Off the cruise ships / other cruise ship ports:

Other than Istanbul & Kusadasi, below are a few more cruise ship ports in Turkey...

IZMIR:
the third largest city in Turkey, located in western end of the country, with a population of appx 3 million people. Hot & high humid in summer times... nicest place to be the rest of the year... modern, educated, friendly people, always very helpful.
Since the city has a large port, cruise ships mostly dock, rarely tenders.
The port is an hour drive away from Ephesus.
Ephesus, naturally, is the main reason why cruise ships stop in Izmir, however, if guests can find time, it is always a good idea to spend some time in this bright city.
Guided tours recommended.

BODRUM:
a middle sized summer resort town, located in southwestern shores of Turkey. The town has a very rich, both local & touristy markets that guests can easily spend 2-3 hours.
The Mausoleum of Mausolus (one the the Seven Wonders of Ancient World) is in 15-20 minutes walking distance from the town center... do lower your expectations visiting this museum since not much is left to this day.
The Castle of Bodrum is home to a most interesting Museum of Underwater Archaeology. A must to see...
Because of its geographical location, Bodrum is quite in distance from surrounding attractions. Guests visiting Bodrum for a day will easily find lots to do within the town area.
Cruise ships are not able to dock in Bodrum. Tender boats take guests to a point in short walking distance from the town center.
Self-guided touring recommended.

MARMARIS:
another summer resort town of southwestern Turkey... offers the best of nature & Eagean/Mediterranean sea... also offers a touristy market area, not attractive as the one in Bodrum. It must be the most popular summer vacation resort for English people.
English is the first language over here; next comes Russian and from time to time, you hear Turkish !!!
Not able to find much about Marmaris in guide books ?? Yes but, this is a true summer resort town where people come to enjoy SSS... sea, sun & sand.
Not able to find much to do in Marmaris ?? Yes, then, just walk to the marina, rent a boat (privately owned charter boats) and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Marmaris while your captain stops in different bays of Marmaris Gulf.
Middle & large sized cruise ships are not able to dock in Marmaris, so, once again, your ship is tendering.
Self-guided touring recommended.

ANTALYA:
Dark-deep-blue color of water... true Mediterranean color...
Antalya is a lovely Mediterranean city offering guests lots to do... in fact, you do need 3 days in this area.
Having one day only... fine... since the days are hot & humid, spend the morning & early afternoon visiting Perge and Aspendos; Greco-Roman cities appx an hour drive away from Antalya.
As it cools down, spend the rest of late afternoon exploring the city; entering the "old city" from Hadrian Gate and walking down to the newly restored ancient harbour; now, serving as a marina.
Another cruise ship stop where docking is not possible !
Guided tours recommended.

TRABZON:
Blue is not the color anymore, Green is... This is northern Turkey.
Having limited time... forget all and take a tour to Sumela Monastery; an Eastern Christian (Orthodox) Monastery, 1600 years old, stands at the edge of a cliff, lies at an altitude of 1200 metres, offering a great view of Alpine-like scenery.
Guided tours recommended.

We hope you find above information helpful.