Kusadasi and Ephesus shore excursions

The ancient city of Ephesus is a must-visit destination while you're in port in Kusadasi. On this private shore excursion, you will visit the ruins of the former Roman capital and learn about the history of its monuments and buildings from your private guide. You will also see the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final days.

Highlights

• Private shore excursion from Kusadasi to Ephesus

• Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where Mary last lived

• Explore the ancient city of Ephesus

• See the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• Find exciting historical data and Roman stories from your private local guide

When you disembark your cruise ship at the Kusadasi port, meet your private guide and make your way to the ancient city of Ephesus. On arrival, you will find yourself in front of the Magnesia Gate, built to the side of the road that connected Ephesus with Magnesia. Enter Ephesus through this gate, which pedestrians and horses and chariots used to make their way into the city.

Inside the city, tour the sites with your guide. You’ll see the Celsus Library, one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. It had capacity to hold more than 12,000 scrolls. The library is also a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia, whose grave is located beneath the ground floor.

Your guide will lead you to the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater and tell you historical facts and entertaining stories about these ancient sites. See the Temple of Hadrian, which holds three panels depicting the mythological foundation of Ephesus.

You’ll also see one of the most popular sites in Ephesus, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. First built during the Archaic period, the temple is one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World.

Lastly, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Recognized by the Vatican as the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last days, this small house is a typical Roman construction, completely made of stone. The original two-story house consisted of several rooms, but today only the central part of the house and a room on the right of the altar are open to visitors, giving it the look of a church rather than a house.

Inclusions:

o Transport by private vehicle

o Professional guide

o Entrance fees

o All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)

• Food and drinks, unless specified

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Kusadasi Shore Excursion, 6 hours

Private Tour to Ephesus including Basilica of St John and Temple of Artemis

Explore the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus on a private shore excursion from the Kusadasi port. Learn about the rich history of this ancient city and visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St John and the Temple or Artemis (also known as Temple of Diana). At the Ephesus Museum, see excavations from Ephesus, as well as frescoes, mosaics and the two famous statues of the Artemis of Ephesus. A private guided tour ensures you make the most of your brief time in port.

Highlights

• Private shore excursion from Kusadasi to Ephesus

• Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John

• Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• See ancient artifacts at the Ephesus Museum

• Transport by private luxury vehicle for extra comfort

• Private tour guide for a more personalized experience

When you arrive in the port of Kusadasi, your private guide will be waiting to lead you to your own luxury vehicle, in which you can relax as your private shore excursion to Ephesus begins. Enter the magnificent city through the Magnesia Gate, and then stretch your legs during a walk with your guide into the ruins of this former Roman capital. The route will take you past the Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. Your guide will tell you about the architectural importance of these sites, as well as historical Roman events that took place there.

You will then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary spent the last days of her life. The house was discovered in the 19th century after the repeated visions of a Catholic nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, were published in a book. When the ruins of the house were discovered, a small shrine dedicated to St Mary was found there.

Next, see the graceful columns and mosaics that remain of the Basilica of St John, built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St John the Apostle. Enjoy the panoramic views of the rural Selcuk countryside and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. This temple, also known as the Temple of Diana (the Roman goddess equivalent), was first built during the Archaic period and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World .

Visit the Ephesus Museum, located near the entrance to the Basilica of St John, which displays excavations from the ancient city of Ephesus as well as frescoes and mosaics.