Private Half Day Ephesus Tour
Experience Ephesus on a half-day tour, perfect for travelers short on time. Walk its grand streets, see iconic landmarks, and uncover historical treasures in one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities.
Service Provider: Romos Travel
Service Details
After meeting your private guide at Kusadasi Port or your hotel, take a 20-minute scenic drive to the upper gate of Ephesus, where your walking tour begins. Your private driver will meet you at the lower gate while you explore the ancient city on foot for approximately two hours.
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, a 3rd-century BC structure with a seating capacity of 25,000, where Saint Paul the Apostle preached to the Ephesians.
The State Agora, which once served as the city’s political and commercial center, featuring the Augustus Basilica, surrounded by a colonnade of columns. The main streets, lined with statues, fountains, and monumental temples dedicated to Emperors Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian. The Celsus Library, the third-largest library of the ancient world, housed over 12,000 scrolls and remains one of the most remarkable Roman structures in Turkey.
The Hercules Gate, marking the transition into the city’s more exclusive residential area. For those interested, an optional visit to the Terrace Houses is available within Ephesus. These well-preserved Roman residences on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain showcase frescoes, mosaics, and private heating systems, reflecting the wealth of Ephesus’ elite.
A separate entry fee applies. The Terrace Houses are accessible via 80 steps and provide a unique perspective on the city’s affluent past. As you exit Ephesus, there will be a stop at the souvenir area, where restrooms and small shops are available. Your guide may also introduce you to local cultural experiences, such as a weaving school or a ceramic art center, before returning to Kusadasi.
Tour Highlights
Ephesus Ancient City, Library of Celsus, The Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses, Odeon, State Agora, Commercial Agora, Temple of Domitian
Why Book This Service
· Begin your journey with a scenic 20-minute drive to Ephesus’s upper gate, where you’ll meet your private guide and start your exploration. Your driver will wait at the lower gate while you and your guide walk downhill through the ancient city.
· Explore the Great Theatre, a significant 3rd-century BC structure where Saint Paul the Apostle preached to the Ephesians, making it a notable site for Christian history.
· Pass through the Magnesian Gate, witnessing the State Agora, government buildings, businesses, and the Augustus Basilica, framed by a circle of columns.
· Marvel at the Celsus Library, the third-largest ancient library, housing over 12,000 scroll books, and admire its grand architectural design.
· Discover the Terrace Houses, showcasing the affluent lifestyles of Ephesus's elite with frescoes, mosaics, and heating systems, offering an intimate glimpse into ancient luxury.
· Conclude your tour by exploring souvenir areas near the lower gate and enjoying additional insights from your guide about local traditions and optional stops at a weaving school or ceramic art center. Return to Kusadasi feeling enriched by the history and culture of Ephesus.
What's Included
- A tour guide
- A van with a driver
- Service to pick up and drop off
Please Note
- This tour involves moderate walking, including uneven surfaces in Ephesus. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Local shopping opportunities will be available during the tour.
Meeting Point
At your hotel or Cruise Port
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 1 day(s) before the tour start.
8 reviews for Private Half Day Ephesus Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
Great half-day tour! Learned so much in a short time with a private guide who knew his stuff. Library, theatre, and terrace houses were the highlights.
Enjoyed exploring Ephesus without the crowds. The Basilica of St. John was interesting, and seeing the ancient streets felt special. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
Our private Ephesus tour was outstanding. The guide arrived promptly and led us through the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Curetes Street with engaging historical insights while avoiding the crowds. The pace was perfect for taking photos and asking questions. Ideal for history buffs!
Efficient and informative — exactly what we needed. Covered key sites comfortably and without rush. Guide’s background stories made it more than just sightseeing.
Perfect private tour—easy pickup, great guide, and a nice walk through Ephesus’ best spots. Very enjoyable morning trip.
Very professional private tour. Our guide tailored the visit to our interests—especially the Byzantine-era remains—and answered all questions. Hotel pickup and drop-off were convenient. Highly recommend.
The tour highlighted Ephesus’ must-see landmarks efficiently. The guide shared fascinating backstories about the Celsus Library and the ancient Odeon. It was a well-paced visit, perfect for a half day.
I loved the private experience—just us and our guide. Insights into the Temple of Hadrian and Terrace Houses brought the city to life. We felt immersed in ancient Roman times. Pickup was seamless and transport was comfortable.