During a September 2021 trip to Greece we want to take a day tour trip to Ephesus in Turkey, leaving from Samos or Chios. Can anyone recommend which tour group would be best for this? We do not want to stop for any sales opportunities. We just want to see the ancient site.
Would we be better taking ferries ourselves and hiring a guide in Ephesus?
What kind of credentials might we need for arriving in Turkey?
Posted by
USA
195 posts
I did the opposite shortly before Covid. We took the ferry to Kusadasi on our own, rented a car and drove ourselves around. It was awesome. For Kusadasi, having a guide would definitely be more efficient. Hire the guide from Kusadasi. Someone I know in Istanbul arranged for a guide to drive us around Kusadasi and do day trips, if you want that person’s contact info, LMK. I would not hire just anyone. Lots of guides don’t speak English well and some guides only provide surface information, not interesting details. Since you will be in Kusadasi for only one day, you need to make the most of it! Lots to see.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3401 posts
I agree ... hire a guide there, not a tour group in advance. THe tour groups drag you away from the site for a rug-merchant visit .. NOT why you are there. As far as credentials go, check the Samos ticket office: there is no Visa or paper involved, if you are just on a day trip. I believe that the Turkey officials HOLD your passport at the port on arrival, and return it when y ou depart. Do Not Panic. IT is very organized and official. IT is necessary in order to prevent illegal migration to Turkey.
Posted by
Oregon
270 posts
In 2019 I researched the ferry from Kusadasi to Samos to Kusadasi in October. It was set up only as a day trip to Samos, there was one ferry in the morning only going to Samos and one in the evening only returning to Kusadasi. I don't know when they cut back on the ferry schedules. If possible I'd take the ferry on your own. You shouldn't have a problem getting a guide in Kusadasi, either online in advance or finding one in town. Or take a taxi to Ephesus and get your guide on site.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Thanks for all your replies. We will take a ferry and hire a guide in Kusadasi or at the site of the ruins.
Now we just have to make sure the ferry will be running.
Posted by
15 posts
I agree, definitely hire a guide. When I went to Ephasus it was through a guided tour, and then I found myself in a merchant shop sipping mint tea, watching a presentation on rugs.
Posted by
Seattle
48 posts
@Michelle Traveller, I am planning a trip to Turkey in Oct., would be great if you can provide contacts of local guide who you had great experiences with specifically in Ephesus or other locations as I plan to visit all cities listed in RS's best of Turkey tour. Thank you.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3401 posts
Phil, if you do not get a response, it's probably because Michelle's party just picked up a guide at the port ... these things are not organized like a business, with business cards & offices, etc.