Private Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Port and Kusadasi Hotels
Discover Ephesus and Top Destinations in Western Turkey with an experienced tour guide and a TripAdvisor Winner for 11 consecutive years.
Private Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Cruise Port and Kusadasi Hotels
Kusadasi Ephesus ToursWhere in Turkey is Kusadasi?
Correct way of pronouncing the Kusadasi is "KOOSH-ah-dah-suh" Kusadasi is located in the western part of Turkey. 85km 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. Winter time population is 100.000 people where this rises up to 500.000 people during summer days. 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 the Kusadasi Port. Things to do in Kusadasi
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 shore excursion of Ephesus and the surrounding area. Contact us. 
Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi
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 the Ancient City of Ephesus. Ephesus today is the name of the ancient ruins. Modern town is called Selcuk.
The highlight to be visited in Kusadasi, is the ruins of Ephesus. Ephesus attracts many visitors from all over the world. Ephesus, one of the 4 major cities of the ancient world having population over 200.000 people. Selected as the capital of Asia Province of Roman Empire by the nephew of Julius Galius Caesar known 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 is 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 otherwords 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 ExcursionsIn Kusadasi, the cruise ship 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 shore excursion with us. We are a travel agency and tour company of long-standing (since 1963) and have a fine reputation. We offer substantially better value than the excursions offered aboard your cruise ship.
There will be 728 cruise port of calls to Kusadasi Cruise Port in 2022.
The Cruise Ships that will be calling to Kusadasi Cruise Port in 2022:
Below please find suggested Ephesus Private Tour programs. If you would like to make a combination of the sites just contact us.
Your drive to Ancient Ephesus takes less than 30 minutes. You'll be glad that you took the time to see this magnificent place. 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 B.C. Your next stop is at Ephesus, 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's more commonly thought to have been the Hittite city of Apasa. The Virgin Mary is said to have visited the site between 38 and 47 A.D. With your guide, you'll see 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, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. We'll also see the Grand Theater, with a seating capacity of 24,000 people. You'll be brought back to your cruise ship or your hotel in Kusadasi at the conclusion of this fascinating tour. On your return trip to Kusadasi, enjoy the scenery or a shopping opportunity, if time permits.
You will meet your official tour guide at the Kusadasi cruise port or at your hotel in Kusadasi. After a 25-minute drive through the olive groves, peach orchards and cotton fields. Arrive in Selcuk, where the House of Virgin Mary and the Roman city of Ephesus are located. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is the House of Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by St. John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into heaven. Other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place. Now continue on 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 Road, and the Roman theater that is mentioned in the Acts of Apostles Chapter 19. * For travelers who do not want to visit House of Virgin Mary. House of Virgin Mary visit can be substituted with Basilica of St. John or Archaeological Museum of Ephesus.
After meeting with your tour guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port or at your hotel in Kusadasi.Your first stop on this fascinating tour is the House of Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by St. John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into heaven. Other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place. Now continue on 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. After lunch, you'll visit the Basilica of St. John and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited while it was being constructed in 335 B.C. On your return trip to Kusadasi, enjoy the scenery or a shopping opportunity, if time permits. (At House of Virgin Mary, Holy Mass is held every day, from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 pm (November to March) and 6:15 pm (April to October). The Sunday Mass is held at 10:30 am. Our guests have the option to attend the Holy Mass.)
After meeting up with your guide in front of the Kusadasi port passenger terminal or at your hotel in Kusadasi, you'll depart for the 30-minute drive to the magnificent site of 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 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 24,000 spectators. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Terrace Houses, the impressive homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. 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 foreigner 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.
Your journey through time begins with a pleasant drive along the Aegean Coast. 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 250,000. 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, through the Magnesia Gate. As you walk along the old marble streets, you'll pass the Odeon and Upper Agora. You'll also see the ornate Hadrian Temple, the remains of some Terrace houses, the beautifully restored façade of the Celsus Library, the Thermal Baths of Scholastica, 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 as you head toward the exit gate. Now, 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 knotting 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 stone-and-stucco houses, interact with friendly and hospitable villagers, and walk among the nearby hillside vineyards and orchards. Afterwards, gather and enjoy Turkish tea and the local crepes, called "gozleme." |
for Private Ephesus Tour bookings with English speaking tour guides on certain dates. To see these dates, please click.
Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi:
(booking.com links) Important Notice:
There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private Ephesus tour reservation at earliest possible. For private Ephesus tour reservation, kindly advise us the following:
Kusadasi Cruise Port Meeting Point
Distances & Driving Times from Kusadasi
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- Kusadasi Tour No. 6
Ephesus Ancient City and Swim in the Aegean Sea
After meeting with your tour guide at Kusadasi Cruise 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 incase 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
Traditional Turkish Breakfast and Ephesus
After meeting with your guide, drive through the agricultural fertile fields to Kirazli Village. Relax and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at the grounds of a village house. Enjoy organic gozleme (filo dough stuffed with feta cheese and spinach), home made jams, honey, organic butter, tomatoes, cucumbers, cage free eggs, Turkish tea... Chat with locals, learn about Turkish traditions. After this feast drive to downtown Kirazli village to wander through the streets of the village. See local people and traditional Turkish Village life. Afterwards drive to Ephesus and ancient city, the highlight of the area. Walk through the archaeological park of Ephesus for 1.5 hours. See the Odeon, Domitian Temple, Agora, Hadrian Temple, Trajan Fountain, Celsus Library, Grand Theater of Ephesus, Harbor Street.... Depart Ephesus for the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world before heading back to the Port of Kusadasi.
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
Besides Ephesus, we also offer private day trips to Pamukkale (Hierapolis), Aphrodisias, Pergamon, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Laodicea, Sardis and more
- 2 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Kusadasi
- 2 Days Western Turkey Tour - Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias...
- 3 Days Tour of the Best Preserved Biblical Sites of West Turkey
- 3 Days West Turkey Tour - Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias...
- One Week Private Tour of Turkey with local tour guides
