Ephesus & Kusadasi: Private Tour with Entry Tickets & Pickup

Summary

Walk Roman streets, see sacred sites, feel centuries under your feet

You’ll step onto ancient streets in Ephesus with a local guide who knows every story behind broken columns and sunlit mosaics. Feel history at the House of Virgin Mary, take in sea breezes at Kusadasi Castle, and relax knowing your pickup and tickets are sorted. This is one day you’ll carry home in more ways than one.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet it was when we first stepped out of the van near Ephesus — just a few birds, some distant chatter in Turkish. Our guide, Emre, waved us over with this big grin and immediately started pointing out little things I’d have missed: the way the marble felt cool under my hand, or that odd citrusy smell from wild herbs growing between the stones. He had stories for everything. Sometimes I got lost in them and forgot to look up at what he was describing — like when we stood in front of the Library of Celsus and he asked if I could imagine it full of scrolls and scholars. Honestly? Not really. But you try.

The House of the Virgin Mary was next. There’s a hush there that’s different from anywhere else — even people who aren’t religious seemed to fall into it. I touched the wall, just because everyone else did, and for a second it felt heavier than stone. After that we walked through Ephesus Terrace Houses (those mosaics are still bright after all these centuries), and Emre kept tossing out facts about Roman plumbing and gossip about ancient neighbors. He laughed when I tried to say “Efes” properly — apparently my accent is hopeless.

We finished at Kusadasi Castle, where the sea wind picked up and made my hair stick everywhere. The view back toward the port is something I didn’t expect — blue on blue, with tiny fishing boats bobbing around like toys. On the way back to our cruise ship, Emre double-checked our boarding time twice (he’s clearly done this before). It wasn’t a perfect day — my shoes got dusty and I think I sunburned my nose — but sometimes those are the days you remember best.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ephesus and Surroundings

• Meet at Kusadasi Cruise Port
• Visit ancient city of Ephesus ruins
• See Library of Celsus and Great Theater
• Explore Terrace Houses with mosaics
• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• View Temple of Artemis remains
• Stop at Kusadasi Castle on Pigeon Island
• Return to Kusadasi Cruise Port

Top questions

How long does this private Ephesus tour take?

The tour lasts between 5 to 7 hours depending on your pace and interests.

Is hotel or port pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or Kusadasi Cruise Port is included in your booking.

Are entrance tickets to Ephesus included?

Entry tickets are included if you select the "Entry Tickets Included" option when booking.

What sites will we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit Ephesus ruins, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Kusadasi Castle, and Terrace Houses.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this private tour are wheelchair accessible.

Will we have a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout your visit.

Can infants join this private Ephesus tour?

Infants can join; infant seats or prams are available upon request.

Will we be back before our cruise departs?

Your return to Kusadasi Cruise Port is coordinated based on your ship’s schedule for peace of mind.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible hotel or cruise port pickup in Selcuk or Kusadasi, skip-the-line entry tickets if selected, a private local guide sharing stories as you walk through Ephesus ruins and sacred sites like the House of Virgin Mary, plus comfortable transport in a Mercedes vehicle before being dropped off right where you started—no need to worry about timing or logistics along the way.