Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi with Local Shopping

If you are arriving by cruise ship or flying into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, our professional guide will meet you just outside the customs and passport control area or at the designated airport exit, holding a sign with your name. Hotel guests will be greeted in the lobby at the scheduled time. After meeting you, your guide will escort you to your private vehicle to begin your tour. You will explore all sites on the itinerary at a comfortable pace, and at the end of the tour, you will be returned safely to the cruise port (before onboard time), airport, or your hotel.

Ephesus Ancient City is the highlight of our Ephesus shore excursions. Once the third-largest city of the Roman Empire and home to 250,000 people, Ephesus served as the capital and commercial heart of Asia Minor. During your visit, you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus (the third-largest library of the ancient world), the Great Theater of Ephesus (the largest in Anatolia), Roman baths and latrines, the Temple of Hadrian, marble streets, and more. Ephesus offers an unforgettable journey through Roman history and early Christian heritage.

Terrace Houses, also known as the “houses of the rich,” is located within the ancient city of Ephesus. This complex of six luxury Roman villas offers a fascinating glimpse into elite family life during the Roman period. The residences feature advanced heating systems and are adorned with beautifully preserved mosaics and frescoes. The earliest of these remarkable homes dates back to the 1st century AD.

During the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, He entrusted His mother, the Virgin Mary, to His apostle St. John. Since Jerusalem was no longer safe, St. John brought Mary to Ephesus and settled her on Mount Bulbul (Nightingale Mountain), where she lived peacefully during her final years. Today, the House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred pilgrimage site, officially recognized by the Vatican and visited by Pope Paul VI (1967), Pope John Paul II (1979), and Pope Benedict XVI (2006). It remains one of the most spiritually significant places in the region for Christians from around the world.

After the Apostle St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus and built a home for her, he stayed in the city to care for her and continue spreading Christianity. Following the Roman Empire’s acceptance of Christianity, Emperor Justinian commissioned the Basilica of St. John in the 6th century AD in his honor. Today, this sacred site is believed to contain the tomb of St. John, making it one of the most important Christian landmarks at Ephesus and a pilgrimage destination for visitors from around the world.

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was originally constructed in the 6th century BC and reached its final form in the 2nd century AD. With its size, it was the largest pagan belief center of the period. Although we can only see the basic structure and a single column, and a few ruins today, it can still be visited to experience the current atmosphere.

Selcuk is one of the best places in Turkey to experience traditional craftsmanship and authentic shopping. Visit government-supported carpet workshops and watch skilled artisans hand-weave world-famous Turkish carpets. Then, stop by a local leather factory, famous for producing jackets for major international brands, where you can enjoy a short fashion show and shop high-quality leather products at excellent factory prices.