Kusadasi Port Ephesus Shore Excursion with Skip-the-Line Tickets

1. 15m
   At the pick-up time arranged according to your cruise ship schedule, meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port and begin your journey to the first sightseeing stop.
2. The House of the Virgin Mary
   45m · Admission ticket included
   If you have selected the Ephesus House of Virgin Mary option, entrance tickets for both sites are included in your tour program.
   
   The House of Virgin Mary, located approximately 6 km north of the ancient city of Ephesus, was built in the 6th century AD over the remains of a 1st-century structure and is traditionally believed to be the final residence where Mary spent her last years.
3. Ephesus Ancient City
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Ephesus is one of the best preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and a true archaeological treasure. In the 1st century AD, it was the second-largest city in the world after Rome, with a population exceeding 250,000 people. Positioned at the heart of the ancient world, it served as a major gateway between East and West and developed into a powerful commercial hub thanks to its vast harbor.
   
   Beyond its economic importance, Ephesus is also known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It was famously associated with Mark Antony and Cleopatra as a honeymoon destination and is home to the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
   
   Today, walking through its remarkably preserved streets offers a unique time travel experience, with iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus the third largest library of antiquity and the Grand Theatre, the largest Roman theatre in Asia Minor.
4. The Temple of Artemis
   30m
   Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and played a major role in making Ephesus a highly visited pilgrimage center in antiquity. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and was renowned for its impressive scale and architectural grandeur.
   
   It originally featured 127 Ionic columns, each approximately 19 meters high, making it one of the most remarkable structures of its time. Beyond its religious importance, the Temple of Artemis is also often regarded as one of the earliest known financial centers, sometimes described as the “bank” of the ancient world due to its role in commerce and deposits.
5. Ephesus Terrace Houses
   30m · Admission ticket included
   If you have selected the Ephesus Terrace Houses option, your tour includes entrance tickets for both Ephesus and the Terrace Houses.
   
   The Terrace Houses, located on the slopes of Ephesus near Selçuk, reveal the luxurious lifestyle of the city’s elite. These residences are famous for their well-preserved mosaics, colorful frescoes, and advanced heating systems, showcasing the sophistication of Roman domestic architecture.
   
   Built into the hillside, these houses offer a unique glimpse into ancient urban life, where art, comfort, and engineering come together, reflecting the wealth and status of Ephesus’ most prominent families.
6. Pass by
   If you have booked the Ephesus + House of Virgin Mary option, this program includes visits to both sites as part of your tour itinerary.
   
   If you have booked the Ephesus + Terrace Houses option, the itinerary also includes access to both locations accordingly.
   
   Lunch break is scheduled during the tour, and your guide can recommend the best local restaurant options upon request on the day of the tour.
7. 30m
   At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to Kusadasi Cruise Port. We guarantee your timely return to Kusadasi Cruise Port.

Pickup details

◈ Please note that Kusadasi Port, Kusadasi Cruise Port, and Kusadasi Harbor all refer to the same location.

◈ Discover the ancient city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis with a professional local guide on a tour designed exclusively for cruise passengers departing from Kusadasi Port.

◈ This tour is tailored exclusively for cruise ship passengers.

◈ Round-trip transfers are provided directly from/to Kusadasi Cruise Port only.

◈ Departure time is arranged according to your ship’s arrival and departure schedule.

◈ On-time return to your cruise ship is fully guaranteed.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Guaranteed on-time return to the port
• The tour offers group and private options, including combinations of Ephesus with the Temple of Artemis, Terrace Houses, or the House of Virgin Mary. Please select the option that best suits your preferences when booking.
• Group tours typically include 8–10 participants. However, bookings are still available for larger groups of 10+ guests. Groups are organized based on passengers from the same cruise ship for a more coordinated experience.
• Private Tour Options: This tour is operated exclusively for your party with a personal professional guide. You can spend as much time as you wish at each site, and additional visits to other attractions may be arranged depending on time availability.
• The tour is specially designed for cruise guests. Pick-up and drop-off are available only from Kusadasi Port. The departure time is adjusted according to your cruise ship’s docking and onboard schedule. We guarantee your on-time return to the port.
• Your tour guide may recommend visits to local shops featuring handmade products, but participation is completely optional and up to the guests.