Private Ephesus Tour — Skip-the-Line & On-Time Return
Ephesus, the Terrace Houses and the Basilica of St. John with your own licensed guide — and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship.
total for 2 guests$180
Details
About This Tour
Your Istanbul day starts the easy way: our team waits for you at the exit of Galataport cruise terminal holding a sign with your name. From there, a short and scenic ride takes you across the Golden Horn to the heart of the Old City — and along the way your private, licensed guide starts painting the story of a city that has been the capital of two empires.
In Sultanahmet you step inside Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century marvel whose vast dome and golden mosaics have crowned the city for 1,500 years. You then explore Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, with its courtyards, imperial collections and sweeping Bosphorus views. Across the square, the Blue Mosque enchants with its six minarets and cascade of domes lined with 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles, and the ancient Roman Hippodrome — once the stage for chariot races — still displays the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
The pace, the order of visits and lunch stops are entirely up to you: this is a private tour arranged only for your party. There are several ships with different departure times, so we carefully check your all-aboard time and plan the day around it — with our guaranteed on-time return to the ship, you can simply relax and enjoy Istanbul.
What's Included
- Walking tour of Sultanahmet with tram ride experience
- Licensed professional tour guide
- 100% private tour — only your own group
- Meet & greet at the port exit with your name sign
- Air-conditioned private vehicle with separate driver
- Port / hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Guaranteed on-time return to your ship — in writing
- All local taxes, parking fees and fuel
Not Included
- Entrance tickets to sites and museums
- Lunch, food and drinks (unless stated)
- Gratuities (optional, appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Private Tour Prices by Group Size
| Group Size | Total Price |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | $400 |
| 3 guests | $440 |
| 4-6 guests | $500 |
| 7-9 guests | $560 |
| 10-12 guests | $620 |
| 13-15 guests | $700 |
| 16+ guests | Contact us for a quote |
Prices are the total for your whole group — not per person. No prepayment: pay at the end of the tour, cash or card.
Know Before You Go
- Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque require modest dress: shoulders and knees covered; ladies need a headscarf inside mosques.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the Old City is best explored on foot.
- No prepayment — pay at the end of the tour, cash or card.
- Free cancellation with full refund if your ship cannot dock.
- The route is flexible and built around Galataport docking hours.
