Izmir Port to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St.John Church
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Izmir Port to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St.John Church

Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Great combo and affordably priced for CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS! See the ancient ruins, learn the culture of locals, and enjoy some mythological legends on this private tour from Izmir Port. The highlights of this private tour are House of Virgin Mary, UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus, St.John church where St John lived with the Virgin Mary after being cast out of Jerusalem in 37 to 42 AD.

Available options

Private Tour

Class of service: You will not be sharing the tour car or tour guide service with any other passengers or travelers.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Port pick-up and drop-off
Professional tour guide who licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Detailed itinerary

1

Your private guide will meet you at the exit gate of Kusadasi port at your scheduled meeting time, holding a signboard with "YOUR NAME" on it.

2

Once you meet your private guide, you will drive to the town of Selcuk to visit the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes.

3
Stop 3

Your first stop will be Ephesus, one of the most important harbor cities of the ancient world, mentioned in the Book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Highlights include the Celsus Library and the Grand Theater. You'll explore the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, the Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, the Odeon, ancient toilets, and many other significant historical structures in this UNESCO-listed city.

4
Stop 4

Your next destination is the village of Sirince. This charming old Orthodox village, situated 12 km from Ephesus and 30 km from Kusadasi, was originally named Cirkince ("ugly"). Its residents chose this name to deter outsiders and keep their village hidden. Over time, however, visitors discovered its true beauty and renamed it Sirince ("pretty"). Located atop a mountain, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards and peach trees along the way. Sirince is known for its wines made from various fruits like apples, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, melons, watermelons, cherries, and more.

5
Stop 5

Another highlight of this tour is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, located next to the ancient city of Ephesus.

6

Afterward, you will drive back to Kusadasi and make a stop at Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) to capture stunning photos of Kusadasi Bay and your cruise ship.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

The caravanserai was commissioned by Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to bolster maritime trade in the region. Positioned directly across from Kusadasi cruise port, you can explore this historic building independently after being dropped off at the port. Please note, visiting this site is not part of the tour package. It's only 130 meters away from Kusadasi cruise port.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

This picturesque Byzantine fortress, a small castle standing on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island), has recently undergone renovations. From Gazi Begendi Park (Hill), you can capture panoramic photos of this castle. After being dropped off at the port, you can also take a leisurely walk to explore this charming site. Please note, visiting this place is not included in the tour package. It's located just 500 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.

9

Once you are dropped off at the cruise port of Kusadasi, our services for your experience will conclude. We hope to welcome you back to Turkey soon for more unforgettable tours.

What's not included

Meals & Drinks
Entrance Fees (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets that allow you to skip the line.)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Local tour operator may request the details of ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
Your guide will have pre-paid tickets of the museums/ruins/churches etc. before your tour, so you will be skipped the long ticket lines. You can pay the cost of entrance fees to tour guide on tour date. This payment could be cash or by the credit card.

Important notes

The tour guide will give the entrance tickets to the guests before entry to the museums and ancient ruins and religious places.

About Pamukkale

Pamukkale, known as the 'Cotton Castle,' is a natural site in Turkey's Denizli Province. It's famous for its terraces of white travertine, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, and the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis nearby. This unique landscape and historical significance make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Pamukkale Travertine Terraces

The terraces are a natural wonder formed by calcium-rich thermal waters. The white travertine pools are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for swimming and photography.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (entry to the site is included in the Hierapolis ticket)

Hierapolis

An ancient Greco-Roman city built on top of the thermal springs, Hierapolis is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the theater, necropolis, and ancient baths.

Historical 2-3 hours 60 TL

Cleopatra's Pool

A unique swimming pool filled with thermal water and ancient ruins, including columns and statues. Legend has it that Cleopatra bathed here.

Historical 1-2 hours Included in Hierapolis ticket

Must-Try Local Dishes

Denizli Kebap

A traditional kebab made with lamb or beef, grilled and served with vegetables and bread

Main Course Contains meat

Gözleme

A savory or sweet filled pastry, often made with cheese, spinach, or potatoes

Snack Vegetarian options available

Pide

A Turkish flatbread topped with various ingredients, similar to a pizza

Main Course Vegetarian and meat options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains Exploring ancient ruins Swimming in thermal pools Sunbathing at Salda Lake Visiting Hierapolis and Laodicea Exploring local markets Boating at Salda Lake Exploring historical sites

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the terraces and historical sites.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Turkish
  • Widely spoken: English, German
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

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

Important Precautions:
  • • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.

Getting there

By air
  • Denizli Çardak Airport • 60 km
By bus

Denizli Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses connect Pamukkale to nearby towns and Denizli. They are affordable but may not be very frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Pamukkale Town

Day trips

Laodicea
6 km • Half day

An ancient city known for its well-preserved ruins, including a large theater and ancient churches.

Salda Lake
100 km • Full day

Known as the 'Turkish Maldives,' this lake is famous for its turquoise waters and beautiful beaches.

Festivals

Pamukkale International Culture and Art Festival • July

Pro tips

  • Visit the terraces early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
  • Wear waterproof shoes for walking on the slippery travertine surfaces.
  • Bring a towel and swimwear if you plan to swim in the thermal pools.
  • Try the local thermal spring water, which is believed to have healing properties.
  • Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis for a deeper understanding of the region's history.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-99
1
Childs
Age 3-5
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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