Excellent guide, informative about the area and the site as she was an archaeological graduate. Pleasant drive. Toilet and refreshment stop appreciated although coach journey was only approx one hour. Ephesus was crowded and very hot but there is a theatre and the fabulous library frontage. Really interesting. Highlight of trip. Good value as doubt that you could have obtained the same level of information otherwise. Surprise stop at a pottery - no doubt in MSC interest - but no pressure to buy and it was slightly interesting. Photographer accompanied us and did manage to take some acceptable photos that you could purchase on the ship.
Great city but so much to see. Use the trams - there's a stop just along from the entrance to the port. Our taxi driver drove us to the Blue Mosque, but we dumped him at that point. Just walked the city, found the Grand Bazaar and had lunch. Lots of student guides in blue to help. Trams are cheap and easy to use. Take a map with you. Didn't get pestered even in the bazaar. Loved this city and want to return.
Queues for taxis from the port is long, but we started walking and waved one down. Port is about 15min car journey from old city. Maybe would consider MSC shuttle bus as it was quicker, cheaper and dropped you at same place at old city gate. Very hot and airless. You have to pay to walk some of the city walls. Best decision was to go up the cable car. It's not cheap but the views are stupendous and it's cool! Great city but would prefer to return when there aren't three other cruise liners in port!
More 
