 9h can support one well-planned archaeological or wine-country route. Pamukkale and other long-range options need an exact ship-time check.
MARMARIS
Marmaris is especially relevant for MSC Divina in the reviewed schedule data. We keep this as a custom-planning port because the live fixed-tour inventory is limited.
Tour fit: shorter calls suit the waterfront/town; longer calls can support a custom regional route after the actual arrival and departure times are checked.
KAS
Kaş is compact, but landing arrangements vary by vessel. The ship’s final tender or landing instruction is the operational reference.
Tour fit: keep an 8-hour call local unless the exact ship window supports more. Slopes and uneven lanes matter for mobility, and a long Kekova boat day is not automatically suitable.
Choose by time in port
Use the call length only as a first filter. Transfer time, terminal clearance and the return buffer reduce the hours available for sightseeing.
Istanbul: one compact Old City theme. Bodrum: town/castle. Kusadasi: only a focused Ephesus plan when ship timing is clean.
Good for a classic Ephesus visit, Istanbul Old City or Bodrum highlights with a protected return buffer.
Ephesus plus extra stops, a fuller Istanbul day, Bodrum peninsula touring or one Izmir-region focus become realistic.
Pergamon, Pamukkale from Kusadasi or Ephesus from Bodrum may fit, but driving time and exact departure decide it.
Use separate days for Old City and Bosphorus / modern districts instead of compressing both.
Before you book
This hub uses about 90 minutes before scheduled departure as a planning target for the return to port. It is not a blanket guarantee. The final buffer is adjusted for traffic, tendering, terminal procedures and your ship’s instructions.
For many private products, the guide meets you after the secure port exit with a name sign. A practical meeting target is often 30–60 minutes after scheduled arrival, but large ships and passport/customs formalities can require more time. Final instructions are sent before service.
Many shore products include the private guide and transportation but list museum/attraction tickets separately. “Skip-the-line access to buy tickets” does not mean every security or mosque queue can be skipped. Check the live product inclusions before booking.
Türkiye’s official e-Visa FAQ says foreigners arriving at seaports for tourism may be visa-exempt for visits to the port city or nearby provinces for up to 72 hours. If you enter or leave Türkiye by air for the cruise, normal visa requirements can apply. Check the official e-Visa FAQ.
Tell us about a wheelchair, cane, slower walking pace or recent mobility limitation before booking. We can shorten the route, reduce walking, use a private vehicle where roads permit and prioritize easier-access stops. Ephesus and Istanbul’s Old City are not fully step-free, so the final route is adjusted case by case.
The ship’s final itinerary wins. We re-check the meeting time, route and return target if arrival/departure changes. Do not rely only on a third-party schedule screenshot received months earlier.
Cancellation terms depend on the selected tour and any third-party services already purchased. Check the live product terms before payment and review our cancellation policy for the full conditions.
You can pay by card through our secure online payment flow, and cash payment can also be arranged where confirmed. Never send card details by ordinary email or WhatsApp.
If the booking flow shows Reserve Now, Pay Later, you can hold the reservation without immediate full payment. Otherwise, you can sign in and pay the required deposit through the secure payment page.
Licensed English-speaking guides are available for these private shore services. Other guide languages can be requested in advance and are confirmed subject to availability for your date and port.
Independent guest feedback
Recent cruise guests repeatedly mention flexible pacing, knowledgeable guides and stress-free movement between sights.
“...the highlight of our time in Istanbul and the best tour guide we had during our entire cruise.”
AlviViator · 16 Jul 2026“My wife and I were in a cruise and had 2 days to spend in Istanbul. We hired a private guide and it was well worth it.”
CraigGetYourGuide · 30 Jun 2026“We were able to visit all the sights we wanted to see in a luxury limousine without any stress.”
Alain_SViator · 2 Aug 2026Questions answered with your ship context
Choose a port and ship above for ship-specific timing where that schedule match exists.
Ephesus is about ~12 miles (20 km) from Kusadasi Cruise Port. For planning, allow roughly 30 minutes by private vehicle in normal conditions before sightseeing begins.
Cruise lines commonly ask guests to be back before the published departure time. We plan a conservative return buffer into every private route and confirm the final target against your ship’s instructions before service.
Meeting instructions vary by port, but private shore services are normally arranged at or just beyond the cruise terminal exit. Your guide meets your party with a name sign, and the final voucher gives the exact meeting point.
Only on a sufficiently long port call. Pamukkale is a long-distance day from Kusadasi, so we check the ship’s confirmed arrival and departure before recommending it.
Ephesus has ancient marble streets, gradients and uneven surfaces, and the Terrace Houses add stairs. A private tour can be paced more slowly, but mobility needs should be shared before booking so the route can be adjusted.
Visa requirements depend on nationality, how you enter and leave Turkey, and the cruise itinerary. Check the official Turkish visa rules for your passport and sailing before travel.
We re-check the meeting time, route and return target against the revised schedule. The cruise line’s final itinerary and onboard instructions always take priority over planning data shown on this page.
Yes. The ready-made tours are starting points, not limits. We can build a private route around your interests, walking pace, attraction opening hours and the confirmed ship schedule.
Schedule-specific answers identify call counts and next reliable dates from our cruise schedule workbook. Final times must always be reconfirmed with the cruise line.
Local operator in Turkey
Guided Istanbul Tours is a local travel agency operated by Urban Explorist Turizm, a local Turkish travel agency licensed by TURSAB under #10876. Private shore services use licensed local guides and locally coordinated operations.
For cruise guests, the practical difference is simple: meeting instructions, route order, walking pace, vehicle use and return timing are planned around the confirmed port call.
For cruise guests, that means the sightseeing plan is built around the confirmed port call rather than a fixed coach timetable. Meeting instructions, route order, vehicle use and return timing are coordinated by the local operations team, while each product page remains the reference for its exact inclusions.
From our Turkey image library
Istanbul, Ephesus, Bodrum and wider Turkey routes represented in our current image library.
Schedule layer: the Istanbul, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Izmir, Marmaris and Kas cruise schedule snapshot used for this page contains 1,403 rows, 119 ships and 247 ship–port combinations; reviewed 17 Aug 2026. Dates represented vary by ship and port, so this should not be read as a complete calendar of every sailing through 2028. Product layer: Guided Istanbul Tours live product inventory and linked product pages. Practical port facts: Galataport Istanbul, Ege Port Kusadasi, Bodrum Cruise Port, Marmaris Cruise Port, Kas Marina, and the Republic of Türkiye e-Visa FAQ. Distances and times marked “approx.” are planning references, not contractual timings.
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