Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi — Guided Ruins, House of Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis
Step off your cruise and walk into one of antiquity’s best-preserved cities. This private shore excursion from Kuşadası pairs an expert local guide with priority logistics to explore Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the single surviving column of Artemis.
The Experience
Before You Go
Beat the heat
Schedule the earliest available pickup to explore Ephesus before midday temperatures and tour-boat crowds rise.
Wear sturdy footwear
Marble pavements are uneven and can be slippery when worn—supportive walking shoes improve comfort and safety.
Carry water and small change
Bring a refillable bottle and some cash for lunch, restroom fees or small onsite purchases—the tour’s lunch is not included.
Confirm pickup details
Provide your cruise ship name and tender information at booking and re-confirm pickup time the morning of your shore visit.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stroll the less-visited Marble Street side lanes for quieter façades and detail-rich reliefs
- •Visit the nearby Selçuk Archaeology Museum for artifacts that add context to the ruins
Wildlife
- •European bee-eaters (seasonal summer visitors)
- •Mediterranean lizards basking on ruins and walls
Conservation Note
Visitor flow is managed to protect fragile mosaics and terraces; stay on marked paths, avoid touching frescoes and support local guides who enforce site rules.
Ephesus was a major Ionian port and later a Roman administrative center; its Library of Celsus once housed tens of thousands of scrolls and the Great Theatre hosted civic and religious gatherings.
What to Bring
Supportive walking shoesEssential
Good grip and ankle support for marble streets, steps and loose gravel at terrace houses.
Sun hat & sunscreenEssential
Direct sun exposure is strong on open streets and the site has limited shade.
Refillable water bottle (1–1.5L)Essential
Hydration is essential during the 2–3 hours of on-site walking, especially in summer.
Light rain jacket or wind layer
Spring can be changeable; a compact shell protects against wind and occasional showers.
Common Questions
Is admission to Ephesus included in the tour price?
Entrance fees are typically not included; expect to pay the site admission on arrival—your guide will advise current rates.
Can the tour accommodate wheelchair users?
The vehicle and pickup are wheelchair accessible, but the ancient site has uneven terrain and limited wheelchair access—contact the operator to plan alternative viewing spots.
How long is the walking portion at Ephesus?
Plan for roughly 2 hours of walking around the main sites (longer if you add Terrace Houses or museum visits).
Will I have time for lunch and shopping?
Yes — the itinerary includes a lunch break (not included) and time near the port markets; confirm timings with your guide for shore schedules.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–6 hours
Location
Selçuk, İzmir
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves several hours of walking with short uphill sections and stairs.
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