The combined 2-day tour of Ephesus and Istanbul offered by NCL and Princess Cruisers provides an exceptional opportunity to explore two of Turkey’s most iconic destinations. Priced affordably from $99 per person, this small-group experience ensures a hassle-free journey with professional guides, air-conditioned transportation, and pre-paid entrance fees. Whether you’re captivated by the grandeur of the Library of Celsus or captivated by the mesmerizing architecture of the Hagia Sophia, this immersive tour promises to deliver unforgettable memories. But the real question remains – what unexpected delights might this journey have in store for the discerning traveler?

Key Points

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Key Points

  • This 2-day tour is designed for NCL and Princess cruise passengers, covering the historical sites of Ephesus and Istanbul.
  • The tour includes professional licensed guides, transportation, meals, and pre-paid entrance fees for a hassle-free cultural experience.
  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with alternatives available for certain closures or holidays.
  • Booking and cancellation policies provide flexibility, with a focus on ensuring an enjoyable experience for all guests.
  • The tour highlights iconic landmarks like the Library of Celsus, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, offering a deep dive into the rich history and culture of these destinations.

Tour Overview and Details

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Tour Overview and Details

NCL & Princess Cruisers offer a combined 2-day tour covering the historic sites of Ephesus and Istanbul, catering to small groups of up to 10 passengers.

With an overall rating of 5.0 from 2 reviews, this tour provides a comprehensive experience at a price starting from $99 per person, varying by group size.

The tour includes professional licensed guides, air-conditioned transportation, tram tickets in Istanbul, and pre-paid entrance fees to skip the lines.

Cruise ship passengers can easily join the tour by providing their ship details at booking.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, making it unsuitable for travelers with walking disabilities.

Inclusions

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Inclusions

The tour includes a professional licensed guide for both the Ephesus and Istanbul portions, providing in-depth insights into the historical sites.

Plus, air-conditioned transportation is provided in Kusadasi, along with tram tickets for navigating Istanbul. Meals and drinks are also included, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.

Pre-paid entrance fees allow guests to skip the lines and maximize their time at the various attractions. This comprehensive package caters to the needs of NCL and Princess cruise passengers, making the most of their limited time in these two remarkable destinations.

The inclusions are designed to provide a hassle-free and enriching tour, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the cultural and historical wonders of Ephesus and Istanbul.

Meeting and Pickup Information

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Meeting and Pickup Information

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking to ensure smooth coordination for the Ephesus and Istanbul tour meeting points.

The Ephesus tour meets at the Kusadasi Cruise Terminal, while the Istanbul tour departs from the Istanbul Cruise Terminal.

This information is crucial for the tour operators to pick up passengers on time and return them to their ships before departure.

The meeting points are conveniently located at the cruise terminals, making it easy for passengers to find the tour guides and begin their exploration of Ephesus and Istanbul.

Providing the necessary details at the time of booking helps the tour organizers plan accordingly and deliver an efficient and seamless experience.

Tour Conditions and Accessibility

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Tour Conditions and Accessibility

This tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Travelers with walking disabilities may find it challenging to participate fully in the activities. However, infant seats are available for those bringing young children along. It’s important for prospective guests to carefully consider their physical abilities before booking this excursion.

Physical Accessibility Considerations
Wheelchair Accessibility Not Accessible
Walking Disability Not Recommended
Physical Fitness Level Required Moderate
Infant Seating Available Yes

Museum and Site Visit Alternatives

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Museum and Site Visit Alternatives

In case of museum closures on certain days, the tour provides alternatives to visit similar sites.

For example, on Tuesdays, Topkapi Palace may be replaced by the Underground Cistern, while on Sundays, the Grand Bazaar could be substituted with the Spice Market.

Similarly, during religious holidays, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market may be replaced by the Arista Bazaar.

Plus, on Fridays, the Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 for visitors.

Travelers should also be aware of the dress code for holy places, as bare shoulders aren’t permitted, and shoes must be removed when entering mosques.

Tour Highlights in Ephesus

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Tour Highlights in Ephesus

The Ephesus tour takes visitors on a journey through the well-preserved ancient ruins, showcasing the grandeur of this once-thriving city.

Highlights include the magnificent Library of Celsus, an iconic structure that exemplifies the architectural prowess of the Greco-Roman era, and the expansive Great Theatre, which could seat over 25,000 spectators.

Travelers will also explore the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the remarkably intact Terrace Houses, providing a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of the city’s elite.

The tour’s knowledgeable guides skillfully bring the history of Ephesus to life, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable archaeological site.

Tour Highlights in Istanbul

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Tour Highlights in Istanbul

Visitors embarking on the Istanbul tour are immersed in the city’s storied past, exploring iconic landmarks that showcase its rich cultural and historical heritage.

The tour includes:

  1. Hagia Sophia, a magnificent architectural marvel that has served as both a church and a mosque over the centuries.

  2. The Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue tiles and impressive domes, which offers a captivating glimpse into Ottoman-era design and spirituality.

  3. The Grand Bazaar, a labyrinthine marketplace where travelers can haggle for unique souvenirs and experience the vibrant energy of Turkish commerce.

  4. The Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, which houses an array of priceless artifacts and provides insights into the grandeur of the empire.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

NCL & Princess Cruisers, Ephesus & Istanbul Combined 2 Tours - Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can book the NCL & Princess Cruisers tours with flexible cancellation policies, allowing them to plan their trips with confidence.

Customers can cancel their bookings up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. This policy gives them the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed, without worrying about losing their money.

The tours also provide pre-paid entrance fees, so customers can skip the lines and enjoy a hassle-free experience.

With these convenient booking and cancellation options, travelers can focus on making the most of their Ephesus and Istanbul excursions.

The tour operators aim to provide a stress-free and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Recap

This combined 2-day tour of Ephesus and Istanbul offers an exceptional cultural experience for travelers.

With professional guides, air-conditioned transport, meals, and pre-paid entrance fees, it’s a hassle-free way to explore iconic sites like the Library of Celsus and Hagia Sophia.

The focus on flexibility and culture ensures participants can make unforgettable memories on this seamless journey through history.