SMALL GROUP: Ephesus Day Tour from Cruise Port or Hotels

1. Kusadasi
   30m
   Morning – Hotel Pick-Up and Departure
   Start your unforgettable journey with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or cruise port in Kusadasi or Selçuk. Meet your friendly, English-speaking guide and fellow travelers before boarding your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a scenic drive through the fertile valleys and rolling hills of Western Turkey as your guide shares insights into the region’s rich past.
2. Ephesus Ancient City
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Stroll along marble-paved streets lined with temples, statues, fountains, and markets while your guide brings the city’s past to life.
   
   Highlights Inside Ephesus
   Library of Celsus – the third-largest library of the ancient world
   Great Theatre – where Paul the Apostle preached to thousands
   Temple of Hadrian and the Odeon
   Roman baths, public latrines, and the Agora (marketplace)
3. Selcuk
   1h
   Lunch Break at a Local Restaurant
   Relax over a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
4. The House of the Virgin Mary
   1h · Admission ticket included
   House of the Virgin Mary
   Continue up Mount Koressos to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site recognized by the Vatican. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, learn about its Christian significance, and take a quiet moment of reflection.
5. Isa Bey Mosque
   20m
   The İsa Bey Mosque, built in 1375 in Selçuk, Turkey, is a premier 14th-century Anatolian (Aydınoğlu) masterpiece known for its asymmetrical design, combining Seljuk, Byzantine, and Syrian influences. Situated near Ephesus, it features a large courtyard with 12 columns, a single surviving brick minaret, and intricately carved marble facades, utilizing repurposed materials.
6. The Temple of Artemis
   15m
   Temple of Artemis
   Conclude your sightseeing at the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain, your guide will describe the temple’s original scale and cultural importance.
7. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit a traditional carpet weaving village to discover the art of handmade Turkish carpets, watch local artisans at work, and learn about centuries-old weaving techniques and natural dyes. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients in a peaceful village setting, offering an authentic taste of Turkish hospitality and cuisine.
8. Kusadasi
   30m
   Return and Drop-Off
   After a day rich in history and culture, enjoy a comfortable drive back for drop-off at your hotel or port. Your guide can offer tips for further exploring the area.

Pickup details

Guests will be picked up and dropped off from/to hotels & port in Kusadasi.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Admission fees to attractions will be paid on site.
• Guaranteed return to the cruise on time.