Kusadasi: Ephesus, St. Johns Basilica, and Artemis Temple …

Kusadasi serves as a gateway to some of Turkey’s most remarkable historical sites. Nestled along the Aegean coast, this vibrant city offers easy access to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis. Exploring these captivating destinations not only immerses visitors in the region’s rich past but also provides a unique opportunity to uncover the cultural tapestry that has shaped this remarkable corner of the world.

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Key Points

This guided excursion from the cruise port in Kusadasi covers the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary.
The tour includes a 2.5-hour guided visit to Ephesus, an optional 30-minute tour of the Temple of Artemis, and a 2-hour lunch break in Selcuk.
Highlights of the tour include exploring the Byzantine Church of St. John, browsing a Turkish handicrafts cooperative, and experiencing the rich history and culture of the region.
Guests have the opportunity to visit the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and learn about its significance.
The tour concludes with a 1.5-hour traditional Turkish bath experience at the Adasaray hamam, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the local culture.

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Tour Overview

The Kusadasi tour offers visitors the opportunity to discover the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary on a guided excursion from the port.

Discover the ancient wonders of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary on a guided Kusadasi tour.

Priced from $50.00 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is valid for one day, with various starting times available. Guests will enjoy live English-speaking guides and wheelchair accessibility.

The tour explores these key highlights with flexibility to spend desired time at each site, ensuring a worry-free shore excursion with guaranteed return to the ship.

Looking for more options in Selcuk? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

Starting from the Ege Ports, the tour begins with a 30-minute journey to the ancient city of Ephesus, where guests will embark on a guided tour spanning 2.5 hours.

Next, they’ll travel 20 minutes to the Temple of Artemis, with an optional 30-minute guided tour.

After, the group will head to Selcuk for a 2-hour lunch break.

The itinerary then takes them to Adasaray hamam for a 1.5-hour break.

Finally, the tour returns to the Ege Ports.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights of Ephesus

Visitors can walk through the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League.

They’ll marvel at the magnificently preserved ruins, including the Byzantine Church of St. John and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Guests can explore the House of Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site significant to many.

The tour also includes a visit to a Turkish handicrafts cooperative, where travelers can browse and purchase traditional goods.

These highlights provide a well-rounded glimpse into the rich history and culture of this remarkable destination.

Exploring Temple of Artemis

After visiting the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, the tour continues to the legendary Temple of Artemis. This site was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Continuing the tour, visitors explore the legendary Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The tour includes:

An optional guided tour to learn about the temple’s rich history and significance.
Exploring the remaining ruins and imagining the temple’s grandeur in its heyday.
Understanding the site’s importance in the ancient Greco-Roman world as a center of worship for the goddess Artemis.

The visit to the Temple of Artemis provides a deeper appreciation for the region’s captivating ancient history.

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Lunch in Selcuk

After exploring the ancient sites, the tour takes a break for a traditional Turkish lunch in the town of Selcuk.

The stop is scheduled for 2 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy a meal and explore the local area.

Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, but the guide can recommend nearby restaurants serving authentic Turkish cuisine.

Visitors have the flexibility to choose their own dining option and spend the break as they wish, whether exploring Selcuk’s shops and markets or simply relaxing.

The tour then continues to the next destination after the lunch break.

There's plenty more to explore in Selcuk

Turkish Hamam Experience

The tour’s penultimate stop is the Adasaray hamam, where participants can indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience.

The 1.5-hour break allows time to:

Relax in the soothing steam rooms
Receive a thorough body scrub and massage
Unwind in the cooling rooms after the invigorating treatments

This culture provides a memorable conclusion to the day’s explorations of Ephesus and its ancient wonders.

Guests emerge refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to return to port with newfound appreciation for Turkish heritage and hospitality.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The tour includes a professional guide, transport by private vehicle, a visit to a carpet farm and leather/jewelry wholesalers, and a worry-free shore excursion with a guaranteed return to the ship.

It also provides the flexibility to spend desired time at each site and optional skip-the-line entrance tickets.

However, the tour doesn’t cover food, drinks, gratuities, or entrance fees for Ephesus and other sites.

Visitors should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, camera, credit card, and cash.

The tour starts at a pre-arranged time, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

The visit to the Turkish handicrafts cooperative is optional with no obligation to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a live tour guide available in English. The schedule allows for flexibility to spend desired time at each site, accommodating the needs of guests with disabilities.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. It’s a private vehicle tour, so the size is flexible to accommodate the needs of each group. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring it’s suitable for travelers with disabilities.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to include additional sites, though the price and duration may vary. Guests can discuss any specific requests with the tour operator prior to booking for a personalized experience.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Insights Into the Local Culture?

The tour guides provide insights into the local culture throughout the excursion. They share information about Turkish customs, traditions, and way of life as you visit the historical sites and local businesses.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $50 per person, regardless of age. However, the tour does provide flexibility to spend as much time as desired at each site.

The Sum Up

Kusadasi is the perfect gateway to uncover Turkey’s rich history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, the spiritual Basilica of St. John, and the captivating Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders. With a guided tour and activities like a Turkish hamam, travelers can enjoy the region’s cultural heritage and create lasting memories.