Ephesus is the absolute highlight of any Eastern Mediterranean cruise. Whether you arrive from Kusadasi or Izmir, walking the marble streets where St. Paul once preached is a bucket-list experience.
However, visiting such a massive site with limited time requires insider knowledge. In this 2026 Guide, we share local tips on how to beat the crowds, avoid the heat, and why a private tour often costs less than the cruise ship’s crowded bus.
Depending on your schedule, you can also explore the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, the Basilica of St. John, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Sirince Village, and the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers.
Table of contents
Departure Ports: Where Does Your Ship Dock?
There are two main ports for visiting Ephesus. Knowing which one you are arriving at is crucial for planning your day.
1- Kusadasi Cruise Port (Ege Port)
This is the main gateway. If your itinerary says “Kusadasi,” you are very lucky! The drive to the Ancient City of Ephesus takes only 20 minutes. This proximity allows you to explore the ruins and the House of the Virgin Mary in the morning and still have plenty of time for a local lunch or shopping in the Local Bazaar.
Ephesus shore excursions from Kusadasi port
Izmir Cruise Port (Alsancak)
Izmir is a major metropolis located further north. The drive to Ephesus takes approximately 1 hour. While the journey is longer, it offers a scenic drive through the Aegean coast. Since travel time takes up a portion of your day, efficient planning is key here.
Ephesus shore excursions from Izmir Port
The following information will help you to decide which type of Ephesus shore excursions you should choose.
Types of Shore Excursions: Ship vs. Private
When booking your excursion, you have two main options: booking directly through your cruise line (Group Tour) or booking with a local agency like us (Private Tour). Most travelers assume the ship’s tour is “safer,” but often it just means “more expensive and crowded.
Here is an honest comparison for the 2026 season to help you decide:
| Feature | 🚢 Ship Group Tour | 🏆 Private Local Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Group Size | 40-45 People (Crowded Bus) | Just You & Your Family |
| Flexibility | Strict / Rushed | 100% Customizable |
| Timing | Wait for everyone to shop/bathroom | Move at your own pace |
| Lunch | Standard Buffet | Authentic Local Food |
| Ticket Lines | Skip-the-Line Entry | Skip-the-Line Entry |
| Cost | $$$ (Expensive per person) | $$ (Cheaper per person) |
| Return Guarantee | Yes (100% Guaranteed) | Yes (100% Guaranteed) |
Why We Recommend a Private Tour?
- VIP Comfort: You will travel in a modern, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz van just for your group. No waiting for strangers.
- Total Flexibility: Want to spend more time at Ephesus? Or skip a site? It is entirely up to you.
- Cost-Effective: Surprisingly, a private tour costs less per person than the cruise line’s bus excursion.
Which Itinerary is Right for You? (2026 Top Picks)
At Best Ephesus Tours, every tour is 100% customizable. However, based on thousands of happy guests, here are our top 3 recommended itineraries for cruise passengers:
🥇 1. Best of Ephesus (The Classic)
Best for: First-time visitors
This is our best-seller. It covers all the major highlights in one go without rushing. %100 Flexible. Additional visits at no extra cost
- ✅ Ephesus Ancient City
- ✅ House of Virgin Mary
- ✅ Temple of Artemis
- ✅ Terrace Houses (Optional)
✝️ 2. Biblical Ephesus Tour
Best for: Christian History
Visit House of the Virgin Mary, and follow the footsteps of St. Paul and St. John. Focuses deeply on religious significance.
- ✅ Basilica of St. John
- ✅ House of the Virgin Mary
- ✅ Ephesus (Biblical focus)
- ✅ Temple of Artemis
🍷 3. Ephesus & Sirince Village (Culture & Wine)
Best for: Repeat visitors or those who love local culture, wine, and photography.
After visiting the ancient ruins, we drive up to the mountains to Sirince, a charming former Greek village. Here, you can taste famous local fruit wines, enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee on sand, and stroll through authentic cobblestone streets.
🎥 Watch: What to Expect on Our Tours
How to Choose a Reliable Ephesus Tour Company?
With so many agencies online, making a choice can be difficult. To ensure a safe and high-quality experience, make sure your agency meets these criteria (which represent our core standards at Best Ephesus Tours):
- 📜 Licensed & Legal: We are a fully licensed TURSAB member local travel agency.
- 🗣️ Expert Local Guides: Our guides are not just a tour guide; they are local historians and archaeologists living in Kusadasi/Ephesus.
- ⭐ Proven Track Record: We are proud of our 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google.
- 💰 No Pre-Payment: Trust is mutual. Book now, and pay only the day of the tour.
Contact information of our Ephesus Tour Company;
Best Ephesus Tours
URL: https://www.bestephesustours.com
Top Attractions to Visit in Ephesus Shore Excursions
The Library of Celsus: The Library of Celsus is the face of Ephesus. It is the third-biggest ancient library in the world and one of the most impressive ancient libraries ever built. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular highlight of Ephesus.
The Grand Theater: Imagine a theater seating 25,000 people! This is where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians and where gladiator fights took place. The acoustics are still perfect today. Go ahead, stand in the center, and test it out!
The Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a magnificent structure dedicated to the goddess of Ephesian Artemis, also known as Diana in the Roman period. (Plus, it’s free to visit!)
The House of the Virgin Mary: Located on Bulbul Mountain, about 15 minutes from Ephesus, this stone house is believed to be the final resting place of Mary. It is a peaceful, spiritual site for both Christians and Muslims. Don’t forget to make a wish at the “Wishing Wall” outside.
Terrace Houses in Ephesus: Located inside the ancient city, these covered excavations show how the wealthy lived. You will see amazing mosaics, frescoes, and even ancient heating systems. Note: It requires a separate entry ticket (15 Euros/pp).
Temple of Hadrian: The Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus was built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 128 AD. The temple is an impressive example of Roman architecture and engineering, and it is one of the best-preserved ruins in Ephesus.
Sirince Village: Sirince is a village of around 700 inhabitants located 8 km away from Ephesus ancient city on top of the hill. The village consists of beautiful Greek Houses. Fruit wines are the most famous production of Turkish Muslims, continuing after the Greeks.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum: The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is situated in the center of Selcuk-Ephesus. It’s only 2 kilometers away from Ephesus Ancient City. The beautiful Artemis and the Great Artemis statues are the highlights of the museum.
The Basilica of St. John: Basilica of St John Ephesus is located on the slope of Ayasuluk Hill in Selcuk, where Apostle John was believed to live after the persecution on the Isle of Patmos. He died here at the age of 98 and was buried in the same location according to his will.
📅 Planning Your 2026 Ephesus Tour?
Don’t leave your experience to chance. Our top-rated local guides book up months in advance for the high cruise season.
- ✨ No Pre-Payment Required
- ✨ Skip-the-Line Tickets
- ✨ Guaranteed On-Time Return
(Fast response within minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard private tour typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours. Since the tour is private, the pace is entirely up to you. We always plan the itinerary to ensure you are back at the port at least 1 hour before your ship’s departure.
Yes, the tour in Ephesus involves a fair amount of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat.
No, the tour is suitable for all ages. However, the Terrace houses in Ephesus is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for disabled guests.
As of 2026, the entrance fee for the House of the Virgin Mary is approximately 10 Euros (500 Lira). Only payment with a credit card is accepted.
For the 2026 season, the entrance fee for Ephesus Ancient City is 40 Euros. You can pay at the entrance using a credit card or Turkish Lira. We recommend having your ticket arranged in advance or using a private guide to skip the ticket lines.
There is no strict dress code for the ancient city ruins; comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses are the most important items. However, if your tour includes the House of the Virgin Mary, modest clothing is recommended as a sign of respect.
Yes. The ancient city is open every day, including weekends.
Ephesus is approximately 80 km. away from Izmir. The driving distance between Izmir and Ephesus is around 1 hour.
Ephesus is approximately 15 km away from Kusadasi. The driving distance between Kusadasi and Ephesus is around 25 minutes.
Today, Ephesus ancient city, is located in the Selcuk district of Izmir Province in Turkey.
Ephesus is located approximately 600 kilometers (384 miles) away from Istanbul. The driving distance between Istanbul and Ephesus is approximately 6 hours. The flight time from Istanbul to Izmir is about 1 hour. The nearest airport (Izmir ADB airport) to Ephesus is located 50 kilometers away.
Yes, Ephesus is undoubtedly worth visiting! It was the third biggest city of the Roman Empire with a population of 250.000 and well-preserved ancient cities in the world.
