Best of Ephesus

Kusadasi (Ephesus)

Tour Details

"

Best of Ephesus

Experience the best Ephesus has to offer on this comprehensive full day Ephesus guided tour. This Kusadasi shore excursion takes you to the most noteworthy and popular destinations available. Learn about Ephesus's stunning history, visit incredible landmarks, and enjoy local cuisine before visiting a popular shopping area to witness a carpet demonstration. This Kusadasi guided tour is ideal for history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for an immersive cultural experience at a low price.

Begin your professionally Ephesus guided tour with a comfortable 30 minute drive to The House of the Virgin Mary. Learn the spectacular story behind this historic structure, discovered in the 19th century following reported visions by a Catholic nun who had never seen the building. A book was published after her death, and years later her descriptions were followed, leading to the prominent site being discovered. The building became an officially declared holy shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896 and has developed into a popular place of pilgrimage, receiving visits from several popes. Check out the ""Wishing Wall,"" a noteworthy spot where pilgrims have tied their personal wishes, dreams, and goals on paper or fabric to a scenic wall.

From The House of the Virgin Mary, travel to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible history. Built in the 10th century BC, this ancient city contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. Famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this destination has plenty of sights to offer the eager eye. Pass by the Library of Celsus, built in 125 AD, where an extravagant entrance once lead to nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Another highlight is The Baths of Scholastica, an area used by former citizens to bathe, socialize, and discuss current events and important daily topics. The most grandiose attraction in Ephesus is The Great Theater, a massive 25,000 seat venue. Sixty rows of seats spanning three sections face a striking 60 foot stage. The theater was once used for concerts and plays as well as religious, political, and philosophical discussions. Most interestingly, gladiator and animal fights were also held there. Enjoy a few other notable highlights before moving forward with your tour.

The next stop on your Kusadasi guided tour is The Basilica of St. John, a marvelous church built in the 6th century AD. It is speculated the evangelist St. John spent his last living years around Ephesus and was buried on a nearby hill. Three hundred years after his death, a small chapel was constructed over his grave. Several hundred years after that, Emperor Justinian transformed that small chapel into a marvelous Basilica. Built almost entirely of brick and stones, the structure is an extremely rare find among the architecture of its time. Six beautiful domes cover the cruciform-style building, making this a stunning photogenic landmark.

Up next on your Ephesus guided tour is the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Two divided sections in this museum (archaeological and ethnographical) contain interesting artifacts from the Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman time periods. Discover magnificent coins and sculptures, elegant mosaics, and numerous statues of Mother Goddess Artemis.

After the museum, head to the local restaurant for a savory lunch, which is included in your tour price. Enjoy a mixture of hot and cold appetizers, seasonal salads, a main course, and Turkish pastries with dessert and fresh fruit. Water, tea, and coffee are also provided.

Your comprehensive Kusadasi guided tour closes with a return trip to your starting point. You have the option to end your tour in a vibrant shopping area, where an interesting Turkish carpet demonstration takes place. Additionally, you can explore the variety of shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherwear, and copper goods. If you prefer to return to your port instead of remaining in the shopping area, advise your professional guide, and you will be returned directly to your port. Book this amazing Kusadasi shore excursion now for an unforgettable Turkish experience at an exclusively low price.

$145 per person
Was $175
SAVE $30!

Duration: 7 hours
Buy Online

Benefits of Independent Tours

  • Lower Prices than the Cruise Lines
  • Smaller Tours, Higher Quality
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Guaranteed Return to Ship
  • 24 Hour Hotline

How to Book Shore Excursions

You can book these tours Online or Call. To buy online, visit our iCruise Shore Excursions website.

or Call 1-800-545-4988

Speak to a Shore Excursions expert for more information about this tour and other tours.

Reference: Viking Oceans, Viking Star, Departing Wed, Jan 1, 2025

Buy Online

More about this tour

Shore Excursion Size: Standard

Shore Excursion Type: Scenic, Cultural, Historical

Shore Excursion Duration: 7

Shore Excursion Departs From: Cruise Ship Pier

Activity Level: Moderate

Food/Beverage Provided: Beverages, Meal Included

Recommended Dress: Comfortable lightweight seasonal clothing. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. We recommend to wear appropriate attire for religious sites.

Restrictions: Must be able to get in and out of vehicle and walk about 1 mile. Guests must be able to walk over packed dirt, cobblestone and rock pavements. Many of these are uneven. Steps are required at various points throughout the city. The basilica is reached by a


Overlay Title