• Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population exceeding 250,000 in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome, making it the world’s second largest city. Ephesus was also a harbor city, and this vast city was constructed entirely of marble. Did you know Ephesus boasted the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, seating over 25,000 people? Be sure to visit the Goddess Nike, the local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, the Library of Celsus (the third largest library), Marble Street, and Harbor Street.

• Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. She is thought to have arrived in Ephesus with St. John and lived there from 37-45 CE until her Assumption or Dormition.

• The Prytaneion - Located behind the basilica, the Prytaneion was the site of religious ceremonies, official receptions, and banquets. The sacred flame, symbolizing the heart of Ephesus, was kept perpetually lit in the Prytaneion. The building’s construction dates back to the 3rd century BC, during the reign of Lysimachos, but the ruins are from the Augustan age.

The four-cornered pit where the sacred fire burned is a relic from Lysimachos’s reign. The building’s front features four columns, leading to a courtyard surrounded by a portico. To the north is the center of the building, the ceremonial hall, and its side rooms. The eternal flame was located in the center of the ceremonial hall, with the red color on the floor marking its location.

The double columns at the corners of the hall supported the wooden roof. During excavations, archaeologists discovered two Artemis statues, now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.

• Fountain of Pollio - Water was supplied to the fountains of Ephesus from three main sources via aqueducts and distributed through a network of baked clay pipes. The sources were Kencherios (42km) at Kuşadası, the Çamlık village stream of Marnas (15km), and the Cayster River (20km). Water was provided free of charge at public fountains, offering refreshment on hot summer days.

The fountain features a high arch facing the Temple of Domitian and is known to have been adorned with numerous statues. One of these statues, the Head of Zeus, is currently on display in the Ephesus Museum. Some statues are believed to have been taken from the Isis Temple, likely after an earthquake, to repair the fountain. The statue group of Odysseus and Polyphemus, once located on the basin, is also displayed in the Ephesus Museum.

• Baths of Varius - The ruins east of the Basilica belong to the Baths of Varius, dating to the Roman period. The construction dates to the 2nd century AD, and the mosaics in the 40-meter-long corridor date to the 5th century.

The baths are constructed of cut marble blocks and feature three sections: the frigidarium (cold water), tepidarium (warm water), and caldarium (hot water). Excavations are still ongoing.

• The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Located in Ephesus, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

• Deluxe Lunch at Carpet Village
• Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
• Entry tickets (for the “Entry Tickets Included” option)
• A Bottle of Water During Tour
• Professional Licensed Tour Guide

• Driver & Guide Tips - Gratitue
• Beverages
• Entry tickets (for the “Entry Tickets Excluded” option)
• Admission fees
• Entrance fees

This tour is exclusively for cruise guests. If you are not a cruiser, please refrain from booking this tour.

This private tour is perfect for those wishing to discover the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings at their leisure.

A personal guide will greet you at Kusadasi port and accompany you to various sites, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

In Ephesus, you will explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient city, such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. The tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, which many believe to be Mary’s final resting place.

At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will return you to Kusadasi port.

Places to Visit:

• Turkish Carpet Weaving Village
• Ceramic Workshop
• Leather Factory
• GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE.
• PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY.
• EXCLUSIVE PERSONALIZED TOUR.
• FOR CRUISE TRAVELERS.
• ✅INCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS: You can pay for your entry tıckets at the tıme of booking with Entry tıckets ınclude optıons. Than means we take care of your tickets and enjoy the privilege of SKIP THE TICKET LINES, where your guide will keep the tickets ready for you without waiting in the ticket queue at the entrance of the ruins.
• The tour specialy designed for the cruise guests. Pick up and drop off only available from Kusadasi Port. The tour starting time will adjust according to your cruıse dock and onboard times. We GUARANTEE your timely return to the Port.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• ❌EXCLUDE ENTRY TICKETS OPTIONS: you can pay your entrance fees in cash or by credit card on the day of the tour. We would like to point out that, especially for the PRIVATE TOUR option, you do not have to pay the entrance fee for the ruins you do not want to see.
• THIS TOUR DESIGNED ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS.

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