Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port

Ephesus Tours from Cruise Ships
​Discover Ephesus on a Guided Tour from Kusadasi Port

Are you planning a cruise to Greek Isles and Turkey and looking for an unforgettable experience?
Look no further than a Private Ephesus tour from Kusadasi Port with an Expert Ephesus Tour Guide ! 
Ephesus ancient city is a must-see destination for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of ancient ruins. Experience the wonders of Ephesus on a Private tour from Kusadasi Port. Immerse yourself in ancient history and explore breathtaking ruins with an expert Ephesus tour guide and a TripAdvisor Winner for 13 consecutive years. 
​Remember, the key to a meaningful Ephesus travel experience is not just seeing the sights, but truly understanding the significance behind them.
Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port
Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port
A visit from Kusadasi to Ephesus is recommended. You will be impressed with the Library of Celsus, the magnificent Grand Theater of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Discover the rich history of this port city, which was a center of trade and culture in ancient times.

Visiting Ephesus on a guided tour is a must. You will be amazed by the magnificence and beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and will have memories that will last a lifetime. You will learn interesting stories and facts about the ancient Romans and Greeks. While walking in the ancient streets with your private Ephesus tour guide, you will learn about daily life and architectural masterpieces.​
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Where in Turkey is Kusadasi?
​​Correct way of pronouncing the Kusadasi is  "KOOSH-ah-dah-suh" 
Kusadasi is located in the western part of Turkey. 85 km south of Izmir, the 3rd largest city  of Turkey: Once a small fishing town. Today it is a well known resort town and  a popular cruise port. While the local population of this region is around 120,000 people in the winter months, this number increases significantly in the summer months, approaching half a million. This significant increase in population during the summer months can be attributed to the attractiveness of the region as a popular tourist destination. With its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, historical monuments and wide range of recreational activities, visitors flock to this region throughout the summer to enjoy the sun, sand, history and lively atmosphere.Mainly eastern European tourists prefer  having their holidays in Kusadasi. Because of its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus, a lot of cruise ships dock at Kusadasi Port.

Things to do in Kusadasi Port​
With over 140 hotels, Kusadası offers accommodation opportunities for land travelers and vacationers. Almost everyone who travels to Kusadasi, visits the ruins of Ephesus.  Some also come to enjoy the nightlife, shopping and the beaches of Kusadasi. Although there are some public beaches in the city, the most popular beach is Ladies Beach (Kadınlar Plajı). Serious beach fans make the 45-minute drive to the south to Milli Park, which is a national park. 

You can use Kusadasi as a base to visit many attractions in the region, such as Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Pergamon, Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Aphrodisias. Private guided tours are available for all these places.

If you're traveling on a cruise ship and would like a good, reasonably-priced private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port, Contact us. We offer Ephesus tours from Cruise ships.

​Where is Ephesus today?

Ephesus is located at the west coast of what is now Turkey, About 80 kilometers south of Izmir and 18 kilometers north of Kusadasi. It takes 25 minutes drive from Kusadasi Port to Ephesus. Ephesus today is the name of the ancient ruins. Modern town is called Selcuk. 
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The highlight to be visited in Kusadasi, is the ruins of Ephesus. Ephesus attracts many visitors from all over the world. Ephesus, was one of the 4 major cities of the Roman Empire having a population over 200.000 people. Selected as the capital of the Asia Province of the Roman Empire by the nephew of Julius Caesar known as Augustus, named as Octavius. Served as a capital till Constantine ordered the expansion of another city located 400 miles north of  Ephesus. He named this city as Constantinopolis and selected this city as the new  capital. Ephesus today, considered as one of the most well-preserved ancient cities of the world. 

How far is Ephesus from Kusadasi Port?
Ephesus is located 18km away from Kusadasi Port. It takes approximately 25 minutes by car. Modern name of Ephesus today is Selcuk. So travelers should look for Selcuk signs. Ephesus in Turkish is Efes. There are also brown signs on the road showing the direction of Efes. Efes is the name of the ruins. Selcuk is the modern name of the town. In other words Efes ruins are located in the modern town of Selcuk today. There is no more a city called Ephesus or Efes today. 

​Kusadasi Port Shore Excursions

Kusadasi Cruise Port is right in the center of the town. After debarking from your cruise ship and in two minutes you will be in the midst of the town, but to see Ephesus and other sights in the area, sign up for a private Ephesus shore excursion with us. We are a travel agency and tour company of long-standing (since 1963) and have a fine reputation. Our Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Port are substantially better value than the excursions offered aboard your cruise ship.
There will be 782 cruises to Kusadasi in 2025.
The Cruise Ships that will be calling to Kusadasi Port in 2025.
Below please find suggested Ephesus Private Tour itineraries. 
If you would like to make a combination of the sites just contact  us.
For Ephesus tour from Kusadasi port price visit: Ephesus Private Tour Rates
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  • Kusadasi Tour No:1
Half day Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum - (4 Hours)
​Meet with your Ephesus tour guide at Starbucks at Kusadasi Cruise Port. Start your Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port. Your drive from Kusadasi to Ephesus takes less than 25 minutes. Your tour begins with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited in 334 BC. Your next stop is at Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved ancient cities in the world. Historians believe that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons. With your guide, you'll visit the Odeon, where the advisory council held its meetings, and the baths, as well as many other columns, monuments, and ruins, including the Celsus Library. We'll also visit the Grand Theater, with a seating capacity of 24,000 people. Before you exit Ephesus enjoy an 18 minutes audio visual show of Ephesus at Ephesus Experience Museum. You'll be brought back to Kusadasi Port at the conclusion of this fascinating tour. On your return trip to Kusadasi, enjoy the scenery or a shopping opportunity, if time permits.

  • Kusadasi Tour No:2
Half-day Ephesus Tour from Cruise Ships
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Ancient City, Ephesus Experience Museum, House of Virgin Mary - (4.5 Hours)
You will meet your official tour guide at the Kusadasi Cruise Port. On the way from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus drive through the olive groves, peach orchards and cotton fields. Upon arriving in Selcuk, your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. From this vantage point, you will witness the earlier settlements of Ephesus. Not far from the temple, you will see the remains of the church constructed on top of the tomb of John the Apostle. Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved sites of Roman history in the world. Ephesus was once the capital of Asia Minor, and it is here that St. Paul spent three years teaching Christianity. Tour the ancient city, visiting the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, the Marble Road, and the Grand theater that is mentioned in the Acts of Apostles Chapter 19.  Before you depart Ephesus, immerse yourself with an 18-minute audiovisual show at the Ephesus Experience Museum. This captivating experience will take you on a journey through time, providing fascinating insights into the rich history and culture of Ephesus.  The next stop will be to the house where Virgin Mary is traditionally believed to have spent her final years. This site holds significant spiritual importance, especially for devoted Catholics who revere Mother Mary as a central figure in their faith. As you make your way back to Kusadasi, don't forget to take in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you or explore any enticing shopping opportunities if time allows. 
* For travelers who do not want to visit the House of Virgin Mary,  House of Virgin Mary visit can be substituted with the Basilica of St. John or Terrace Houses or  the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus.
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  • Kusadasi Tour No:3
Full day Ephesus Shore Excursion
Christian Ephesus Tour
Basilica of St. John, Ancient City of  Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum, House of Virgin Mary - (7 Hours)
After meeting with your tour guide at Kusadasi Port or at your hotel in Kusadasi. Your first stop on this fascinating guided Ephesus tour is the Basilica of St. John, a significant Byzantine church constructed on top of the tomb of John the Apostle. From this stunning basilica, marvel at the breathtaking sight of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and witness the earlier settlements of Ephesus. Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved sites of Roman history in the world. Ephesus was once the capital of Asia Minor, and it is here that St. Paul spent three years teaching Christianity. Tour the ancient town, visiting the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, the Marble Street, and the Roman theater that is mentioned in the Acts of Apostles Chapter 19.  Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ephesus with an 18-minute audio-visual show at the Ephesus Experience Museum. This captivating experience brings the ancient city to life, allowing you to witness its splendor in a unique and engaging way. The next destination on your itinerary will take you to the house where Mother Mary is traditionally believed to have spent her final years. This site holds significant spiritual importance, especially for devoted Catholics who revere Mother Mary as a central figure in their faith. Experience a traditional lunch set amidst the picturesque setting of a country house, where the rich flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine come to life. Following lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the intricate local handicrafts at the same premises. This unique opportunity not only lets you savor the delights of Turkish flavors but also provides a deeper insight into the artisanal skills and artistic expressions of the region.  On your return trip to Kusadasi, enjoy the scenery or a shopping opportunity, if time permits.
* For our guests interested in participating in the Mass at the House of Virgin Mary, please note that Holy Mass is conducted daily from Monday to Saturday  at 5:15 pm from November to March, and at 6:15 pm from April to October. Additionally, a special Sunday Mass, conducted in English, takes place at 10:30 am.

  • Kusadasi Tour No:4
Full day Ephesus Tour from Cruise Ships
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum, Sirince Village -(7 Hours)
​After meeting up with your guide at Starbucks at Kusadasi port or at your hotel in Kusadasi, Drive from Kusadasi Port to Ephesus. Ephesus, the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia, will come alive to you as you explore the ancient ruins of this magnificent site. You will see the Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Hercules Gate, Roman Mosaics, Temple of Hadrian, Ancient Toilets. the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed to its original form,as well as the Grand Theatre, the most spectacular building of Ephesus, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 25,000 spectators. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ephesus with an 18-minute audio-visual show at the Ephesus Experience Museum. This captivating experience brings the ancient city to life, allowing you to witness its splendor in a unique and engaging way. After a visit to the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), you will arrive at Sirince Village. This old Orthodox village, located five miles from Kusadasi, was once named "Cirkince" (ugly). Indeed, its inhabitants chose this name to discourage foreign visitors because they didn't want to share the beauty of their village. Still, after several years, visitors understood that it was not ugly and it was re-named "Sirince" (pretty). Today, the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture. At Sirince Village, you will experience local life and have the opportunity to purchase local souvenirs and handicrafts.

  • Kusadasi Tour No:5
Full Day Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum, Kirazli Village
(7 Hours)
Your journey through time begins with a pleasant drive along the Aegean Coast after departing Kusadasi Port. Soon, the hills broaden into a wide plain and Ephesus can be seen in the distance. At one time, the city was the gateway to Asia Minor and boasted a population of 200,000. Formerly a seaport, it now lies several miles inland due to deposits of river silt that have collected over the centuries. The region is steeped in history. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You'll also be able to view the Basilica of St. John and the 14th century Isa Bey Mosque. Enter ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. As you walk along the old marble streets, you'll pass the Odeon and State Agora. You'll also see the ornate Hadrian Temple, the remains of ancient public toilets, the beautifully restored façade of the Celsus Library, the Commercial Agora, and the Theatre, which accommodates 25,000 spectators and is still used for occasional performances. Continue along the colonnaded harbor boulevard on your way out, passing the gymnasium and the remains of the stadium. Before departing the ancient city of Ephesus, visitors have the unique opportunity to enhance their experience by enjoying an 18-minute audio visual show at the Ephesus Experience Museum. You'll re-board your vehicle for the short drive, where you'll relax and enjoy a tasty Traditional Turkish lunch. After lunch, enjoy a presentation about Turkish weavings, and see the girls at the looms weaving carpets and kilims. Learn about the natural dyes and the differences between silk, flosh, wool, and cotton weavings for handmade rugs. Afterwards, drive to Kirazli Village, experiencing en route the varied tones of green on the valleys and spectacular view of Kusadasi gulf from the high mountains. This countryside is reputed for its immense agricultural lands, including cotton, grains, and olive crops. In Kirazli village you'll experience the perfect synthesis of Turkish culture and world-famous Turkish hospitality. Stroll through the streets, see the old-fashioned houses, interact with friendly and hospitable villagers.

  • Kusadasi Tour No. 6
Full Day Ephesus Excursion
Ephesus Ancient City and Swim in the Aegean Sea (7 Hours)
After meeting with your tour guide at Kusadasi Port. Drive for 25 minutes through the resort hotels, olive groves. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis. Visit of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. See the Basilica of St. John and the Isa Bey Mosque from this location. Afterwards visit Ephesus Ancient City, one of the most magnificent and best preserved ancient sites in the world. Historians originally believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now it is more commonly thought to have been the Hittite city of Apasa. Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John, Cleopatra, Marcus Antonius and many famous ancient legends are said to have visited this city. With your tour guide, you will see the Odeion, where the advisory council held its meetings, and the baths, as well as many other columns, monuments, and ruins, including the Celsus Library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. After enjoying a traditional Turkish Lunch, we're off to a very lovely beach club in Kusadasi. Your guide will help you get checked into the club and will wait for you in case you need any assistance. The beach club is one of the most popular beach clubs in Kusadasi. The restaurant, bar, and sandy beach are considered to be the best that a private club has to offer.Enjoy an afternoon of relaxing and swimming in the Aegean Sea before returning back to Kusadasi Port.

  • Kusadasi Tour No:7
Full Day Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port
Traditional Turkish Breakfast and Ephesus - (6 hours)

For more information about our Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port and private tour prices, please contact us.
for Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port bookings with English speaking tour guides on certain dates.
for Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port bookings with English speaking tour guides on certain dates. To see these dates, please click.
Tripadvisor Winner
Tripadvisor Winner
Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi:
  • Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel - 4 Stars
  • LaVista Boutique Hotel
  • Charisma Deluxe Hotel - 5 Stars
  • Double Tree by Hilton Hotel - 4 Stars
  • Korumar Deluxe Hotel - 5 Stars
  • Hotel Ilayda - 3 Stars
Important Notice:
There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port reservation at earliest possible.

For Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port reservation, kindly advise us the following:
  • Full names of the members of your group.
  • Number of people in your party
  • Date of Arrival 
  • Name of the Cruise Ship
  • Time to start the Private Ephesus tour
  • Tour code or name
Kusadasi Port Cruise Timetables
Distances & Driving Times from Kusadasi Port
We also offer special interest tours to maximize your experience in Ephesus.
Besides Ephesus, we also offer private day trips to Pamukkale (Hierapolis), Aphrodisias, Pergamon, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Laodicea, Sardis and more 
Ephesus Private Tour Prices
Questions About Ephesus and Tours
Ephesus Tour Guides
​​Ephesus Tours from Samos
​Biblical Ephesus Tour
​Ephesus Tours from Izmir
Ephesus Tours from Istanbul
Ephesus Tours from Sirince
​Ephesus Tours from Izmir Airport
​Ephesus Tour from Selcuk

    Ephesus Travel Guide by TransBalkan Tours is a fully licenced tour operator and a member of TURSAB. License: A 776.