Luxury Ephesus Tour for Cruise Travelers
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Luxury Ephesus Tour for Cruise Travelers

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(1 reviews)
4h - 6h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the ancient world with a private tour of Ephesus, one of the most remarkably preserved Roman cities on Earth. Walk the marble streets once tread by emperors and philosophers and imagine the vibrant life of this former metropolis.

Explore the legendary Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater and the elegant Terrace Houses with their vivid frescoes. Visit the Basilica of St. John or the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, tailored to your interests.

With skip-the-line access and your own expert guide, every moment is crafted just for you. Discover the hidden stories, architectural marvels and rich cultural layers that make Ephesus a must for history lovers.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking depth, comfort and authenticity. Enjoy flexibility, personal attention and a journey back in time all with guaranteed return to your ship.

Available options

Entry Tickets Included

Museum Entry Included: Your tour includes entrance tickets to the Ephesus Ancient City and the Basilica of St. John.<br/>Pickup included

Pay Only for What You Visit

ENTRY TICKETS NOT INCLUDED: Decide on the day which sites to visit and pay as you go. Enjoy full flexibility with a private tour. Pickup included.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Timely Return to Your Cruise Ship Guaranteed.
Expert Licensed Local Guide.
All Parking Fees.
Exclusive Private Tour with Personalized Service.

Detailed itinerary

1

Explore Freely Without the Limits of Group Tours: Say goodbye to rigid group schedules and crowded buses. Our private tours let you choose the places that truly interest you, with no need to prepay for sites you might not enjoy. Start your day with a custom plan, shaped around your pace and passions. Travel with freedom, not with the crowd.

2

Smooth Start at Kusadasi Cruise Port: Your journey begins the moment you step off the ship. We will meet you right at the Kusadasi Cruise Port. After booking, simply reach out to our team to confirm your preferred meeting time and ensure a seamless start to your private tour.

3
Stop 3

Walk Through the Heart of Ancient Ephesus: Step into the largest open-air museum in Turkey, where history comes alive. At Ephesus, you'll explore iconic landmarks from the Greek and Roman eras, including the Celsus Library, the Grand Theatre, and temples dedicated to emperors and gods. Every stone tells a story in this remarkably preserved ancient city.

4
Stop 4

Follow the Legacy of St John: Walk the grounds where St. John the Evangelist spent his final years. Built over his believed burial site, the grand Basilica of St. John was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and stands as a powerful symbol of early Christianity. This sacred site offers deep spiritual and historical insight into the roots of faith in Ephesus.

5
Stop 5

Step into the Sacred Ground of Artemis: Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Artemis once stood as a monumental tribute to the goddess of the moon and the hunt. Built in 650 BC over a site sacred to Cybele, it was designed to withstand time but was struck by natural disasters. Today, its ruins still echo the glory of a powerful past and invite you to imagine its ancient grandeur.

6
Stop 6

Ephesus Terrace Houses Optional Visit: The Terrace Houses were elegant homes of Ephesus’s wealthy residents, celebrated for their beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and wall paintings. This well-preserved site still hosts ongoing archaeological work. Please note entry tickets are not included in the tour price. If you wish to visit, you are responsible for purchasing your ticket at the museum on the day of the tour.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Optional Visit to The Virgin Mary’s House: The Virgin Mary’s House is a sacred site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. This stop is optional and entry tickets are not included in the tour price. If you wish to visit, you will need to purchase your ticket at the museum on the day of the tour. If not, you may choose to skip this site.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

Explore Kusadasi Shopping Experience: At Kusadasi Shopping Center, you can browse local handicrafts and enjoy authentic shopping if you choose. Your local guide will share insider tips on the best traditional crafts, top shopping spots, what to watch out for, and how to have a smooth, hassle-free experience.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Kusadasi Castle: Known as Pigeon Island, Kusadasi Castle is one of the oldest settlements in modern Kusadasi. During your tour, you will pass by and enjoy views of this historic landmark from a distance. Located close to the port, it’s easy to visit later if you wish.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

Panoramic Drive Past Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai: As we drive through Kusadasi, enjoy a panoramic view of the historic Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai. Your local guide will share key insights about this landmark, enriching your journey through the town.

11

Timely Return to Kusadasi Cruise Port: At the end of your tour, we will return to Kusadasi Cruise Port according to your ship’s schedule. We monitor all ship arrival and departure times carefully, confirm details with you, and coordinate to ensure a punctual return. Our tours guarantee you will be back on time, stress-free.

What's not included

Museum Entrance Tickets. (You can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
Personal expenses.
Tips and gratuities. (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide
AR DE RU PT CMN JA EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
It's advisable to book in advance due to the tour's popularity.
Private tours with guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship.

About Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a vibrant coastal city on the Turkish Riviera, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and proximity to ancient ruins. It offers a blend of modern resort amenities and traditional Turkish culture, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Lady Mary's Bath

A historic hamam (Turkish bath) built in 1640, offering traditional Turkish bath experiences and spa treatments.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Kusadasi Castle

A medieval castle with a rich history, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Long Beach (Long Beach)

A popular beach with golden sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports and activities.

Beach Half day to full day Free to Moderate (for amenities and water sports)

Ephesus Ancient City

One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (entry fee applies)

Pigeon Island (Kusadasi Castle)

A small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, featuring a historic castle and beautiful views.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to enter, moderate for activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gözleme

A traditional Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or potatoes

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian options available

Kusadasi Köfte

Spicy meatballs made with ground beef, onions, and spices, often served with rice or bread

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Parasailing Jet skiing Hiking in nearby nature parks Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga on the beach Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and vibrant nightlife. The sea is at its warmest, perfect for swimming and water sports.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kusadasi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use reputable tour operators
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering services

Getting there

By air
  • Adnan Menderes Airport • 75 km south of Kusadasi
By bus

Kusadasi Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent minibuses that follow set routes. Easy to use but can get crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi, Gett

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Kadınlar Denizi Davutlar

Day trips

Ephesus
20 km • Half day to full day

One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.

Pamukkale
160 km • Full day

A natural wonder featuring terraces of white travertine pools filled with thermal water.

Sirince
30 km • Half day

A charming village known for its wine production, fruit wines, and traditional architecture.

Festivals

Kusadasi International Music Festival • July Kusadasi International Kite Festival • May

Pro tips

  • Visit Ephesus early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
  • Try the local street food, especially simit and kebabs
  • Bargain politely when shopping in bazaars
  • Learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
  • Use dolmuş (shared taxis) for affordable and convenient transport within the city
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

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

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