The 4 City Highlights Shore Excursions in Turkey Worth Leaving the Ship For

1.Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 273 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $100Our pick

See Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar in one guided shore excursion from Galataport.

“Although the morning half of the tour to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, etc. went ok and the lunch arrangement was excellent, the afternoon half to visit the Grand Bazaar was a disaster. During the Grand Bazaar tour, we were led to attend sales pitches in 5 different shops and didn't have a chance to walk around the Grand Bazaar at all. Although the shop owners were okay, we simply were not interested in their merchandise, and felt that the whole time spent at the Grand Bazaar was a waste. Our tour guide was actually okay as she was flexible and guided us through the Blue Mosque, etc. smoothly. I…”

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2.Ephesus Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 145 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $90

Review of Kusadasi’s Ephesus shore excursion, with ancient ruins, Turkish lunch, Mary’s house, St John’s Basilica, tips, and honest drawbacks.

“We were assigned to Neon tours. Our tour was excellent as was our guide. The included lunch was superb and an excellent representation of the country's food. This tour was a pleasant surprise because we almost skipped leaving the ship n Turkey. We are so glad we did not. A do not miss!!”

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3.Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 140 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $99Top rated

Review of Bodrum’s private cruise-port tour, covering the castle, underwater museum, ancient ruins, views, transport, price, and carpet-store warning.

“Great experience. We got to see the castle, underwater museum, theater, old city gate, got education about carpet making... the silk process is very cool, windmills. Amazing views all around. Out tour guide Zeynep was very informative and friendly. We appreciated we had a dedicated driver and an air conditioned vehicle which picked us up and dropped us off at the cruise ship port. We got to see far more than we would have in the heat and sun. Would definitely recommend.”

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4.Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $75Best value

Review of Bodrum’s small-group cruise tour, with castle, windmills, amphitheater, local lunch, carpet weaving, timing, and value.

“Everything was excelent. Guide was very informative. We visited Bodrum and also a small village where we enjoyed a lot.”

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