Embark on a private tour of the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings from Kusadasi port. Explore impressive ruins, visit Terrace Houses, and discover the House of the Virgin Mary.
Embark on a private tour of the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings from Kusadasi port. Explore impressive ruins, visit Terrace Houses, and discover the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Kuşadası Port - The team will be ready to greet guests at the cruise docking area at the reserved time. Look for the reservation name displayed on a board in the port’s exit area.
- Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with over 250,000 residents in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome and…
- Kuşadası Port - The team will be ready to greet guests at the cruise docking area at the reserved time. Look for the reservation name displayed on a board in the port’s exit area.
- Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with over 250,000 residents in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome and was also a harbor city, constructed entirely of marble. Did you know Ephesus had the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, seating over 25,000? Visitors can also see the Goddess Nike, a local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, the Library of Celsus (the third largest library), Marble Street, and Harbor Street.
- The Prytaneion - Located behind the basilica, the Prytaneion was the site for religious ceremonies, official receptions, and banquets. The sacred flame, symbolizing the heart of Ephesus, was kept perpetually lit here. The building dates back to the 3rd century BC, during Lysimachos’ reign, but the ruins are from the Augustan age.
The four-cornered pit where the sacred fire burned is a relic from Lysimachos’ reign. The building’s front features four columns, leading to a courtyard surrounded by a portico. The north side houses the ceremonial hall and its side rooms, where the eternal flame was located, marked by a red floor.
Double columns at the hall’s corners supported the wooden roof. During excavations, archaeologists discovered two Artemis statues, now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.
- Fountain of Pollio - Water was supplied to Ephesus’ fountains from three main sources via aqueducts and distributed through a network of baked clay pipes. The sources were Kencherios (42km) at Kuşadası, Çamlık village stream of Marnas (15km), and the Cayster River (20km). Water was provided free of charge at public fountains, offering refreshment on hot summer days.
The fountain features a high arch facing the Temple of Domitian and is known for its decorative statues. One such statue, the Head of Zeus, is currently on display in the Ephesus Museum. Some statues were likely taken from the Isis Temple, possibly after an earthquake, to repair the fountain. The statue group of Odysseus and Polyphemus, once part of the basin, is also displayed in the Ephesus Museum.
- Baths of Varius - The ruins east of the Basilica belong to the Baths of Varius, dating to the Roman period. Constructed in the 2nd century AD, the mosaics in the 40-meter-long corridor date to the 5th century.
Built from cut marble blocks, the baths feature three sections: frigidarium (cold water), tepidarium (warm water), and caldarium (hot water). Excavations are still ongoing.
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Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. She is thought to have arrived in Ephesus with St. John and lived there from 37-45 CE until her Assumption or Dormition.
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The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Located in Ephesus, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
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Kuşadası Port Türkiye - The tour schedule is aligned with cruise docking and boarding times, ensuring a timely return to the port is GUARANTEED.

- Deluxe Lunch at Carpet Village
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Entry tickets (for the “Entry Tickets Included” option)
- A Bottle of Water During Tour
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Deluxe Lunch at Carpet Village
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Entry tickets (for the “Entry Tickets Included” option)
- A Bottle of Water During Tour
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Driver & Guide Tips - Gratitue
- Beverages
- Entry tickets (for the “Entry Tickets Excluded” option)
- Admission fees
- Entrance fees
- Driver & Guide Tips - Gratitue
- Beverages
- Entry tickets (for the “Entry Tickets Excluded” option)
- Admission fees
- Entrance fees
This tour is exclusively for cruise guests. If you are not a cruiser, please refrain from booking this tour.
This private tour is perfect for those wishing to discover the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings at their leisure.
A personal guide will greet you at Kusadasi port and accompany you to various sites, including the ancient city of…
This tour is exclusively for cruise guests. If you are not a cruiser, please refrain from booking this tour.
This private tour is perfect for those wishing to discover the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings at their leisure.
A personal guide will greet you at Kusadasi port and accompany you to various sites, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the House of the Virgin Mary.
In Ephesus, you will explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient city, such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. The tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, which many believe to be Mary’s final resting place.
At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will return you to Kusadasi port.
Places to Visit:
- Turkish Carpet Weaving Village
- Ceramic Workshop
- Leather Factory
- GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE.
- PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY.
- EXCLUSIVE PERSONALIZED TOUR.
- FOR CRUISE TRAVELERS.
- ✅INCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS: You can pay for your entry tıckets at the tıme of booking with Entry tıckets ınclude optıons. Than means we take care of your tickets and enjoy the privilege of SKIP THE TICKET LINES, where your guide will keep the tickets ready for you without waiting in the ticket queue at the entrance of the ruins.
- The tour especially designed for the cruise guests. Pick up and drop off only available from Kusadasi Port. The tour starting time will adjust according to your cruise dock and onboard times. We GUARANTEE your timely return to the Port.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- ❌EXCLUDE ENTRY TICKETS OPTIONS: you can pay your entrance fees in cash or by credit card on the day of the tour. We would like to point out that, especially for the PRIVATE TOUR option, you do not have to pay the entrance fee for the ruins you do not want to see.
- THIS TOUR DESIGNED ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.