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Terrace Houses of Ephesus

Terrace Houses of Ephesus: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kusadasi: Ephesus Shore Excursion with Skip-the-Line Entry

1. Kusadasi: Ephesus Shore Excursion with Skip-the-Line Entry

Ephesus - Terrace Houses - The House of Virgin Mary - Artemission Temple Tour with Private Option. No Hidden Costs Visit Ephesus and its attractions on a small-group excursion. See the Terrace Houses, the House of Virgin Mary, and Artemission Temple with entrance fees covered and a licensed tour guide. Meet your tour guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port at the pre-arranged time Please note that pick up time ( usually 30 minutes after your cruise arrival ) will be emailed with in 24 hours after your reservation. If you miss this email, please do not forget to contact us for pick up time. After greeting begin your 20-minute drive to Ephesus. Once there, begin touring the city, which is one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. As a port city, this was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them discover the Baths of Scholastica and the Library of Celsus. Encounter the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater, which are 2 of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Visit the Terrace Houses, located on the skirt of Pion Mountain. See the 6 residential units which were built on 3 man-made terraces. These houses are decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics, settled by the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. See the House of Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus, and learn about its connection to when Mary came to Ephesus in 431 A.D. and why this area became a place of pilgrimage in 1892. Stop at the Artemission Temple, where one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world used to be. This will be the final stop on your tour before your return drive to your point of origin.

Ephesus Full-Day Tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk

2. Ephesus Full-Day Tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk

The tour starts with your pick up from your hotel in Kusadasi. The pick up in Kusadasi starts at 08:30 am; and the pick up in Selcuk starts at 09:00 am. After all the participants of the tour meet up; the discovery of Ephesus starts with the House of Virgin Mary. House of Virgin Mary is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in this area together with Saint John. This place was offically declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. Pope Paul VI visited shrine in 1967. The visit to the House (church) takes about 1 hour and after our visit there will be a 10 min drive to Ephesus. Ephesus is an exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial and early Christian periods. Ephesus is an important site for Christianity; being one of the seven Churches of Revelation Apostle Paul probably spent two and half years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. In two hours, you will be exploring the city by walking on the marble streets, accompanied by our English speaking tour guide. In our tour, we will be seeing the odeon,state agora,the prytaneion,the Memmius monument,the Domatian temple,Hercules gate,curetes street,the Hadrian temple and the latriens. The visits to the private houses (So-called ‘Terrace Houses’) is an optional visit for an extra 320 ₺/ per person and your guide should be informed on before hand. After the terrace houses, we will carry on with our exploration with the Celsus library,marble road,commercial Agora,great theather, and arcadiane (harbour road). A nice lunch will be served in a quaint local restaurant. After lunch we will visit the temple of Artemis; which is one of the 'seven world wonders' of antiquity. Here, there will be good chance to take georgious pictures of the church of St.John and the Mosque of İsa Bey . Sirince is an old village of ‘the Byzantine Greeks situated on the hills of Selcuk and 9 km from Ephesus. As part of the peace pact after theTurkish national war (1919-1922), a formal exchange of Turkish and Greeks, was agreed upon and Sirince is inhabited by Turkish now. The village is popular for beautiful traditional houses and fruit flavoured wine production; and you will have a free time for some wine tasting. Our daily tour will be finalised around 4:30 pm and you will be brought back to your hotels.

Kusadasi Port: All Inclusive Ephesus Tour (Skip-The-Line)

3. Kusadasi Port: All Inclusive Ephesus Tour (Skip-The-Line)

Upon your arrival at Kusadasi Port, you will be greeted by your private guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. The first stop on our itinerary is the House of the Virgin Mary. The House of Virgin Mary is where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967. The visit to the House (church) takes about 45 minutes and after our visit; there will be a 5 min drive to Ephesus. Ephesus is an exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. Ephesus is an important site for Christianity; being one of the seven churches of revelation. Apostle Paul probably spent two and half years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey.It will take about 2 hours to discover Ephesus ancient city by walking on the marble streets, so it is helpful to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers. accompanied by our English-speaking tour guide. The site has two entrances; as it is slightly downhill, it is better to start from the upper gate. On our tour, we will be seeing Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domatian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, Latriens, and Private House (so-called Brothel, 'Terrace Houses') Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadine (Harbour Road). We will visit the Temple of Artemis; which is one of the seven world wonders of antiquity. there will be a good chance to shoot photos of the Church of St. John and Mosque of Isa Bey from the best angle as well. After the tour, we will make sure to drop you off at Kusadasi Port promptly, ensuring that you are returned to your desired location on time. Your convenience and satisfaction are our top priorities throughout the tour.

From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers

4. From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers

Discover Ephesus, the second biggest open-air museum in the world, on a private tour. Enjoy pickup from your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk, or from the cruise ship port, then be driven to the major local landmarks. Allow your guide to teach you about Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history. Apart from the city of ancient Ephesus, also explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Artemis Temple, as well as the temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Fountains of Trojan, Polio, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater, which was once the center point of entertainment for up to 24,000 people. You will also get to see the House where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last years in life. The tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, at which point you'll be taken back to your hotel or cruise ship.

From Kusadasi/Izmir: Ephesus Private Tour with Less Walking

5. From Kusadasi/Izmir: Ephesus Private Tour with Less Walking

Discover the wonders of Ephesus on a private tour with less walking and more exploring for travelers seeking a more relaxed experience. Enjoy pickup from Izmir or Kusadasi. With a guide and skip-the-line access, bypass queues and dive straight into the heart of this UNESCO-listed site. Explore the iconic Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece that once housed thousands of scrolls. Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Theatre, where gladiators once battled and audiences were captivated by theatrical performances. Stroll along the ancient streets of Ephesus, adorned with intricate columns and historic ruins. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Listen to fascinating stories and legends from your guide that will bring Ephesus to life. Enjoy the advantage of less walking and savor every moment without feeling rushed. Capture stunning photos, soak in the ambiance, and let the ancient past transport you to a bygone era.

BEST OF EPHESUS: Private Tour for Cruise Passengers

6. BEST OF EPHESUS: Private Tour for Cruise Passengers

We meet you at the Cruise Port! Our team will be waiting next to Information Desk at the Exit Gate of Cruise Port by holding a sign which is your name written on it. After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree on your meeting time. Please note that there are several Cruise Ships with different arrival and departure timings. So, you might decide with our team about the best meeting time which is fitting your schedule. During the tour you will explore the below sights; • Ephesus Ancient City • Terrace Houses of Ephesus • Ephesus Archeological Museum • Temple of Artemis • Panoramic View of Kusadasi • Panoramic View of Kusadasi Castle In the end of our tour, we return to the Cruise Port according to your ONBOARD TIME! PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate our return time to Cruise Port. OUR TOURS ARE WITH GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT!

Kusadasi Cruise Port: Antique Ephesus Tour (Skip-The-Line)

7. Kusadasi Cruise Port: Antique Ephesus Tour (Skip-The-Line)

Upon your arrival at Kusadasi Port, you will be greeted by your private guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. The first stop on our itinerary is the House of the Virgin Mary. The House of Virgin Mary is where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967. The visit to the House (church) takes about 45 minutes and after our visit; there will be a 5 min drive to Ephesus. Ephesus is an exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. Ephesus is an important site for Christianity; being one of the seven churches of revelation. Apostle Paul probably spent two and half years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey.It will take about 2 hours to discover Ephesus ancient city by walking on the marble streets, so it is useful to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers. accompanied by our tour guide. The site has two entrances; as it is slightly downhill, it is better to start from the upper gate. On our tour, we will be seeing Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domatian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadine (Harbour Road). Terrace Houses in Ephesus on Curetes street belonged to prominent people of the city. They are dated back to 1C AD; some were inhabited up to 7C AD. They were luxurious private houses with mosaic floors, fountains, and central heating. We will carry on with the Ephesus Museum, which consists of six chambers exhibiting collections from the ruins. Especially, the marble statues of the Goddess of Artemis are to be seen; one from the 1st century AD and the other from the 2nd century AD. After the tour, we will make sure to drop you off at Kusadasi Port promptly, ensuring that you are returned to your desired location on time. Your convenience and satisfaction are our top priorities throughout the tour.

All Inclusive Private Ephesus Full Day Tour with lunch

8. All Inclusive Private Ephesus Full Day Tour with lunch

All Inclusive Private Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, Artemission with lunch Learn more about famous religious sites like The House of Virgin Mary, and Artemis temple in this private tour of Ephesus from Kuşadasi. Taste delicious Turkish food at a local restaurant, as you see this significant port city.  Your private guide will meet you at Kusadasi port or hotel with a sign written “ Your Name “ on it, Please note that pick up time ( usually 30 minutes after your cruise arrival ) will be emailed with in 24 hours after your reservation. If you miss this email, please do not forget to contact with us for pick up time. After greeting, we will have 20 mins drive to Ephesus area. We will start visiting one of the main highlights in Turkey, Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionian League (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor) is located near Izmir. As a port city it was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus; it was built in the beginning of the 2nd century A.D. by Gaius Julius Aquila to be a memorial to his father Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus, the proconsul of Province of Asia. , the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater are two of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Grand theatre was built in 3rd century B.C and it was later expanded to 24.000 spectators by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. After traditional Turkish lunch we continue to visit The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there. We will stop at Artemis Temple where used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world as our last stop before drive back to Kusadasi town center and port. The end of our services.

Kusadasi : City Discovery Tour

9. Kusadasi : City Discovery Tour

If you bored on cruise and dont want to spend all day on Ephesus ancient city , Lets discover Kusadasi with a local by walking. No rush No Hassle , just discovering freely This activity is just for you , if you looking for ; Best places to see ( Not Touristic) Best Local Food places Local Tea Tasting in a Local place Meet with locals Discovering Turkish Culture and traditions

Ephesus: Customised Day Tour from Kusadası

10. Ephesus: Customised Day Tour from Kusadası

Ephesus is an ancient city located in modern-day Turkey, near the town of Selçuk. It was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Visitors to Ephesus can explore its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsius, Hadrian's Temple, the Great Theater, and the Terrace Houses. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John are also located near Ephesus and are popular pilgrimage sites for Christians. The best examples of mosaics, excellent frescos ( wall paintings ), one of the first examples of central heating system can be visibled in Terrace Houses.  The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was located in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey and was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. The temple was considered to be one of the largest and most impressive structures in the ancient world and was known for its grand size and luxurious decoration. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed in a fire and its ruins were later rediscovered in the 19th century. Despite its destruction, the Temple of Artemis remains a significant part of ancient history and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey. The Basilica of St. John was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the tomb of St. John the Apostle. It was once considered one of the largest basilicas in the world, rivaling the size of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Although it is now in ruins, visitors can still admire its architectural features, including a nave and two aisles separated by columns. The basilica is located in Ephesus, a famous ancient city in Turkey, and is considered one of the main pilgrimage sites for Christians. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Selçuk, near the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and archaeology of Ephesus, including ancient coins, mosaics, sculptures, ceramics, and inscriptions. The museum is a must-visit for those interested in the rich history of Ephesus and the surrounding area, and provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of the ancient city's culture, architecture, and daily life. Some of the most important pieces on display at the museum include the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient city's theater, and the historic Library of Celsus.

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What people are saying about Terrace Houses of Ephesus

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 6 reviews

Fatima and her team are absolutely amazing - I’ve been on a lot of tours around the world, and this one is right at the top of my favorites list. Ephesus is fantastic, and Fatima was such a knowledgeable guide. The lunch is also the best I’ve experienced on any tour - delicious food included and nice wines available for a very reasonable price. I also really like the size of this tour - small enough to feel personal, but uses a more comfortable minibus to get around so there’s plenty of space for everyone. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough!

A fantastic tour. This tour won’t disappoint! We had a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable. He gave us lots of historical and cultural information and was more than happy to answer questions. He even took us to another important site as well as a rug making factory where we got to watch the ladies making the rugs.

This was a good tour with money well-spent. Ismael seemed to know his stuff. Although we did go to see a carpet factory, when I thought we were going to a Craft Market. The carpets were beautiful & they weren’t too high pressure!

Excellent choice. Our guide Hussein was very knowledgeable and explained in details the tour! Traditional lunch was included which we enjoyed it! Thanks Hussein!

Fatima was an excellent guide! Very informative, warm, and kind. I highly recommend her tour!