Best of Ephesus Tour for Cruisers

based on 19 reviews

Duration:5 hours to 6 hours (approx.)
Location: Kusadasi, Turkish Riviera

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Prepare to be awed by kusadasi’s magnificent architecture, rich history, as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Ephesus Ancient City which is one of the UNESCO listed places , this 1-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Celsus Library , learn how the Ephesus earned its famous , and see the ancient city of Ephesus and Virgin Mary House . Tour Ephesus Ancient City to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ephesians , and browse the legendary of turkısh cultures , where you find everything from carpets to Turkish Leather.

*See Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and Kusadasi Market
*Skip the long entry lines.
*Learn about the area from your local guide.
*Private tour ensures personalized service.
*Visit the most important sites in the area in one day.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Unique Ephesus Tours will meet you.
2. Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus has been located at different places in different times. The first settlement of the city was located on Ayasuluk Hill and inhabited by ancient Anatolians ( Amazons, Hittites ), Carians and Lelegians. The second settlement of Ephesus was on the North of Mount Panayır ( Mount Pion ). As with other cities of the Aegean cost of Anatolia, Ephesus came to be ruled by Croesus of Lydia and Persians. The third settlement was located in the valley between Mount Panayır and Mount Bülbül ( Mount Coressus ), found by Lysimachus, one of the generals of Alexander The Great. This settlement of Ephesus is the biggest and can be visited today. Finally, due to the persistent silting up of the harbour and repeated raids by Arabs, the city changed its location back to Ayasuluk Hill forming Fourth Ephesus. History of Ephesus According to excevations,the history of Ephesus dates back to 6000 BC, to Chalcolithic Period. Excavations at the Ayasuluk Hill brought to light a settlement, thus ancient Ephesus was first on the located on Ayasuluk Hill. It was first settled by Anatolian Tribes, for Ephesus is mentioned in Hittite cuneiform tablets under the name of Apassas that means “Honey Bee”. According to the ancient geographers Strabo and Pausanias, and the historian Herodotus claim that Ephesus was found by Amazons and the native tribes of the area were the Carians and the Lelegians around 3000 BC. Amazons gave the city’s name as Ephesos, can be named one of Queens or generals of Amazons. According to them Hittites came here around 1400 BC and changed the name of the city from Ephesos to Apassas. Ionian colonists came here around 1100 BC.
3. The Temple of Artemis
Artemis was the Greek goddess, the virginal huntress and twin of Apollo, who replaced the Titan Selene as Goddess of the Moon. At Ephesus a goddess whom the Greeks associated with Artemis was passionately venerated in an archaic icon. The original was carved of wood, with many breast-like protuberances apparently emphasizing fertility over the virginity traditionally associated with the Greek Artemis. Like Near Eastern and Egyptian deities (and unlike Grek ones), her body and legs are enclosed within a tapering pillar-like term, from which her feet protrude. On the coins minted at Ephesus, the many-breasted Goddess wears a mural crown (like a city’s walls). She rests either arm on a staff formed of entwined serpents or of a stack of ouroboroi the eternal serpent with its tail in its mouth. Like Cybele, the goddess at Ephesus was served by hierodules called megabyzae, and by maidens (korai). A votive inscription dating from about the 3rd century BC associates Ephesian Artemis with Crete: “To the Healer of diseases, to Apollo, Giver of Light to mortals, Eutyches has set up in votive offering (a statue of) the Cretan Lady of Ephesus, the Light-Bearer.” For a more in-depth look at Artemis of Ephesus and the role she played in Ephesian life and religion, please see our special article on Artemis of Ephesus. History The ancient temple was built around 650 BC to the cult of Artemis, was constructed on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess,Cybele. The temple was financed by the wealthy king of Lydia and marshy ground was selected for the building site as a precaution against future earthquakes. The temple soon attracted merchants, kings, and sightseers, many of donated jewelery and other treasures to Artemis and her temple. Its splendor also attracted many worshippers and pilgrims, strenghtening the cult of Artemis. On July 21, 356 BC, the night Alexander the Great was born, legend has it that a psychopathic arsonist intent on immortality set fire to the temple. Plutarch remarked that Artemis was too preoccupied with Alexander’s delivery to save her burning temple. The arsonist, named Herostratus, was motivated by fame at any cost, thus the term “herostratic fame”. The Ephesians, outraged, instructed that Herostratus’ name never be recorded and that anyone who spoke of him should be put to death, but Strabo later noted the name. Twenty-two years later, during his sweep through Asia Minor, Alexander the Great offered to reconstruct the temple. In the famous refusal recorded by Strabo, the Ephesians said it would not be right for one god to build a temple to another god. The Temple of Artemis was eventually rebuilt remaining true to the original except for a raised platform, a feature of classical architecture adopted in the construction of later temples. By 263 AD, the temple had been plundered by Nero and destroyed by the Goths. The temple was again reconstructed in the 4th century, but by the end of that century the temple had been abandoned and was being used as a marble quarry for new buildings, including churches. The site of the temple was rediscovered in 1869 on an expedition sponsored by the British Museum, and several artifacts and sculptures from the reconstructed temple can be seen in the museum today.
4. The Basilica of Saint John
The Basilica of St. John was a great church in Ephesus was constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). The basilica is located on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill near the center of Selçuk, just below the fortress and about 3.5 km (2 miles) from Ephesus. Myth and Mystery There was a St. John identified wih Ephesus since as early as the 1st century, who seems to have originally been the author of Revelation who was exiled on Patmos. By the second century this John was equated with John the Evangelist, author of the Gospel of John (presumed also to be the same person as John the Apostle, beloved disciple of Jesus). Legend had it that John wrote his gospel in Ephesus at the request of other disciples, then died in the church named for him on Ayasoluk Hill. Later legends developed that he was not really dead, but sleeping, and dust could even be seen moving above his grave as he breathed.
5. Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
It is known with certainty that the Virgin Mary went to Ephesus and lived there for some time. Whether or not she died in Ephesus was not known until Anne Catherine Emmerich’s vision. The stigmatized German nun who had never been to Ephesus had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to the German writer Clemens Brentano who later published a book about it. Catherine Emmerich died in 1884. In 1891 Paul, Superior of the Lazarists from Izmir read about her vision and found a little building which corresponded with Emmerich’s descriptions. Archeological evidence showed that the little house was from the 6C AD but that the foundations were from the 1C AD. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
6. Kusadasi Castle
Kuşadası's small, picturesque Byzantine fortress stands on the causeway-connected Güvercin Adası (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. It's now part of a popular and well-kept public park. A path winds around the island past excellent information boards and a small lighthouse, providing fine views of Kuşadası. Inside the fortress there's a skeleton of a 14.5m fin whale and a few models of sailing boats.
7. Selcuk
An ideal base camp for exploring the Aegean coastline, Selcuk draws big tourist crowds due to its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus. The ruins of this ancient Greek settlement represent one of Turkey's best-preserved archaeological sites, allowing visitors to peel back nearly 3,000 years of history and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. Selcuk itself remains a relatively small town, making up for its lack of modern tourist attractions with hospitality and a laid-back atmosphere. Walk through the compact city center to see the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct and the ruins of a Byzantine citadel.
8. Kusadasi
Kusadasi Turkey is the most popular in Aydin Province, which is located around 56 miles south of Izmir at the Aegean Coast of Turkey. It is called since from an angle from the sea, the peninsula resembles the head of a bird, thus, "kus" for bird and �ada� for island as Kusadasi.. It is usually said Kusadasi is one of the most beautiful cities facing the Aegean Sea since the scenery and landscape of the area is just as fascinatingly beautiful. Kusadasi has been a center of art, culture and history not only of Turkey but also of many civilizations since it was founded in 3000 B.C. Today, Kusadasi resembles a modern European city. Because of hot Mediterranean climate for roughly 92% of the year, so Kusadasi in Turkey has become one of the most traveled destinations in Europe. The city has an open sea side at the back of the peninsula, where public beaches are located. Among the most popular swimming spots in Kusadasi district is the Ladies Beach, , Bird Island Beach and on and on..

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Posted By : Eric-Stephani
Pinar waited for us directly at the exit of the Kusadasi terminal. Then, accompanied by the driver, she guided us on visits to the Ephesus region: the house of Mary, the great site of ancient Ephesus and the temple of Artemis. It was an opportunity for us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul.
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Posted On : 2024-06-05 03:56:46

Posted By : LabbeFamilyUSA
Ali was a great guide. He was knowledgable, courteous, and accommodating; his English was excellent. The historical sites are worth seeing and speak for themselves. Tour bus was excellent - plenty large for our group of 8. We would not hesitate to recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2024-05-27 10:01:42

Posted By : sonyat815
Our tour of Ephesus was very informative and interesting. Our guide was very helpful and kind. We left our bag in the van and Pina went out of her way to make sure we got it. I highly recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2024-05-21 16:58:06

Posted By : rbkgbwyxrs
Furkam was absolutely AMAZING! He was the most insightful person and made sure we took it all in! He was a very nice guy and took great care of me and my family!

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Posted On : 2024-05-21 10:01:33

Posted By : JacquieBan
We have been to Ephesus 2 times with this company. The guide was attentive and knowledgeable and made our day so enjoyable. Ephesus is one of the most beautiful, historical places to visit in Kuşadası. I highly recommend this company!
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Posted On : 2023-01-23 05:36:26

Posted By : ahmet_M5386JH
what an amazing experience and a fantastic day! Our guide was so knowledgeable, knew all of the history and told us so many interesting facts and stories. We had lots of fun, never felt bored or stressed out even though we got too see so much. Actually got to see the best sites of all the different colored daytours that are being offered. Plus we got to avoid most of the crowds. We can only recommend that tour to everyone who wants to get a great insight to Ephesus overall.
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Posted On : 2023-01-14 04:33:21

Posted By : 941p_nara
Our guide Ahmet was absolutely brilliant,friendly very know ledgeable And informative.We had a fantastic day and got to enjoy all the sights without the rush.wouldnt hesitate to recommend
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Posted On : 2023-01-14 04:22:43

Posted By : Maria_S
Murat was amazing! He took great care of us! He knows everything we asked about and so much more! He is also a great photographer and we feel we have a new family friend! The car was also wonderful as was the driver. It was an unforgettable experience!
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Posted On : 2022-10-18 12:57:37

Posted By : mestecaneanu
Very profesional, a exerience for a life time. They come at the exact hour and everithing was great.
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Posted On : 2022-08-15 13:10:17

Posted By : 258yousefe
We had great 2 days in Istanbul. Our tour guide Murat was great , knowledgeable, flexible and cover everything we want . We had the experience of local . I would recommend this tour for anyone planning to visit Istanbul and enjoy the city and most of the must see attractions
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Posted On : 2022-08-15 11:22:05

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Tickets

Best of Ephesus Tour for Cruisers

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.

2. Ancient City of Ephesus

3. The Temple of Artemis

4. The Basilica of Saint John

5. Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

6. Kusadasi Castle

7. Selcuk

8. Kusadasi

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Best of Ephesus Tour for Cruisers

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1.

2. Ancient City of Ephesus

3. The Temple of Artemis

4. The Basilica of Saint John

5. Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

6. Kusadasi Castle

7. Selcuk

8. Kusadasi

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY