Samos to Ephesus Day Cruise: Archaeology & Bazaar Tour

See the largest Greek-Roman excavations in the Mediterranean without leaving Samos for the day

A day cruise from Samos to Turkey combines a guided tour of Ephesus (the most significant archaeological monument of antiquity and the largest Greek-Roman excavation in the Mediterranean) with leisure time in the Ottoman-character harbour town of Kusadasi. The boat departs Samos port in the morning, arrives in Kusadasi by mid-morning, and returns the same evening. Ferry tickets, all entrance fees, an English-speaking local guide, air-conditioned coach transport, and hotel pickup across Samos are included. The day runs 10 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day cruise to Kusadasi and Ephesus

• Depart from Samos port
• Arrive at Kusadasi port
• Board vessel for journey
• Visit archaeological site of Ephesus
• Leisure time in Kusadasi town

The experience

The cruise leaves Samos port and crosses to Kusadasi, where you board for the onward journey to Ephesus. A private local guide leads the tour of the archaeological site, walking you through the largest Greek-Roman excavations in the Mediterranean: temples, theatres, libraries and streets that stand as witnesses to pre-Christian antiquity. The scale of what survives is what makes Ephesus distinct from other ancient sites in the region: the site itself is the draw, and the guide's knowledge of it is built into the booking.

After Ephesus, you return to Kusadasi for several hours at leisure. The small harbour town has kept its Ottoman character despite tourism: coffee-houses line the waterfront, small bazaars sell local goods, and Turkish baths (hamams) operate for those who want to try one. You can wander, shop, eat, or simply sit and watch the port. There is no second itinerary here. The time is yours to spend as you choose.

The ferry, all entrance fees to Ephesus, transport by air-conditioned coach, and pickup from your hotel anywhere on Samos are included. You need a valid passport or EU ID to enter Turkey. Non-European passengers must carry a passport. The return boat leaves Kusadasi in the late afternoon, and you are back in Samos by evening.

What’s included

• Ferry tickets to and from Turkey.
• entrance fees to the Ephesus archaeological site.
• transport by air-conditioned modern coach.
• a private local licensed guide speaking English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from designated locations across Samos island.
• Turkish port taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesThursdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by MTM Experiences

Is this one for you?If you're staying on Samos without a rental car, the included hotel pickup and ferry from the island port mean you can reach one of the Mediterranean's greatest archaeological sites and back in a single day: no car rental, no separate transport booking, no navigating the crossing alone.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How long is the boat ride from Samos to Kusadasi?

The ferry departs Samos port in the morning and arrives at Kusadasi at approximately 9:50 a.m., giving you the rest of the day to explore Ephesus and the harbour town before the return crossing in the late afternoon.

What exactly is Ephesus and why is it worth the trip?

Ephesus is the largest Greek-Roman excavation in the Mediterranean and the most significant monument of antiquity in the region. The site preserves temples, theatres, libraries and entire streets from the ancient world, and a licensed local guide walks you through them as part of the tour.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey for the day?

European Union citizens can enter Turkey with a valid ID or passport. Non-European passengers must carry a passport. Visas depend on your nationality and are your responsibility to arrange before the tour.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to pay separately?

Ferry tickets, entrance fees to Ephesus, transport by coach, a private English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup from anywhere on Samos are all included. Lunch, personal expenses and tips are not included and are your choice.

How much free time do I have in Kusadasi?

After the guided tour of Ephesus, you have several hours at leisure in Kusadasi before the return ferry. The time is unscheduled, so you can explore the bazaars, visit a hamam, eat at a waterfront restaurant, or rest at a coffee-house.