İzmir in 1 Day for Seniors - Guided visit to Ephesus Ancient City (Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian)
In Collaboration with turquiahora tour. Updated on February 21, 2026.
THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR JUST FOR YOU, NOT A GROUP TOUR. DISCOVER EPHESUS WITH A PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE. Ancient City of Ephesus is the best preserved Greek & Roman city of Asia Minor. During the first centuries AD it had a population of around 250,000 and was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. During the visit you can see Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Public Toilets, The Great Theater
This itinerary was created in collaboration with turquiahora tour, inspired by the tour Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to Ephesus Ancient City (Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian)
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)
- Drive-by / photo stop at the Temple of Artemis ruin
- Private pickup and drop-off at Kuşadası Cruise Port
- Typical local lunch included
Itinerary
Day 1
Private guided shore excursion from Kuşadası Cruise Port to Selçuk: House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, pass by Temple of Artemis, return to port.
Meet your guide at Kuşadası Cruise Port
Meet your English-speaking guide and driver at the Kuşadası Cruise Port. The guide will be holding a sign with your name. Short briefing and boarding the vehicle for the transfer to Selçuk.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at the main cruise terminal arrival area; look for the guide holding a sign with your name.
- Have your cruise card or passport ready for quick ID checks at port security.
- Allow 10–15 minutes extra arrival time to navigate from ship to the meeting point if you have mobility needs.
Transfer: Kuşadası to House of the Virgin Mary (Sultaniye)
Private transfer from Kuşadası Cruise Port to the House of the Virgin Mary located in Sultaniye village near Selçuk.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive takes approximately 30 minutes; the vehicle will be climate-controlled for comfort.
- If you have limited mobility, request the shortest walking route on arrival — there is a short downhill path to the house.
- Keep a light jacket in case coastal winds are cooler during transfer.
Visit: House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)
Guided visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in Sultaniye, where tradition holds Mary spent her final years. The guide will provide the historical and religious context during the visit.
Tips from local experts:
- The site has stone pathways and some steps; wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and plan for a short downhill/uphill walk.
- Dress modestly out of respect for the religious site (shoulders and knees covered is recommended).
- There is limited shade at the site; bring sun protection and a small bottle of water for the short visit.
Transfer: House of the Virgin Mary to Ephesus Ancient City
Short transfer from the House of the Virgin Mary to the Ephesus archaeological site (Selçuk).
Tips from local experts:
- Transfer time is approximately 10–20 minutes depending on traffic; the vehicle will drop you at the Ephesus entrance.
- Use the restroom at the visitor facilities before entering the archaeological site; facilities near the main entrance are the most convenient.
- Keep personal belongings close; the guide will re-group the group at set meeting points to avoid delays.
Visit: Ephesus Ancient City (Efes Antik Kenti)
Guided walking tour through the main highlights of Ephesus: Marble Street, Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Public Latrines, and the Great Theatre. The guide will allow rests and photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site with uneven marble streets and many steps — wear comfortable walking shoes and use a walking stick if helpful.
- Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and water; shaded areas are limited during the route.
- Plan for frequent short rests; rejoin the guide at visible landmarks if you need an extra pause during the tour.
Pass by: Temple of Artemis (photo stop)
Drive-by and short photo stop at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Expect a brief stop at the observation area.
Tips from local experts:
- The Temple of Artemis site has very limited ruins visible; this is a short photo stop rather than a long visit.
- The pull-in area is roadside; watch footing if you step out of the vehicle and stay with the guide.
- If you prefer not to step out, you can remain in the vehicle and still take photos through the window.
Return transfer to Kuşadası Cruise Port and drop-off
Private transfer back to Kuşadası Cruise Port with drop-off at the cruise terminal. The driver will allow time to disembark and reach your ship.
Tips from local experts:
- Driver will drop you at the cruise terminal drop-off; confirm the exact return time with your guide to allow comfortable boarding.
- Keep your boarding pass or cruise card handy for re-entry through port security.
- Allow at least 15 minutes between planned tour end and your ship's departure time to clear port procedures.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction |
