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Private Shore Excursion to Ephesus

Private Shore Excursion to Ephesus

5.0 (2806) Free cancellation

Make the most of a day on land with this Private Tour to Ephesus, one of the greatest ancient cities in the region. The well-preserved site is huge and there’s so much to see, so visiting with a guide helps you hone in on the highlights. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the terraced houses, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, plus learn about the rich handicraft culture of Turkey.

Languages: English
📍Istanbul Denizcilik, Yeni Yolcu Terminali - Ege Port, Camikebir, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye
🏢Operated by Kusadasi Shore Excursions

Highlights

  • Receive personalized attention on a private tour
  • Transfers from Kusadasi Port are included
  • Learn about ancient Aegean history and culture from your guide
  • Also visit the Virgin Mary's House (upon request) and the Temple of Artemis

What you'll see & do

  • IMPORTANT NOTICE: ⛔️ GROUP TOURS are shared with other travelers from the same cruise, with a maximum of 20 participants. ⛔️ ⚠️ PRIVATE TOURS, on the other hand, offer full flexibility and personalization. Upon meeting you, your guide will discuss your interests and customize the itinerary to match your preferences. ⚠️ ✳️ With a PRIVATE TOUR, you have complete control — visit only the places you want, at your own pace, with no rush or crowds. ✳️
  • We’ll meet you in the Cruise Port! So, no need to hassle and arrange something else to pick your Tour! Once your booking is confirmed, our team will contact you with exact meeting point details — including where and how we’ll be waiting for you. Please check your inbox and reply to our message to confirm the arrangements, ensuring a smooth and timely meeting on the day of your tour.
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Ancient City of Ephesus! Step back in time as you walk through one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Discover the Odeon, the Temple of Domitian, among the first temples dedicated to a human; and the magnificent Library of Celsus, the third largest library of the ancient world. Marvel at the Grand Amphitheatre, which could seat 24,000 spectators and where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians. Stroll along the Marble Street, visit the Roman Baths, fountains, temples, agora, love house, public toilets, and many more fascinating remains that bring this legendary city to life.
  • Take a short break after your visit to Ephesus and experience one of Turkey's most celebrated cultural traditions. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate process of hand-weaving authentic Turkish carpets while learning about the craftsmanship and history behind this UNESCO-recognized art. You'll also have time to relax and enjoy refreshments before continuing your journey. Also, in the end of the day, will have a chance to attend Fashion Show at a well known leather outlets.
  • OPTIONAL LUNCH BREAK is given. For travelers who wish to savor authentic Turkish cuisine, an optional lunch break at a small, charming local restaurant — a perfect opportunity to taste traditional flavors in a cozy atmosphere. Lunch fee is at your own expense which is payable to Restaurant. This is the end of the SHORT SCHEDULE. Guests who didn't book the FULL SCHEDULE will be transferred to the Cruise Port. The rest, will continue the Tour.
  • Nestled on a hillside near Ephesus, this peaceful stone house is one of the most revered Christian pilgrimage sites. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary spent her final years here with St. John the Apostle, who brought her to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus. Over the centuries, the site has welcomed countless pilgrims — including Pope Paul VI (1967), Pope John Paul II (1979), and Pope Benedict XVI (2006), each of whom visited and blessed the shrine. The story of its discovery is just as remarkable. A German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, described the house in vivid detail in a vision, despite never having visited Ephesus. Years later, French priests followed her descriptions and uncovered the remains of this very structure. Today, visitors can explore the beautifully preserved house, light a candle, and leave a wish in this serene and deeply spiritual place.
  • The Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and the moon, twin sister of Apollo, this magnificent temple stood as a symbol of faith, beauty, and wealth in ancient Ephesus. Originally built around 650 BC on a site sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele, the temple was funded by King Croesus of Lydia, one of the richest rulers of his time. Ingeniously, it was constructed on marshy ground to help protect it from earthquakes — though over the centuries, natural disasters repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt the structure. Despite its ruins today, the Temple of Artemis remains a place of awe — a reminder of Ephesus’s ancient grandeur and its deep spiritual heritage.
  • We will drive through Kusadasi Town and will have a panoramic view while listening the key informations from our Local Tour Guide.
  • Also called Pigeon Island! One of the earliest settlements of modern Kusadasi. We will pass by and have an opportunity of seeing it in a distance. It is located very close to the Port, you might be able to have time after your tour if you are interested.
  • In the end of our tour, we return to the Cruise Port according to your ONBOARD TIME! PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate our return time to Cruise Port. OUR TOURS ARE WITH GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT!

What's included

  • Half-Day or Full-Day Tour depending on option you choose
  • Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver
  • GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
  • Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
  • GROUP OR PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service
  • Admission fees
  • Cruise Port Pick-up & Drop-Off

What's not included

  • Gratuities

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

UPON YOUR SHIP'S ARRIVAL AT THE PORT, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO MEET WITH OUR TEAM WITHIN 30 TO 45 MINUTES. BY DOING SO, YOU CAN BYPASS THE CROWDS, SCHOOL BUSES, AND HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS, ENSURING AN ENHANCED AND MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS.

OUR TOURS ENSURE GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE SHIP.

BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH US, VERIFIED PROVIDER OF KUSADASI/EPHESUS CRUISE PORT!

Note: The original tour time which is 4 to 5 hrs might be vary depending on the pace of the group or crowd of the day. In any way, this product brings you back to the port before your onboard.

Cancellation policy

  • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Free cancellation 🔒 Secure checkout
from
£ 56.00

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