Top Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers with On Time Return

Kusadasi Cruise Port: Based on the pickup time we’ll coordinate to align with your ship’s arrival, you’ll meet your professional local guide at the Kusadasi Cruise Port. From there, you’ll embark on your journey in a fully air-conditioned, brand-new vehicle with a separate driver, heading toward the first stop of your private tour.

The Virgin Mary's House: Our first stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, about 5 miles from Ephesus. During the third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 AD and lived there until her death in 48 AD. After the house was discovered, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed there.

Ancient City of Ephesus: Drive to Ephesus, which was renowned in antiquity for its Temple of Artemis and became the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire. Your Ephesus excursion will start at the upper Magnesia Gate and continue through the city, ending near the ancient harbor.

Along the way, you'll see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika, and the Great Theater, built during the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period.

The Great Theater has hosted a wide range of events, from the sermons of Paul to concerts by Sting, thanks to its remarkable acoustics. You will walk along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Antony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. You'll hear stories of Alexander the Great, the Virgin Mary, and many other famous visitors who walked the same marble streets that you are walking today.

Ephesus Terrace Houses: Ephesus Terrace Houses located on the slopes of Pion Mountain, the Terrace Houses consist of six residential units built on three man-made terraces. These homes were occupied by wealthy citizens of Ephesus and were lavishly decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics.

Please note, there are many steps to ascend from the bottom to the top, so this tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties or acrophobia (fear of heights).

The Basilica of St. John: The Basilica of St. John is a significant historical and religious site located in Selcuk, near Ephesus.

Ruins of the Basilica: Explore the remains of the 6th-century basilica built by Emperor Justinian I. The basilica is believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle.

St. John’s Tomb: Visit the reputed tomb of St. John the Apostle, which is located under the central dome of the basilica.

Columns and Capitals: Admire the impressive columns and intricately carved capitals that once supported the structure of the basilica.

Baptistery: See the octagonal baptistery, which was used for early Christian baptisms.

Frescoes and Mosaics: Observe the remains of ancient frescoes and mosaics that adorned the basilica's interior.

Fortress of Ayasuluk: Explore the nearby Ayasuluk Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and further insight into the region’s history.

The Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis, built in the 6th century BCE. Such was its tremendous size, double the dimensions of other Greek temples including the Parthenon, that it was soon regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Kusadasi Castle: Kusadasi Castle, as called Pigeon Island, is located next to port. You can see from your boat or do your own after the tour.

Kusadasi Shopping Center: We will drive by Kusadasi Shopping Center, which is just a 5-minute walk from the port. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. Your guide will point out the shopping area before the tour concludes.

Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai: We will drive by Caravanserai that is located very closed to port, just 5 minutes walking distance. You will have time to do your own after tour.

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

Kusadasi Cruise Port: At the end of our tour, we will return to the Kusadasi Cruise Port in accordance with your onboard time. Please note that multiple ships have different arrival and departure schedules. We meticulously check all timings, confirm them with our passengers, and coordinate our return to the cruise port accordingly. Our tours ensure a guaranteed on-time return to your ship!