CRUISERS ONLY: Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Cruise Port

Our professional tour guide will greet you outside the customs/passport control building with a signboard with your name on it. Then your guide will take you to your private transport, and your Private tour starts.

During the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Jesus entrusted his mother to his apostle St. John in his last words, since Jerusalem was not safe for his mother Virgin Mary anymore. John placed Mary on the top of Bulbul Mountain near Ephesus, which he considered as a safe place. It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last years in this house and died. The House of the Virgin Mary is now officially registered as a place of pilgrimage, with the visits of Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.

Ephesus Ancient City is one of the most important highlights of our private Ephesus tours. Ephesus was the third largest city of the Roman Empire with a population of approximately 250000 in the Roman period. It was also the capital and commercial center of Asia Minor. You will have a chance to see the Library of Celsus (the third biggest library of the ancient world), the Great Theater of Ephesus (the biggest in Anatolia), latrines, the Temple of Hadrian, and more...

Terrace Houses (optional), also known as the Houses of the Rich, are located within the ancient city of Ephesus. This complex of six luxury villas offers remarkable insight into family life during the Roman period. Featuring their own heating systems and adorned with impressive Roman mosaics and frescoes, the oldest of these houses dates back to the 1st century. Please note that the Terrace Houses contain many steep stairs, are not wheelchair accessible, and may not be suitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility difficulties.

The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in the 6th century BC. The temple took its final form in the 2nd century. With its size, it was the largest pagan belief center of the period. Although we can only see the basic structure and a single column and a few ruins today, it can be visited even to experience the current atmosphere.

The Kusadasi Castle, also known as Pigeon Island, is situated nearby to the port of Kusadasi. It is visible from your cruise ship, or you can opt to explore it independently after your tour.

We will pass by the Kusadasi Shopping Center, which is conveniently located a mere 5-minute walk from the port. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. Your guide will indicate the shopping area for you to enjoy at your leisure post-tour.

We will pass by the Caravanserai, situated close to the port, merely a 5-minute walk away. Following the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the area on your own.

End of the tour. We will return to the Kusadasi port where your ship is docked.