NO FORCED SHOPPING STOPS: Ephesus Private Tour with Dining Option

Before the tour itinerary, we would like to emphasize that, in order to ensure a genuine private tour experience, we guarantee that there will be absolutely no visits to carpet, leather, ceramic, jewelry cooperatives or workshops during this tour. This tour is not a budget shopping trip with commercial stops. It is a genuine private tour, designed for travelers to experience history, archaeology, world heritage sites, and cultural experiences.

Your private guide will meet you at the arrival terminal exit gate of Kusadasi Cruise Port. Afterwards, you will take a short walk of about 50–100 meters to reach your private vehicle.

You will continue to the town of Selcuk by your private car for your tour of Ephesus and its surroundings. Selcuk is best known as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Selcuk is also home to landmarks such as the Basilica of St. John, the Isa Bey Mosque, and the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.

Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With innovative approach of this amazing museum, we offer an entirely mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory. (Admission to the Ephesus Experience Museum is free if you have a ticket for Ephesus Ancient City)

You will be walking from front of Terrace Houses during your tour, and your guide will provide information about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City. (There is no visit to this place included in the guided tour. However, you may add a short visit if your schedule allows.)

After completing your Ephesus archaeological site experience, you will continue with the rest of your tour.

The next visit of your tour will be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Once you arrive there you will be thrilled by the natural beauty that surrounds the monument. The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.

Another visit of your tour is Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus ancient city.

(Optional Dining Experience - Please add this experience to your booking at the time of purchase if you would like to include it.) Before we drop you back at Kusadasi Port, you may enjoy an authentic Turkish kebab experience at Köşebaşı Restaurant.Indulge in the rich flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine at the renowned Köşebaşı Restaurant. Famous for its perfectly grilled kebabs and warm hospitality, this dining experience will immerse you in the true taste of Turkey, making your journey even more memorable.

(Optional Dining Experience - Please add this experience to your booking at the time of purchase if you would like to include it.) Savor the finest flavors of the Aegean at Charides Restaurant, where fresh seafood is prepared with care and served in a warm, authentic atmosphere overlooking the sea. This culinary experience, enriched by stunning coastal views, will immerse you in the spirit of the region and add a delicious highlight to your journey.

You will drive back to Kusadasi and stop at the Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) for take photos of the Kusadasi Bay and your cruise ship.

At the end of the tour, we will return you to the cruise port in accordance with your onboard time. Please note: Different ships have varying arrival and departure schedules. We meticulously verify all timings, confirm them with passengers, and coordinate the return to the cruise port to ensure a smooth and timely transfer.

This small castle is picturesque Byzantine fortress stands on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can walk to this small castle after we dropped you to the port. The distance is approximately 500 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.

This caravanserai was built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to support maritime trade in the region. This historical building is opposite to Kusadasi cruise port. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can walk to this historical building after we dropped you to the port. The distance is approximately 120 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.