Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi

After pickup from Kusadasi cruise port or your central Ephesus hotel, hop inside your private, air-conditioned minivan and set off toward Ephesus, the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical city.

On arrival, take a guided walking tour of the semi-intact marble streets. Pass crumbled shops, public buildings, temples, fountains, and monuments, and marvel at their well-preserved state — together, they make the site one of the best places on the planet to get a feeling of what life may have been like in Roman times.

Stop to admire highlights such as the Temple of Hadrian, the stunning facade of the Library of Celsus, and the incredible Great Theater as your guide sheds light on their fascinating history and original purpose.

Then, travel around the surrounding area to visit a number of other historical sights and antiquities. Just beyond Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary, home to a chapel that stands where, according to Christian tradition, Mary spent her final days after being brought to the area by the Apostle John.

A small shrine dedicated to Mary was discovered when the ruins of the house were first unearthed, and the Vatican has since recognized the location as the saint’s final resting place.

In addition, pay a visit to 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, reputedly built by the first Muslim settlers in western Anatolia. Admire and learn about its Islamic architecture, and then continue to the Basilica of St. John, where it’s believed the apostle John died and was buried following his missions in the region.

Finally, stop to see the site of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), once of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Inspect the broken columns and ruins here as your guide shares details about this once-magnificent building, and then relax on your transfer back to Kusadasi port or your hotel.