Private Ephesus Discovery Shore Excursion Tour

Kusadasi , Turkey

Private Ephesus Discovery Shore Excursion Tour

Active

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

Discover the rich history and spiritual significance of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary on an unforgettable guided tour—available as a private experience or in a small, intimate group. Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transportation, skip-the-line access, and the insight of a professional licensed tour guide throughout your journey.

Begin your day walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations in Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Grand Theater, capable of seating 24,000 spectators; the elegant Temple of Hadrian; and the stunning Library of Celsus, a 2nd-century architectural masterpiece.

Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled in the peaceful Aladag Mountains. Believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, this sacred site has been a place of pilgrimage since the 19th century and was visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

Available options

Private Ephesus Discovery Shore Excursion Tour

Pickup included

All Inclusive

Entrance Ticket(Skip the Line)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide

Private tour

All Taxes

Lunch

All Parking Fees

Port pickup and drop-off

Brand new, fully air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your professional tour guide will meet you at Kusadasi Port or in the lobby of your listed hotel at the pre-arranged time, holding a sign with your name on it.
Exact pick-up time will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Stop 2

Our first stop is the House of Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, about 5 miles from Ephesus. According to tradition, Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. The site was declared a place of pilgrimage by the Archbishop of Izmir in 1892. Pope Paul VI visited and prayed here on July 26, 1967.

Stop 3

Our second stop is the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Turkey. Once a key city of the Ionian League, Ephesus was a major port and trade center on the western coast of Asia Minor, near modern-day Izmir.

Stop 4

Our another stop is the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns and scattered ruins remain today, this sacred site still holds immense historical and cultural significance. Dedicated to Artemis, the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt and fertility, the temple was once one of the largest and most magnificent structures of the ancient world.

Stop 5

We will arrive back at the Port of Kusadasi, marking the end of our tour.
Thank you for joining us today—we hope you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit!

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU PT EN IT FR ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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