Marella cruises to Turkey have used Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris and Alanya. Most recently these calls came on Marella Discovery’s round trips from Limassol in Cyprus, which ran until October 2026. The best shore excursions are Ephesus from Kusadasi or Izmir, Bodrum’s castle and hammams, a Dalyan river trip from Marmaris, and Alanya’s castle and caves.
Free: see this week's reduced fares from Southampton, checked by hand →
Below you’ll find which Marella itineraries have featured Turkey, what we know about 2027, and a port-by-port guide to the best excursions, with distances, entry fees and money tips so you can plan your days ashore.
Which Marella cruises go to Turkey?
In 2026, Turkey featured on the adults-only Marella Discovery (adults-only from early May). The ship sailed weekly round trips from Limassol in Cyprus between April and October, and Cyprus Mail reported that this was Marella’s last season from the port. Three seven-night itineraries were sold, often combined into 14 nights:
| Itinerary (2026) | Ship and home port | Turkish ports | Other ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegean Delights | Marella Discovery, Limassol | Kusadasi, Marmaris, Alanya | Rhodes, Patmos |
| Aegean Gems | Marella Discovery, Limassol | Izmir (or Kusadasi on some sailings) | Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos, Chania (Souda), Rhodes |
| Grecian Discovery | Marella Discovery, Limassol | Bodrum | Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Rhodes |
For 2027, Marella’s summer programme has Marella Discovery 2 based in Dubrovnik, Marella Explorer 2 in Malaga, Marella Discovery and Marella Voyager in Palma, and Marella Explorer in Corfu. None of the 2027 itineraries we’ve checked, including Greek Mystique and Sail Three Seas, call at a Turkish port. Itineraries do change, so check the Turkey cruise page on tui.co.uk before you assume Turkey is off the menu. If you’re deciding between regions, our guide to Marella’s Western vs Eastern Med cruises explains how the two compare.
Best shore excursions in Turkey, port by port
Kusadasi: Ephesus and Sirince
Kusadasi is Turkey’s busiest cruise port, mostly because of Ephesus. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean and roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive from the port. The famous sights are the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the marble-paved Curetes Street. The Terrace Houses, a covered site with mosaics and wall paintings from wealthy Roman homes, are worth the extra ticket if you enjoy history.
Most Ephesus tours also stop at the House of the Virgin Mary or the Basilica of St John in Selçuk. Another option is to pair Ephesus with Sirince, a hillside village known for its fruit wines and old stone houses. Prefer something active? Look for horse riding or a 4×4 trip along the coast, or spend a beach day at Pamucak.
Tip: Ephesus has very little shade and gets very hot from June to September. A morning tour, a hat and plenty of water make a real difference.
Izmir: a city port and a longer route to Ephesus
Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city. Ships dock at Alsancak, near the seafront promenade (the Kordon). You can reach Ephesus from here too, but it’s a longer drive than from Kusadasi, typically an hour or more each way, so tours take up most of the day. If you’d rather stay in the city, visit the Kemeraltı bazaar, the clock tower in Konak Square, the Archaeological Museum and the cable car up to Balçova for the views.
Bodrum, Marmaris and Alanya: Turkey’s resort ports
Bodrum: castle, hammam and boat trips
Bodrum’s main sight is the Castle of St Peter, built by the Knights of St John. It houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with finds from ancient shipwrecks. Close by are the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although little survives today. A visit to a traditional Turkish hammam, with a steam, scrub and foam massage, is a relaxing way to spend part of a hot afternoon. Gulet boat trips to nearby bays and beaches are also popular.
Marmaris: Dalyan river trip and the Lycian tombs
Marmaris sits in a sheltered bay of pine-covered hills, and the old town and marina are close to the cruise berth. The best-known excursion goes to Dalyan, usually about one and a half to two hours away by road. There you take a boat along the reed-lined river to see the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs and visit the Kaunos ruins. Some tours add a mud bath and a stop at İztuzu Beach, a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Closer to port, a boat trip around Marmaris bay or a jeep safari into the hills fills a shorter day.
Alanya: castle, caves and Cleopatra Beach
Alanya on the Turkish Riviera is crowned by its Seljuk-era castle, whose walls and towers wind up a rocky headland above the harbour. The Red Tower by the harbour and the Damlataş Cave, known for its stalactites and humid air, are both easy to reach. Cleopatra Beach is the obvious choice for an afternoon swim. Boat trips around the headland stop at sea caves, which are only reachable by water.
Istanbul: an occasional bonus
Marella has called at Istanbul on some past itineraries, but it hasn’t been a regular stop recently. If your cruise does include it, put Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar at the top of your list. These sights are close together in the Sultanahmet area, and a guided tour saves time in the queues.
Practical tips for Turkey shore excursions
| Port | Headline excursion | Roughly how far | Do it independently? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kusadasi | Ephesus and Terrace Houses | About 20 to 30 minutes by road | Yes, by taxi or minibus, but a guide adds a lot |
| Izmir | Ephesus | An hour or more each way | Booked tour is easier |
| Bodrum | Castle of St Peter | Walking distance or a short taxi ride | Yes |
| Marmaris | Dalyan river and rock tombs | About 1.5 to 2 hours by road | Booked tour is safer for timing |
| Alanya | Castle and Cleopatra Beach | Short taxi or bus ride | Yes |
- Entry fees: Turkey’s big heritage sites have become much more expensive in recent years. In 2026, Ephesus was reported at €40 per adult, plus €15 for the Terrace Houses. Prices are shown in euros but charged in Turkish lira, and the ticket desks don’t take euro cash, so bring a card.
- Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). Euros and pounds are often accepted in tourist shops, but you’ll usually get a better deal paying in lira or by card.
- Passports: The UK Foreign Office says British passports should be valid for at least 150 days from arrival. British citizens don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days.
- Time zone: Turkey is on GMT+3 all year, so for part of the year it’s an hour ahead of Greece. Always go by ship’s time for all-aboard.
- Dress for mosques: Cover your shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf for their hair.
- Haggling: In bazaars, polite haggling is normal. Carpet and leather showroom visits are often included in tours, and there’s no obligation to buy.
- Excursion costs: Marella’s all-inclusive package covers drinks and tips on board, but shore excursions are generally extra. Budget for them, especially for Ephesus and Dalyan.
Is a Marella cruise to Turkey right for you?
Turkey suits cruisers who want history and warm weather on the same day: Ephesus in the morning, a swim in the afternoon. The resort ports are relaxed and easy to explore. The main drawbacks are heat in high summer and the cost of entry to the big archaeological sites. Since Marella’s Turkish calls depend on where its ships are based each year, check which ship you’d be on. Our comparison of Marella ships by size and age sets out the differences, and if Turkey isn’t on offer for your dates, our pick of the best Mediterranean cruises for 2027 covers the alternatives.
For more port-by-port ideas across Italy, Greece and Spain, see our guide to the best Mediterranean cruise excursions.
FAQs
Does Marella still go to Turkey?
Marella Discovery visited Kusadasi, Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris and Alanya on round trips from Limassol in Cyprus until October 2026, which was billed as Marella’s last season from Limassol. The summer 2027 itineraries announced so far are based in Dubrovnik, Malaga, Palma and Corfu, and none we’ve seen include Turkish ports, so check tui.co.uk for the latest sailings.
What are the major cruise ports in Turkey?
The main cruise ports are Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya/Alanya on the Turkish Riviera. Marella has mainly used Kusadasi, Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris and Alanya.
Are shore excursions included on Marella cruises to Turkey?
Marella’s all-inclusive package covers flights, transfers, meals, most drinks and tips. Shore excursions are generally booked separately through Cruise Control or on board, so check your booking to see exactly what you’ve got.
How much does it cost to visit Ephesus?
In 2026, entry to Ephesus was widely reported as €40 per adult, with the Terrace Houses an extra €15. Prices are charged in Turkish lira at the daily rate, so check the current fee before you go.
Do I need a visa for a cruise stop in Turkey?
British citizens with a full British passport don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The UK Foreign Office says your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive.