# Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kuşadası — Virgin Mary & Artemis
Canonical: https://turkeyvia.com/tours/private-ephesus-shore-excursion-kusadasi
Updated: 2026-10-24

## Key facts
- Price: From $79 per person (based on 2 travellers)
- Tour type: Private tour (only your party, your own guide and vehicle)
- Duration: 4-5 Hours
- Pickup / meeting point: Meet your guide at the Kuşadası Ege Port cruise terminal exit, where they will hold a TurkeyVia sign. Minimum port stay: 6.5 hours; your return is planned for at least 60 minutes before all-aboard.
- Payment: Reserve now, pay your guide in cash on the day (US dollars, euros or British pounds) — no deposit, no card needed.
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours · Port-call cancellation covered

## Overview
Meet your private guide at Kuşadası Ege Port for a 4–5 hour shore excursion to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. Lunch in Selçuk; pay your guide in cash on the day. Walk Curetes Street to the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and stop at the Temple of Artemis. Lunch is served in Selçuk, and St John’s Basilica or the Terrace Houses can be added when booking. A carpet weaving centre is part of the programme, with no obligation to buy. Your guide plans the return at least 60 minutes before all-aboard.

## Highlights
- Walk Curetes Street to the Library of Celsus
- See the Great Theatre at Ephesus
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
- Stop at the Temple of Artemis
- Choose an optional St John or Terrace Houses visit

## Itinerary
### Ephesus Shore Day with Your Own Guide, Kuşadası

Your private guide waits at the Kuşadası Ege Port cruise terminal exit holding a TurkeyVia sign, and your own air-conditioned vehicle takes you about 25 minutes inland to Ephesus. With no group to keep pace with, you decide where to linger: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre or a quiet corner of Curetes Street. After the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, lunch is in Selçuk, followed by a carpet weaving stop. Entrance tickets are optional and not included by default; add them when you book or buy them at the gate. The tour takes 4–5 hours; your guide times it to your ship so you are back at the port at least 60 minutes before all-aboard. Stops: Ephesus: Curetes Street to the Library of Celsus, House of the Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Carpet Weaving Education Center (about 30–45 min).

## Included
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private transport from and back to Kuşadası Ege Port
- Lunch in Selçuk
- Carpet Weaving Education Center visit

## Not included
- Tips (optional)
- Personal purchases
- Drinks with meals
- Dinner
- Entrance fees (Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary): about €53 per adult, paid at the sites; children under 8 free

## Good to know
- Workshop stop: a carpet weaving centre. Part of the programme, no obligation to buy.
- Bring your cruise card and a photo ID; you need them to leave and re-board the ship.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: most sites have uneven ground, stone paths and steps.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water in the warm months; there is little shade at the ancient sites.
- Vegetarian, vegan or other dietary needs at lunch: tell us when you book and we let the restaurant know.
- Mobility needs or travelling with small children? Tell us before you book, and we tell you honestly which parts of the day suit you.

## FAQ
### Where do I meet my private guide at Kuşadası port?

At the exit of the Ege Port cruise terminal. Your guide holds a TurkeyVia sign and walks you to your private vehicle, which is reserved for your party alone for the whole tour.

### What if our ship docks later than planned?

We adjust the start of the tour to your actual arrival time and plan the return so you are back at the port at least 60 minutes before all-aboard. Share your ship's name and port date when you book so we can follow its schedule.

### Are entrance tickets included on the private shore excursion?

Not by default. You can add the Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tickets when you book or buy them at the gates on the day. The Temple of Artemis is free to enter.

### Can we add St John's Basilica or the Terrace Houses?

Yes. Both are optional add-ons you can select when booking, each with its own ticket. The Terrace Houses are Roman homes with frescoes and mosaics inside Ephesus; St John's Basilica stands on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, over the traditional tomb of the apostle.

### How far will we walk at Ephesus?

The marble main street runs downhill for about 1.5 km from the upper gate, and your vehicle picks you up at the lower end. Paving is uneven and can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. With a private guide you can stop and rest as often as you like.

### What should I wear for the House of the Virgin Mary?

It is an active place of worship, so cover your shoulders and knees; a light scarf in your day bag is handy. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel, but you can take pictures in the gardens.

### How do I book and pay for the Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kuşadası?

Reserve now, pay your guide in cash on the day (US dollars, euros or British pounds) — no deposit and no card needed. Send your ship name, port date and WhatsApp number with the request, and we confirm the booking and your meeting point.

### What is the cancellation policy for the Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kuşadası?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours · Port-call cancellation covered. 24 hours or more: Free cancellation, full refund. Under 24 hours or no-show: No refund, unless the cruise line cancels or skips the port call. If the cruise line cancels or skips the port call, you receive a full refund. Full terms: cancellation policy.

## Book
Book on the tour page: https://turkeyvia.com/tours/private-ephesus-shore-excursion-kusadasi. Questions: WhatsApp +90 507 357 58 94