Tours/Kusadasi/Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
4.6(56)Kusadasi3–6 hours
VIATOR4.5(45)TRIPADVISOR5.0(11)
+27 photos
At a glance
Duration
3–6 hours
Price from
$6 / person
Location
Kusadasi, Türkiye
Rating
4.6 / 5 · 56 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Turco Travel
Description
Discover the captivating allure of Ephesus with our unforgettable private tour. Immerse yourself in ancient history as you explore the well-preserved ruins of the renowned Library of Celsus, the grand amphitheater, and the magnificent Temple of Artemis. Led by expert guides, this immersive journey will transport you back in time, unveiling the secrets of one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
✅ Private shore excursion to Ephesus from Kusadasi Port
✅ Express port pick-up and drop-off
✅ Travel by luxury minivan ensures a personalized experience
# Opportunity to explore and purchase local goods at Tax-Free Shopping outlets upon request
# Satisfaction & Money back guarantee.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
17 times a day, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Next available
Fri, Oct 9
Adult (ages 1+)
$6
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
Tour Options
Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Pickup included
Private Ephesus Tour
VIP Private Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Pass by
Pick up from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Ephesus Ancient City
Admission not included180 min
Travel back in time nearly two millennia and discover Ephesus Ancient City during this guided day trip from Kusadasi Cruise Port. You will be able to see the best preserved ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean. Stroll along roads once roamed by toga-clothed Romans. Enjoy visits to the Library of Celsus and the stunning Great Theatre. Gaze at temples and walk along shop-lined streets. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. Meet your guide at Kusadasi port and drive 30 minutes to the Magnesia Gate of Ephesus. Learn general information about the history of Ephesus. Then, walk to Odeon and along the way, learn about East Gymnasium, St Lukes Grave, Varius Bath, State Agora, and Backgammon. After visiting Odeon, walk to Domitian Square and along the way, see the temple of Isis, Hydrekdocheion, Temenos, Prytaneion, so-called Hospital, and Herm of Hermes. After the tour of the ancient sites will come to an end and you will back to Kusadasi Cruise Port.
The House of the Virgin Mary
Admission not included60 min
Discover the tranquil and sacred Virgin Mary’s House, nestled in the serene hills of Selçuk. Believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, this holy site is a place of deep spiritual significance for both Christians and Muslims.
Explore the simple yet profound stone structure, preserved as a chapel where visitors can experience peace and reflection. Outside, visit the Wishing Wall, where pilgrims leave prayers and wishes, and the holy spring, said to have healing properties. (Optional)
Virgin Mary Statue
Pass by
You’ll pass by the Virgin Mary Statue, a serene monument honoring the mother of Jesus. Take a moment to capture a memorable photo in front of this symbolic landmark, set against the picturesque backdrop of Selçuk’s tranquil hills.
The Temple of Artemis
Admission included30 min
You will visit Temple of Artemis, one of 7 wonders of ancient times before heading back to Kusadasi Cruise Port
Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park
Pass by
Enjoy a brief stop at Gazi Begendi Hill in Kusadasi. This scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of the town, its sparkling coastline, and the Aegean Sea. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the region and capture stunning photos to remember your journey.
What's included
Included
Guarantee ON TIME RETURN TO CRUISE SHIP
Private English Speaking Guide
Pick-up and drop-off by Luxury Minivan
Pickup Locations & Times
Your guide will be waiting for you at the second exit gate to avoid from rush at the first exit. After you proceed to first exit, you will see tourist information and change office just on your right side. Please follow the exit from the passage with souvenir shops just infront of the change office and you will see your guide at the end of this passage. Holding “Turco Travel” sign.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.6
56 reviews
5
49
4
1
3
1
2
1
1
4
How it compares in Kusadasi
Starting price $6 is 89% below the typical $53 for tours of similar length in Kusadasi
Excurgo comparison of 1,243 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers take?
Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers lasts about 3–6 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers cost?
Prices start at $6 per person for this Kusadasi experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 17 departures a day between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Can I cancel Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Your guide will be waiting for you at the second exit gate to avoid from rush at the first exit. After you proceed to first exit, you will see tourist information and change office just on your right side. Please follow the exit from the passage with souvenir shops just infront of the change office and you will see your guide at the end of this passage. Holding “Turco Travel” sign.
What languages is Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 30 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Ephesus Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 56 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Turco Travel.
Reviews(56)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
Lori_C
August 1, 2026 · via Viator
Tourist Trap - High Sales Pressure!!!!! DO NOT GO!
The first portion of the tour was as expected and nice. We were then brought to a carpet weaving compound- where we were very highly pressured to buy rugs - after finally escaping the rug salesmen- literally following us out the door. They tried to shuffle us into a jewelry sales room. Then we were being led to a restaurant for “home made Turkish food” - at an additional cost. We stated we did not want to eat at this location. We asked what else we could do next and the guide suggested outlet malls. I am a very frequent customer of Viator and have never experienced this type of trap. I specifically order private tours to avoid these types of issues. We are so disappointed and frustrated.
Operator response
We sincerely apologize for any previous wording or implication that caused offense or misrepresented your work and Turkish culture. You are completely right, and I appreciate you setting the record straight.
Carpet weaving is a celebrated cornerstone of Turkish cultural heritage, representing centuries of craftsmanship, art, and history. Demonstrating this tradition is a vital part of sharing authentic local culture with visitors.
Your commitment to a strict zero-tolerance policy against high-pressure tactics—including ending contracts with guides who fall short of those standards—demonstrates clear integrity and deep respect for your guests.
Thank you for bringing this up and standing up for genuine cultural exchange and high professional standards. So your guide's contract has been terminated after your review.
M
Maureen_T
July 9, 2026 · via Viator
Turkey excursion
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and efficient with our time!!! She offered a lot of valuable experience.
Operator response
Thank you for your feedback, it was our pleasure to host you! 🙏
A
adriano_m
June 16, 2026 · via Viator
No support
I made the purchase and close to the time they asked me to cancel that I had no availability. Speaking with support I no longer had a return to the value.
Operator response
Your refund is already made, next time you book atleast 1 day before. You made last minute reservation and we refunded your money in full. What else do you want?
T
Traveler10000Texas
October 20, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A lot of history in one day
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and professional. I liked not having to travel in a big group and wait on others to go see what I wanted to see. We didn’t want to see inside the house of Virgin Mary so thankfully she showed us how to skip the line saving us about an hour or more wait. We didn’t get to see Basilica except from a distance.
Operator response
Thank you for your review!
M
MaryBeth_B
September 15, 2025 · via Viator
Tour was Ok
Tour operator should have warned us how slippery & difficult to walk on marble in Ephesus!! We saw many people fall.
Also you are going to have 2 different sales pitches for pottery & rugs. They both have beautiful pieces.
Instead of those stops we would have preferred beach or water areas
Operator response
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We truly value your comments, as they help us improve the experience we provide.
We are sorry to hear that you found the marble paths in Ephesus challenging. The ancient city is indeed paved with original marble that can be uneven and sometimes slippery. Our guides usually remind guests to wear comfortable shoes and take extra care when walking, but we will ensure this is emphasized even more clearly in the future.
Regarding the cultural stops at pottery and rug ateliers, these are part of many tours to give visitors a chance to experience traditional Turkish craftsmanship. That said, we completely understand that preferences differ, and we will make a note for future guests who might prefer to spend more time by the sea or in nature instead.
Your feedback is very important to us, and we hope to have the chance to welcome you again with an itinerary tailored more closely to your interests.
C
CHRISTINE_W
August 26, 2025 · via Viator
Wonderful and interesting day on the history and significance of Ephesus
We have a wonderful time with the Ephesus old city tour. Our guide Adam is very friendly and approachable. He is very knowledgeable about the history and significance of the old city and we learned a lot from him. Since we are not interested in the house of Mary, he then took us to visit the Terrace Houses as well as the Ephesus archaeological museum instead. Both of them we found very interesting and gave us deeper understanding and knowledge. We are very happy and satisfied indeed with the tour.
Operator response
Thank you for your feedback!
M
Mike_B
August 17, 2025 · via Viator
Amazing Insight into ancient civilizations. Extremely well done!!
This tour is an amazing glimpse into the origins of civilization. Our guide was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. We opted for only four hours but packed in a lot of sites.
The ancient city is amazing and our guide knew so much and really gave us a great overview. We also visited the Virgin Mary house which was really interesting.
We ended the tour with lunch at an amazing restaurant that served traditional Turkish food.
We asked our guide to join us for lunch which she did. We let her order for us and we sampled amazing dishes.
Definitely recommend this tour!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your review!
S
Suzanne_C
July 23, 2025 · via Viator
only if you are interesred i going to leather, rug factories or souvenier places...
The trip did not include tickets to Ephesus and House of Maria. The guide asked if we'd like to pass any of the spots on the planned iteneraries to go to leather, rug factories or souvenier places. Unless you are interested in visiting these factories and shopping, this is not the right tour to book.
R
Roman_V
June 4, 2025 · via Viator
Interesting place, excellent guide.
Excellent service, from the means of transport, very prepared guideb makes it very entertaining, as well as visited places of great interest
Operator response
Thank you for your review!
S
Svetlana_A
May 28, 2025 · via Viator
We had an exceptional...
We had an exceptional experience with our guide, Hüray Iladız. She was incredibly professional, deeply knowledgeable, and shared the history of Ephesus and surrounding areas with such passion and insight. Her friendly demeanor and kind spirit made the tour not only educational but truly enjoyable. Hüray is a bright and engaging guide who went above and beyond—we would give her more than five stars if we could!
