Discover Highlights Ephesus Shore Excursion- Full-Day Tour

The guests will be greeted on the Kusadası pier depending on your cruise arrival by an expert guide who will be holding a sign with the guests’ names, for departure by air-conditioned private vehicle to the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeological site of ancient Ephesus. Dating back to the 11th century BC, it has been painstakingly excavated and restored to be one of the world’s most fascinating ancient sites today.

Ephesus Ancient City

You will start your tour here, dating back to the 11th century B.C., it has been painstakingly excavated and restored and is one of the world’s most fascinating sites of antiquity. Ephesus flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. You will begin our private walking tour along Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, a 4th-century white marble chariot thoroughfare whose most striking sight is the two-story Library of Celsus.

Virgin Mary

In addition to the historic monuments, their excursion will also include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely little chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus believed by some to be the site of Mary’s last home.

Following the tour, there is the option of returning to the ship by approximately 4 pm or spending time in Kusadasi for independent shopping.

Basilica of St John

The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Its construction, being of stone and brick, is an extremely rare find amongst the architecture of its time. Raised by two steps and covered with marble, the tomb of St John was under the central dome, that was once carried by the four columns at the corners. The columns in the courtyard reveal the monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora. Constructed in the 5th century AD, the baptistery is north of the nave, with its keyhole shape. Rampart walls around the church were constructed for protection from the Arabian attracts in the 7th- 8th centuries AD. The impressive 10th-century AD frescoes representing St John, Jesus, and a Saint, ornament the chapel. With the invasion of Turks, the chapel was used as a mosque in the 14th century; unfortunately, the Basilica of Saint John became unusable due to a serious earthquake in the same century.

Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis, or Artemision, was originally known as the Temple of Diana and was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The ruins of the temple are located in Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the oldest structures in the world that can survive with the least deterioration rate. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the temple was completely rebuilt three times before its final destruction in 401 AD.

Sirince Village

Its traditional Ottoman houses probably date from the 19th century rather than the 15th, but are nevertheless very picturesque amid the winding lanes and overhanging vines. Despite being fairly busy during the daytime, Şirince is quiet and sleepy in the mornings and evenings and is a lovely place to relax.

The area is known for its olive oil, fruit, and wine production, and it's possible to visit a vineyard or olive oil factory or go walking in the countryside from Sirince.