Wind up into the hills above Selcuk to Sirince, a perfectly preserved Ottoman-Greek village of whitewashed stone houses and cobbled lanes left behind in the 1923 population exchange. Sample the village's famous fruit wines, pomegranate, peach, mulberry and apple, poured straight from family-run cellars, alongside local olive oil, soaps and jams. It is the relaxed, sensory counterweight to a morning of marble ruins.
What to expect
Sirince is about a 30-minute drive from Ephesus into the hills, roughly 12 km. The lanes are steep and cobbled, lined with wine stalls, soap and textile sellers, and small cafes with valley views. Tastings are informal and generous; the fruit wines are sweet rather than fine-dining caliber, which is part of the charm. Mornings are calmer than midday when buses arrive.
Cruise lines sell an Ephesus and Sirince combo in roughly the USD 110-140/person range. Because the village itself is free to enter and tastings are a few euros, booking the private Ephesus+Sirince tour direct is the better-value and more leisurely choice. The ship version earns its keep only if you want zero logistics and a guaranteed schedule.
Good to know
Best as an add-on after Ephesus rather than a standalone trip. Bring euros or lira for tastings and purchases; many small sellers are cash-only. The drive up is winding, so flag motion sensitivity to your driver. Keep an eye on time, the hilltop village is the farthest point from your ship on a typical itinerary.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kusadasi — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.