Embark on a small group tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore iconic landmarks and visit the House of the Virgin Mary on this engaging guided tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk.
Embark on a small group tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore iconic landmarks and visit the House of the Virgin Mary on this engaging guided tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk.
- Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population exceeding 250,000 in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome, making it the world’s second-largest city. Ephesus was a harbor city, constructed entirely of marble. Did you know Ephesus boasted the largest amphitheater in the ancient world,…
- Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population exceeding 250,000 in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome, making it the world’s second-largest city. Ephesus was a harbor city, constructed entirely of marble. Did you know Ephesus boasted the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, seating over 25,000 people? Also, explore the Goddess Nike, the local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, the Library of Celsus (the third largest library), Marble Street, and Harbor Street.
- 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.
- 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 Ancient World.
- State Agora - The agora located on the southern part of the Basilica is the State Agora, constructed during the Roman Period in the first century BC. This agora was not used for commerce but for business, serving as a significant meeting place for governmental discussions. Excavations in the northeast corner of the Agora uncovered numerous graves from the 7th-6th centuries BC, a stone-paved road, and an archaic terra cotta sarcophagus.
This indicates that during the archaic period, this part of the Agora served as the necropolis of Ephesus. A water reservoir at the corner of the Agora played a crucial role in Ephesus, with water supplied to the city via the Pollio Aqueduct, whose remains can be seen 5 kilometers away along the Selçuk-Aydın highway.
- Temple of Domitian - Situated at the southern end of Domitian Street, it is the first structure in Ephesus known to be dedicated to an emperor. It was built on a high and wide terrace measuring 50x100 meters, on vaulted foundations. The northern side of the terrace appears to be two stories high, accessible by stairs, which are still visible today.
The temple, designed in a pro-style plan, featured eight columns on the short side, thirteen on the long side, and four additional columns in front of the cella. On the northern side, there was a u-shaped altar, now displayed in the Izmir museum.
During Domitian’s reign, an emperor granted permission to build an Emperor Temple, marking the first time a city was honored with the title ‘neocoros.’
- Hercules Gate - Located towards the end of Curetes Street, the Hercules Gate was named for the relief of Hercules on it. It was relocated to its current position in the fourth century AD, but the relief dates back to the second century AD.
Only the two sides of the columns remain today, with other parts yet to be found. The relief of the flying Nike in Domitian Square is believed to be part of this gate.
The Hercules Gate narrowed the street, preventing vehicle passage, indicating that by the fourth century, the street had become a pedestrian area.

- Pick Up & Drop Off
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Insurance
- Lunch
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Pick Up & Drop Off
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Insurance
- Lunch
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue
- Drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Admission Fees to Attractions
- Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue
- Drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Admission Fees to Attractions
The Small Group Ephesus Tour is a guided tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. During the tour, you will visit the iconic landmarks and structures that make Ephesus a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour will begin with a pickup from your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk and a scenic drive to Ephesus. Once…
The Small Group Ephesus Tour is a guided tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. During the tour, you will visit the iconic landmarks and structures that make Ephesus a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour will begin with a pickup from your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk and a scenic drive to Ephesus. Once there, your guide will take you through the main streets and show you the impressive architectural features of the ancient city, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian.
The tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a small stone house located on a hill outside of Ephesus. According to tradition, the house was the last home of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and it has become a popular pilgrimage site for Christians.
After the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel. The tour is conducted in a small group.
Stores to visit:
Carpet Weaving Village
Leather Factory
- Ephesus entrance fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
- House of Virgin Mary entrance fee is 500 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
- GUARANTEED RETURN ON TIME TO CRUISE
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.