Kusadasi (Ephesus)

I was in Kusadasi two months ago as part of a land trip.

Kusadasi is definitely worth visiting and colorful, even for just three to four hours. Except Istanbul, Kusadasi had the best bazaar of the six towns I visited. It's worth strolling through the town center, where you could get a drink and-or snack. The bazaar is composed of a maze of at least a dozen or more streets. There is a historic caravanserai (https://explorekusadasi.com/okuz-mehmed-pasha-caravanserai/) right next to the bazaar.

I saw the Ephesus site as part of my stay and adored it. You'd be running through Ephesus if you want to see it again, but it's doable. Unless you're dead set for a return visit, I wouldn't go all the way to Ephesus because it deserves an entire day.

I'm kind of surprised they don't give you more time given the draw of Ephesus. Lucky you have been before as you definitely won't have time to go and see it properly. Kusadasi port is very close to the bazaar and caravanserai, though much of what you will see is high end stores targeted at the cruise crowds. I enjoyed a nice walk out to the castle (just to the south of the port). The RS guidebook for Istanbul contains a short entry for Kusadasi with suggested restaurants and sites.

I prefer to go by plane rather than by ship. Last year we went late so our time was very limited and we couldn't see all the places comfortably.

We just booked the same cruise (following RS's 7 days walking tour of Istanbul) and saw they offer several excursions to view Ephesus while in Kusadasi.