Ephesus Day Tour from Kusadasi: Library & Temple Visit

The Library of Celsus and four other ancient sites in one guided day

A private full-day tour of Ephesus departing from Kusadasi with a licensed guide in English or Spanish, covering the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Terrace Houses and House of the Virgin Mary. Pickup from Kusadasi or Izmir port is included, along with transport by air-conditioned vehicle and parking fees. Entrance fees and meals are separate. The tour suits all fitness levels and runs 5 to 8 hours depending on your pace and interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ephesus2h
2. Library of Celsus15m
3. Temple of Artemis15m
4. Ephesus Terrace Houses20m
5. House of the Virgin Mary40m

Explore ancient Ephesus and landmarks

• Visit Ephesus Ancient City
• See the Library of Celsus
• Visit the Temple of Artemis
• Explore the Terrace Houses
• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary

The experience

The Library of Celsus anchors this private tour: a two-story marble facade that once held twelve thousand scrolls and still stands as one of Ephesus's most photographed monuments. Your guide walks you through the ancient city's layout, explaining how the library functioned and what its architecture reveals about Roman engineering and wealth. From there, the itinerary branches to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, where only foundations and a single column remain but the scale of what stood there becomes clear.

The Terrace Houses offer a different view: these are residential buildings carved into the hillside, their mosaics and frescoes still visible under protective covers. Your guide shows you how ordinary wealthy residents lived, room by room, and what their homes tell you about daily life two thousand years ago. The House of the Virgin Mary sits on a separate hilltop outside the main ruins: a small stone structure with a spiritual significance that draws visitors regardless of their faith background.

You travel between sites in a private air-conditioned vehicle, which means no waiting for a group to assemble and no fixed schedule beyond your own interests. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and holds a professional license. Entrance fees to each site are paid separately at the gate, and lunch is not included, so you'll want to plan where to eat or ask your guide for a recommendation. The full day typically runs between 5 and 8 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle transport between all sites.
• pickup and drop-off from Kusadasi or Izmir port.
• parking fees.
• professional licensed guide in English or Spanish.
• exclusive private tour for your party only.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 12:30

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (8 to 93 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Ada Vegas Travel

Is this one for you?A full day of 5 to 8 hours means you can cover five major sites without rushing, but it leaves little room for other activities that same day. Plan accordingly if you're combining this with an afternoon beach visit or evening plans in town.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Library of Celsus and why does it matter?

The Library of Celsus is a two-story Roman structure built in the 2nd century to hold thousands of scrolls and serve as a monumental tomb for its patron. Its marble facade and architectural details survive largely intact, making it one of the most recognizable ruins in Ephesus and a window into how the Romans stored and valued written knowledge.

Can I visit the House of the Virgin Mary on this tour?

Yes, the House of the Virgin Mary is included as one of the five main stops. It sits on a hilltop outside the main Ephesus archaeological zone and is a separate visit from the ancient city itself.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

Entrance fees to each site are not included and are paid separately at each location. Your guide will help you navigate the entry process, but the cost is your responsibility.

What happens if I want to spend more time at one site and less at another?

Because this is a private tour, you set the pace. If you want to linger at the Library of Celsus or the Terrace Houses, your guide adjusts the time at other stops accordingly. The total day runs 5 to 8 hours, so there is flexibility within that window.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Lunch and drinks are not included. Your guide can recommend restaurants or spots to eat, and you can plan a break at a time that suits you during the day.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the tour starting point?

No. Pickup from Kusadasi port or Izmir port is included, and you travel between all sites in the private air-conditioned vehicle. You only need to be ready at your hotel or port at the agreed time.