Private Half Day Ephesus Tour

Tour Itinerary

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.