Kusadasi , Turkey

Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port

Active

(7 reviews)

5h - 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

Maximise your budget by participating in this small group (maximum 10 people) Ephesus Day Tour for cruise ship travellers! Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the World. A visit to Ephesus will bring alive some of the most famous characters in biblical and ancient history. As you stroll the streets of Ephesus you will be following in the steps of people such as St Paul, Cleopatra, St John, Mary Magdalene, the Virgin Mary, the ancient philosopher Philosopher Heraclitus, Alexander the Great and more. You'll be amazed by the ruins here and really feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Available options

Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port

Pickup included

What's included

Buffet lunch

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Driver/guide

Round-trip shared transfer

Entrance Fees to Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary and Temple of ARtemis

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We pick you up from your Kusadasi hotel by your licensed, English-speaking tour guide and we will drive approximately 20 minutes to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city near present day Selcuk. It was also one of the Seven Churches of Asia, cited in the Book of Revelation. Today it is the most visited ruins site in Turkey, and the best preserved site in the Mediterranean.

Excavations of Ephesus began in the 19th Century, and some of the buildings you will see include gymnasiums, agoras, the Domitian Square, the Hadrian Temple, the Roman Bath, the Celsus Library and the biggest theatre in Anatolia with 25,000 seats. As you wander through these well-preserved ruins you will feel as if you have been transported back in time.

Stop 2

Next stop is a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the place she was taken to by St John to spend her last days.

Stop 3

After lunch we visit the former Temple of Artemis which is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Here you will learn about why Artemis was so revered by the Ephesians and although just one column remains of the temple you will be able to imagine it in its former glory. Although only the foundations and one column remain today, it is easy to imagine it in its former glory.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Entrance to the Ephesus Terrace Houses (optional entry payable on site)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Meeting point

As you exit the customs building at Kusadasi Port you will see a group of tour guides waiting with name signs. Your tour guide will meet you here.

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