Ephesus: Explore the Ancient Wonders A Full-Day Shore Excursion
With a professional, licensed guide, you will walk through the marble streets of the classical city and admire its many impressive monuments . Explore Ephesus and discover the culture of the area.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the most impressive and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. This extraordinary shore excursion offers a chance to step back in time, uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of this once-thriving metropolis. With a professional, licensed guide leading the way, you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Great Theater, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Your adventure begins with a comfortable 20-minute drive from Kusadasi Cruise Pier to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll be transported into the past. As you walk through the marble streets, your guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s role as a major center of commerce, politics, and culture during Roman times. You’ll see incredible ruins that have survived for centuries, including the massive Great Theater, which once held up to 25,000 spectators, and the awe-inspiring Library of Celsus, whose façade is a testament to the advanced engineering and artistic mastery of the ancient world.
Ephesus is not only an archaeological gem but also a spiritual destination. Your tour will take you to the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site where it is believed that Mary spent her final years. The site is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a quiet space for reflection. It holds great religious significance, especially for Christians, and has been visited by several Popes. You’ll learn about the history and the gifts left by pilgrims, gaining a deeper understanding of the site’s spiritual importance.
Next, you’ll visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few ruins remain of this grand structure, its historical significance cannot be overstated. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, the temple was once a marvel of architectural splendor and a center of worship for ancient peoples. It was destroyed by fire in 356 BC, but its remains continue to attract visitors from around the globe who marvel at what was once one of the largest and most magnificent temples in history.
Throughout the tour, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace, taking in the beauty of the ruins, snapping photos, and immersing yourself in the rich history of the region. After exploring the ancient sites, enjoy a relaxing lunch in a local tavern, where you can sample traditional Turkish dishes. The welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant will provide the perfect end to a fascinating journey through the past.
This private or small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with the culture of this ancient land, this tour of Ephesus promises a day of discovery, learning, and wonder.
As you return to Kusadasi after the tour, you’ll reflect on the remarkable journey through time and the incredible monuments you’ve seen—each telling its own story of an ancient civilization that shaped the world as we know it today.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Duration: 20 Mins
Begin your adventure with a 20-minute scenic drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Enjoy the beautiful views as you make your way to one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites.
Upon meeting at the designated location, we will begin our journey towards Ephesus, where history and ancient wonders await.
Duration: 2 Hours , Extra Fee
Spend 2 hours exploring the well-preserved ruins, including the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus. Your guide will share fascinating historical insights, bringing the ancient city to life.
Duration: 1 Hour Optional, Extra Fee
Visit this serene and spiritual site for 1 hour, where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last years. Learn about its religious significance and the history behind its pilgrimage status.
Duration: 1 Hour Optional, Extra Fee
Explore the remains of this ancient wonder for 30 minutes, marveling at what was once one of the largest and most grand temples in the ancient world.
After a 30-minute drive, your tour will conclude as you return to the starting point, bringing an end to your unforgettable journey.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore the stunning ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities.
- ● Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site for Christians.
- ● Discover the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders.
- ● Enjoy a delicious local lunch in a charming and relaxed tavern.
- ● Benefit from a private guide, ensuring an informative and personalized experience.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Private professional licensed guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Private professional driver
Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Drinks (unless specifically mentioned)
- Other personal expenses
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●Comfortable footwear is essential, as you will be walking on uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces.
- ●Expect some walking throughout the tour; the terrain can be challenging in certain areas.
- ●The itinerary may be adjusted to avoid crowds at popular attractions, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.
- ●The Terrace Houses require a minimum of 30 minutes to fully explore and are optional for those interested.
- ●We recommend bringing cash for any personal purchases, additional a
Know Before You Go
- ●Arriving on time at the meeting point is crucial for the smooth operation of the tour.
- ●Ample time for sightseeing and photos will be provided at each stop.
- ●Please dress according to the weather, as the sun can be intense, especially during midday.
- ●Some sites, such as the Terrace Houses, may require additional time and fees; please plan accordingly.
- ●Small group sizes ensure that you receive a more personalized and in-depth experience, allowing for tailored attention.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Dorit Hardt - Germany
01 August
As a history buff, this Ephesus tour was a dream come true. My expectations were high going into it, and the entire experience far exceeded them. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and truly brought the ruins to life with fascinating stories about what a vibrant metropolis Ephesus was back then....
Read More
Emine Volkmann - Germany
02 August
What a wonderful day. We were a small group, which made the whole experience more personal. The Temple of Artemis was breathtaking. Even though not much remains, you can imagine how magnificent it must have been. Our guide was fantastic.He was very friendly and explained everything very clearly. I l...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Based on 9 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
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01 August
As a history buff, this Ephesus tour was a dream come true. My expectations were high going into it, and the entire experience far exceeded them. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and truly brought the ruins to life with fascinating stories about what a vibrant metropolis Ephesus was back then. Seeing the Grand Theatre in person was amazing, and stopping by the Library of Celsus was like stepping into a time machine. I was also very impressed by my visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. The entire day was perfectly paced, with ample time to explore the ruins and take it all in.
Helpful? Yes
02 August
What a wonderful day. We were a small group, which made the whole experience more personal. The Temple of Artemis was breathtaking. Even though not much remains, you can imagine how magnificent it must have been. Our guide was fantastic.He was very friendly and explained everything very clearly. I loved that we were able to explore at our own pace, without being rushed. I highly recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
03 August
The ancient city of Ephesus was truly breathtaking. Seeing the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus up close really gives you a sense of how advanced the ancient Romans were. The guide was incredibly professional and passionate about history, which allowed us to truly experience the place. Lunch at a local tavern was a nice touch. It was truly delicious and gave us a chance to relax and chat. If you're unsure, don't miss it. You won't regret it.
Helpful? Yes
04 August
I took this tour alone, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The sites in Ephesus were truly breathtaking, and the tour was perfectly organized. The guide explained everything in detail and genuinely took the time to answer questions. I was particularly impressed by the Library of Celsus. It's one of the sites you see in the photos, but standing in front of it is a completely different experience. I also really appreciated not having to make any mandatory stops at tourist shops, which made the experience much more enjoyable. Lunch at the end of the tour was a great way to relax, and I left feeling truly satisfied. I highly recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
06 August
We booked this tour hoping for an enriching experience, but honestly, I felt like I didn't learn much. The guide was knowledgeable, but at times it felt like he was just reading from a text and didn't really interact with the group. I was particularly disappointed by the lack of detail when we visited the House of the Virgin Mary. It's a beautiful and spiritual site, but we didn't learn enough about its significance. The lunch afterward was okay, but nothing special. For the price, I was expecting a more personalized experience.
Helpful? Yes
08 August
My family and I had a wonderful experience touring Ephesus. As history buffs, we were thrilled to explore one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Ephesus itself was breathtaking. The Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus were also breathtaking.
Helpful? Yes
09 August
After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious meal of traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. The food was delicious. We moved at a good pace throughout the day, never rushing. I recommend this tour to everyone.
Helpful? Yes
07 August
Our guide gave us very good information about Ephesus without boring us. I don't think we would have learned so much if we hadn't come with a tour. Everything was thought out in the best way.
Helpful? Yes
05 August
We were fascinated by the places we visited, but we felt rushed. We would have liked to stay longer.
Helpful? Yes
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