Private Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour + Optional Fine Dining
Description
A great option and affordably priced for an all-inclusive excursion from Kusadasi Port. See the ancient ruins, learn the culture of locals, and enjoy some great Aegean sea views on this private tour from Kusadasi Port. The highlights of this private tour are UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus, Temple of Artemis which one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Before the tour itinerary, we would like to emphasize that, in order to ensure a genuine private tour experience, we guarantee that there will be absolutely no visits to carpet, leather, ceramic, jewelry cooperatives or workshops during this tour. This tour is not a budget shopping trip with commercial stops. It is a genuine private tour, designed for travelers to experience history, archaeology, world heritage sites, and cultural experiences.
Your private guide will meet you at the arrival terminal exit gate of Kusadasi Cruise Port. Afterwards, you will take a short walk of about 50–100 meters to reach your private vehicle.
You will continue to the town of Selcuk by your private car for your tour of Ephesus and its surroundings. Selcuk is best known as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Selcuk is also home to landmarks such as the Basilica of St. John, the Isa Bey Mosque, and the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.
Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With innovative approach of this amazing museum, we offer an entirely mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory. (Admission to the Ephesus Experience Museum is free if you have a ticket for Ephesus Ancient City)
You will be walking from front of Terrace Houses during your tour, and your guide will provide information about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City. (There is no visit to this place included in the guided tour. However, you may add a short visit if your schedule allows.)
Another visit of your tour is Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus ancient city.
(Optional Dining Experience - Please add this experience to your booking at the time of purchase if you would like to include it.) Before we drop you back at Kusadasi Port, you may enjoy an authentic Turkish kebab experience at Köşebaşı Restaurant.Indulge in the rich flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine at the renowned Köşebaşı Restaurant. Famous for its perfectly grilled kebabs and warm hospitality, this dining experience will immerse you in the true taste of Turkey, making your journey even more memorable.
(Optional Dining Experience - Please add this experience to your booking at the time of purchase if you would like to include it.) Savor the finest flavors of the Aegean at Charides Restaurant, where fresh seafood is prepared with care and served in a warm, authentic atmosphere overlooking the sea. This culinary experience, enriched by stunning coastal views, will immerse you in the spirit of the region and add a delicious highlight to your journey.
You will drive back to Kusadasi and stop at the Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) for take photos of the Kusadasi Bay and your cruise ship.
At the end of the tour, we will return you to the cruise port in accordance with your onboard time. Please note: Different ships have varying arrival and departure schedules. We meticulously verify all timings, confirm them with passengers, and coordinate the return to the cruise port to ensure a smooth and timely transfer.
This small castle is picturesque Byzantine fortress stands on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can walk to this small castle after we dropped you to the port. The distance is approximately 500 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.
This caravanserai was built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to support maritime trade in the region. This historical building is opposite to Kusadasi cruise port. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can walk to this historical building after we dropped you to the port. The distance is approximately 120 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your private guide will meet you at the arrival terminal exit gate of Kusadasi Cruise Port, holding a sign with your name to help you find the guide easily.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
- ABSOLUTELY NO SHOPPING STOPS! : We guarantee that there will be absolutely no visits to carpet, leather, ceramic, jewelry cooperatives or workshops during this tour. This tour is not a budget shopping trip with commercial stops. It is a genuine private tour, designed for travelers to experience history, archaeology, world heritage sites, and cultural experiences.
- TRADITIONAL DINING EXPERIENCE (Optional) : Discover the true flavors of the region by savoring perfectly grilled, authentic Turkish kebabs or the freshest Aegean seafood, prepared with care and served in good-quality restaurants, offering an unforgettable culinary experience that captures the essence of Turkey’s rich gastronomic heritage.
- The local tour operator may request the details of ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- Your guide will have pre-paid tickets for the museums, ruins, churches, etc. before your tour, so you can skip the long ticket lines. You may pay the entrance fees to the guide in cash.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
- All the information provided above forms part of the terms and conditions for tour. You have been confirmed your acceptance of these when you book this tour. The local tour operator clearly specifies the details in the program, explanations, and reservation options, and is responsible only for the services indicated. That's why, please read those details while booking this tour.
Reviews(10)
Outstanding historical venue with religious significance, knowledgeable guide that made the trip memorable, did not make us feel pressured or hurried.
Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the historical and cultural significance of the site and that your guide helped make the experience memorable through their knowledge and approach. It is especially rewarding to know that you felt comfortable throughout the tour and were not rushed or pressured at any point, as we always aim to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for our guests. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future.
Excellent private tour explaining all the history and culture behind the site. Detailed analysis of the construction and settlement of the region. Lovely super comfortable van. Amazing sights!
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience on your private tour. It’s great to know that the detailed explanations about the history, culture, and settlement of the region enhanced your visit. We’re also glad that you enjoyed the comfort of the van and the amazing sights—these are all part of making the experience even more enjoyable for you. Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future.
Having visited bot Pompeii & Ephesus on our recent trip, we have to say that while they are BOTH amazing sights, IF you only have time for 1, this would be the one we enjoyed the most. The tour guides were both knowledgeable & professional
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great time visiting both Pompeii and Ephesus. While both sites are truly amazing, it’s wonderful to know that you particularly enjoyed your time in Ephesus. We’re also glad to hear that our guides were able to provide you with the knowledge and professionalism that enhanced your experience. Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future.
We enjoyed the tour of Ephesus and found the guide to be very knowledgeable. We would have liked to spent more time exploring but we were given a time to leave, so we could drive to a carpet maker and spend an hour trying to be sold on carpets and jewelry. Would have liked that hour in the site and not for a sales pitch.
Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your thoughts. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tour of Ephesus and that the guide’s knowledge enhanced your experience. We understand your desire to have had more time at the site, and we sincerely regret that the visit to the carpet maker took away from that. While we aim to provide guests with a complete cultural experience, we understand that not everyone may wish to spend time at these additional stops. We will certainly take your feedback into account as we continue to refine our tours. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future.
First, our tour guide was great! He was very knowledgeable and very passionate about teaching others about the culture and history of Turkey and Ephesus. He was super friendly and answered all of our questions. If you are going to Turkey, you have to visit Ephesus…so beautiful and ancient. First we stopped at a Turkish pottery/ceramic shop which the owner was very hospitable offering us coffee, drinks, “whatever you would like.” I did get to spin the pottery wheel which was a blast. I did feel like visiting her was a tourist trap and felt expected to buy something but nevertheless the products were beautiful and it was an experience. Next, I was excited to see the temple of Artemis but it was a little underwhelming. Overall I would recommend this private tour as it is just the guide and your group and have his full attention. Also this is a great price for transportation to see and learn about Ancient Ephesus.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience with your tour guide, who was passionate and knowledgeable about the culture and history of Turkey and Ephesus. It’s always wonderful to hear when our guides are able to engage and answer all of your questions. We also appreciate your comments regarding the pottery visit. While we strive to offer a genuine cultural experience, we understand that these stops might not be for everyone. It’s great to hear that you had fun with the pottery wheel, though! Regarding the Temple of Artemis, we understand that some sites may not meet expectations, especially when compared to other world-famous wonders, but we appreciate your feedback and will continue to ensure the best possible experiences. Thank you for recommending the private tour, and we hope to have the chance to welcome you again on another adventure in the future.
Our guide, Atakan, was fantastic! Great info, good sense of humor and punctual. We had a wonderful day in Ephesus.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We’re thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience with Atakan as your guide. His knowledge, sense of humor, and punctuality are all qualities we strive to provide, and it’s great to hear that they added to your enjoyable day in Ephesus. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future.
The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. He were able to go at our own pace and he provided as little or as much information as we wanted. A big highlight was we asked to go to an authentic restaurant. It was a quiet restaurant we sat outside, the food was amazing and not very expensive.
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that the guide was able to offer a personalized experience, allowing you to go at your own pace and providing as much information as you desired. It’s great to know that you had a chance to enjoy an authentic restaurant experience. We always strive to offer local, unique dining options, and it’s wonderful to hear that the food was amazing and the prices were reasonable. Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future.
Well worth the visit, our guide, Mehmet, was amazing, he brought the ruins to life! Collection from port was well organised and stress free
Great excursion! Ephesus is not to be missed! The private van with guide (Haluk) is the best way to go. So much better than the big bus and crappy headsets. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The trip is longer than listed. It was about 5 hours. If you do not want to tour a carpet facility and be asked to buy a Turkish rug, please tell your guide. This took up an hour of time. Overall, a great tour that I highly suggest!
Our guide Honor was very courteous, knowledgeable, patient, accommodating, and really cool! He never rushed us. He tried to get to know us and how we would like the tour done. He was a good listener. We love Turkey because of him. What a great guy!
