Ephesus tours and tickets
Ancient Ephesus Tour with House of the Virgin Mary
The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world.'Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city.You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says, ‘I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd.'
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Ancient Ephesus Tour with Pottery-making Demonstration
Ephesus is one of those places that brings history to life. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of this ancient city on a guided tour. The archaeological site is so well preserved that it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in its streets 2,000 years ago.
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Nat Geo Day Tour: The Ancient Mosaics and Artistry of Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins. Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls. Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour. See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.
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Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Kusadasi hotels
Enjoy a more relaxed way to end your holiday with the Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge. You'll have up to two hours to enjoy all-inclusive hot and cold snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. This will help ensure you'll keep the post-holiday blues at bay until the very last moment.On arrival at Bodrum Airport, you'll be greeted and assisted with check-in, security clearance and passport control. Then, once you're in departures, you'll be able to take advantage of the VIP lounge.Make use of the free Wi-Fi and let the children play in the kids' corner – it's a great way to pass the time before your flight. What's more, depending on the time of day, there's breakfast, hot and cold starters, or soup, bread and salads. And with a selection of drinks available too, you're sure to feel those holiday vibes until the moment you take off.
Day Trip to Greek Island of Samos
A quick hop over the sea from Kusadasi, and you'll find yourself on the Greek Island of Samos. Spend a day at your own pace in either Vathy or Pythagoreio, with your return ferry, taxes and round trip transfers in Kusadasi covered.Depending on the day, you'll dock in either Vathy or Pythagoreio. From there, you'll have the rest of the day to spend exactly as you please. In Vathy, you can visit the famous Archaeological Museum, browse for souvenirs at the main square, amble along its cobblestone streets and relax into the island pace of life. Set around a horseshoe bay, you'll be able to stroll along the bustling quayside filled with tavernas and cafés, where you can watch the world go by.Or if you dock in Pythagoreio, you can relax on the nearby pebble beach, wander around the quaint harbour or head up to the rooftop pool at Samos Hotel – the choice is yours. After a busy day exploring, you'll head back to Kusadasi by ferry in the early evening.
Forested mountains and sea-framed peninsulas are the backdrop to this scenic 4x4 drive. Tour the beautiful rural countryside inland from Kusadasi by rugged 4x4, taking in the charming mountain villages of Çamlık and Kirazlı, followed by an afternoon of sand surfing on Pamucak beach.
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Kusadasi Turkish Bath with Transport
Turkish baths are all about relaxation. Visit one of Kusadasi's finest Turkish bath houses, where you'll be treated to a steam room session, an invigorating body scrub and soothing foam massage. There's also the option of a traditional oil massage.
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Nat Geo Day Tour: Turkey’s trailblazing women - Artemis, the Virgin Mary and a Local Mayor
Roam through the ages and explore the indomitable spirit of women who have shaped society from ancient times to the present day, right here in Turkey. Prepare to be awed by the might of the Greek goddess Artemis, learning her story as you pass by the site of her grand temple. In the museum, you'll spend time in the gallery dedicated to the local goddesses, depicting the evolution of Artemis. Admire two large statues of Artemis of Ephesus and a model of the temple as it was during the period when it was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You will also have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, visiting the house believed to be where she lived and eventually died. Inspired by a National Geographic article, your guide will discuss Mary's role as 'the most famous woman in the world' and reflect on how in modern day Turkey, the role of the woman is vital to society. Enjoy exclusive access to the Earth School, an initiative founded by the Mayor of Selçuk herself. This project underscores her dedication to nurturing her community and promoting sustainable agriculture and you'll have the opportunity to meet the locals who are involved. A member of the Mayor's team will accompany you, providing insights into how this initiative is changing local lives and landscapes. Your final stop is a restaurant with a focus on sustainability where you'll forage for plants in the grounds with the staff and enjoy a special lunch featuring top quality cuisine and friendly service.
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Kusadasi Boat & 4x4 Safari Tour
You'll journey on land and sea to see the countryside and coastline around Kusadasi on this full day tour. Climb up into the mountains through unspoilt villages, race down tracks in a 4x4 and then sail around Baradan Bay on a boat trip complete with lunch.
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Adaland Waterpark with Transfers
It's fast, it's furious and it's one of Kusadasi's top waterparks. Adaland is so exciting that you'll be running from one attraction to the other. There are themed areas, slides for the kids and even rafting. And for the fearless, there's the chance to defy gravity on Freefall and Kamikaze.
Aqua Fantasy Waterpark with Transport
If it's thrills and spills you're after, Aqua Fantasy waterpark promises plenty. The biggest of its kind in Turkey, there are slides, rides, chutes and pools for all the family.
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Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Bodrum hotels
Enjoy a more relaxed way to end your holiday with the Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge. You'll have up to two hours to enjoy all-inclusive hot and cold snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. This will help ensure you'll keep the post-holiday blues at bay until the very last moment.On arrival at Bodrum Airport, you'll be greeted and assisted with check-in, security clearance and passport control. Then, once you're in departures, you'll be able to take advantage of the VIP lounge.Make use of the free Wi-Fi and let the children play in the kids' corner – it's a great way to pass the time before your flight. What's more, depending on the time of day, there's breakfast, hot and cold starters, or soup, bread and salads. And with a selection of drinks available too, you're sure to feel those holiday vibes until the moment you take off.
Exploring your surroundings by horse is a fun and natural way to discover the Turkish countryside. Take a few hours on this horse-riding excursion from Kusadasi to get back to nature at a sedate pace, with a refreshing sea swim along the way.
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The inside story
Ephesus – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Türkiye – packs a serious punch with its ruins, temples, and mosaics from a once-thriving Roman civilisation. The Library of Celsus is the big draw, an Insta-dream showcasing classical architecture that once housed over 12,000 scrolls of age-old wisdom. It’s easy to imagine the crowd's roar at the Great Theatre, which could seat 24,000 people, where gladiator fights and political rallies took place. The Romans really left their mark on this city.
From the Temple of Artemis – now just a single column, still rocking its ancient fame as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – to the quirky public toilets where real ancient gossip went down. And let’s not forget the mosaics. You’ll admire the well-preserved, intricate floor designs created by expert artisans, featuring mythological scenes that offer a deeper glimpse into Roman life and thought.
