Private Tour for Cruisers: Meryemana (House of the Virgin Mary), Ephesus Ruins & Temple of Artemis
by Best Turkey Tour
Choose from 2 available options
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.$58Overview
This private tour for cruise passengers lasts approximately four to six hours and includes pickup and drop-off at the Kusadasi cruise port by a licensed local guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. The first stop is the ancient city of Ephesus, where visitors spend about two hours walking among the ruins. Highlights include the Celsus Library, Grand Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, Senate Building, Ancient Hospital, Temple of Domitian, Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, and Trajan Fountain. After Ephesus, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana), a Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years; this visit lasts about one hour. The final main stop is the Temple of Artemis, where guests spend around ten minutes learning about its history and significance. During the tour, there are also views of the Basilica of St. John and Kusadasi Castle from a distance. The route includes a drive through Kusadasi town with commentary from the guide. Museum entrance tickets can be included or excluded depending on the visitor's choice. There is an optional opportunity to shop for local handicrafts with assistance from the guide. The private format allows guests to set their own pace and select which sites to enter. The guide manages all logistics, timing, and comfort breaks, ensuring a timely return to the cruise ship.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Kusadasi
Group tours have fixed schedules and require paying all entry fees in advance, even for unwanted sites. This private tour offers flexibility by letting you choose which places to visit and pay only for those entry tickets. It allows you to avoid waiting for other travelers and rigid itineraries.
Kusadasi
The guide meets you at the cruise port after booking confirmation, arranging the exact meeting time based on your ship’s arrival and departure schedule.
Ephesus Ancient City
Spend about two hours exploring the largest open-air museum in Turkey, with ruins from Greek and Roman periods. Visit the Senate Building, Ancient Hospital, Temple of Domitian, Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre, among other well-preserved structures.
120 min
The House of the Virgin Mary
This site is believed to be where Mary lived her final years under St. John's care. It gained recognition after visions by Anne Catherine Emmerich matched archaeological findings from 1891. Several Popes have visited the shrine, confirming its importance as a Christian pilgrimage place.
60 min
The Temple of Artemis
The temple was dedicated to Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt and moon, and built around 650 BC on marshy ground to reduce earthquake damage. Despite repeated destruction and rebuilding, it remained a celebrated sanctuary in ancient times. The visit lasts about 10 minutes.
10 min
Basilica of St. John
Seen from the Temple of Artemis, the basilica marks the believed burial site of St. John the Evangelist, who spent his last years near Ephesus. His tomb lies under the central dome of the basilica.
Kusadasi Shopping Center
You have the option to shop for local handicrafts with guidance from the tour guide, who will suggest reputable shops and offer tips for a smooth shopping experience.
Kusadasi Castle
Also called Pigeon Island, this historic landmark is one of Kusadasi’s earliest settlements. The tour passes by for a view, and it is close enough to visit independently after the tour.
Kusadasi
The tour includes a drive through Kusadasi town with panoramic views and commentary from the local guide about the area.
Kusadasi
At the end of the tour, the guide returns you to the cruise port. The operator coordinates pickup and drop-off times carefully to match ship schedules, guaranteeing on-time return.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Private Tour for Cruisers: Meryemana (House of the Virgin Mary), Ephesus Ruins & Temple of Artemis
by Best Turkey Tour
Choose from 2 available options
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.$58Overview
This private tour for cruise passengers lasts approximately four to six hours and includes pickup and drop-off at the Kusadasi cruise port by a licensed local guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. The first stop is the ancient city of Ephesus, where visitors spend about two hours walking among the ruins. Highlights include the Celsus Library, Grand Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, Senate Building, Ancient Hospital, Temple of Domitian, Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, and Trajan Fountain. After Ephesus, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana), a Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years; this visit lasts about one hour. The final main stop is the Temple of Artemis, where guests spend around ten minutes learning about its history and significance. During the tour, there are also views of the Basilica of St. John and Kusadasi Castle from a distance. The route includes a drive through Kusadasi town with commentary from the guide. Museum entrance tickets can be included or excluded depending on the visitor's choice. There is an optional opportunity to shop for local handicrafts with assistance from the guide. The private format allows guests to set their own pace and select which sites to enter. The guide manages all logistics, timing, and comfort breaks, ensuring a timely return to the cruise ship.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Kusadasi
Group tours have fixed schedules and require paying all entry fees in advance, even for unwanted sites. This private tour offers flexibility by letting you choose which places to visit and pay only for those entry tickets. It allows you to avoid waiting for other travelers and rigid itineraries.
Kusadasi
The guide meets you at the cruise port after booking confirmation, arranging the exact meeting time based on your ship’s arrival and departure schedule.
Ephesus Ancient City
Spend about two hours exploring the largest open-air museum in Turkey, with ruins from Greek and Roman periods. Visit the Senate Building, Ancient Hospital, Temple of Domitian, Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre, among other well-preserved structures.
120 min
The House of the Virgin Mary
This site is believed to be where Mary lived her final years under St. John's care. It gained recognition after visions by Anne Catherine Emmerich matched archaeological findings from 1891. Several Popes have visited the shrine, confirming its importance as a Christian pilgrimage place.
60 min
The Temple of Artemis
The temple was dedicated to Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt and moon, and built around 650 BC on marshy ground to reduce earthquake damage. Despite repeated destruction and rebuilding, it remained a celebrated sanctuary in ancient times. The visit lasts about 10 minutes.
10 min
Basilica of St. John
Seen from the Temple of Artemis, the basilica marks the believed burial site of St. John the Evangelist, who spent his last years near Ephesus. His tomb lies under the central dome of the basilica.
Kusadasi Shopping Center
You have the option to shop for local handicrafts with guidance from the tour guide, who will suggest reputable shops and offer tips for a smooth shopping experience.
Kusadasi Castle
Also called Pigeon Island, this historic landmark is one of Kusadasi’s earliest settlements. The tour passes by for a view, and it is close enough to visit independently after the tour.
Kusadasi
The tour includes a drive through Kusadasi town with panoramic views and commentary from the local guide about the area.
Kusadasi
At the end of the tour, the guide returns you to the cruise port. The operator coordinates pickup and drop-off times carefully to match ship schedules, guaranteeing on-time return.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.