Port day · TOUR REVIEWS

15 Port Days Worth Getting Off the Ship For

748 tours  ·  from $8 a head

Some calls deserve a full day inland and some deserve a coffee on the front. These 15 are the ones that earn the money and the hours, each with its price, its length and the return time it promises.

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return - The House of the Virgin Mary
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

1.Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,527 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi cruise port and ride in a private, air-conditioned van to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatih, Dicle, Tuna, Banu, and Zeynep have tailored visits to different ages, walking abilities, and interests.

“Fatih was one of the best tour guides we ever had. He was brilliant, spoke perfect English, made us feel safe about where we were and that we would get back to our ship on time. He was thoughtful and responsive. I would love to see more of Turkey, especially if he was our guide.”

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Top Choice For Cruisers: Ephesus, Mary's House WITH TICKETS+LUNCH - The House of the Virgin Mary in 45 minutes
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Top Choice For Cruisers: Ephesus, Mary’s House WITH TICKETS+LUNCH

2.Ephesus, Mary’s House WITH TICKETS+LUNCH

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,233 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $29

From Kusadasi Port, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, walk the grand streets of Ephesus, see the Temple of Artemis, and enjoy a Turkish lunch. Choose a group of about 8 to 10 people or a private guide. Guides such as Funda, Isik, Riza, and Onur have earned strong praise for clear, lively explanations.

“This was a great tour with a very knowledgeable tour guide. Ephesus is something to see and I recommend this tour.”

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PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line - Walking the marble streets of Ephesus
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

3.PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,807 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port, then visit Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis in a private air-conditioned van. Guides such as Fatima, Nilay, Mehmet, and Ismail tailor the pace to your group. Add Terrace Houses or a Turkish lunch if time allows.

“This company uses local guides to show us around and this really adds to the quality of the trip. Our guide, Fatima was excellent. She asked for our input in choosing what types of things to see and visit. I strongly recommend Viator and ask for local guide, Fatima.”

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From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands - The first sail to Kalymnos and Vathi
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From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands

4.Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5,137 reviews · 7h 30m · from $35

Join Captain Yanas and the Odyssey crew for a 7.5-hour cruise from Kos to Kalymnos, Plati, and Pserimos. You get a fjord-side village visit, Greek buffet lunch, clear-water swim stops, affordable cocktails, and a chance to spot dolphins near the fish farms.

“Great day trip! 7.5 hours sounds daunting but it was 7 hours in total and flew by. Lots of people on the boat which is typical for these kind of trips, but managed to get a good spot with my partner. I’m vegetarian and my boyfriend is vegan and the vegetarian option was delicious and suitable for both of us (he just didn’t have the tzatziki). The islands were amazing and loved the chance to swim. Dolphins were a big plus. Exceptional value and would really recommend!”

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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach - Starting in Hilo and adjusting to the 2026 route
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Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

5.Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159

This six-hour Hilo shore excursion takes you to Kilauea’s steam vents, crater views, Thurston Lava Tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia nut stop. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, and Hannibal are known for lively island stories. Port pickup, park fees, and bottled water are included.

“Robert’s fascinating and energetic narration was terrific! He also shepherded us, took our group photos for us, and shared lots of interesting local tidbits of info. We could not have done this on our own. HIGHLY recommend Robert! His wife Jessica is also a tour guide.”

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Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas - Mossman Gorge gives you a strong start
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Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

6.Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,326 reviews · from $190

Spend about nine hours exploring Mossman Gorge and the Daintree with a guide such as Cam, Ash, Grant, or Randall. Expect rainforest walks, a wildlife cruise, Cape Tribulation, lunch, a swimming stop, private Noah Valley access, and optional tropical-fruit ice cream.

“Really interesting to learn about the plants and wildlife in the rainforest. The tour guide Rob was great really knowledgeable and helpful.”

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Arrecife: Timanfaya and Green Lagoon for Cruise Passengers - The 5-hour version gives the best picture of Lanzarote
Beach & Swim Shore Excursions, Lanzarote Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Spain Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews

Arrecife: Timanfaya and Green Lagoon for Cruise Passengers

7.Timanfaya and Green Lagoon for Cruise Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,010 reviews · 2.5 - 5 hours · from $58

Travel from Arrecife port into Lanzarote’s volcanic south with an English, German, or Spanish guide. The 5-hour option adds La Geria wine country, El Golfo’s Green Lagoon, geothermal demonstrations, and a €11 camel ride. Guides such as Vanessa and Laura are praised for clear local commentary and careful timing.

“Our tour guide Vanessa was such an amazing person! Every minute of the tour was full of interesting information from the island. She was also very kind and friendly to help us. Definetly suggested tour!”

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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

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

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

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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For cruise passengers: Guided ATV Tour of Dutch & French St. Maarten - The Jesus Walk and French Nature Reserve
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For cruise passengers: Guided ATV Tour of Dutch & French St. Maarten

9.Guided ATV Tour of Dutch & French St. Maarten

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,552 reviews

Ride an ATV across Dutch and French St. Maarten with guides such as Anthony, Prez, Boss, Dani, and Sasha. Expect mostly paved roads, brief off-road riding, photo stops, beach time, iguana feeding when scheduled, and a final beach stop. A physical driver’s license is required.

“Had a great time. Both tour guides were incredible and very personable, even joking with my daughter about her “driving skills”. Took the morning tour so ending at the beach to swim was a bonus after a hot day. Definitely recommend this excursion.”

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Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas - What happens at the first reef stop
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Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

10.Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,385 reviews · from $227

Cruise from Port Douglas to Agincourt or Opal Reef aboard Calypso’s custom vessel. Snorkel three sites, join guided reef tours, or add an introductory or certified scuba session. The crew includes PADI instructors such as Delphine, Nick, and Astrid, with lunch and tea included.

“I acknowledge that this tour is expensive, but it was completely worth the investment. This was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and none of our family of four will ever forget it. The boat was a very comfortable spot to spend the day (when we weren’t in the water) and the food was tasty (albeit not fancy — but we didn’t sign up for the food!) The places they took us to snorkel were absolutely amazing. We went to three different spots, and each on was more amazing that the last. At two different locations, the guides gave us tours of the reef, to point out interesting featured (like a GIANT giant…”

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PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus - Walking through Ephesus from the Senate to the Great Theatre
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PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary’s House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

11.PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary’s House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,349 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your licensed guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a private half-day tour of Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatima, Josh, Ozzy, and Filiz tailor the pace, explain the ancient sites clearly, and can add local food or craft stops.

“Fabulous tour with a great guide Valerie who was so informative and a lovely person to spend the day with. Our party of 4 included 3 ladies in their 80s, and Valerie was very sensitive to our needs in terms of walking, shade, stops to sit/ rest, avoiding crowds where possible & getting us back to the ship in really good time. Our driver was so professional, and never kept us waiting for him. The communication beforehand from the tour company was great, very clear & we knew what to expect from the day. Early start, our ship docked at 7am, our guide was waiting for us, so we were…”

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Top-Rated: Ephesus & Artemis Tour for Cruisers WITH ENTRY TICKETS - Meeting your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port
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Top-Rated: Ephesus & Artemis Tour for Cruisers WITH ENTRY TICKETS

12.Ephesus & Artemis Tour for Cruisers WITH ENTRY TICKETS

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,184 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

Meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a 3 to 4 hour visit to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Choose a group of about 8 to 10 or a private tour. Guides such as Funda, Ali, Rizi, and Dilek are praised for clear history, careful pacing, and personal attention. Lunch is included in the advertised experience.

“We found our tour guide Ezgi at the port area and we were fortunate that she graduated from the university as a tourism major and was a local resident so she was very knowledgeable about the area. We were with a couple and their 11 year old son so we had a small group. Ephesus is a remarkable geological site. Be prepared that there is a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and slippery marble. I would not advise anyone with small children or with poor mobility to take this excursion. Our guide was very careful to advise us where best to walk and we took our time. The stop…”

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Livorno Shore Excursion: Florence & Pisa, Accademia & Tower - Florence in three and a half hours
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Livorno Shore Excursion: Florence & Pisa, Accademia & Tower

13.Florence & Pisa, Accademia & Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,172 reviews · 8 hours · from $41

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Livorno to Florence and Pisa, with free Wi-Fi, a tour leader, and 3.5 hours in Florence. Add Michelangelo’s David, a guided city walk, or a climb up Pisa’s tower. Guides such as Alessandro, Alex, and Riki have earned praise for clear timing and friendly care.

“It was a beautiful excursion trip the driver Luchi and out tour guide Alxendro were excellent and very funny. Awesome job!!!”

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Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos - Vathi, Kalymnos, and the fjord arrival
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Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos

14.Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,133 reviews · 7 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Sail from Kos on Odyssey Boat Cruise for about 7 hours and 15 minutes. Visit Vathi on Kalymnos and Pserimos, swim near Plati, watch for dolphins by the fish farms, and enjoy a Greek barbecue lunch. Captain Giannis and the crew keep the day friendly and relaxed.

“incredible experience! staff were lovely and accommodating, kept us well informed about our journey and how long we had at each island. saw lots of dolphins which was a once in a lifetime experience. lunch was delicious and drinks were super cheap (~€6) and very strong. great music played throughout cruise. very chill experience for those who think they might not enjoy a party pirate boat. cannot recommend enough!”

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Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip - The one-hour ride into the forest
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Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip

15.Chacchoben Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,109 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $64

Travel about an hour from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, where a site guide such as Ismael or Octavio explains pyramids, red temple pigment, and Mayan symbols. You get about 90 minutes at the ruins, bottled water, round-trip transport, and a careful return to the cruise port.

“After multiple excursions, my family finally found one that was all around amazing. Like alot of reviews on here, Octavio was our tour guide. He did an excellent job explaining all the history to us. I was watching the ship ran tour groups and felt we were getting alot more info. Lucky for my family of 4, the other family cancelled and we got private tour of the ruins. We never felt rushed, we got to explore by ourselves when we wanted, and Octavio helped us take family photos. After having 2 shore excursions where we were begged for tips, and had mediocre experiences at best, this shore excursion was…”

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