Port day · ANCIENT RUINS & TEMPLE EXCURSIONS

15 Ancient Sites Worth a Whole Port Day

62 tours  ·  from $11 a head

Classical cities cluster around working harbours because that is where the ships have always tied up. These 15 put you at the gate early, with entry tickets, guides and the shade situation set out honestly.

ALL INCLUDED: Ephesus Ruins, Mary's House Tour incl ENTRY TICKETS - Meeting your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Pier
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ALL INCLUDED: Ephesus Ruins, Mary’s House Tour incl ENTRY TICKETS

1.Ephesus Ruins, Mary’s House Tour incl ENTRY TICKETS

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,670 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Visit Ephesus with a licensed guide, then see Mary's House and the Temple of Artemis from Kusadasi. Private tours can adjust the pace and route, while shared groups may include up to 20 cruise passengers. Lunch and shopping stops are optional in principle, but confirm the plan before departure.

“Excellent guide. She was full of very good information. She showed us many great places on the trip and great tips for traveling.”

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Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port - Arriving at the Olympia ticket office
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Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

2.Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 228 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $14Best value

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Katakolo Port to Ancient Olympia, with helpful staff such as George or Chrysi offering background on the ride. Explore the archaeological site and village independently for about three hours, then return to the port on schedule.

“Very convenient bus, the driver was very kind. Everything went on time. Very good experience. Well done.”

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Athens Shore Excursion: Acropolis Walking Tour - Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch
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Athens Shore Excursion: Acropolis Walking Tour

3.Acropolis Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 131 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $136

Start with a Piraeus pickup, then walk from Syntagma Square past the Parliament, National Gardens, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Plaka before touring the Acropolis. Guides such as Apollon and Dori bring Greek myths and archaeology to life. Expect about 3.5 hours, steep paths, heat, and plenty of walking.

“Our walking tour started great with clear communication as to where to meet. Traffic while on the bus was crazy busy, but we were excited about the tour thinking Athena would be our guide. Unfortunately at the bus station we were passed off to another tour guide. Being an elementary teacher, I know from many field trips that the guide makes or breaks the trip. In our case, our guide was mediocre, disinterested and not engaging. He did make sure he stopped to talk in places with shade, but there was not adequate restroom and picture taking opportunities . We enjoyed the sights, but it was not an interesting learning…”

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From Cruise Port: The Acropolis & Athens Highlights Tour - From Piraeus to Syntagma Square
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From Cruise Port: The Acropolis & Athens Highlights Tour

4.From Cruise Port: The Acropolis & Athens Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 105 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104

Start at Syntagma, visit the metro museum and National Gardens, then enter the Acropolis from its quieter southern side. Guides such as Andrea, Ani, Hermes, and Angelika bring Greek history to life, while free time in Plaka adds lunch and shopping. Expect steep, slippery marble and a long day from Piraeus.

“What a great tour. Our guide Andrea was very informative, funny and considerate regarding making sure the group moved efficiently. She was able to provide great information about everything we saw. pick up and drop off were efficient as well Nick was a great driver.”

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Athens for CRUISE SHIPS with opt. Acropolis from Piraeus Port - The Panathenaic Stadium and the story of the Games
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Athens for CRUISE SHIPS with opt. Acropolis from Piraeus Port

5.Athens for CRUISE SHIPS with opt. Acropolis from Piraeus Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $83

Meet Vexperio outside your Piraeus cruise terminal for a six-hour small-group tour in an air-conditioned minibus. See Athens highlights, choose the Acropolis or Areopagus Hill, watch the guards at Syntagma, then eat or shop in Monastiraki and Plaka. Guides may include Thanasis, Alex, Athena, or Vassilis.

“This was perfect --- they pick you up directly at the port, and take you to the main sights of the city, including Acropolis. You will also have some time for lunch. Our guide and driver were the best!!! Will definitely be coming back to Athens!”

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Private Shore Excursion: Ephesus,Temple of Artemis,St. Mary House - The Terrace Houses question
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Private Shore Excursion: Ephesus,Temple of Artemis,St. Mary House

6.Private Shore Excursion: Ephesus,Temple of Artemis,St. Mary House

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 61 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $224

You’ll explore Ephesus with a private English-speaking guide, then visit Mary’s House and the Temple of Artemis before a Turkish lunch. Guides including Tugba, Mahmet, Ayse, and Ilgin have earned strong praise for clear storytelling, flexible pacing, and smooth port returns.

“Tour was packed with interesting sights from start to finish. Much better than visiting sights on your own. Guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Once in a lifetime opportunity.”

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Half-Day Ancient Olympia VR Audio Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port - Meeting at Greka Land beside the port
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Half-Day Ancient Olympia VR Audio Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

7.Half-Day Ancient Olympia VR Audio Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 57 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

Meet at Greka Land near Katakolo cruise terminal, ride 30 minutes to Ancient Olympia, and explore the ruins and museum with included tickets. Chrysi or another escort helps set up the phone-based VR audio guide. You also get free time in modern Olympia before returning.

“The description of the provider made me think that we would be on an open top bus but it was an air conditioned coach. Only 6 people were on our bus. The guide, George was most helpful and made sure we got our tickets through WhatsApp during the bus ride. I had to bring up though that I’d booked online and tickets were included so be aware of that. George assisted with the set up of the audio virtual guide on our phones. It was hard to match it to the ruins in front of you, particularly because we walked in a different direction to the commentary. Directions would have…”

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Katakolon Shore Ex: Skip-the-Lines Ancient Olympia & Olive market - The guide question: what is included and what is optional
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Katakolon Shore Ex: Skip-the-Lines Ancient Olympia & Olive market

8.Katakolon Shore Ex: Skip-the-Lines Ancient Olympia & Olive market

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 37 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $131

From Katakolon port, ride to Olympia for the ancient stadium, Temple of Zeus, Olympic torch site, and archaeological museum. Then sample olives, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, wine, and local specialties at Padelina Shopping Center. Guides such as Elena, Natalia, and Elias may lead the site visit.

“Elena was a great tour guide! She was so knowledgeable and very proud of her culture and heritage, we highly recommend her! Thank you Elena!”

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Ephesus Ancient City Highlight Tour For Cruisers - Ephesus, where two hours count
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Ephesus Ancient City Highlight Tour For Cruisers

9.Ephesus Ancient City Highlight Tour For Cruisers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 35 reviews · 4 - 4.5 hours · from $22

Meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port and visit Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, Saint John’s Basilica, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides including Kaya, Memo, Tijen Oral, and Esen tailor the pace, explain the ruins clearly, and may add local shopping stops.

“This private Ephesus tour delivered everything promised and more. Our guide, Kaya, met us at the port and immediately made us feel like honored guests rather than tourists. The visit to the House of the Virgin Mary was peaceful and deeply moving — the kind of place that stays with you. From there, we explored the ancient city of Ephesus with stops at the Celsus Library, Hadrian’s Temple, and the theater. Kaya’s insights and easy storytelling turned the ruins into a living museum. We ended at the Temple of Artemis, humbled by its place in world history. Timing was perfect, pacing was comfortable, and the hospitality exceptional. If you’re arriving…”

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Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus including Basilica of St John and Temple of Artemis - Starting at Magnesia Gate in Ephesus
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Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus including Basilica of St John and Temple of Artemis

10.Private Tour to Ephesus including Basilica of St John and Temple of Artemis

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 32 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $438

Travel from Kusadasi port in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a guide to Ephesus, Mary’s House, St John’s Basilica, the Temple of Artemis, and the Ephesus Museum. Guides such as Emre and Alex are praised for strong local knowledge, though optional rug stops can bring firm sales pressure.

“Our guide Emre was phenomenal. We had our two small children with us and he took his time and was extremely patient with them. His knowledge of the history of the area was excellent. I had been to Ephesus before on other tours, but Emre was leaps and bounds better than pervious guides.”

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Shore Excursion: Acropolis, Athens City tour and The New Acropolis Museum - Watching the guards at Parliament
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Shore Excursion: Acropolis, Athens City tour and The New Acropolis Museum

11.Shore Excursion: Acropolis, Athens City tour and The New Acropolis Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $130

From Piraeus Port, you’ll see the changing of the guard, stroll through the National Gardens, climb the Acropolis with a licensed guide, and visit the Acropolis Museum. Expect about five and a half hours, small-group guiding, firm entry times, and a demanding walk in the sun.

“This was a very informative and well run tour! Our guide was wonderful and so knowledgeable! The Acropolis is incredible but an extremely strenuous climb. I would recommend this tour!”

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From Cruise Port: Athens City, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum - Parliament, guards, and the National Gardens
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From Cruise Port: Athens City, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

12.From Cruise Port: Athens City, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 27 reviews · 5.5 hours · from $128

From Piraeus, follow a licensed English-speaking guide through Syntagma Square, the National Gardens, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, and Acropolis Museum. You get round-trip transport, skip-the-ticket-line access, and sweeping Athens views, but expect several hours of walking.

“Our tour guide was excellent! We had a wonderful time. The tour needed a lunch break… say half an hour. Would suggest half an hour less time in the Archeological Museum.”

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FOR CRUISERS: Private Ephesus Ancient City & Ephesus Museum Tour - Meeting your guide at Ege Port
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FOR CRUISERS: Private Ephesus Ancient City & Ephesus Museum Tour

13.Private Ephesus Ancient City & Ephesus Museum Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your guide at Kusadasi cruise port for a private visit to Ephesus and the Ephesus Museum. Guides such as Ozzy, Fatima, Ismail, and Necat are praised for clear history talks and flexible pacing. Add shopping, local crafts, lunch, or Mary’s House if time allows.

“Our guide, Necat, gave us a wonderful introduction to the classical ruins at Ephesus. We saw the major sites and there was no question he could not answer about this ancient Greek city. We learned a lot and hope to return soon. And to top it off he kept us cool on a really hot day (101F) - Thanks Necat!”

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Athens City Tour with Acropolis & Plaka from Piraeus Cruise Port - Plaka, the right place for free time
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Athens City Tour with Acropolis & Plaka from Piraeus Cruise Port

14.Athens City Tour with Acropolis & Plaka from Piraeus Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $30

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Piraeus to Athens, then explore the Acropolis and Plaka with an English-speaking escort, a 10-language audio guide, and free time for shopping. Choose the Acropolis ticket option or spend longer in Plaka. Guides have included Vasilis, Thanos, Costas, Annie, and Fotios.

“Brilliant trip seeing some Athens highlights and of course the acropolis. Pleased we were given 2.5 hours at the acropolis so plenty of time! Vasilis and the driver were both very friendly, helpful and informative! Highly recommended and perfect for cruises.”

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Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus including House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis - The House of the Virgin Mary, a quiet and contested stop
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Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus including House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis

15.Private Tour to Ephesus including House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · from $422

Meet your guide at Kusadasi port for a private, four-hour visit to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Emre, Alex, and Tay have led well-received tours, with air-conditioned transport, flexible pacing, and time-saving route choices.

“Outstanding Amry was very knowledgeable and friendly. He went extra miles to ensure that we are satisfied with the tour. He deserved to be recognized as a history professor.”

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Athens Shore Excursion: Private City Sightseeing and Acropolis Tour - From the port to central Athens in a private van
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Athens Shore Excursion: Private City Sightseeing and Acropolis Tour

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