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Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour Cruiser Only
day_trips

Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour Cruiser Only

by Guide of Ephesus

4 hours
Kusadasi
$21.19$23.54 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
$21.19$23.54 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 2 available options

4 hours
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 10 Sept 2026.
$42.37$47.08Save 10%
2 adults × $21.19
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$47.08
4 hours
$42.37$47.08Save 10%
2 adults × $21.19
All taxes and fees included

Overview

This private tour runs for about 4 to 6 hours and is designed specifically for cruise passengers in Kusadasi. It includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise port by private air-conditioned transport with a separate driver. A licensed local guide leads the visit, offering detailed explanations throughout. The tour begins with a welcome meeting arranged at the port’s main exit gate or your hotel. The vehicle passes by Kusadasi Castle on Pigeon Island and the Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai, both historic Ottoman landmarks noted for their coastal defense and role in trade. The main visit is a two-hour walk through the ancient city of Ephesus. This well-preserved Greco-Roman site features the Great Theater, which held over 20,000 spectators during gladiator fights, the Public Agora where St. Paul preached, and Marble Street leading to the Celsus Library, the third-largest ancient library. Other highlights include the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple, and the Odeon. After Ephesus, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final days. The church stands on the original foundation and has been visited by three popes, who left gifts now displayed at the shrine. Lunch is served in a quiet countryside location offering traditional flavors, included in the tour price. The guide can arrange skip-the-line tickets upon request, with entrance fees paid directly in cash. All parking fees are covered. The tour guarantees on-time return to the cruise port to meet your ship’s schedule. Kusadasi shopping and local insights from the guide are available before returning to the port. This private tour includes licensed guide service, private transportation in a non-smoking van, lunch, cruise port transfer, parking fees, and assistance with ticket arrangements. Entrance fees, drinks during lunch, gratuities, and personal expenses are not included.

Highlights

Private tour with licensed local guide
Visit Ephesus ancient city for two hours
Stop at House of the Virgin Mary pilgrimage site
Lunch included in countryside setting
Cruise port pickup and drop-off included
All parking fees covered

What's included

Lunch in the countryside with traditional flavors
Assistance to skip ticket lines with cash payment to guide
Guaranteed on-time return for cruise schedule
All parking fees included
Pickup and drop-off at cruise port as per itinerary
Professional licensed local guide authorized by Ministry of Tourism
Private tour tailored to guest preferences
Private air-conditioned non-smoking van transportation with separate driver

What's not included

Gratuities
Entrance fees to museums and sites
Beverages during lunch
Personal expenses
Entrance fees
Entrance fees

Itinerary

1

Kusadasi

The tour operator welcomes cruise passengers at the port’s main exit gate holding a sign with your name, and hotel guests in their hotel lobby. After booking, guests must contact the team to confirm and arrange meeting times by providing cruise ship name and arrival details to suggest the best tour timing and ensure a smooth experience.

5 min

2

Kusadasi Castle

Pass by Kusadasi Castle on Pigeon Island, an Ottoman-era fortress built for coastal defense against pirates and invaders. The castle is surrounded by Aegean Sea waters and offers views into Kusadasi’s maritime history.

3

Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI

View the Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai, built in 1618 as a key Ottoman trade stop between East and West. The caravanserai provided lodging and protection for merchants and goods, featuring a grand arched entrance and strong stone walls, reflecting the importance of trade in the region.

4

Ephesus Ancient City

Spend about two hours exploring one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. See the Great Theater that held over 20,000 spectators, the Public Agora where St. Paul preached, and Marble Street leading to the Celsus Library with its restored façade. Other landmarks include the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple, and the Odeon used for music performances.

120 min

5

The House of the Virgin Mary

Visit this Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where the Virgin Mary lived her final days. The church stands on her original house foundation and has been visited by Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI, who left gifts now displayed at the shrine.

30 min

6

Kusadasi Shopping Center

Learn about local handicrafts and receive safety and shopping advice from the guide, including recommendations for quality traditional products.

7

Kusadasi

Return to Kusadasi Cruise Port at least 15 minutes before the ship’s departure. The operator monitors cruise ship schedules and coordinates with guests to ensure a timely and hassle-free return.

15 min

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–15 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Infant seats are available
Reachable by public transport
Pushchair and stroller friendly
Suitable for all fitness levels
Cruise guests should meet their guide at the port at recommended times: 7:45 AM if ship arrives before 7:00 AM, or 30–45 minutes after docking for later arrivals, to avoid crowds and heat.
After booking, guests must contact the operator to confirm meeting time by providing cruise ship name and arrival/on-board times; assistance is available if needed.
Total
$42.37Save 10% vs Viator