Ephesus Shore Excursion: Library of Celsus & Temple Tour

Walk through a Roman city where St. Paul once preached, then stand where marble columns once rose 127 high.

A private guided tour from Kusadasi port explores the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theatre and the House of the Virgin Mary, then proceeds to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The guide leads you through Hellenistic and Roman ruins (the Odeon, Bouleterion, fountains and temples) before lunch at a local restaurant. An air-conditioned minivan picks you up at the port and returns you there at the end of the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ephesus2h · entry included
2. House of the Virgin Mary1h · entry included
3. Temple of Artemis30m

Explore Ephesus and nearby sites

• Drive along coastal road
• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Tour ancient city of Ephesus
• See Library of Celsus and Theater
• Visit Temple of Artemis
• Lunch at local restaurant

The experience

Your ship docks at Kusadasi and you have a full day ahead. The minivan collects you from the port and drives a scenic coastal road to Ephesus, the ancient Roman city that once rivaled Alexandria in size and influence. Your guide meets you there and walks you through the ruins: the Library of Celsus, with its four marble female statues representing Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence and Valor; the Temple of Hadrian; the Odeon and Bouleterion; the Roman baths and fountains. The Great Theatre is where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, and the scale of it, carved into the hillside, makes that history tangible.

From Ephesus, you visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final years, nestled in a grotto on the hillside. Then the tour moves to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built in the 6th century BC, it was the first structure ever built entirely of marble, with 127 Ionic pillars and the famous Ionic proportions. Alexander the Great rebuilt it after taking control of the city from the Persians. Today only a few columns remain, but the scale of the original foundation and the historical weight of the site make it impossible to stand there unmoved. Lunch follows at a local restaurant before the drive back to the port.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• pickup and drop-off at the port.
• transport in an air-conditioned minivan.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Karavan Travel

Is this one for you?The private minivan picks you up directly at the port and returns you there, so you don't need to arrange transport or navigate to Ephesus on your own: useful if you're arriving by ship and have only a few hours ashore. The eight-hour day fits inside most port schedules and covers all three major sites without rushing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive structures in Ephesus, a Roman building famous for its facade and its four marble female statues that symbolize Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence and Valor. It was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world and stands as a testament to Roman engineering and learning.

Where did St. Paul preach in Ephesus?

The Great Theatre in Ephesus is where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians. The theatre is carved into the hillside and could hold thousands, making it one of the largest theatres of its time and a powerful setting for that moment in history.

What remains of the Temple of Artemis today?

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is now mostly ruins. A few marble columns still stand, along with the foundation, but they are enough to show the scale of the original structure, which had 127 Ionic pillars and was the first building ever constructed entirely of marble.

How long is the drive from the port to Ephesus?

The drive from Kusadasi port to Ephesus follows a scenic coastal road. The exact time varies, but the route is designed to give you views of the Turkish Riviera before you reach the ancient city.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Lunch is included at a local restaurant during the tour. The meal is served after you visit the House of the Virgin Mary and before returning to the port.