Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port / Cruisers only

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Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| Izmir, Turkey

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6 to 7 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

Mobile ticket

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Overview

Embark on a captivating journey from Izmir Port to the ancient city of Ephesus and the sacred House of Mary, combining history, culture, and spirituality. Ephesus, celebrated as one of the best-preserved ancient cities, invites you to explore its iconic landmarks, including the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Continue to the House of Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. Experience its spiritual significance while admiring the preserved mosaics, and serene atmosphere that connect visitors to the past.

This shore excursion offers an enriching blend of archaeological treasures and spiritual discovery, making it the perfect way to maximize your time ashore at Izmir Port.

What's Included

LUNCH IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, Enjoy a peaceful meal with authentic flavors in a serene rural setting.
GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN, ensuring cruise passengers return on time for their departure schedule.
PARKING FEES, all parking fees are included in the tour price, for your convenience
PRIVATE TOUR, ensures a more personalized and exclusive experience tailored to your preferences
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION, travel with separate driver in an air-conditioned, non-smoking van.
CRUISE PORT / HOTEL PICK-UP & DROP-OFF, convenient service as detailed in the itinerary.
PROFESSIONAL, LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE, Authorized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture
TO SKIP TICKET LINES, ask your guide to arrange tickets; pay the fee in cash to your guide.

Personal Expenses
Entrance Fees to the Museums and any Sites
Beverages During Lunch
Gratuities for the guide and the driver

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

MEETING POINT: İzmir Cruise Terminal for cruise passengers. ---------------------------------- EXLUSIVE PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY - NO SHARING WITH OTHER GROUPS! ---------------------------------- Enjoy a personalized journey tailored to your party. Want to make it even more enjoyable? Invite friends or cruise travelers to join and explore together on your terms with flexibility and comfort. ---------------------------------- FOR CRUISE GUEST! ---------------------------------- We highly recommend meeting at the port approximately 30 minutes after your ship docks to avoid crowds, and the afternoon heat. Meeting early ensures a more enjoyable and relaxed tour. ---------------------------------- WE GUARANTEE ON-TIME RETURN TO YOUR SHIP. ---------------------------------- ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE TOURS OVER GROUP OR BUS TOURS ---------------------------------- A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPURTUNITY: Your visit to site may be a unique experience. A private tour allows you to make the most of it with a personalized itinerary. ---------------------------------- FLEXIBLE AND PERSONALIZED SCHEDULE: Unlike group tours, this tourv give you full control over what to see, when to start, and when to conclude. You set the pace, ensuring a tour tailored to your interests. ---------------------------------- DEDICATED ATTENTION: In this tour, the guide focuses entirely on you and your group, ensuring you don’t miss any fascinating details or key highlights. ---------------------------------- NO WAITING OR DELAYS: You won’t have to wait for large groups to gather or stop for unforeseen situations. this tour keep the experience seamless and efficient. ---------------------------------- EXCLUSIVE COMFORT: Enjoy your own Van and expert local tour guide without the need to share with groups. ---------------------------------- HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE: Your guide will handle tickets and entry arrangements (if any), saving you time and effort while you focus on enjoying the ruins and museums. ---------------------------------- OPTIMAL LEARNING AND INTERACTION: this tour provide better opportunities to ask questions, hear the guide clearly, and engage deeply with the history and culture of the site.

What To Expect

Izmir

Visit to Ephesus Travel Agency will warmly welcome cruise passengers at the port's main exit gate, holding a sign with your name. After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ancient City of Ephesus

Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, offers an extraordinary glimpse into history. Dating back to the Greek and Roman eras, its ancient streets, still marked by chariot wheels, connect visitors to its vibrant past.Explore the Great Theater, seating over 20,000 spectators, once hosting gladiatorial battles and performances. Visit the Public Agora, where St. Paul preached and Anatolian handicrafts, celebrated for their quality, were traded. Walk along Marble Street to the iconic Celsus Library, the third-largest library of the ancient world, renowned for its beautifully restored façade.Marvel at other landmarks like the Temple of Hadrian, the Trajan Fountain, the Domitian Temple, and the Odeon, a venue for musical events. Ephesus reflects the innovation and cultural richness of ancient civilizations, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

The House of the Virgin Mary, near Ephesus, is a revered Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final days and was assumed into heaven. According to tradition, Apostle John brought Mary to Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ, seeking refuge following the martyrdom of James and other apostles.Built on the foundation of her home, the church has been affirmed by visits from three popes: Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. These visits, along with their gifts displayed at the shrine, highlight its sacred significance.This serene site, steeped in spirituality and history, continues to draw visitors from across the globe, inspiring faith and devotion while offering a profound connection to Christian history.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon. Constructed around 650 BC on a site sacred to Cybele, the Anatolian Mother Goddess, the temple was financed by the King of Lydia and ingeniously built on marshy ground to resist earthquakes.In 41 BC, this sacred site witnessed the tragic murder of Arsinoe IV, Cleopatra’s sister, under the orders of Mark Antony. Although only columns and ruins remain today, the Temple of Artemis continues to captivate visitors with its historical and cultural significance, standing as a testament to ancient architectural brilliance and rivaling the grandeur of the Parthenon.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arvalya Rug

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local weaving school, where you’ll immerse yourself in Turkey’s rich carpet-making heritage. Renowned worldwide for their intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship, Turkish carpets are not just decorative items—they are timeless works of art and valuable investments that appreciate in worth over time.During your visit, witness skilled artisans demonstrate the age-old weaving techniques, creating stunning patterns passed down through generations. Gain insight into the cultural significance and craftsmanship that make Turkish carpets a global symbol of artistry and tradition.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Izmir

At the end of your tour, rest assured that we will guarantee your timely return to İzmir Cruise Port, well before your ship’s scheduled departure. With multiple cruise ships docking and departing at various times, we carefully monitor all schedules, confirm details with our guests, and coordinate return timings for a smooth and stress-free experience. If the tour cannot fit within your cruise schedule, we will inform you in advance.During your tour, enjoy a curated journey exploring must-see attractions and uncovering the best of traditional Turkish handicrafts. With expert guidance from your local guide, gain valuable insights, safety advice, and personalized tips to make the most of your visit. Discover exquisite handmade treasures, while immersing yourself in the cultural richness of the region.Our tours promise a seamless experience, allowing you to explore with confidence and peace of mind. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available
Optimize Your Cruise Tour Experience – Meet Your Guide at the Perfect Time! For CRUISE GUEST, we recommend meeting your guide at the port promptly for a seamless and enjoyable tour. If your ship arrives before 7:00 AM, plan to meet at 7:30 AM. For later arrivals, aim to meet 30 minutes after docking. This ideal timing helps you avoid crowds from other cruise ships, escape the midday heat, and enjoy your tour comfortably, as much of it takes place in open areas. Start your Tour stress-free and make the most of your visit!
After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port / Cruisers only?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025