Arcadia in Kusadasi: planning Ephesus before the times are out

Published 4 October 2026

Arcadia’s three Kusadasi calls have one thing in common: none of them has published times yet. The published schedule (checked in October 2026) lists Monday 12 October 2026, Saturday 21 November 2026 and Friday 13 August 2027, but the arrival and departure times have not been announced. So instead of one fixed plan, this guide gives you three, sorted by how long the ship might stay. Once the times appear, pick the one that matches.

Three calls, three kinds of day

• Monday 12 October 2026. MSC Divina and Wind Star are also listed, so a three-ship day. Allow extra time to get out of the port, and expect company at Ephesus in the morning.
• Saturday 21 November 2026. Celestyal Discovery is the only other ship listed. Late-autumn days are short and can be rainy, and opening hours are shorter in winter.
• Friday 13 August 2027. No other ship is listed, but it is the height of summer, when midday is often well above 30 °C.

When the times are out, also check your ship’s daily programme for the all-aboard time, which is usually earlier than departure.

Plan A: if Arcadia stays about 5 hours

A short call leaves room for Ephesus and, at most, a quick extra.

• Meet your driver at the cruise port exit; Ephesus is roughly 20-30 minutes away.
• Walk the main street from the upper gate to the lower gate: Curetes Street, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre. Plan about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• If time allows, a 15-20 minute stop at the Temple of Artemis on the way back.

Ephesus alone takes roughly 3.5 hours door to door, and with the Temple of Artemis about 4 to 4.5 hours. Add the 60 minutes we ask you to keep before departure and a 5-hour call is already full. Mary’s House and Sirince do not fit; do not try.

Plan B: if Arcadia stays about 7 hours

Now you can add one meaningful stop to Ephesus. Choose by season:

• In November, the Temple of Artemis is quicker, but the field is often marshy after rain. Mary’s House, on the wooded mountain, can be wet underfoot and cool; a waterproof layer helps.
• In August, Mary’s House is the kinder choice. It sits higher among trees and often feels cooler than Ephesus.

Ephesus with Mary’s House takes roughly 4.5 to 5 hours door to door. Leave Sirince for another time.

Plan C: if Arcadia stays 9 hours or more

Nine hours is where the full circuit becomes realistic. A sample day, assuming a hypothetical 08:00 to 17:00 call:

That leaves more than 60 minutes before a 17:00 departure. In November, with short daylight, keep to this early rhythm rather than a late start.

What each place is like on Arcadia’s dates

Ephesus. One of the great cities of the Roman Mediterranean, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015. In August, go early and bring a hat, water and sun cream. In November, wear shoes with grip, as wet marble is slippery.

House of the Virgin Mary. A small stone house on Nightingale Mountain, where many believe Mary spent her last years. There are water taps outside and a wall where visitors tie written wishes.

Temple of Artemis. One column remains of a Wonder of the Ancient World. You come for the place and its story, plus the view to the Basilica of St John on Ayasuluk Hill.

Sirince. A village of stone and timber houses in the hills above Selcuk, known for fruit wines and olive oil. Lanes are steep and cobbled; around midday they get busy.

Before you book

Ask yourself two questions: how long will the ship really stay, and how much walking does your group want? Once you know, book the Kusadasi–Ephesus private transfer. The driver meets you at the cruise port exit, waits while you visit and brings you back. Up to 8 passengers per vehicle, only your group. Tell us your stops when you book, and we confirm the plan with you before the day, adjusted to the published times. Entrance tickets are not included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so you can book now and change your mind if the times disappoint. Payment by cash or card.

For more ideas on structuring the day, see our cruise day planner.

Tickets are not included; buy Ephesus and Terrace Houses tickets in advance on our museum tickets page. Planning the visit? See our Ephesus walking guide and when to visit Ephesus.