Private Ephesus and the Terrace Houses

Private Ephesus and the Terrace Houses Tour from Kusadasi (Library of Celsus)
Excursion Highlights:
  • Explore grand landmarks that define Ephesus, like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the impressive Terrace Houses
  • Walk along the same marble streets once traversed by influential figures like Mark Antony, Cleopatra, and Alexander the Great, with an expert guide
  • Marvel at the luxurious Terrace Houses, also known as "the houses of the rich," showcasing intricate engravings, mosaics, and original floors
  • Enhance your tour experience with an optional shopping spree at Kusadasi, famed for its Turkish carpets, jewelry, leatherware, and copper goods
From $85.00/person to $195.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Cultural
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided None
Recommended Dress Comfortable clothing and closed toe, sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen are suggested.
Restrictions Walking at Ephesus is over actual streets / sidewalks from ancient times which are uneven and worn. There are steps without hand rails and packed dirt that must be navigated in some areas. The Terrace Houses are accessed via metal stairs with hand rails and metal boardwalks.

Private Ephesus and the Terrace Houses

After meeting your professionally trained guide on the Kusadasi pier, you will set out for your private Ephesus shore excursion, including the famous Terrace Houses. This fascinating ancient city was once an important port that is now located three miles from the sea. Upon arrival at the upper gate of Ephesus, you will set out on foot with your guide to explore the unending monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theater, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period. Until recently, the theater still hosted concerts due to its remarkable acoustics.

During your private Ephesus excursion, you will also visit the Terrace Houses which are located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called "the houses of the rich," they were built for the important and wealthy people of Ephesus, as only rich people could afford such houses. The houses are a museum within an archeological site, with great engravings, mosaics, wall sections, and original floors of the homes, which offer an incredible view into the lifestyle of the rich Ephesians. The most ancient of the houses were built in the first century B.C. The houses were constructed with the highest standards for their day. They were decorated with mosaics and frescoes, and they had interior courtyards in the center, which opened to the sky. The houses also had cold and hot water.

You will walk along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. You will hear stories of Alexander the Great, the Virgin Mary, and many other famous visitors who walked the same marble streets that you are walking. As you depart the Ephesus site, you will be able to view the hilltop ruins of the Basilica of St. John in the distance, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.

Returning to the town of Kusadasi, guests will have the option to end their tour in the shopping area, where they can attend a Turkish carpet explanation and shop, explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherware, and copper goods, or both. Turkish salespeople expect you to haggle and quite often you can get 10-15% off the listed price. Treat it as an adventure. The cruise pier is a 5-10 minute walk from the main shopping area.

Guests not wishing to attend the optional carpet shopping should advise their guide and they will be taken directly back to the pier.