Ephesus Tour, Just Pure Exploration - NO FORCED SHOPPING STOPS

Tour at a glance

Itinerary

1. 1
   Kusadasi

   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.

   Pass by (no stop) Admission free
2. 2

   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.

   10 min Admission free
3. 3
   Selcuk

   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.

   30 min Admission free
4. 4
   Ephesus Ancient City

   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.

   1h 45m Admission not included
5. 5

   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)

   20 min Admission not included
6. 6
   Ephesus Terrace Houses

   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.)

   Pass by (no stop) Admission free
7. 7

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

   Pass by (no stop) Admission free
8. 8
   The House of the Virgin Mary

   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.

   45 min Admission not included
9. 9
   The Temple of Artemis

   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.

   20 min Admission free
10. 10
    Ephesus Museum

    At this charming and well-organised museum, there are not only findings from the ongoing excavations at Ephesus archeological site, but also the artifacts from the Cukurici Mound, the basilica of St John, and the Temple of Artemis.

    45 min Admission not included
11. 11
    Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park

    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.

    10 min Admission free
12. 12

    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.

    20 min Admission free
13. 13
    Kusadasi Castle

    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.

    Pass by (no stop) Admission free
14. 14
    Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI

    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.

    Pass by (no stop) Admission free

Meeting & pickup

Hotel pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point.

Your private guide will meet you at the arrival terminal exit gate of Kusadasi Cruise Port, holding a sign with your name to help you find the guide easily.

Schedule

Good to know

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
• ABSOLUTELY NO SHOPPING STOPS! : 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.
• The 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 for the museums, ruins, churches, etc. before your tour, so you can skip the long ticket lines. You may pay the entrance fees to the guide in cash.
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
• All the information provided above forms part of the terms and conditions for tour. You have been confirmed your acceptance of these when you book this tour. The local tour operator clearly specifies the details in the program, explanations, and reservation options, and is responsible only for the services indicated. That's why, please read those details while booking this tour.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions