Ephesus Shore Excursions is a must-try if you are planning a cruise voyage that includes Kusadasi cruise port or Izmir cruise port. Located only 15 kilometers from Kusadası Port and 80 kilometers from Izmir port, this ancient city is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world with its rich history and culture dating back to 5000 BC. Ephesus is an amazing destination not to be missed, and the best way to explore it is on a shore excursion.
Ephesus shore excursions are not just about visiting the Ephesus Ancient City. So historically and religiously significant sights such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, the Basilica of St. John, and the Grotto of the seven sleepers are also located around Ephesus/Selcuk.
In this article, we will give you information about everything you need to know about Ephesus shore excursions, from departure ports to, the difference between private and group tours, and what to expect during your Ephesus tour.
Table of contents
Ephesus Shore Excursions Departure Ports
1- Ephesus Shore Excursions from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Kusadasi port is a popular cruise ship port that is just a short drive to Ephesus (approx. 15km.) and is located on the western coast of Turkey. It is the gateway to the Ephesus Ancient City. If you are arriving on a cruise ship at Kusadasi port, then taking an Ephesus shore excursion is the best way to explore the Ephesus historical zone. Click the links below to list Ephesus shore excursions from Kusadasi Port.
Ephesus shore excursions from Kusadasi port
2- Ephesus Shore Excursions from Izmir Cruise Port
Although not as busy as Kusadasi Cruise Port, Cruise ships also dock at Izmir cruise port. Izmir is located approximately 50km away from Ephesus and transportation is quite easy. When docking at Izmir port, many tourists usually choose to take a shore excursion to visit Ephesus and its surroundings. Click the links below to list Ephesus shore excursions from Izmir Port.
Ephesus shore excursions from Izmir Port
The following information will help you to decide which type of Ephesus shore excursions you should choose.
Type of Ephesus Shore Excursions from a Cruise Ship
There are two types of shore excursions to Ephesus. These are;
1- Private Ephesus Tours
Private Ephesus tours are ideal for cruise passengers who want a customized experience and prefer to have more control over the tour. With a private Ephesus tour, you can customize your tour according to your preferences and time limit. Private tours organized by Best Ephesus Tours are also more reasonable than group tours.
How to Join a Private Ephesus Shore Excursion?
You can simply click the links below to take a look at your private Ephesus shore excursions from Kusadasi and Izmir. We guarantee our guests %100 satisfaction and the best price guarantee.
Private Ephesus Shore Excursions from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Private Ephesus Shore Excursions from Izmir Cruise Port
2- Group Tours to Ephesus
With a group tour, you will be a part of a larger group of people and will follow a set itinerary. Unlike what is expected, in Ephesus tours organized by your cruise ship, groups usually consist of bus groups of 40 people. With such a large group, tour guides may skip or not be able to answer your questions as it is impossible to show everyone the most fascinating details. Also, you won’t have a chance to customize your tour as you wish.
How to Join a Bus Group Tour to Ephesus?
If you like to join a large group Ephesus tour, you should consult the authorized tour guides on your cruise ship.
Which Private Ephesus Shore Excursion Should I Prefer?
As Best Ephesus Tours, we have prepared Ephesus tour programs according to the itineraries most requested by our guests. Please note that you can customize your tour program according to your preferences and time limit. If you want to change your program during your tour, your tour guide will help you without paying us an extra fee.
Best of Ephesus Tours We Recommend
Private Ephesus tours listed below are Izmir cruise port and Kusadasi cruise port departure tours.
Best of Ephesus Tours
Best of Ephesus Tours is one of the best-selling tours and contains all the must-visit places in the area such as Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses (Not recommended for disabled guests), House of the Virgin Mary, and The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. You can add or remove sights such as the Basilica of St. John and Ephesus Archaeological Museum according to preferences and time limits. You can view the Best of Ephesus Tours details from the links below.
Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Best of Ephesus Tours from Izmir Cruise Port
Best of Ephesus Tours Video Demonstration
Biblical Ephesus Tour
Biblical Ephesus Tour focussed on Christianity in Ephesus Ancient City and sacred places like the House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John & The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. You can view the Best of Ephesus Tours details from the links below.
Biblical Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Biblical Ephesus Tour from Izmir Cruise Port
Best of Ephesus Tours & Shopping in Selcuk
Best of Ephesus Tours with shopping in Ephesus-Selcuk includes all the must-visit places in the Ephesus historical zone such as Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.
If you are interested in shopping in Turkey, Selcuk is one of the best places for shopping. Not only shopping but also you will have a chance to see how handcrafted carpets and rugs are made by talented craftsmen. These factories are supported by the Turkish Government and work as schools at the same time. In addition, you will visit the leather factory where well-known qualified leather jackets are produced and demonstrated by the models as a fashion show. The links below show you the Best of Ephesus Tours with shopping option details.
Best of Ephesus Tours and Shopping Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Best of Ephesus Tours and Shopping Tour from Izmir Cruise Port
Private Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour
Private Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour is designed for cruise guests who love history and nature. The tour contains Ephesus Ancient City, Sirince Village, and The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus visits. Sirince is a Greek-Turkish village, which was said to survive doomsday in 2012 according to the Mayan calendar. The links below show you the Best of Ephesus Tours with shopping option details.
Private Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Private Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from Izmir Cruise Port
Which Ephesus Tour Company Should I Choose?
Here are three things to consider when choosing a private Ephesus tour company;
- The Ephesus tour company must be a member of TURSAB.
- The tour guide assigned to you by the tour company must have a license from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- Most importantly, the Ephesus tour company should be a member of websites such as Tripadvisor and Google Business. So you can read the experiences of previous guests.
Click the link to read Ephesus Tour Reviews
Contact information of our Ephesus Tour Company;
Best Ephesus Tours
URL: https://www.bestephesustours.com
Top Attractions to Visit in Ephesus Shore Excursions
The Library of Celsus: The Library of Celsus in Ephesus is the third-biggest ancient library in the world and one of the most impressive ancient libraries ever built. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular highlight of Ephesus. Read More…
The Grand Theater: the Grand Theater of Ephesus is one of the largest ancient theaters in the world with a seating capacity of 25,000. This impressive structure was used for concerts, plays, and gladiator fights. Read More…
The Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was a magnificent structure dedicated to the goddess of Ephesian Artemis also known as Diana in the Roman period. Read More…
The House of the Virgin Mary: This tiny house, located on the top of Bulbul hill near Ephesus, is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. Read More…
Terrace Houses in Ephesus: The Terrace Houses in Ephesus Ancient City were inhabited by the most qualified social class people, therefore, the houses were also called “the house of the rich” or “palaces on the slope”. Read More…
Temple of Hadrian: The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus was built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 128 AD. The temple is an impressive example of Roman architecture and engineering, and it is one of the best-preserved ruins in Ephesus. Read More…
Sirince Village: Sirince is a village of around 700 inhabitants located 10km away from Ephesus ancient city on top of the hill. The village consists of beautiful Greek Houses. Fruit wines are the most famous production of Turkish Muslims continuing after the Greeks. Read More…
Ephesus Archaeological Museum: Ephesus Archaeological Museum is situated in the center of Selcuk-Ephesus. It’s only 2 kilometers away from Ephesus Ancient City. Some of the monuments unearthed following the establishment of the Turkish Republic are exhibited in various museums in Turkey, while some others are exhibited in this local museum in Selcuk town. The beautiful Artemis and the Great Artemis statues are the highlights of the museum. Read More…
The Basilica of St. John: Basilica of St John Ephesus is located on the slope of Ayasuluk Hill in Selcuk, where Apostle John was believed to live after the persecution in the Isle of Patmos. He died here at the age of 98 and was buried in the same location according to his will. Read More…
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration of the tour changes depending on the itinerary you choose and your time limit. Generally, it lasts between 4 to 6 hours.
Yes, the tour in Ephesus involves a fair amount of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat.
No, the tour is suitable for all ages. However, the Terrace houses in Ephesus is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for disabled guests.
As of March 15 2023 entrance fee for the House of Virgin Mary is 200 Turkish Liras or 10 Euros per person. Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard payments are accepted.)
As of April 1 2023 entrance fee for the Ephesus Ancient City is 400 Turkish Liras or 20 Euros per person. Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard payments are accepted.)
No. There is no dress code for Ephesus. However, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Yes. Ephesus ancient city is open every day including weekends.
Ephesus is approximately 80 km. away from Izmir. The driving distance between Izmir and Ephesus is around 1 hour.
Ephesus is approximately 15 km. away from Kusadasi. The driving distance between Kusadasi and Ephesus is around 25 minutes.
Today, Ephesus ancient city is located in the Selcuk district of Izmir Province in Turkey.
Ephesus is located approximately 600 kilometers (384 miles) away from Istanbul. The driving distance between Istanbul and Ephesus is approximately 6 hours. The flight time from Istanbul to Izmir is about 1 hour. The nearest airport (Izmir ADB airport) to Ephesus is located 50 kilometers away.
Yes, Ephesus is undoubtedly worth visiting! It was the third biggest city of the Roman empire with a population of 250.000 and well-preserved ancient cities in the world.