Selçuk , Turkey

Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guests

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(1 reviews)

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 timeless beauty of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, with this cruise-friendly private or small-group tour.
Perfectly designed for cruise passengers, the tour guarantees on-time return to Kuşadası Port, combining comfort, culture, and authentic local experiences.

• Explore the Ephesus Ancient City, including the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, and Roman-era streets
• Visit the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at the charming Golden Fringe artisan center, surrounded by handicrafts and local culture
• Travel in comfort with round-trip transportation, professional licensed guides, and air-conditioned vehicles
• Ideal for cruise passengers and history lovers who want to make the most of their time in the Ephesus region

Available options

Small Group Ephesus Tour

EXCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. .: The tour is only FOR CRUISERS. MERCEDES SPRINTER Pickup included

Private Ephesus Tour

EXCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. .: The tour is only FOR CRUISERS. MERCEDES SPRINTER Pickup included

What's included

Fully Air-conditioned Brand new vehicle with Separate Driver

Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide

Port / Hotel pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

We will meet you at the Kusadasi Cruise Port! After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree & secure your meeting time.

Stop 2

The ancient city of Ephesus was an important Greek and Roman city located in what is now Turkey. It was once a major port city on the Aegean Sea and played a significant role in the ancient world.The city's history dates back to the 10th century BCE, but it rose to prominence during the Classical Greek period. Ephesus played a key role in the trade routes of the ancient world and became a major center for the worship of the goddess Artemis.

Stop 3

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, was located in Ephesus. This grand structure was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its construction was financed by Croesus of Lydia. Unfortunately, little remains of the temple today.

Stop 4

The House of the Virgin Mary, also known as Meryemana in Turkish, is a religious and pilgrimage site located near Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. According to Catholic and Orthodox tradition, it is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her final years in this house after the death of Jesus Christ. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the existence of the House of Mary in Ephesus, some religious scholars point to biblical passages suggesting that Mary lived with the Apostle John in Ephesus. The site gained prominence in the 19th century after the visions of a German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, who described the location of Mary's house in Ephesus. This led to the discovery of a small stone house in the area, which was later identified as the House of the Virgin Mary.

In the end of our tour, we return to the Kusadasi Cruise Port according to your ONBOARD TIME!

PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate our return time to Cruise Port.

What's not included

Entrance fees ( We will arrange tickets of Ephesus in advance, so you will skip long ticket lines )

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

N-A

About Selçuk

Selçuk is a charming town in Turkey's Aegean Region, renowned as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural sites, Selçuk offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and authentic Turkish hospitality.

Top Attractions

Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (Entrance fee around 20 USD)

Selçuk Basilica

The Selçuk Basilica is an ancient Christian church with well-preserved mosaics and architectural details, offering insights into the region's early Christian history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

İsa Bey Mosque

İsa Bey Mosque is a 14th-century Ottoman mosque with beautiful Seljuk architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Şirince Village

Şirince is a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses, local wines, and olive oil. It's a great place to experience authentic Turkish village life and sample local produce.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, budget for food and wine tastings

Ephesus Museum

The Ephesus Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including sculptures, mosaics, and coins.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fee around 5 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Çökertme Kebap

A traditional dish made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices, cooked on a skewer over an open flame.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Karnıyarık

A stuffed eggplant dish made with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Şakşuka

A traditional dish made with green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Midye Dolma

Stuffed mussels filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices, served with a lemon wedge.

Snack Contains seafood, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding countryside Horseback riding Mountain biking Beach relaxation in Kuşadası Spa treatments in Pamukkale Wine tasting in Şirince Village Exploring ancient ruins Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Selçuk is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the ancient sites and enjoying the local cuisine.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Selçuk is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Be wary of fake petitions or surveys, as they may be a distraction for thieves.

Getting there

By air

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport • 80 km

By train

Selçuk Railway Station

By bus

Selçuk Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Selçuk, connecting the town center to major attractions and nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Ephesus Area Şirince Village

Day trips

Pamukkale

150 km • Full day

Pamukkale is a natural wonder known for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Selçuk.

Kuşadası

20 km • Half day

Kuşadası is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. It's a great day trip for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma

50-60 km • Full day

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma are ancient cities located near Selçuk, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. These sites are less crowded than Ephesus and offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins.

Festivals

International Selçuk Ephesus Culture and Art Festival • May International Selçuk Ephesus Jazz Festival • July Selçuk Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Try the local specialties, such as Çökertme Kebap and Şakşuka, at traditional restaurants like Dünyayla Otel Restaurant or Selçuk Pidecisi.
Explore the charming village of Şirince for a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with its stone houses, local wines, and olive oils.
Take a day trip to Pamukkale to experience the natural wonders of the travertine terraces and thermal springs.
Visit the Ephesus Museum to learn more about the ancient city and its rich history, with a collection of artifacts that includes sculptures, mosaics, and coins.