Top Ephesus Shore Excursions: Must-See Sights for Cruise Travelers
Planning a family cruise stop in Turkey? Want a mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable sights?
Awesome, we recently booked an Ephesus shore excursion and loved it. I am excited to share everything we learned and some tips we picked up along the way.
Located near the modern town of Kuşadası, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, offering cruise visitors a rare glimpse into life during the Roman Empire.
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of gladiators at the Great Theatre or marveling at the grand Library of Celsus, there’s something here for everyone in the family to enjoy.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your time ashore and book the best Ephesus Shore Excursion.
Let’s explore the ancient ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
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Kusadasi Cruise Port
If you have looked over your itinerary and found that you have a stop at the Kusadasi Port(Ephesus), you probably are wondering what there is to do.
Well, the highlight is the ancient city of Ephesus. There isn’t too much else to do at the port. There may be Turkish dancers to greet you, but that is about it.
You really need to book a tour to really experience the area.
How Crowded is the Kusadasi Port?
The port can hold 2 large cruise ships at a time, with up to 5000 cruise passengers.
You have two options: book through the cruise line or book through a 3rd party site like Viator or Get Your Guide.
If you book through the cruise line, the prices are over $100 per person. If you look at Viator or Get Your Guide, the price is $20 ish per person. Entrance fees should be included in these tours.
I would book through Viator and save money. The bus ride is not too far from the port, and it really does not take too much time to tour Ephesus.
We actually did book through the cruise line because we wanted a shorter Ephesus shore excursion, and there was one offered. It was really overpriced.
We had a great time, but if you want to save a little money, I think the Viator tours will be just as good. You can also book a small group or private Ephesus tours if you go with a third party. A private guide is really nice to have!
Tips for Visiting Ephesus Ancient City
Here are a few tips that I thought would be good to help you plan your Ephesus Shore Excursion.
Arrive Early (or Late) to Beat the Crowds
Depending on when your ship ports, I would suggest getting to Ephesus early to avoid crowds.
The best time to go is at 8:00 AM when the park opens or after 3:30 PM.
Also, the best time for photos is in the morning.
How Long Should I Spend at Ephesus
Most people spend about 2-3 hours. When you are looking for an Ephesus tour, check out the times.
We wanted a shorter tour that just went to Ephesus. You can also include the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary.
If you do everything, it could take you up to 4 hours.
Use the Upper Gate and Walk Downhill
There are two entrances. If you just go on your own, have your taxi drop you off at the Upper Gate. You will avoid having to walk uphill.
Have a Guide
When you book a tour, these come with guides. There isn’t much signage at Ephesus. These guides are awesome if you want to learn more about the ruins. It is nice to have private tour guides.
Dress for the Weather and Bring Sun Protection
There is very little shade at Ephesus. It is really hot in the summer in this area. Plus, there are no food or drink vendors at the site.
You will want to make sure to bring the following:
Mobility Concerns
Ephesus has uneven terrain and slopes, making it difficult to navigate for those with disabilities.
Highlights and Historical Background of Ephesus
Ephesus has a fascinating and well-preserved history, dating back thousands of years. Once a major Roman city, it was a center of trade, religion, and culture.
Here are a few highlights that show why it’s such a remarkable place to visit.
Ephesus Christian Background
Ephesus is a really cool site if you are a Christian.
Paul gave many sermons in the amphitheater. He served a 2-year mission in the area.
He taught them about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. If taught them about baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. He taught them to stop worshiping idols.
It is really neat to see where these amazing sermons were taught.
It doesn’t say in the Bible, but early Christian historians believe that John lived in Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
When Jesus died, he asked John to take care of Mary. The house of Mary is in Ephesus.
There are biblical Ephesus tour options.
Roman Gladiators
Jesus and the apostles lived during the Roman Empire. The amphitheater not only hosted amazing sermons but also Roman Gladiator games.
Many Gladiator events were held during celebrations, festivals, and political events.
Top Sites at Ephesus
You will get to see many cool ruins as you walk down the hill. The top sites are listed below.
Don’t Miss These Highlights
Library of Celsus – iconic facade and most photographed spot.
Grand Theatre – seats 25,000; Paul likely spoke here (Acts 19).
Terrace Houses (extra ticket) – beautifully preserved elite homes with mosaics and frescoes.
Temple of Hadrian
Temple of Artemis
Odeon, Marble Street, and Agora
Library of Celsus
This ancient Roman library was built around 110 AD, it once housed over 12,000 scrolls and served as both library and mausoleum for Roman Senator Celsus.
It is one of the most well-preserved libraries from the ancient world.
Today it’s one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring structures in Ephesus.
Great Theatre
This enormous ancient theatre could hold up to 25,000 people and hosted everything from dramatic performances to political events and even gladiator fights.
Its acoustics are still impressive today—try standing on the stage and speaking softly to someone seated at the very top!
Our guide did this, and it was pretty cool.
Performance at Ephesus
Our tour had a special performance for us to watch. The actors gave gifts to the Roman Emperor and danced for us. They also did a gladiator show.
It was fun to see. Anyone touring Ephesus could stop and watch.
House of Virgin Mary
Mary the mother of Jesus lived in Ephesus and is believed to have died in the area.
A peaceful stone house believed to be where Mary spent her final years.
If you want to see this site make sure your tour includes it. It is about 15-20 minutes away from Ephesus. (About 4 miles)
There is a small entrance fee.
Other Kusadasi (Ephesus) Cruise Excursions
If the ancient city of Ephesus isn’t really your thing, there are a few (very few) other Kusadasi shore excursion options to consider.
Güvercinada Kalesi
Located near the port is Castle Fortress called the Güvercinada Kalesi. It is about a 10 minute walk from the cruise port.
My husband walked over after our tour to see what it was. There are beautiful gardens inside, and the view is pretty good!
Turkish Rug Demostration
As part of our Ephesus Shore Excursion, they took us back to Kusadasi to look at Turkish Rugs.
They gave us a Turkish dessert and did a demonstration in a large showroom of all the different rugs they had to offer.
This really wasn’t my thing. The prices are very inflated. They want you to bargain with them. (I hate that!) High pressure sales tactics.
Kuşadası Grand Bazaar
You don’t have to be on a tour to walk over to the Kuşadası Grand Bazaar. This is where all the souvenirs, rugs, and local shops are.
We walked around for a little while in the area. The high-pressure sales tactics just made me want to go back on the boat.
There is a waterpark pretty close to the cruise port. You will have to get a taxi to get there.
I’m pretty sure that the cruise line offered a cruise excursion to the park. But it might be better to just purchase your tickets and grab a ride.
If you purchase tickets online, the prices are around $50 per adult.
There are lots of slides and a lazy river. This might be the way to go on a hot day!
Are You Ready For An Ephesus Shore Excursion?
Hopefully, this gives you an idea of what you can do for your Ephesus shore excursion.
Exploring Ephesus during my shore excursion was like stepping into a storybook of ancient times. Walking through the ruins was incredible. It is cool to see how much history is still alive in this place.
If you ever get the chance to stop in Kuşadası, I highly recommend booking an Ephesus shore excursion. It’s not just a tour, but an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you leave.
We Love To Cruise!
We love family cruises. We have been on some fun ships, the Disney Wish, Odyssey of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. We have gone out of Orlando, Miami, and Galveston. Vancouver is another great option.
We have visited Thrill Water Park at Perfect Day, and have been to port stops in the Bahamas We have also hit a private island in Roatan, checked out Costa Maya to see the ruins, and visited Cozumel. Castaway Cay is awesome. We did the Castaway Cay 5k If your itinerary includes these stops, take a look at some of the fun tours available.
If you are planning a cruise in Europe, we did some amazing excursions in Rome, Naples, Santorini, Mykonos, and Ephesus.
Can’t wait to go on more cruises!
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