Ephesus tour from Kusadasi port: Private guide, skip-the-line

Ephesus was built entirely of marble and ranked second only to Rome in the ancient world.

A private shore excursion from Kusadasi port to Ephesus with a professional English-speaking guide, skip-the-line entrance tickets, and hotel or port pickup included. Walk the marble streets past the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, and see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Your guide customizes the pace and stops to match your interests, and the tour is timed to get you back to your cruise ship on schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

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

Explore ancient Ephesus and surroundings

• Meet guide at Kusadasi port
• Tour ancient city of Ephesus
• Visit Temple of Artemis
• Explore House of Virgin Mary
• Return to Kusadasi port

The experience

Ephesus was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, with over 250,000 people in the 1st century BC: only Rome itself was bigger. The entire city was constructed from marble, and what remains today gives you the chance to walk the same streets as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra. Your guide meets you at the Kusadasi port exit and takes you directly into the ruins without waiting in the general admission line.

The tour covers the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian within the Ephesus archaeological site. You'll also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, and see the Temple of Artemis, which once stood as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Because this is a private tour with only your party, your guide adjusts the itinerary based on what interests you most. You set the rhythm and choose which sites to linger at.

The tour includes stops at a Carpet Village and a Leather Factory, where you can browse local crafts. You're transported in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, and a deluxe lunch is provided. The operator guarantees your return to the Kusadasi port in time for your ship's departure, so you can book with confidence that you won't be left behind.

What’s included

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kusadasi port.
• fully air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• deluxe lunch.
• insurance.
• skip-the-line entrance tickets to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day19 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to10h 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 5 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Peron Tour Kusadasi/Turkey

Is this one for you?Six to seven hours allows you to explore the major sites within Ephesus and visit the House of the Virgin Mary without rushing, while still leaving the rest of your port day free. The guaranteed return time means you can book this without worrying about missing your ship's departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

What was Ephesus like at its peak in the ancient world?

Ephesus was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire during the 1st century BC, with a population exceeding 250,000 people. Only Rome was larger. The entire city was built from marble and served as a major harbor, making it one of the most important centers of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Can I see the Temple of Artemis on this tour?

Yes, the Temple of Artemis is included. Also known as the Temple of Diana, it was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and stood as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The tour visits the ruins of this landmark.

What happens if my ship leaves before the tour returns?

The operator guarantees timely return to Kusadasi port so you're back before your cruise departs. This is a fixed commitment for cruise guests, so your schedule is protected.

Do I have to visit the Carpet Village and Leather Factory?

The tour includes stops at both locations, but because this is a private, customizable tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide. The itinerary can be adjusted based on what interests you most.

What's included in the deluxe lunch?

Lunch is provided as part of the tour. Drinks are not included, so you may want to budget for beverages separately.