Private Guided Ephesus Tour

Tour Itinerary

After meeting your private guide at Kusadasi Port or your hotel, embark on a 30-minute scenic drive to the House of the Virgin Mary. Declared a pilgrimage site by Pope Paul VI in 1967, this sacred place is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. You will have approximately one hour to explore and experience the peaceful atmosphere.

A short five-minute drive brings you to the upper gate of Ephesus, where your walking tour of the ancient city begins. Your private driver will meet you at the lower gate while you and your guide explore the site on foot. The visit to Ephesus lasts about two hours, offering a fascinating journey through its well-preserved streets, lined with remarkable structures from the 1st to 7th centuries AD.

Before entering the site, there will be a brief stop at the upper souvenir area, with additional shopping opportunities at the lower exit. As your guide leads you through Ephesus, key highlights include the Great Theatre, an important site for early Christianity, where Saint Paul the Apostle preached to the Ephesians.

The State Agora features commercial and governmental buildings, including the Augustus Basilica surrounded by impressive columns. Throughout the city, you will see monumental fountains, statues, and temples dedicated to Emperors Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian. The Celsus Library, one of the most iconic structures in Ephesus, was the third-largest library of the ancient world and housed over 12,000 scrolls.

As you pass through the Hercules Gate, you will step into the more exclusive residential area of the city. For those interested, an optional visit to the Terrace Houses is available within the Ephesus archaeological site. These well-preserved residences on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ephesus’ elite.

The interiors feature detailed frescoes, mosaics, and advanced private heating systems. A separate entry fee applies to visit the Terrace Houses. After exiting Ephesus, a lunch break will be arranged at a recommended local restaurant. The tour continues with a visit to the Basilica of St. John, built in the 6th century AD by Emperor Justinian I over the believed tomb of St. John the Evangelist.

This site includes the original tomb of St. John, the baptism hall, and Byzantine-era paintings featuring Emperor Justinian I, his wife Theodora, and St. John. At the observation terrace, enjoy panoramic views of the Meander River (Ancient Cayster), Isa Bey Mosque, Artemisium, Mt. Pion, and Mt. Coressus.

A topographical display provides insight into the transformation of Ephesus Harbor over time. A short five-minute drive brings you to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little remains of this once magnificent structure from the 6th century BC, its historical significance makes it an essential stop.

Your guide will also introduce you to local cultural experiences, such as visits to a weaving school or a ceramic art center, offering insight into traditional Turkish craftsmanship. The tour concludes with a return to Kusadasi.