Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi: Four Ancient Sites, No Fees

Set your own pace through Ephesus and its ancient wonders with a personal guide.

A private tour of Ephesus departing from Kusadasi port or hotel with a licensed English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned transport, and all entrance fees included. You choose the departure time, spend as long as you want at each stop, and return to the port guaranteed on time. The tour covers Ephesus itself (including the Library of Celsus and Grand Theatre) plus the Terrace Houses, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis, with optional stops for photos and lunch at Turkish restaurants along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ephesus2h · entry included
2. Ephesus Terrace Houses30m · entry included
3. Basilica of St. John45m · entry included
4. Temple of Artemis15m

Private tour of Ephesus and surroundings

• Meet guide at Kusadasi port or hotel
• Drive 20 minutes to Ephesus area
• Visit Ephesus ancient city highlights
• Explore Terrace Houses mosaics and frescos
• Drive to Basilica of St. John
• Visit Basilica of St. John
• Stop at Temple of Artemis
• Return to Kusadasi port or town center

The experience

The Library of Celsus still stands in Ephesus, built in the 2nd century A.D. as a memorial and now one of the most photographed ruins on the Turkish coast. Your guide meets you at the port or your hotel with a sign bearing your name, then drives 20 minutes to the site. From there, you walk marble streets past the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre, which once held 24,000 spectators after the Romans expanded it in the 1st century A.D. You decide how long to linger at each building. Nobody is waiting for you to move on.

The Terrace Houses show how wealthy Romans lived, with mosaics and frescoes still visible on the walls. This stop involves climbing and narrow passages, so it is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or a fear of heights. After Ephesus, you drive to the Basilica of St. John on Ayosolug Hill, where the evangelist is believed to have spent his final years. The last stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, before the return drive to Kusadasi.

Entrance fees are paid upfront and included in the price. Your guide holds pre-paid tickets so you skip the lines at each site. The tour lasts between four and six hours depending on how much time you spend at each attraction. You can add lunch at a Turkish restaurant during the day if you want, choosing from several options your guide will suggest. Tips to the guide and driver are optional and arranged at checkout.

What’s included

• Private licensed tour guide speaking English.
• entrance fees to all four sites with skip-the-line tickets.
• private air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off at Kusadasi port or your hotel.
• parking and facility fees.
• guaranteed return to port on time.

Options for this experience

2 options

Without Terrace HousesGuide in English · 12 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:00Terrace Houses not included. No hidden fees. Private tour for your family and friends, and you can customize the program. Includes pickup.

With Terrace HousesGuide in English · 12 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:00Entrance fees are included, with Terrace Houses. Please check what is included and excluded carefully when comparing our rates with others. No hidden costs. Includes pickup.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to1d before

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

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Ephesus Shuttle Private & Small Group Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you are arriving by cruise ship and need a return time you can count on, or if you want to move through the sites at your own pace without a group schedule dictating when you leave each stop. The private vehicle and guide mean you can add photo stops or linger at the Library of Celsus without slowing anyone else down. Skip the Terrace Houses option if you have mobility issues or prefer to spend more time in Ephesus itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

Can I choose which sites to visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

The standard itinerary covers Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica, and the Temple of Artemis. You can book without the Terrace Houses if you prefer, and you control how much time you spend at each stop. Your guide will not rush you.

What is the Library of Celsus like when you walk through it?

The Library of Celsus is a two-story marble structure built in the 2nd century A.D. You can walk inside and see the facade with its columns and niches. It is one of the best-preserved buildings in Ephesus and one of the most recognizable ruins on the site.

Do I have to wait for other tourists, or is this tour just for my group?

This is a private tour for your group only. Your guide and vehicle are with you from pickup until drop-off, and you do not have to wait for other travelers at any site.

What time can I start the tour, and will I get back to the ship on time?

You choose the departure time when you book. The operator guarantees you will return to the port on time, so if your ship leaves at a set hour, the tour is scheduled to fit within that window.

Are the entrance fees really included, or are there extra charges?

All entrance fees are included in the price with no hidden costs. Your guide carries pre-paid tickets for each site, so you skip the ticket lines and pay nothing more at the gate.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but your guide will suggest Turkish restaurants where you can stop to eat if you want. You choose whether to add a meal and which restaurant to visit.