• Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population of over 250,000 people in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome and was also a major harbor city. This vast city was constructed entirely of marble. Did you know Ephesus had the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, seating over 25,000 people? You can also see the Goddess Nike, a local pharmacy, Hadrian’s Gate, the Library of Celsus (the third largest library), Marble Street, and Harbor Street.

• Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. She is said to have arrived in Ephesus with St. John and lived there from 37-45 CE until her Assumption or Dormition.

• Ephesus Terrace Houses - The Terraced Houses are located on a hill opposite the Temple of Hadrian. Also known as “the houses of the rich,” they provide insight into family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan, with roads intersecting at right angles.

• The Prytaneion - Behind the basilica is the Prytaneion, where religious ceremonies, official receptions, and banquets were held. The sacred flame symbolizing the heart of Ephesus was kept constantly alight here. The building dates back to the 3rd century BC, during the reign of Lysimachus, but the ruins are from the Augustan age.

The four-cornered pit where the sacred fire burned is a relic from Lysimachus’s reign. The front of the building features four columns, leading to a courtyard surrounded by a portico. The north side houses the ceremonial hall and its side rooms, where the eternal flame was located. The red color on the floor marked the flame’s location.

Double columns at the corners of the hall supported the wooden roof. During excavations, archaeologists found two Artemis statues, now displayed in the Ephesus Museum.

• Fountain of Pollio - Water was brought to Ephesus from three main sources via aqueducts and distributed through a system of baked clay pipes. The sources were Kencherios (42 km) at Kuşadası, the Çamlık village stream of Marnas (15 km), and the Cayster River (20 km). Water was provided free of charge at public fountains, offering refreshment on hot summer days.

The fountain features a high arch facing the Temple of Domitian and was decorated with numerous statues. One of these, the Head of Zeus, is now in the Ephesus Museum. Some statues were likely taken from the Temple of Isis to repair the fountain after an earthquake. The statue group of Odysseus and Polyphemus, once on the basin, is also displayed in the Ephesus Museum.

• Baths of Varius - The ruins east of the basilica belong to the Baths of Varius, dating to the Roman period. The construction dates to the 2nd century AD, and the mosaics in the 40-meter-long corridor date to the 5th century.

The baths were built of cut marble blocks and had three sections: frigidarium (cold water), tepidarium (warm water), and caldarium (hot water). Excavations are still ongoing.

• The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Located in Ephesus, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

• Deluxe Lunch at Carpet Village
• Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
• A Bottle of Water During Tour
• Professional Licensed Tour Guide

• Driver & Guide Tips - Gratitue
• Beverages
• Admission Fees to Attractions

This private tour is ideal for those who want to explore the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings at their own pace.

Your personal guide will meet you at Kusadasi port, accompany you to the various sites, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

At Ephesus, you will see the impressive ruins of the ancient city, including the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Terrace Houses, also known as the “houses of the rich,” are some of the most impressive structures in Ephesus, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite of ancient times. Finally, the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be the final resting place of Mary.

At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at Kusadasi port.

Stores to Visit:
Turkish Carpet Weaving Village
Ceramic Workshop
Leather Factory

• GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE.
• PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY.
• EXCLUSIVE PERSONALIZED TOUR.
• FOR CRUISE TRAVELERS.
• Ephesus entrance fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• House of Virgin Mary entrance fee is 500 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Terrace Houses entrance fee is 15 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Personalized greeting with name at the port is an additional 3 euros per person.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.