We are taking a May cruise that gives us one day in Kusadasi - during which of course Ephesus will be the highlight. Since we prefer not to take ship's tours, I'd like some tips on how to get to Ephesus from Kusadast, either on public transport or by foot. If we have time for visiting another village or town, should it be Sirince? Selcuk? Or just enjoy Kusadasi itself? Would taxis be easily available at any of the entrances to Ephesus? Also, how much time should be allowed to see Ephesus, including the Terrace Houses? We would not be opposed to hiring a driver for the day, but it seems silly to have him wait if we spend a few hours at Ephesus.

Morning in Ephesus, late lunch in Selçuk. There is a garden restaurant almost across the street from the Isa Bey mosque (said to be one of the oldest in Turkey. The road up the hill leads to the ruins of St. John's Basilica, and down the other side of the hill to Selçuk center where there is a worthwhile museum of statuary that was taken from Ephesus. That will take up your whole day.

You can't walk to Ephesus from your ship.

Unfortunately, Selcuk museum is closed this year.

If it is market day in Selcuk, walk around the street market.

Kusadasi is quite a large town, more of a concrete jungle also with touristy shops and tauts, but it has a bigger weekly market which will be worthwhile again.

Sirince is again almost only for tourists. Its fruit wines are artificially flavored, but it has excellent quality olive oil.

Visit Virgin Mary's retreat which is a tiny chapel in a very idyllic setting where there is a post office and you can have your card stamped Virgin Mary and maybe even buy a first day cover.

You cannot walk to Ephesus from Kusadasi (16-17 miles)

Check Trip Adviser for recommended tour operators and.or guides.

Unless you are really interested, make sure that your tour does not include a visit to a leather shop or a jewelry or carpet workshop. Tell them that you will not pay for their sales commission visits.

If you take a taxi from the port, you can get professional guides at Ephesus entrances for about 60 Euros.

Make sure you start at top gate and walk down.
Have hat, good walking shoes and water with you. Some cat food will also be welcome at Ephesus to appease the gods.

Ephesus can take anywhere from a very fast 90 minutes to four hours.

taxis are readily available at lower entrance of Ephesus. If not they can call one in a few minutes.

Last year I did a google and found reviews of "Ephesus Shuttle" on tripadvisor, and booked with them for a 4-hour tour of Ephesus ruins including Terraced Houses for USD$39/pp. I was happy with the tour, guide, and services.

There are many tour companies offering half day or all day tours from Kusadasi. Do a google of "Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi", read reviews, go to the company's website to pick a tour that suits your need.

We have had two exceptional tours of Ephesus with Samyeli tours. Ask for Levant as your guide.

If you have the time, visit other sites first and visit Ephesus in the afternoon. Even though the heat will be greater, the lack of crowds, particularly the tour groups from your ship, will be worth dealing with the heat.

Also, when last there, we carried heat reflective umbrellas from Coolibar. These portable spots of shade made a big difference in our experience.

<i>Make sure you start at top gate and walk down. </i>

We did it both ways. But we got there before the crowds from the cruise ships, and visited the Terrace Houses on the way down. The library is at the bottom, and if possible should be seen before the crowds arrive.

Before the crowds: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623057771012

With the crowds: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623057771012