Cruise ship stops at Izmir and we'd like to go to Ephesus. Has anyone taken a good tour, can we find a tour provider at the dock and sign up then or does anyone have a tour they could recommend? Thanks. jk

Last Xmas our cruise ship stopped at Izmir and we opted to get a taxi with another couple who were also in the queue at the taxi rank just by the quayside where the ship had docked.

The cost was 30 euros each which included drive to Ephesus, walked the ruins and met up with driver at the end of walk,a visit to the virgins house, a visit to the remains of Temple of Artemis, visit to a carpet factory ( no pressure to buy anything) and finally a visit to the bazaar in Izmir before returning to the ship.About 5 or 6 hours altogether.

I had been to Ephesus before and did not need a guide. At the entrance you can purchase an audio guide or buy a guide book with massive information and map.

Plenty of tours on the net and of course you can always choose the ships tour...................somewhere I have the taxi drivers number. I asked for his mobile number I was so impressed with his genuine kindness.

If you want any more information e mail me. Regards Tony

Last January 8th, 2010 I visited Izmir as part of the itinerary of Norwegian Jade (NCL). I booked a guided tour of Ephesus through www.onlineephesus.com , Rabia was our guide and she was the best possible choice I could have made. She was waiting for us on time at the port, open to arrange itinerary to our needs and interests. She was very knowledgeable, patient, professional and kind. She is one of the reasons I fall in love with Turkey. I am looking forward to a second visit. I highly recommend her to anyone interested in visiting the Ephesus area. Regards William

Thanks very much as this was very helpful. We are taking the Jade Nov 21 and wondered if you could give me an idea what you thought of the weather at that time of year Nov/Dec. We are from Texas but I like cold so we don't travel in the summer. What time did you need to be on board in time for the ship to sail at the ports? What did you do about visas for Egypt? What did you think of the Jade, if in fact, that was the ship you were on? Thanks and regards.

Rabia has been mentioned very favourably on Trip advisor forums also.

last year the weather was better than expected and warmer in November.

End of November is usually rather rainy with the temperatures in izmir area ranging between 8-20 C in the daytime.

If it is not raining, it is an excellent time to tour ephesus.

Request from your guide not to take you to any carpet, jewellery, ceramics or leather stores.

Selcuk museum is excellent, St. Johns Basilica is also worth a visit. Try to eat at bella hotel in Selcuk or in sirince village.

If you can ask your guide to find you some dry cat food for the cats of ephesus, it will be great.

Was on the Jade around Xmas past and the weather was just nice as far as I was concerned coming from Wales. Did not need overcoats and big whooley jumpers.
Jade is a nice ship, good food,fantastic entertainment, plenty activities from morning to night,staff very helpful really cant say anything bad.
Regarding visas for Egypt,these were arranged on the ship no problems.
Times to be back on board varied from port to port but there was always plenty of time to see the things you want to see.
Liked the jade so much and the east med am going again in Jan 2011.
I did all my own tours independent from what the ship offered mainly because of choice of what | wanted to see and also from the financial point of view.
If you are going to Alexandria get a day trip to Cairo for the pyramids and museum and next day get a private tour of Alexandria It's not that expensive with your own personal driver and guide.....regards Tony

I did the same cruise last November and had a blast.
I have a photobook for each port - the Izmir/Ephesus book is here
http://kathcoll.shutterfly.com/2034

We had terrific weather. Our tour was arranged http://www.ekoltravel.com/turkey/tours/shore_izm.html
I could not have been more pleased with the tour.

We had arranged a minibus group for Alexandria/Cairo on cruisecritic.com - you can pre-arrange with people booked on the same date for same cruise and save a huge amount over the cruise prices, have a smaller group (more time seeing sights, less time waiting for stragglers).

agree with recommendation of Selcuk museum; important artifacts removed from the Ephesus site are in that museum. It's not a large place; worth the visit.

Ephesus is one of the best destination for cruises. We booked a private tour from Mr Semih. He is excellent guide. we did not forgot our tour in Ephesus. you can contact with he. www.ephesusruins.com

Thank you soooo much. jk

Hallo ,
we wiil be in Izmin on 31 .10. I like the excurtion you made to Ephesos.Could you sent me the name and the number of your taxi driver.
Best wishes from Budapest
Terka