Port guide · Türkiye
A holiday town on Turkey's Aegean coast, with the cruise pier right in the centre. The big reason to come is Ephesus: the ruins of a great Roman city, with the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre beautifully preserved, about 19 km from the port.
The cruise terminal is in the centre of Kusadasi, next to the bazaar. Ephesus is about 19 km north-east, around 25 minutes by taxi; you can also take the minibus (dolmuş) towards Selçuk, get off at the Ephesus junction and walk about 1 km to the entrance.
Time: About 4–5 hoursApprox. price: Depends on the ship
With transport and a guide, and a guaranteed return to the ship
Time: About 25 minApprox. price: Agree a fixed return fare before you get in
You can ask the driver to wait at Ephesus; agree a time to be back at the port
Time: About 30 min + walkApprox. price: Cheap; pay in cash when boarding
Take the one to Selçuk and tell the driver "Efes"; fewer run in the afternoon
Ephesus has almost no shade and summer middays are very hot: bring a hat, sunscreen, water and comfortable shoes.
Route 1
Taxi to the upper (south) entrance
Going in at the top and out at the bottom, it's downhill all the way
Curetes Street
Temples, fountains and Roman latrines on both sides
Terrace Houses
Wealthy Romans' homes with frescoes and mosaics; separate ticket, approx. €15
Library of Celsus
Ephesus's most famous building, with its two-storey facade
Great Theatre
A Roman theatre for more than 20,000 people
Out through the lower gate and back to the port
Route 2
The House of the Virgin Mary is on the hill next to Ephesus, and in Selçuk lie the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A tour or a hired taxi can combine them with Ephesus.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Embarking in Kusadasi? The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB), about 80 km from the terminal.
Time: Approx. 1 hourApprox. price: Price per vehicle, booked in advance
Easiest with luggage: it takes you to the terminal
Time: Approx. 1 hourApprox. price: Fixed price before you get in
Taxis wait outside; it's a long ride, so ask the price first
Check-in is at the Kusadasi cruise terminal; follow the instructions on your boarding documents.
Search MSC cruises calling at Kusadasi with VIAJES FH, with live prices.
Search cruisesYour advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Herbert Weber / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0