I have just "discovered" the island of Samos, rich in ancient history. It looks like a wonderful way to spend the four days I still have open during my July visit to Greece this year. Recommendations for hotels are welcome!
Is it possible to do a day trip by ferry from Samos to Kusadasi and visit the ancient site of Ephesus? Should I book a guided tour for this, or is it possible to go independently?
There are travel agencies in Samos that offer day trips to Ephesus or sell tickets only for the ferry between Samos and Kusadasi
https://www.samostravelservices.gr/index.php/islandtours/day-trips
or
https://byshiptravel.gr/en/ferry-tickets-and-daily-tours-to-turkey/
Since you are temporarily leaving the European Union by going to Ephesus, don't forget to take your passport with you
Thanks for the links!
This brings up another question I have yet to research: What are the entrance requirements to get into Turkey for U.S. citizens these days? Any special visa or covid entrance requirements? (We are vaxxed and boosted.)
Maybe you could email to the travel agencies I gave you. Or another forum member could answer
Turkey currently requires a Negative Test EXCEPT for those who have been fully vaccinated. Take your CDC Vaccination Card.
Turkey does require a Visa from Americans. You can either get a US $50 e-visa at www.
or take your chances with lines at Istanbul ‘s massive airport and get your visa on arrival.
We took the day trip from Samos to Ephesus years ago, booked with a travel agent at the port in Vathy, Samos. We did not need a Turkish visa since we weren’t staying overnight in Turkey.
I’m not sure if it was possible to just book the ferry or if we had to buy the package: ferry + entrance tickets + guide. You could try contacting a Samos travel agent now to get these questions answered or wait til you’re there. I think we had to buy the tour package in order to not need a visa upon entering Turkey but I’m not positive.
