FOR CRUISERS: Biblical Ephesus Private Tour (Skip-the-Line & On-Time Return)
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FOR CRUISERS: Biblical Ephesus Private Tour (Skip-the-Line & On-Time Return)

Active
(2 reviews)
4h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

• GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT /
• SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS (OPTIONAL) /
• FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS /
• PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY, MORE PERSONALIZED SERVICE /
• LEAD BY LOCAL TOUR GUIDES FOR BETTER INSIGHT /
• REASONABLE THAN SHORE EXCURSIONS /
• FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCES /
.
Discover the HOUSE OF MARY, BASILICA OF ST. JOHN, AND EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY, the largest open-air museum of Turkey that is listed in UNESCO World Heritage, with our LOCAL & LICENSED TOUR GUIDES.
Planning a visit & logistics to that important destinations takes serious time in your limited Cruise Journey. During this hassle-free day trip, you can settle back and relax while our team handles the LOGISTICS, SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS, LUNCH, and all others.

So, the only thing you need to do is ENJOYING YOUR DAY!

Available options

PRIVATE TOUR

INCLUDING: Professional Tour Guide and Transportation throughout your Tour. Top-level service quality! <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off (mentioned on the details)
Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver
GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKET (according to the option chosen), allow you to bypass long lines
PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service

Detailed itinerary

1

We meet you at the Cruise Port! Our team will be waiting next to Information Desk at the Exit Gate of Cruise Port by holding a sign which is your name written on it.
After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree on your meeting time. There are several Cruise Ships with different timings. So, you might decide about the best meeting time which is fitting your schedule.

2
Stop 2

UNESCO listed place Ancient City of Ephesus that is one of the best well-kept Greco- Roman ancient city in the world, famous with Odeon where the music concerts were organized, Domitian Temple that is one of the first temple dedicated for a human, Celcus Library which was the third biggest library in the ancient time, Amphitheatre where is one of the biggest amphitheatre in the world with 24.000 people capacity and St. Paul preached to Ephesians, Marble Street, Roman Baths, Fountains, Temples, Agora, Love House, Public Toilets, Terrace Houses ( Optinal ) famed with gorgeous mosaics and wall paintings....

3
Stop 3

The House of Virgin Mary is one of the pilgrimage centres of Christians where the Mary came to Ephesus with John the Apostle and lived her last 10 years.
Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967, and 'unofficially' confirmed its authenticity. Pope John Paul II also visited the shrine in 1979. Pope Benedict XVI visited this shrine in 2006.
Whether or not she died in Ephesus was not known until Anne Catherine Emmerich’s vision. A disabled German nun who had never been to Ephesus, had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to the German writer Clemens Brentano who later published a book about it. Catherine Emmerich died in 1884. In 1891 Paul, Superior of the Lazarists from Izmir read about her visions and found a little building which corresponded with Emmerich’s descriptions. Then, the archeological works started which allows us to visit Mary's House and see the result today!

4
Stop 4

It is believed that the Evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. The tomb of St John was under the central dome of basilica.

5
Stop 5

Artemis was the Greek goddess, the virginal huntress and twin of Apollo, who replaced the Titan Selene as Goddess of the Moon.

The ancient temple was built around 650 BC to the cult of Artemis, was constructed on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele. The temple was financed by the wealthy king of Lydia and the marshy ground was selected for the building site as a precaution against future earthquakes.

During the time, it has been destroyed and collapsed many times due to the natural disasters.

6

We will drive through the Kusadasi Town and will have a panoramic view while listening the key informations from our Local Tour Guide.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

You are able to see local handicrafts and experience local shopping if preferred. You will be also able to collect informations from your Local Tour Guide about: best traditional handicrafts, best places to go, things to be carrefull, and best tips for hassle free experience...

8
Stop 8 Pass by

Also called Pigeon Island! One of the earliest settlements of modern Kusadasi. We will pass by and have an opportunity of seeing it in a distance. It is located very close to the Port, you might be able to have time after your tour if you are interested.

9

At the end of our tour, we will return to the Cruise Port.
PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate the return time.

OUR TOURS ARE WITH GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT!

What's not included

Gratuities recommended
Food and Drinks (optional)
Entrance Fees if the option is not selected

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We highly recommend you to meet our team, after 30/45 minutes your ship docked to the Port. So, you might beat the crowds, school buses, and hot weather in order to have a better experience during your Tour in Ephesus.
Pick-up and Drop-off services available from the Hotels which is centrally located in Kusadasi or Selcuk Towns
Pick-up and Drop-off services available from the Izmir Cruise Port and Izmir Hotels with an additional fee of 100 USD for up to 15 Persons.
After you sent your reservation, please contact our reservation team via our e-mail or WhatsApp and coordinate your meeting time.

Important notes

• Please note that there are several Ships with different timings. In this regard, after booking, we highly recommend you contacting our team and coordinating your meeting time. So, you might have zero stress during your experience.

• We highly recommend you to meet our team, after 30/45 minutes your ship docked to the Port. So, you might beat the crowds, school buses, and hot weather in order to have a better experience during your Tour in Ephesus.

About Selçuk

Selçuk is a charming town in Turkey's Aegean Region, renowned as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural sites, Selçuk offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and authentic Turkish hospitality.

Top Attractions

Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (Entrance fee around 20 USD)

Selçuk Basilica

The Selçuk Basilica is an ancient Christian church with well-preserved mosaics and architectural details, offering insights into the region's early Christian history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

İsa Bey Mosque

İsa Bey Mosque is a 14th-century Ottoman mosque with beautiful Seljuk architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Şirince Village

Şirince is a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses, local wines, and olive oil. It's a great place to experience authentic Turkish village life and sample local produce.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, budget for food and wine tastings

Ephesus Museum

The Ephesus Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including sculptures, mosaics, and coins.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fee around 5 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Çökertme Kebap

A traditional dish made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices, cooked on a skewer over an open flame.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Karnıyarık

A stuffed eggplant dish made with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Şakşuka

A traditional dish made with green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Midye Dolma

Stuffed mussels filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices, served with a lemon wedge.

Snack Contains seafood, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding countryside Horseback riding Mountain biking Beach relaxation in Kuşadası Spa treatments in Pamukkale Wine tasting in Şirince Village Exploring ancient ruins Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Selçuk is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the ancient sites and enjoying the local cuisine.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Turkish
  • Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Selçuk is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
  • • Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • • Be wary of fake petitions or surveys, as they may be a distraction for thieves.

Getting there

By air
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport • 80 km
By train

Selçuk Railway Station

By bus

Selçuk Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Selçuk, connecting the town center to major attractions and nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Ephesus Area Şirince Village

Day trips

Pamukkale
150 km • Full day

Pamukkale is a natural wonder known for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Selçuk.

Kuşadası
20 km • Half day

Kuşadası is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. It's a great day trip for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma
50-60 km • Full day

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma are ancient cities located near Selçuk, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. These sites are less crowded than Ephesus and offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins.

Festivals

International Selçuk Ephesus Culture and Art Festival • May International Selçuk Ephesus Jazz Festival • July Selçuk Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

  • Visit the ancient city of Ephesus early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Try the local specialties, such as Çökertme Kebap and Şakşuka, at traditional restaurants like Dünyayla Otel Restaurant or Selçuk Pidecisi.
  • Explore the charming village of Şirince for a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with its stone houses, local wines, and olive oils.
  • Take a day trip to Pamukkale to experience the natural wonders of the travertine terraces and thermal springs.
  • Visit the Ephesus Museum to learn more about the ancient city and its rich history, with a collection of artifacts that includes sculptures, mosaics, and coins.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 4-99
1
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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