Experience Ephesus and Mary's House on a seamless PRIVATE shore excursion crafted exclusively for CRUISE PASSENGERS. Travel in comfort with your personal local guide and private, air-conditioned minivan as you explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis—all at your own pace.
Your guide will take care of every detail, from coordinating with your ship’s schedule to managing entrance tickets, rest breaks, and optional cultural or shopping stops.
• Private excursion designed specifically for CRUISE PASSENGERS
• Visit three essential landmarks in one day: Ephesus Ruins, House of the Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis
• Fully flexible itinerary with your own expert guide and private A/C vehicle
• Stress-free shore experience with port pickup/drop-off and timing planned around your ship
• Personalize your day with optional visits such as the Terrace Houses or a traditional Turkish lunch
INCLUDING: Professional Tour Guide and Transportation throughout your Tour. Top-level service quality! <br/>Pickup included
We will meet you at the Cruise Port!
Once your tour is booked, we’ll reach out promptly with your customised meeting time and precise meeting location, arranged according to your cruise ship’s arrival & departure.
Ephesus Ruins is the largest open-air museum in Turkey, dating back to the Greek and Roman periods. Within this remarkable ancient city, we will explore the Senate Building, the Ancient Hospital, the Temple of Domitian, the Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, Trajan Fountain, the Temple of Hadrian, the iconic Celsus Library, the Grand Theatre of Ephesus, and many other fascinating structures.
The House of the Virgin Mary is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites, believed to be the place where Mary came to Ephesus with John the Apostle and spent the last ten years of her life.
Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967 and unofficially acknowledged its authenticity. Pope John Paul II followed in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2006.
The question of whether Mary actually died in Ephesus remained uncertain until the visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich—a bedridden German nun who had never visited Ephesus. She described the House of the Virgin Mary in remarkable detail to the writer Clemens Brentano, who later published her accounts. Emmerich passed away in 1884.
In 1891, Father Paul of the Lazarist Order in Izmir read about her visions and discovered a small structure matching her descriptions. This led to archaeological excavations, which eventually revealed the site we visit today as Mary’s House.
Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and twin sister of Apollo, was later worshipped as the Goddess of the Moon. Her temple, built around 650 BC, stood on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele. Financed by the wealthy Lydian king, it was constructed on marshy ground to help protect it from earthquakes. Despite this, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters.
*OPTIONAL VISIT DEPENDING ON REQUEST*
Terrace Houses were the houses of rich & upper class people in Ephesus City have been lived, famed for gorgeous mosaics, frescoes, and wall paintings. One of the best-preserved sites in the Ephesus in which archeological works still continue.
*OPTIONAL VISIT DEPENDING ON REQUEST*
You can see the Saint John Basilica from a distance when we are in the Temple of Artemis. It is believed that the Evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the in & around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. The tomb of St John was under the central dome of the Basilica.
You will also have the chance to explore authentic local handicrafts and, if you choose, enjoy a truly genuine shopping experience. Your professional local tour guide will be by your side to offer valuable insights—highlighting the finest traditional crafts, recommending the most reputable places to visit, and providing expert tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and completely hassle-free experience.
We will drive through the Kusadasi Town and will have a panoramic view while listening the key informations from our Local Tour Guide.
Also called Pigeon Island! One of the earliest settlements of modern Kusadasi. We will pass by and have an opportunity of seeing it in a distance. It is located very close to the Port, you might be able to have time after your tour if you are interested.
At the end of our tour, we will return to the Cruise Port.
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 the return time.
OUR TOURS ARE WITH GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT!
• Upon your ship's arrival at the port, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to meet with our team WITHIN 30 to 45 MINUTES. By doing so, you can bypass the crowds, school busses, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring an enhanced and MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS.
Kusadasi is a vibrant coastal city on the Turkish Riviera, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and proximity to ancient ruins. It offers a blend of modern resort amenities and traditional Turkish culture, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.
A historic hamam (Turkish bath) built in 1640, offering traditional Turkish bath experiences and spa treatments.
A medieval castle with a rich history, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.
A popular beach with golden sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports and activities.
One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.
A small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, featuring a historic castle and beautiful views.
A traditional Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or potatoes
Spicy meatballs made with ground beef, onions, and spices, often served with rice or bread
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and vibrant nightlife. The sea is at its warmest, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Turkish Lira (TRY)
GMT+3
220VV, 50HzHz
Kusadasi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.
Kusadasi Bus Station
Affordable and frequent minibuses that follow set routes. Easy to use but can get crowded.
Available • Apps: BiTaksi, Gett
Car, Bike, Scooter
One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.
A natural wonder featuring terraces of white travertine pools filled with thermal water.
A charming village known for its wine production, fruit wines, and traditional architecture.
Price varies by option