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Highlights of Ancient Ephesus
Kusadasi Shore Trips - Highlights of Ancient Ephesus
 

Private Kusadasi shore excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. See the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre that once seated up to 24,000, and the Terrace Houses, a section most tours skip. Includes a photo stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 4 hours.

4 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Kusadasi
  • Private Vehicle and Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Included Entrances- Ancient Ephesus, Terrrace Houses
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number: TKUSA-01


Group Size (Prices in USD)*: 		2 People - $240 Per Person
3 People - $190 Per Person
4 People - $166 Per Person
5 People - $148 Per Person
6 People - $136 Per Person
7 People - $142 Per Person
8 People - $135 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Ephesus Library Shore Excursion from Kusadasi

This private Kusadasi shore trip allows you to see one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, Ephesus, known for its multistory Library of Celsus and 24,000 seat theater. Included is a visit to the Terrace Houses, a treat not included with most tours.

Your driver and licensed guide will meet you at the pier in Kusadasi and you immediately depart for the magnificent site of Ephesus. On the way you'll see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

The highlight of your half day trip is your walk through the streets of ancient Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your licensed guide will bring the past to life as you stroll streets lined with columns and paved with marble. You will see the Odeon, where the advisory council held its meetings, the Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, and many other monuments and ruins. The most impressive sight is the much photographed Celsus Library towering at the end of the main street. Equally impressive is the ancient theater which can seat 24,000 people.

Historians once believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but current research shows that it was originally the Hittite city of Apasa.

Your visit also includes the Terrace Houses, also known as the "houses of the rich." Most tours do not include this section of Ephesus but for those people who have seen them, it is one of the highlights. There are six residential units on three terraces on the lower slope of the Bulbul Mountain. Of the six, two are open for tours. The oldest of the buildings date back to the 1st century BC. The houses are well known for their floor mosaics and the frescos on the walls. Seeing the houses gives you a better glimpse of life in ancient Roman times.

On the trip back to Kusadasi you'll enjoy the scenery and if time is available you can opt for a short shopping stop. Possibilities include pottery, leather, jewelry, the famous Turkish carpet workshops or more. If you are interested, please let your guide know.

Tips on visiting Turkey: Shopping - If additional time is available during your tour, many guides will ask if you are interested in seeing how Turkish carpets are made or if you wish to shop. These free demonstrations are very interesting and quite informative, but they are also a selling opportunity. Decide on your interest and tell your tour guide clearly whether shopping interests you or not. You should never feel obligated to make a purchase on any tour.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Kusadasi shore trips can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Kusadasi tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Please note
  • Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.
  • This tour must start before 9:30 AM or after 1:00 PM.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Kusadasi
  • Private Vehicle and Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Included Entrances- Ancient Ephesus, Terrrace Houses

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    Meet Guide and drive to Ephesus- 30 Minutes
  • 2
    15 Minutes
    Photo Stop at Temple of Artemis
  • 3
    2 Hours and 15 Minutes
    Visit Ephesus
  • 4
    30 Minutes
    Shopping opportunity
  • 5
    Return to pier- 30 Minutes

Resources

Kusadasi Cruise Port - Ege Port Official Site. Cruise arrival point for this tour, in the heart of Kusadasi. Official Website

Ephesus Archaeological Site - Official Ticketing (muze.gov.tr). Primary site visited on this tour, about 20 minutes from the cruise port. Official Website

Good to Know

Mobility
This tour involves steps and uneven terrain that make it unsuitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility concerns, contact us and we can discuss alternatives.
Walking
This tour includes a walking portion. Comfortable, supportive shoes are strongly recommended.
Customizable
This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.
Larger Groups
For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

Most Popular Tours from Kusadasi Shore Excursions

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Kusadasi from Ephesus?
The ancient site of Ephesus is approximately 17 kilometers from Kusadasi Cruise Port - about a 20 to 25 minute drive. The site itself covers a large area so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Are Ephesus entrance fees and Terrace House tickets included?
Yes - entrance to Ephesus and the Terrace Houses is included. These are timed tickets and become non-refundable once purchased. You will be informed of this at the time of booking.
Is Ephesus suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Ephesus involves walking on ancient marble streets and uneven surfaces. While some areas are accessible, guests with significant mobility limitations may find it challenging. Please notify us at booking so we can advise on the most suitable tour.
Do Kusadasi tours include a Back-to-Ship Guarantee?
You're covered: every Kusadasi reservation carries our Back-to-Ship Guarantee automatically. If a delay caused by our tour operator keeps you from returning to the ship on time, we'll arrange and cover your transportation to catch up with the ship at its next port of call. To qualify, your tour needs to be scheduled to return at least 1.5 hours before the ship's departure, and you'll need to be back at the vehicle for every agreed meeting time during the day.
How much deposit is required to book a Kusadasi tour?
A $50 deposit per tour locks in your Kusadasi reservation. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your tour date. If your plans change, that deposit isn't refundable, but it stays on your account as credit toward any tour for up to 3 years. Larger groups, custom itineraries, or tours involving flights or overnight stays may carry a bigger deposit and their own terms, which we'll spell out at booking.
What is the cancellation policy for Kusadasi tours?
Kusadasi tours cancelled at least 15 days ahead are refunded less a $50 administration fee. Inside 14 days of the tour date, cancellations become non-refundable. One exception: if your ship simply doesn't call at Kusadasi because of weather, mechanical issues, or political unrest, you'll get a full refund less the $50 fee. All cancellation requests need to be submitted in writing by email.
Where do we meet our driver or guide in Kusadasi?
Cruise Ship: Disembark at Kusadasi and proceed to the terminal's main public exit. With a terminal building, walk through arrivals to the public pickup area outside -- ask cruise staff if needed. Without one, your driver is waiting on the dock. If your contact isn't immediately visible, remain near the exit and call the local dispatch number provided in your confirmation. Hotel: Look for your driver or guide right outside the main entrance or in the lobby -- they'll be holding a sign with your group name. Airport: Once you've collected your luggage and cleared customs, head into the arrivals hall -- your driver or guide will be there holding a sign with your group name.
Are entrance fees included in Kusadasi tours, and are they refundable?
Admission costs are covered on Kusadasi tours whenever the tour page says so. Keep in mind some venues require timed, skip-the-line tickets that become non-refundable the moment they're purchased. We'll flag any non-refundable entrance fees for you at booking.
Can we customize the itinerary on our Kusadasi shore excursion?
Private Kusadasi tours are meant to bend to your priorities, not the other way around. Mention any must-see sight to your driver or guide at pickup, and they'll do their best to work it in. Traffic and time constraints can occasionally limit how much we can change, but your guide will always try to keep things personal.

Also Available in Turkey

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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet Guide and drive to Ephesus- 30 Minutes
  • Photo Stop at Temple of Artemis - 15 Minutes
  • Visit Ephesus - 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
  • Shopping opportunity - 30 Minutes
  • Return to pier- 30 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 52 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 11, 2026
Reviewer: Bob C from Jupiter Fl  
Both Nice and Ephesus were terrific tours. Our drivers and guides were outstanding. Hats off to both. Could not be happier. Thanks for all your help. Will contact you for any future needs.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 10, 2026
Reviewer: Bobby W from San Antonio TX  
Turkey was fantastic. Driver and Orntune (way he told us to say it. My travel agent friends very impressed with you coordination. Looks like more unrest for Athens tomorrow. So glad we limited to sightseeing. Athens was high-level tour. Guide was very good however, the day was damp and the mood dampened since the strike closed the main attraction.

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  3 of 3 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Walter H from Union Hall VA  
We had a wonderful vacation. Every one of the tour guides were great. My family was really impressed with their knowledge, service, and friendliness. I was pleasantly surprised with how much better an experience we had compared to the Princess Cruise Ship Tours. For example, our tour guide for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii knew that Pompeii was closed until 1130 AM and changed our itinerary to travel along the coast in the morning and go to Pompeii at the end of the day. The other tours just took people to the gate and waited for two hours. Thanks again. My wife and kids felt that each guide was a   friend   by the end of the tour. The guides in Florence and Ephesus were probably the highlight for us. The Mercedes vans that were used in most cities were always nice and all of our drivers were really great. Ive already recommended you to a friend.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Sian A from Katy TX  
We had a wonderful trip, the   Private Shore   excursion in Kusadasi to Ephesus & Sirince was outstanding. Our guide was there at the pier to meet us on time, the minivan was a brand new air conditioned Mercedes. Our guide was superb in every way, professional, pleasant and very knowledgeable. We could not have asked for more. We felt this excursion was well worth the money and made this one of the unexpected favorite stops. Our thanks to you and I will happily recommend your company and look forward to using you again.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi July 26, 2026
Reviewer: Louise R from Rocky River OH  
Our trip was fabulous. Our flights were on time, the weather was great and the sites so amazing! Our tours and guides were excellent. I dont have their names handy but all were extremely knowledgeable and we loved their passion for their countries. Should we venture back to Europe we will definitely contact you again. I will surely recommend your company to anyone traveling in Europe.

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