PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Kusadasi, Turkey
- 4 to 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Avoid the hassle of waiting for other travelers and book this private and customizable tour of Ephesus designed for cruise passengers. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world, but it can be difficult to plan on your own. With this private shore excursion, let someone else handle the logistics when you book this hassle-free shore excursion. Take guided tours of the Ephesus Ruins, House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis, plus learn about Turkey's rich handicraft culture.
- A private tour means you get your guide's undivided attention
- Enjoy plenty of time to explore the UNESCO-listed site with a guide
- Worry-free shore excursion: guaranteed on time return to your cruise ship
- Upgrade to add the Terraced Houses and/or a Turkish lunch
What's Included
- Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
- PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service
- Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off (mentioned on the details)
- GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
- Private transportation with modern, A/C minivans, each operated by a dedicated professional driver
- Museum Entrance Tickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
- Museum Entrance Tickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Kusadasi Cruise Port
Pickup details
IMPORTANT NOTICE: ⚠️ Entrance Tickets of Ephesus Ruins and Mary's House are included if the included option is chosen. On the day of the tour, if you would like to visit any other place, you are responsible with the entrance ticket of that place. ⚠️ ⛔️ GROUP TOURS force you to follow fixed schedules and visit places based on their timing, regardless of your interests! You’re stuck with fast and slow travelers alike, having to keep up with the group. Plus, you have to pay all ENTRY FEES IN ADVANCE, whether you're interested in the sites or not. Why pay for places you don't want to visit and feel obligated to go just because you paid? ⛔️ ⚠️ Our PRIVATE TOURS give you the flexibility you need. Entry fees are not included, so you only pay for the places that genuinely interest you. In the morning, we discuss your interests and tailor the itinerary accordingly. ⚠️ ✳️ With our PRIVATE TOURS, you have complete control, visiting only the places you want to see. Would you rather spend your day WAITING FOR OTHER TRAVELERS and FOLLOWING A FIXED ITINERARY, or ENJOY A PRIVATE TOUR CUSTOMIZED JUST FOR YOUR FAMILY? The choice is yours! ✳️ *****CRUISE PASSENGERS WHO WILL JOIN FROM THE CRUISE PORT***** • Upon your ship's arrival at the port, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to meet with our team WITHIN 30 to 45 MINUTES. By doing so, you can bypass the crowds, school busses, and hot weather, ensuring an enhanced and MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS. • WHY CHOOSE OUR PRIVATE TOURS OVER THE GROUP TOURS? Your time is valuable, don't waste it in the Group Tours by waiting for other fellow travelers! NOTE: ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY FOR PICK-UPS FROM IZMIR, BODRUM, OR OTHER PORTS THEN KUSADASI.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
View tour option
Itinerary
1
Kusadasi
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Ephesus Ancient City
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
The House of the Virgin Mary
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
The Temple of Artemis
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Ephesus Terrace Houses
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Kusadasi Shopping Center (Pass By)
Kusadasi Castle (Pass By)
Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI (Pass By)
6
Kusadasi
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- UPON YOUR SHIP'S ARRIVAL AT THE PORT, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO MEET WITH OUR TEAM WITHIN 30 TO 45 MINUTES. BY DOING SO, YOU CAN BYPASS THE CROWDS, SCHOOL BUSES, AND HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS, ENSURING AN ENHANCED AND MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS.
- OUR PRIVATE TOURS ENSURE GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE SHIP.
- BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TOUR WITH US, VERIFIED PROVIDER OF KUSADASI/EPHESUS CRUISE PORT!
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 7,617 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Donald_H, Jul 2026
Canada Aydin was an excellent guide and made us all feel welcome. Very knowledgeable and informative. Explained in detail what we saw in Ephesus.
Kelly_Z, Jul 2026
Enjoyed the tour with Ozzy! He has been very informative and detailed which we appreciate.
Ephesus did not disappoint, and had a great local, authentic lunch. Got a locally made rug I'm super excited about too after watching in person how detailed the rugs are that they make!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Elizabeth_F, Jul 2026
Amazing day in Turkey! Josh was the best guide. He also took priceless family pictures. Great to experience some of the local culture.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Loize_N, Jul 2026
I was debating about doing a tour in Ephesus or just walking around on my own. I am so glad I chose this tour. Ozzy, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and great. The lunch stop was phenomenal as well.
I totally recommend it. You will leave this wanting to plan your next trip to Turkey!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Marianne_M, Jul 2026
Absolutely amazing experience with our guide Nilay and our driver Ahmet.
Ahmet was an excellent driver, ensuring we were comfortable at all times. He was friendly and made us feel so welcome. Nilay our guide was fantastic. Nilay's knowledge of the places we visited was outstanding. Nilay ensured we were well cared for, she took time to explain everything to us and we are thankful that we were allocated a guide who was so helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend this tour, you won't be disappointed.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
SandraM_J, Jul 2026
Fatima was so knowledgeable about everything Ephesus! She took us the see the home of Virgin Mary, the original 1300’s mosque and to the ruins of ancient Ephesus. Wow! She was phenomenal and kind. Her command of the English language was amazing and she was so patient while we walked and looked around. She picked us up quickly and kept us on schedule.
Thank you Fatima!!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Jami_D, Jul 2026
Nil is an amazing tour operator! She was very attentive and sweet, knows her history and made excellent recommendations the whole time.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
SatkaranS_S, Jul 2026
The experience very good. Canan was really knowledgeable and she explained everything in detail. I will remember this experience all my life.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Susan_L, Jul 2026
Fatima was our tour guide and she was amazing! Her knowledge and passion for history and the area was awesome. We arrived at the port with Holland America. We were able to beat the crowds and heat.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Clifford_P, Jul 2026
The tour guide Aliza and the driver were fabulous! This private tor exceeded our expectations. Aliza was extremely knowledgeable and very thoughtful and caring for us seniors. He was born and raised in the area. We learned so much about Ephesus, the Holy Mary’s home, St John’s Basilica etc. the sites were amazing. He brought us to a neighborhood restaurant for lunch that was not only beautiful with great food but also very reasonable.
We highly recommend this tour group!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Eric_M, Jun 2026
Nilay was an excellent guide, she shared her love of her country, the history, and the culture. It was an excellent tour of Ephesus and the surrounding area, perfect for a single day in the area.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Corey_E, Jun 2026
Awesome tour. Peri is the best. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly, flexible. Highly recommend. A+++
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Susan_P, Jun 2026
Nilgun was a fantastic guide! She shared so much information about Turkey. We enjoyed the Ephesus archeological site. Had a great local lunch and tour of a rug factory. Would recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Tien_N, Jun 2026
Fatima has been extremely helpful and accommodating to us. We had a private tour with her and her driver. The entire tour was phenomenal. She was picked up and dropped off on time and the historical information at the different sites was very eye opening. She arranged everything based on our individual needs.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Nadiya_R, Jun 2026
Our tour guide Josh was great. He is very knowledgeable about history of Turkey. He speaks perfect English having spent half his life in England and the other half in Turkey. He helped us customize our tour so we had time to go to the beach at the end. I would highly recommend Josh for anyone (couples, families with kids, small groups) who want to visit the area around Kusadasi.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Ryan_M, Jun 2026
Really. We’ve been to Barcelona, Malta,
Chania, and Santorini before Ephesus. All nice, but this was the best of the bunch. Our tour guide, Josh, was accommodating, knowledgeable, and personable. He planned our day to avoid the crowds form four cruise ships docking the day of our tour. Our lunch was delicious, fresh, and truly authentic. Just amazing history to experience. The stops to see carpet weavers and leather tailors were equally memorable. We ended up with buying a carpet and two leather jackets, but there was no pressure to do so.
Book this tour, especially if you haven’t toured the area before. You won’t regret it.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Peter_K, Jun 2026
Nilay is an absolute gem!!! A wonder guide for Ephesus. This was our second visit to Ephesus and we learned so much more from Nilay. We also toured a Turkish carpet factory. The carpets were amazing. Ultimately we purchased an incredible silk carpet and were able to meet the woman who spent 2 years weaving our carpet. We finished with a very traditional Turkish lunch. Food and service was excellent. My advice to all tourists of this area...leave EARLY! If you can leave your ship by 7am it is best! You can beat the crowds and be more comfortable.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Charles_C, Jun 2026
Ozzy was a fantastic guide and explained the culture of Turkey so well and in a clear and concise manner. He was tremendously receptive to all of our questions and led us through the crowds quickly. He is very knowledgeable about Ephesus and Turkish history. We really enjoyed the tour and would not hesitate to ask for him again in the future.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Daniel_H, Jun 2026
Tour was excellent. Make sure to bring an umbrella because there is not much shade. Our tour guide was great. He was very knowledgeable, kind and personable.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Serina_P, Jun 2026
Fatima was an excellent tour guide. We had a wonderful day at Ephesus, customized for us. We learned so much about its history, culture, people, and biblical sites. She and the driver were so helpful and informative. They also managed the day so we weren’t exposed to the heat and crowds. What an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Peter_C, Jun 2026
Most of the tour was good but beware of high pressure sales schemes. The Turkish rug co-op was really interesting until you get trapped in a room and they spend an hour unrolling rug after rug trying to get you to buy one. Later is the leather company. Just say no to that stop. Again-a pushy sales situation in which we were forced to sit through a super awkward fashion show of leather goods. The actual sights were good but this ruined the experience for us.
Jason_A, Jun 2026
Incredible place to visit. Tour was very great and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this trip.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Amy_S, Jun 2026
Perfect for our family of 6, with 2 kids, 8 & 12 years old and grandparents in their 70’s, this was awesome. Josh was amazing, very nice and knowledgeable. Driver was great! Glad to have our own personal AC van that was comfortable. They had the day scheduled but were flexible to add anything else we wanted to see. Didn’t book lunch at first but decided to add there, highly recommend!
We all agreed it was one of the best tours we have been on. Wished it was in other countries.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Ariana_A, Jun 2026
Nilay was a great tour guide. She really makes you feel like family when she is showing you around Turkey. We went to Ephesus and not only was she knowledgeable, but being able to touch the marble pillars, sit on the stadium seats, and walk the same grounds makes you feel like you were there. We also visited a Turkish carpet store that showed their art and ate at a local restaurant for lunch. The food was delicious and Nilay was incredibly hospitable. She made us feel like we are apart of her family.
When we come back, we will definitely ask for her again.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Ann_D, Jun 2026
Our guide Sude was outstanding! She is very knowledgeable and took her time explaining everything to us. The ride was very comfortable and smooth.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Lauren_D, Jun 2026
We had an amazing time on our Ephesus tour! Our tour guide’s name was Fatima, and she was extremely knowledgeable and kind. She was easy to find at the port and had great communication prior to meeting. She brought us through key areas of Turkey including the Ephesus ancient ruins, The House of Mary, a Turkish carpet store, and a Turkish leather store (featuring a fashion show!). We had a delicious local lunch (not included in the price of the excursion), but she carved out time in the tour to eat. The van was clean, spacious, and air conditioned. We did not have to worry about making it back to the ship on time as she gave an hour of wiggle room. Our tour lasted approx from 9:30am-5:30pm.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Katie_G, Jun 2026
Canon was an amazing tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable and was able to customize our experience as our day progressed.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Linda_D, Jun 2026
This tour is great way to see some of Kusadasi while on the way to Ephesus. Our guide was very knowledgeable and having a private tour was a treat! Julshah devoted her time to just my daughter and I and our tour was very personalized. Ephesus is a must see for the history, amazing structures and the feeling it invoked. You can just imagine the Apostle Paul walking there and ministering to the Ephesians. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Andre_L, Jun 2026
We had a fantastic time. Our guide Fatima was incredibly knowledgeable and her English was great. She helped arrange our lunch for 17 and made our your unforgettable.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Lisa_H, Jun 2026
Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and driver excellent. We enjoyed Ancient Ephesus and Mary’s House and drive by sights. Interesting seeing how rugs are made. Great price for private tour in comfortable car. Pick up and drop off right at port was great.
NEGATIVES- reason for 3 stars. Tour went way over 4-6 hour . The carpet co-op and leather store were a sales pitch. We made it clear before going to rug co-op we did not want to buy a rug. The people were nice but at end of day, we were very disappointed we spent so much time in 2 places not on our itinerary.
From $29.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Attractions in Kusadasi, Turkey
- Kusadasi Cruise Port Tours & Tickets
- Baths of Varius Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Artemis (Artemision) Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus Tours & Tickets
- Sirince Tours & Tickets
- Priene Tours & Tickets
- Ephesus (Efes) Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Caravanserai (Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai) Tours & Tickets
- House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) Tours & Tickets
- Didyma Tours & Tickets
- Public Latrine at Ephesus Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Shopping Center (Kusadasi AVM) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica of St. John Tours & Tickets
- Dilek National Park (Dilek Milli Parki) Tours & Tickets
- Sardis (Sart) Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Castle Tours & Tickets
- Miletus (Miletos) Tours & Tickets
- Library of Celsus Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Kusadasi, Turkey
- Ephesus (Efes) Tours & Tickets
- House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Artemis (Artemision) Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Castle Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Caravanserai (Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai) Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Shopping Center (Kusadasi AVM) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica of St. John Tours & Tickets