Ephesus & Terrace Houses Guided Tour

From$109
4 hours
Kusadasi, Turkey

About this activity

Discover the ancient city of Ephesus and the Terrace Houses on a guided tour, including admission tickets for cruise passengers.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient Ephesus ruins
  • Visit the Terrace Houses
  • See the Library of Celsus
  • Admire the Great Theatre
  • Discover the Temple of Artemis

Full description

Step back in time and explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll wander through the well-preserved ruins, including the impressive Library of Celsus and the grand Great Theatre. A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Terrace Houses, where you'll see the luxurious homes of Ephesus's elite, adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes. This tour is tailored for cruise passengers, with admission tickets included to ensure a seamless experience. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of ancient Ephesus.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Ephesus ruins
  • Visit to Terrace Houses
  • Admission tickets for cruise passengers
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

2026 SEASON, SHIPS WE SERVE, A TO Z. Azamara Onward Brilliance O.T.S. Carnival Legend Celebrity Ascent, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity Celestyal Discovery, Journey Enchanted Princess Emerald Azzurra, Kaia Explora II Island Princess MSC Divina, Fantasia ms Oosterdam Norwegian Viva Odyssey O.T.S. Oceania Allura, Regatta Scarlet Lady Seabourn Quest Seven Seas Grandeur, Mariner, Navigator, Splendor Silver Muse, Nova Star Flyer, Legend Sun Princess Viking Mars, Neptune, Saturn, Sky, Star, Vesta, Vela Wind Spirit, Star >>> According to the pick-up time that we will arrange according to your ship's arrival time, meet your guide at the Kusadasi Cruise Port and set out towards the first visit point.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

An Archeological treasure, The best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1C AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250,000 citizens. It was in the center of the known world and played the role of a gateway between the East and the West. With its giant harbor, it was also the center of trading in antiquity. It was not only a rich commercial city but also the honeymoon place of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. It is also home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Temple of Artemis. Ephesus is also so well preserved that, walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent, gives you the feeling of a time traveler.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
3

The Terrace Houses in Ephesus are among the most significant structures of the ancient city. Used from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD, they reflect the rich Ege-Roman culture. Located on the slopes of the city, these houses offer insights into the social life and daily routines of ancient Ephesus. The interiors are richly decorated with frescoes and mosaics, showcasing intricate artwork. These homes are typically two or three stories high and constructed using high-quality materials. The architectural style is luxurious and comfortable, reflecting the high living standards of the time. The terrace houses were residential areas for the city's aristocratic class and offered a grand living space that mirrored their social status. Today, the Terrace Houses in Ephesus attract significant interest through archaeological excavations and restorations, offering visitors an in-depth view of life during the ancient Roman period.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
4

At the end of the tour drive you back to Kusadasi Port. We Guarantee your timely return to the port

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Confirm your cruise arrival time to ensure timely pickup.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Be prepared for a moderate amount of walking during the tour.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • 2026 Season - SHIPS WE SERVE, A TO Z. ⬇⬇⬇
  • Azamara Onward
  • Brilliance O.T.S.
  • Carnival Legend
  • Celebrity Ascent, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity
  • Celestyal Discovery, Journey
  • Enchanted Princess
  • Emerald Azzurra, Kaia
  • Explora II
  • Island Princess
  • MSC Divina, Fantasia
  • ms Oosterdam
  • Norwegian Viva
  • Odyssey O.T.S.
  • Oceania Allura, Regatta
  • Scarlet Lady
  • Seabourn Quest
  • Seven Seas Grandeur, Mariner, Navigator, Splendor
  • Silver Muse, Nova
  • Star Flyer, Legend
  • Sun Princess
  • Viking Mars, Neptune, Saturn, Sky, Star, Vesta, Vela
  • Wind Spirit, Star
  • We GUARANTEE your timely return to the port
  • Your tour guide may suggest visiting places with handmade items, but it’s completely optional for the guests.
  • Group Tour Option: This option usually has 8–10 participants. Also, if your group has 10+ people, you can book. Groups are formed as passengers of the same ship.
  • Private Tour Option: The tour will be provided only for your party with personal tour guide. Stay ın the sites as much you wish, If there is any other site you want to visit, depending on time availability, it can be added to the program.
  • The tour specialy designed for the cruise guests. Pick up and drop off only available from Kusadasi Port. The tour starting time will adjust according to your cruise dock and onboard times. We GUARANTEE your timely return to the Port.
  • Free entry for kids 8yr and below (take passport for children if any)

Traveler reviews

4.8
61 reviews
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Private tour

Private tour is the only way to go on this. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and understood what we wanted to see.

Karen_CMay 5, 2026VIATOR

Excellent Tour

We were picked up at the ship in a small group . Tylan was an excellent guide. There was plenty of time to see everything.

lzoernerMay 5, 2026VIATOR

Excellent and very...

Excellent and very knowledgeable guide. There is alot of walking and with a cane you need to be careful, as it is mostly downhill and the stones can be slippery

Penny_DNov 1, 2025VIATOR

Ephesus delight!

The tour was an excellent introduction to the history and culture of Turkey. Our tour guide, Ogun, was an encyclopedia of knowledge ranging from history, art and customs for his home country. His passion for Turkey really brought the tour to life. Our driver, Memo, made certain that our trip was a safe one. Kudos to both of these ambassadors for Turkey!

Annie_YOct 28, 2025VIATOR

Our tour guide Celine was...

Our tour guide Celine was wonderful. She explained everything we were seeing, answered our questions. She was very knowledgeable, also took us to a wonderful carpet market! Definitely would recommend her, it was a great experience having a private tour!

Sheryl_COct 25, 2025VIATOR

Additional information

Free entry for kids 8yr and below (take passport for children if any) We GUARANTEE your timely return to the port The tour offer Group and Private Tour options INCLUDE. Group Tour Option: The group sizes will be up to 10 people maximum. Groups are formed as passengers of the same ship. Private Tour Option: The tour will be provided only for your party with personal tour guide. Stay ın the sites as much you wish, If there is any other site you want to visit, depending on time availability, it can be added to the program. The tour specialy designed for the cruise guests. Pick up and drop off only available from Kusadasi Port. The tour starting time will adjust according to your cruise dock and onboard times. We GUARANTEE your timely return to the Port. This tour will have a maximum of 10-12 travelers.