PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: opt Museum Entrance Tickets
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PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: opt Museum Entrance Tickets

Active
(5754 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 very best of Ephesus on a stress-free PRIVATE shore excursion designed for CRUISE PASSENGERS. With your own local guide and comfortable, air-conditioned Minivan, you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed RUINS OF EPHESUS, Mary's House, and Temple of Artemis at a pace that suits you. Your guide handles everything, from timing around your ship’s arrival to arranging entrances, comfort breaks, and optional shopping or artisan visits upon request. All you need to do is enjoy your day and be back at the port right on time.

• Private Tour tailored for CRUISE PASSENGERS from Cruise Port
• See three must-see sites in one day: Ephesus Ruins, House of the Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis
• Enjoy a fully flexible itinerary with your own Guide and private A/C Minivan
• Worry-free shore excursion with port pickup/drop-off and a schedule planned around your ship’s timings
• Customise your day by adding Terrace Houses, or an Authentic Turkish Lunch if you wish

Available options

EXCL. MUSEUM ENTRANCE TICKETS

MUSEUM TICKETS: On the day of your tour, you can choose the Museums you are interested in visiting and pay the entrance fees on-site.<br/>PRIVATE TOUR: Tailor-made Private Tour excluding the Museum Entrance Tickets.<br/>Pickup included

INCL. MUSEUM ENTRANCE TICKETS

MUSEUM TICKETS: INCLUDING MUSEUM ENTRANCE TICKETS for Ephesus Ancient City and the Mary's House.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off (mentioned on the details)
GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
Museum Entrance Tickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
Private transportation with modern, A/C minivans, each operated by a dedicated professional driver
Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service

Detailed itinerary

1

We will meet you at the Cruise Port!
Once your tour is booked, we’ll reach out promptly with your customised meeting time and precise meeting location, arranged according to your cruise ship’s arrival & departure.

2
Stop 2

Ephesus Ruins is the largest open-air museum in Turkey, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations at their peak. As you walk through this extraordinary archaeological site, you step back in time while discovering the Senate Building, the Ancient Hospital, the Temple of Domitian, the famous Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, the Trajan Fountain, the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, the world-renowned Celsus Library, and the magnificent Grand Theatre of Ephesus—along with many other remarkable remains that bring history vividly to life.

3
Stop 3

The House of the Virgin Mary is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites, believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final years and passed away. The shrine gained worldwide recognition after Pope Paul VI visited in 1967 and informally affirmed its authenticity. It was later visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. During their visits, each offered special gifts to the sanctuary, many of which can still be seen today.

4
Stop 4

Artemis was the Greek goddess of the hunt, a virginal protector and the twin sister of Apollo, who eventually replaced the Titan Selene as the Goddess of the Moon.

Her ancient temple, built around 650 BC in honor of the cult of Artemis, stood on a site that had long been sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele. The construction was funded by the wealthy King of Lydia, and the marshy ground was deliberately chosen to help cushion the structure against future earthquakes.

Over the centuries, however, the temple was repeatedly damaged and destroyed by natural disasters, leading to several reconstructions and collapses throughout its history.

5
Stop 5

Terrace Houses were the houses of rich & upper class people in Ephesus City have been lived, famed with gorgeous mosaics, frescoes and wall paintings. One of the best preserved site in the Ephesus in which archeological works still continue.

*OPTIONAL VISIT depending on request*
Please be aware that the entry ticket of this place is not included in the cost of the tour. If you are interested in visiting this place, you are responsible with the entry ticket of it. You can pay it ON-SITE to the Museum.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

You will also have the chance to explore authentic local handicrafts and, if you choose, enjoy a truly genuine shopping experience. Your professional local tour guide will be by your side to offer valuable insights—highlighting the finest traditional crafts, recommending the most reputable places to visit, and providing expert tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and completely hassle-free experience.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Also known as Pigeon Island, it is one of the earliest settled areas of modern Kusadasi. We will pass by and have the chance to see it from a distance. Since it is located very close to the port, you may have time to visit it on your own after the tour if you’re interested.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

We will drive through Kusadasi Town and will have a panoramic view while listening the key informations from our Local Tour Guide.

9

At the end of the tour, we will return to the Kusadasi Cruise Port according to your exact onboard time.

PLEASE NOTE: Multiple cruise ships often dock on the same day with different arrival and departure schedules. We carefully monitor all timings, confirm the details directly with our guests, and coordinate the return accordingly.

OUR TOURS PROVIDE A GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO YOUR SHIP!

What's not included

Museum Entrance Tickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
521 reviews
5★
492
4★
15
3★
11
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor 5.0
5,233 reviews
5★
5145
4★
73
3★
11
2★
1
1★
3

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
UPON YOUR SHIP'S ARRIVAL AT THE PORT, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO MEET WITH OUR TEAM WITHIN 30 TO 45 MINUTES. BY DOING SO, YOU CAN BYPASS THE CROWDS, SCHOOL BUSES, AND HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS, ENSURING AN ENHANCED AND MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS.
OUR PRIVATE TOURS ENSURE GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE SHIP.
BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TOUR WITH US, VERIFIED PROVIDER OF KUSADASI/EPHESUS CRUISE PORT!

Important notes

• Upon your ship's arrival at the port, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to meet with our team WITHIN 30 to 45 MINUTES. By doing so, you can bypass the crowds, school busses, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring an enhanced and MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS.
⚠️ Entrance Tickets of Ephesus Ruins and Basilica of St.John are included if the included option is chosen. On the day of the tour, if you would like to visit any other place, you are responsible with the entrance ticket of that place. ⚠️

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 4-99
1
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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