See the lone re-erected column that marks the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a structure once four times the size of the Parthenon and now a haunting single pillar in a marshy field. A short drive away on Ayasoluk Hill, the ruins of the Basilica of St. John rise over what tradition holds to be the tomb of John the Apostle, with sweeping views back toward Ephesus and the sea. Together they bookend the rise and fall of the ancient world in 30 minutes of driving.
What to expect
The Temple of Artemis takes only 15-20 minutes; it is more a moment of reflection on lost grandeur than a sprawling site, with storks often nesting on the column. The Basilica is a substantial ruin you can walk through, with a reconstructed section showing the scale of the original cruciform church. Both are in or beside Selcuk town, an easy add to an Ephesus day. The hilltop castle behind the basilica is included on the same ticket.
These are usually folded into the better cruise-line Ephesus packages rather than sold alone, so there is rarely a direct ship price to beat. The smart move is to have your private guide add both on the way to or from Ephesus, since they are minutes apart in Selcuk and cost only a few euros. The savings come from not paying a separate excursion fee at all.
Good to know
Best combined with Ephesus and Mary's House on a single private tour; standalone trips are not worth the transfer. The Temple of Artemis lies right on the Selcuk-Ephesus road, so it costs almost no detour time. Bring a few euros or lira for the basilica ticket. Allow 45-60 minutes total for both stops.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kusadasi — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.