Tours & tickets

Library of Celsus

Explore the Greek and Roman ruins of Ephesus on this half-day sightseeing tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port. Small Group Tours are departing only from Kusadasi Cruise Port. This sharing tour option is best way to visit Ephesus Ancient City, Virgin Mary House and experience delicious local lunch which is included in tour programme Transfer to Ephesus and wander among the stunning ruins with a local guide, and see sites such as the Odeon Theatre, which could seat up to 1,400 spectators in its heyday. Admire beautiful Roman statues and decorations carved into marble slabs at the Pollio Fountain. Other highlights include the Celcius Library, completed by the Romans in 117AD. Admire the building’s awe-inspiring façade of columns, statues, and intact windows. Finally, explore the Greek Temple of Artemis, to see one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

According to your tour pick up time, meet with your guide and start your day. First, visit the House of Virgin Mary. Located 6 km to the north of the ruins of Ephesus, this church was built in 6C AD on top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD. Next check out Ephesus, an archeological treasure and the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During 1C AD, Ephesus was the second largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250.000 citizens. It was in the center of the known world and played the role of a gateway between the East and the West. With its giant harbor, it was also the center of trading in antiquity. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent gives you the feeling of a time traveler. After lunch, continue to the Temple of Artemis. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage place. At the end of the tour, head back to the port.

According your pick-up time, meet with your guide and transfer to the first sight in ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open-air museum in Turkey. Ephesus contains more then 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still have the marks of ancient chariot wheels. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and the gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests to be held here. The face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus originally built in 115 to 125. You might also be able to see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, the steam Scholastica Baths, marble road, agora and the Temple of Domitian. After visiting ancient Ephesus, continue to the Temple of Arthemis. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Goddess of the Hunt. Only the foundation and one column remains of this temple which once measured 425 feet by 220 feet wide. St. Paul’s successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this temple. The city reached its Golden Age and became a good model to the ancient world in culture and art. The tour finishes at around 1:00 PM, from here you will return to cruise port.

Private & Small Group Ephesus & The House of Virgin Mary Tour. Entrances are included After greeting begin your 20-minute drive to Ephesus. Once there, begin touring the city, which is one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. As a port city, this was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them discover the Baths of Scholastica and the Library of Celsus. Encounter the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater, which are 2 of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Visit the Terrace Houses, located on the skirt of Pion Mountain. See the 6 residential units which were built on 3 man-made terraces. These houses are decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics, settled by the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. ( Terrace Houses is included in Private with Terrace Houses and Small group with Terrace Houses Options only. Not included in other 2 options. Attention Not recommended for people who has walking difficulties and acro-phobia (fear of heights).) See the House of Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus, and learn about its connection to when Mary came to Ephesus in 431 A.D. and why this area became a place of pilgrimage in 1892. Stop at the Artemission Temple, where one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world used to be. This will be the final stop on your tour before your return drive to your point of origin. ( Meeting time is differenet for each cruises. Meeting time will be given in your confirmation in max 24 hours following your reservation . Meeting time will be 30 to 60 minutes after your cruise docks )

Start with a pickup from your hotel in Izmir. Then, the discovery of Ephesus begins with the House of the Virgin Mary and a 10-minute drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Explore the city by walking on the marble streets, accompanied by a guide.  See the Odeon, State Agora, the Pretension, the Memmius Monument, the Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, and the Latrines. Choose to take an optional visit to the terrace houses for an additional cost.  After the terrace houses, carry on with your exploration with the Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadian (harbor road). Enjoy a nice lunch served in a quaint local restaurant. Visit the Temple of Artemisa and take pictures of the Mosque of İsa Bey. Enjoy free time in the old village of Sirince to discover the traditional houses, the fruit-flavored wine production, and enjoy some wine tasting.  End the day with a transfer back to Izmir airport or to your hotel in Izmir.

Disembark and meet your private guide at the Kusadasi Port. Start by driving to the House of the Virgin Mary, the place where Mary may have spent her last days, officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986. Up next, enjoy a short drive to Ephesus to admire the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. Discover this historic site, one of the 7 churches of revelation, by walking along the marble streets in the company of your guide. See the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domatian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, Latriens and Private House, Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadine. Head over to the Temple of Artemis and snap photos of the Church of St. John and the Mosque of Isa Bey from the best possible angle. Finally, be dropped off back at the Kusadasi Port.

Travel back in time with this excursion to Ephesus from Izmir. You will tour the vestiges of one of the most surprising ancient cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. We will pick you up at the indicated hotel at 8:00 am and travel in a comfortable minibus to Ephesus, an ancient city located on the Ionia coast. After a trip of an hour and a half, we will reach the site of Ephesus, one of the great tourist attractions in Turkey, since it is one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the country. Once there, we will take a guided tour of Ephesus to see some of its monumental jewels, such as the Library of Celsus, one of the most luxurious bibliographic archives of the Roman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean. Nearby we will find the Roman Theater. Did you know that it had a capacity for 24,000 people? It is impressive! After the visit of Ephesus, we take a lunch. On the other hand, you will also have traditional shopping opportunities for jewelry, leather, or ceramic centers.

Morning: Ephesus Exploration & House of Virgin Mary Your journey begins with a pickup from Kusadasi Port, with all arrangements made according to your cruise schedule. The first stop is Ephesus, an ancient Greek city later transformed into a major Roman metropolis. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins and marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. As you walk along the historic marble streets, the grand Great Theater, where St. Paul once preached, awaits at the end, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. Next, visit the sacred Shrine of Mother Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and reflect on the site's historical and religious significance. Afternoon: Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque & Carpet Weaving Proceed to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few ruins remain, the temple’s historical importance and grandeur can still be appreciated. Continue to the historic Isa Bey Mosque, an architectural gem from the 14th century, reflecting the early Turkish and Seljuk design elements. End the tour with a visit to a carpet cooperative, where you can witness the intricate process of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. Learn about the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating these exquisite handmade textiles. Evening: Return to Kusadasi Port Finally, relax on the comfortable drive back to Kusadasi Port, reflecting on a day filled with historical insights, cultural heritage, and breathtaking ancient sites.

Start your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Izmir and enjoy the drive to your first destination, the House of the Virgin Mary, a popular pilgrimage site. After a 1-hour visit to the church, you'll head to Ephesus, a 10-minute drive away. Walk the marble streets of Ephesus and see the Odeon, the State Agora, the Prytaneion, the Memmius Monument, the Domination Temple and much more. Ephesus is an exceptional testimony of the Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods. Enjoy a nice lunch during the 2-hour stay in Ephesus, and take the opportunity to visit the "Terrace Houses" (entry fee not included). Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. See the Church of St. John and the Mosque of Isa Bey. Next, visit Sirince, a village popular for its beautiful traditional houses and fruit-flavored wines. Enjoy some free time for wine tasting.

Embark on a captivating half-day journey from Kuşadası port to explore the ancient marvels of Ephesus and the revered Artemis Temple, a testament to Turkey's rich historical tapestry. Your tour begins as you disembark at Kuşadası port, where your knowledgeable guide awaits to escort you on a scenic drive to Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved ancient cities. Upon arrival at Ephesus, step back in time as you wander through the remarkably intact ruins of this former Roman capital. Marvel at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the expansive Great Theatre where performances once echoed, and the intricate mosaic floors of the Terrace Houses showcasing ancient Roman lifestyle. Next, your journey continues to the nearby Artemis Temple, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Admire the solemn columns that remain standing, a poignant reminder of the temple's former splendor and significance in the ancient world. Throughout your tour, your guide shares insightful commentary, bringing the history and culture of Ephesus and Artemis Temple to life. Learn about the city's prominence as a center of trade, religion, and philosophy during its heyday, and gain a deeper understanding of its enduring legacy. After immersing yourself in the rich history of Ephesus and Artemis Temple, return to Kuşadası port filled with awe and appreciation for Turkey's extraordinary archaeological treasures.