From Kusadasi: Full Day Private or Small Group Ephesus Tour
Discover the wonders of ancient Ephesus on a private or shared shore excursion from Kusadasi! With expert guides and seamless transportation, explore the incredible ruins and historical sites with ease and comfort.
Overview
Ephesus, one of the most significant ancient cities of the Mediterranean, awaits you. This shore excursion takes you on an immersive journey through the ruins of this former Roman city. Walk down the grand Arcadian Street, stand before the iconic Celsus Library, and marvel at the massive theater that once held 25,000 spectators. Ephesus is an open-air museum where every stone tells a story, and your guide will bring those stories to life. Learn about the rich history of this ancient metropolis, once home to early Christians and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Another highlight of the tour is a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain, the site offers an incredible view into ancient architecture and religious practices. You’ll be able to see the remains of what was once one of the largest temples in antiquity and learn how it stood as a symbol of wealth and devotion to the goddess Artemis. The temple's location also provides a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape, perfect for memorable photos.
This tour also includes a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a peaceful and spiritual site for Christians around the world. Nestled on Mount Koressos, the house is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, where she lived out her last years. Pilgrims from all over the world come to this sacred site to pay their respects. The site’s serene atmosphere and stunning surroundings create a unique contrast to the bustling ruins of Ephesus, offering a more personal and reflective experience during your visit.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate, private experience or a more social, shared excursion, this tour offers flexibility to match your preferences. A private tour ensures personalized attention and a tailored itinerary, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want to explore at their own pace. On the other hand, the shared tour option provides an excellent opportunity to meet other travelers while enjoying a more affordable excursion. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have a professional guide accompanying you every step of the way.
The convenience of pick-up and drop-off directly from the port makes this shore excursion stress-free. Whether you’re arriving by cruise or land transport, this tour guarantees a smooth journey from Kusadasi to the heart of Ephesus. You’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort, ensuring a relaxing ride between the various sites, and your guide will be available to answer any questions and provide insight into the local culture and history throughout the journey.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Duration: 2 Hours
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis and Celsus Library.
- ● Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred site for Christian pilgrims.
- ● A knowledgeable local guide to provide a deeper understanding of Ephesus' history.
- ● Enjoy flexible options with private or shared tour choices.
- ● Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Kusadasi port for a hassle-free experience.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Professional guidance service
- Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Not Included
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Entry fees
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People over 95 years
- ●People with mobility impairments
- ●Pregnant women
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
- ●Baby strollers
- ●Luggage or large bags
- ●Pets
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers looking for an insightful exploration of one of the world’s greatest ancient cities.
- ●The tour is generally suitable for people of all ages, but be aware that it can involve walking for extended periods, so those with mobility issues may find it challenging.
- ●The terrain at the ancient sites can be uneven, and there are some areas that require walking uphill or on rough pathways.
Know Before You Go
- ●Entrance fees are not included in the price of the tour and will be payable at the entrance of each site.
- ●Be prepared for a full day of exploration; the tour will take several hours, and you’ll be visiting multiple sites with varying levels of walking involved.
- ●The tour operates in most weather conditions, but it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you go.
- ●The pick-up times may vary slightly, depending on your cruise arrival or hotel location, so pl
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Faniya Balashova - Russia
02 June
Ahmet proved to be an exceptional guide. He took us to all the key sites, showed exceptional patience, and shared comprehensive information about each site. Visitors should be aware that there are additional entrance fees for the House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus, as these are not included in the...
Read More
Tane Usui - Japan
03 June
Our guide's insightful explanations about the historical significance of each site greatly enhanced our experience.
You might also like...
Kuşadası, Türkiye
Kuşadası, Türkiye
Kuşadası, Türkiye
Kuşadası, Türkiye
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 13 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.5/5
×
By Traveler Types
By star rating
01 June
The tour itself was an excellent experience. Our guide was exceptional, providing detailed answers to all our questions and even taking us to places beyond the standard itinerary. His performance deserved full marks. However, there were some organizational issues. Despite booking for 8:30 AM, we received last minute notification that the group was preparing to leave only 45 minutes before departure. Limited internet access in Türkiye nearly meant we missed the start of the tour, forcing my wife and I to rush unexpectedly. Furthermore, the transition from visiting important historical sites like Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary directly to commercial stops was somewhat disrespectful of the solemn nature of the previous sites and somewhat jarring.
Helpful? Yes
02 June
Ahmet proved to be an exceptional guide. He took us to all the key sites, showed exceptional patience, and shared comprehensive information about each site. Visitors should be aware that there are additional entrance fees for the House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus, as these are not included in the tour price.
Helpful? Yes
03 June
Our guide's insightful explanations about the historical significance of each site greatly enhanced our experience.
Helpful? Yes
04 June
We thoroughly enjoyed this well organized tour. Our guide demonstrated both professionalism and pleasant demeanor throughout the experience. Our driver's courteous demeanor and expert handling of the vehicle throughout the day contributed to our positive experience.
Helpful? Yes
05 June
We were deeply impressed by our guide's warm demeanor and the fascinating details he shared throughout the tour. His engaging approach and deep knowledge made the experience truly worthwhile, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this trip to others.
Helpful? Yes
06 June
Our German speaking guide was exceptionally welcoming and attentive to our needs throughout the excursion. She thoughtfully balanced structured guidance with opportunities for independent exploration. The spacious, climate-controlled vehicle ensured a pleasant journey between sites, and we encountered minimal delays at entry points, allowing for efficient access to all attractions.
Helpful? Yes
07 June
This private excursion was ideal for cruise ship guests who wanted to spend limited time ashore. After sharing our preferred destinations in advance, Ayse expertly tailored the itinerary to include all our requested stops.
Helpful? Yes
08 June
Metehan proved to be an exceptional guide, offering insightful commentary while skillfully navigating us past crowded areas. His expertise significantly enhanced our experience, making this tour an excellent choice that I would enthusiastically suggest to others.
Helpful? Yes
09 June
Our experience was greatly enhanced by our excellent guide, Gamze. She stood out for her vast knowledge and warm, helpful approach to our friendly group. Together with our punctual driver, who was conveniently located at our meeting point, they ensured our trip began smoothly. Their professionalism makes them our top recommendation for future tours.
Helpful? Yes
11 June
We had an absolutely wonderful experience thanks to our exceptional guide. Their insightful commentary and exceptional expertise made this a truly unforgettable trip. The combination of their warm hospitality and deep knowledge created an unforgettable day. We sincerely thank them for such an extraordinary tour.
Helpful? Yes
12 June
The entire trip was flawlessly executed. Our guide provided excellent service, and both the driver and vehicle met all our expectations. A prompt pick up from our hotel ensured a seamless transfer to Ephesus. The only additional cost for our group of four was the entrance fee, which was reasonable considering Türkiye's current economic climate and frequent price adjustments. We were pleased to visit during a quieter time when the attractions were pleasantly uncrowded and we could explore freely without queues or rush hour.
Helpful? Yes
13 June
My experience exploring Ephesus was truly extraordinary. Our guide demonstrated exceptional expertise, bringing the ancient site to life with detailed historical explanations. His engaging presentation style made the tour both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend this experience to others.
Helpful? Yes
10 June
The tour ad's claim of fast track entry proved false. The guide also took an unplanned break from his high pressure carpet and ceramic sales demonstration. This misleading approach seemed completely dishonest and exploitative.
Helpful? Yes
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved
