Kusadasi or Selcuk: Highlights of Ephesus – Small Group Tour

Exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This small group tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk offers an immersive journey through the city’s UNESCO-listed ruins and historic sites. With a maximum of 14 participants, the tour provides personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, ensuring you uncover the rich history and significance of this captivating destination. From the impressive Roman architecture to the revered House of the Virgin Mary, each stop on the itinerary promises to captivate and inspire. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper appreciation for the past, this tour promises to exceed your expectations.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, home to significant Roman and early Christian monuments, on an 8-hour small group tour.
• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic shrine discovered in the 19th century and believed to be Virgin Mary’s final home.
• Enjoy a comprehensive tour with a professional English-speaking guide, including entrance fees and lunch at a local restaurant.
• Optionally, visit the Terrace Houses to learn about the daily lives of elite Roman residents or enjoy free time for wine tasting in Sirince.
• Benefit from a personalized experience with a small group size (maximum 14 participants) and convenient hotel/cruise pickup and drop-off.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Ephesus starts at $90.00 per person and lasts 8 hours, with a small group of up to 14 participants.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes hotel or cruise pickup and drop-off in Kusadasi or Selcuk, as well as a professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees to sites, and lunch at a local restaurant.

While drinks and tips aren’t included, the overall value for money is high, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on 14 reviews.

Travelers particularly appreciate the transportation and the expertise of the tour guide.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pick-up from hotels in Kusadasi at 8:30 am or Selcuk at 9:00 am.

Visitors then explore the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic shrine established in 1986.

Next, they explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, encountering a wealth of Roman Imperial and early Christian monuments.

Key sites on the itinerary include the Odeon, state agora, Prytaneion, Memmius monument, Domatian temple, Hercules Gate, Hadrian temple, Celsus Library, Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.

This comprehensive tour offers a deep dive into the rich history and impressive ruins of this ancient city.

Optional Experiences

Along With the core tour, visitors can opt for a visit to the Terrace Houses, an extra experience costing 320 Turkish lira per person.

This add-on allows guests to explore the well-preserved Roman-era houses and uncover the architectural and decorative details that offer insights into the daily lives of Ephesus’s elite residents.

Plus, the tour offers free time for wine tasting in Sirince, a charming old Byzantine village renowned for its traditional houses and fruit-flavored wines.

This optional activity provides an opportunity to savor the local wine culture and take in the quaint ambiance of this historic settlement.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes a professional English-speaking guide who provides expertise and historical insights throughout the experience.

Entrance fees to all the key sites within Ephesus are covered, allowing visitors hassle-free access to explore the ancient Roman and early Christian monuments.

Lunch at a local restaurant is also provided, giving participants a chance to savor regional cuisine as part of the tour.

Plus, hotel or cruise pickup and drop-off in Kusadasi or Selcuk, as well as air-conditioned transportation, are included to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey.

While drinks and tips aren’t covered, the tour’s inclusions offer great value, making it an attractive option for those seeking a comprehensive Ephesus experience.

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Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews underscore the tour’s exceptional value and quality, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 14 evaluations.

Travelers consistently praise the tour’s transportation and value for money, with many highlighting the expertise and historical insights provided by the professional English-speaking guide.

Participants also express appreciation for the tour’s organization and flexibility, noting that it was well-structured while still allowing for a personalized experience.

The feedback suggests that the Ephesus tour delivers on its promises, offering a comprehensive exploration of the ancient site’s highlights in a hassle-free and enjoyable manner.

Pickup and Duration

The tour offers pickup services from hotels in Kusadasi starting at 8:30 AM or Selcuk at 9:00 AM, providing a convenient start to the 8-hour exploration of the Ephesus archaeological site.

The small group tour, limited to a maximum of 14 participants, ensures a personalized experience as you journey through the ancient city’s well-preserved Roman Imperial and early Christian monuments.

From the Odeon to the Celsus Library, you’ll have ample time to learn about the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The tour’s comprehensive itinerary, combined with the expertise of the English-speaking guide, promises an engaging and informative day exploring the highlights of Ephesus.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ephesus, a sprawling ancient city, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015 for its exceptional preservation of Roman Imperial and early Christian monuments.

Visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy the city’s rich history, which spans over two millennia.

Key sites within the UNESCO-listed Ephesus include the Odeon, a small theater; the state agora, a bustling marketplace; and the Memmius monument, a grand memorial.

The Celsus Library, with its ornate facade, and the Great Theatre, where audiences once witnessed theatrical performances, are must-see highlights.

Exploring Ephesus offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient world and the pivotal role it played in early Christianity.

Visiting the House of the Virgin Mary

Nestled on a hillside just a few miles from the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic shrine that has drawn pilgrims since its discovery in the 19th century. This modest stone structure is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, who lived here with the apostle John after the crucifixion of Jesus. Visitors can explore the chapel, see the altar, and learn about the site’s religious significance. The experience offers a glimpse into early Christian history and a chance to reflect on the life of one of the most revered figures in the faith.

Feature	Description
Location	A few miles from Ephesus
History	Discovered in the 19th century
Significance	Believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary
Visitor Experience	Explore the chapel, see the altar, learn about the site’s history

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

The tour does not offer a private option. It’s a small group tour with a maximum of 14 participants. However, the group size and personalized service have received high customer feedback on the tour’s organization and value.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Fit Our Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit the traveler’s interests. Travelers can speak with the tour operator to adjust the itinerary or include additional stops that align with their preferences within the tour’s duration and budget.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ephesus?

The best time to visit Ephesus is during the spring or fall months. The weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and popular sites are less crowded compared to the peak summer season. This allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

This tour doesn’t seem to offer any standard discounts, but guests can take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option. Plus, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility for travelers.

How Accessible Is the Site for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour generally accommodates visitors with disabilities. The sites have wheelchair-accessible paths, though some areas may be challenging. Visitors should check with the tour operator in advance to discuss any special needs and ensure the best experience.

Recap

Discover the rich history of Ephesus on this small group tour.

Explore UNESCO-listed Roman ruins and the House of the Virgin Mary.

With personalized attention from a professional guide, enjoy included entrance fees, lunch, and the option to visit the Terrace Houses.

This 8-hour tour offers an immersive journey through this ancient city.

You can check if your dates are available here: