Biblical Ephesus & Basilica Of St. John & The Mary's House Tour
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Biblical Ephesus & Basilica Of St. John & The Mary's House Tour

Active
(12 reviews)
4h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

• GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT
• SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS (OPTIONAL)
• FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
• PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY, MORE PERSONALIZED SERVICE
• LEAD BY LOCAL TOUR GUIDES FOR BETTER INSIGHT
• REASONABLE THAN SHORE EXCURSIONS
• FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCES
.
Ephesus is the largest open-air museum in Turkey and one of the largest in the world, planning a visit to the famous ruins takes serious time. Cruise passengers have a limited time in Kusadasi and in your limited time, you can settle back & relax while our team handles all arrangements for you. Explore the EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY, THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY, TERRACE HOUSES OF EPHESUS, LOCAL HANDICRAFTS, and many more on this private tour that is created for cruise passengers. Upon your request, you will have a chance for a local lunch.

Available options

PRIVATE TOUR

INCLUDING: Professional Tour Guide and Transportation throughout your Tour. Top-level service quality! <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off (mentioned on the details)
Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver
GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKET (according to the option chosen), allow you to bypass long lines
PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service

Detailed itinerary

1

We meet you at the Cruise Port! Our team will be waiting next to Information Desk at the Exit Gate of Cruise Port by holding a sign which is your name written on it.
After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree on your meeting time. Please note that there are several Cruise Ships with different arrival and departure timings. So, you might decide with our team about the best meeting time which is fitting your schedule.

2
Stop 2

The House of Virgin Mary is one of the pilgrimage centres of Christians where the Mary came to Ephesus with John the Apostle and lived her last 10 years.
Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967, and 'unofficially' confirmed its authenticity. Pope John Paul II also visited the shrine in 1979. Pope Benedict XVI visited this shrine in 2006.
Whether or not she died in Ephesus was not known until Anne Catherine Emmerich’s vision. A disabled German nun who had never been to Ephesus, had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to the German writer Clemens Brentano who later published a book about it. Catherine Emmerich died in 1884. In 1891 Paul, Superior of the Lazarists from Izmir read about her visions and found a little building which corresponded with Emmerich’s descriptions. Then, the archeological works started which allows us to visit Mary's House and see the result today!

3
Stop 3

UNESCO listed place the Ancient City of Ephesus that is one of the best well-kept Greco- Roman ancient cities in the world, famous for the Odeon where music concerts were organized, Domitian Temple that is one of the first temples dedicated for a human, Celcus Library which was the third biggest library in the ancient time, Amphitheatre where is one of the biggest amphitheatres in the world with 24.000 people capacity and St. Paul preached to Ephesians, Marble Street, Roman Baths, Fountains, Temples, Agora, Love House, Public Toilets, Terrace Houses famed with gorgeous mosaics and wall paintings...

4
Stop 4

We will have a visit to the Basilica of St. John the Apostle. It is believed that the Evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and was buried on the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. The tomb of St John was under the central dome of the basilica. In addition, while we are visiting the Basilica of St. John, we will have a panoramic view of the Temple of Artemis and Isabey Mosque and learn about the stories of these places too.

5
Stop 5

Temple of Artemis, also called Artemisium was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

6

We will drive through the Kusadasi Town and will have a panoramic view while listening the key informations from our Local Tour Guide.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

You are able to see local handicrafts and experience local shopping if preferred. You will be also able to collect informations from your Local Tour Guide about: best traditional handicrafts, best places to go, things to be carrefull, and best tips for hassle free experience...

8
Stop 8 Pass by

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.

9

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!

What's not included

Gratuities recommended
Food and Drinks (optional)
Entrance Fees if the option is not selected

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
11 reviews
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11
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Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
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1★
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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
We highly recommend you to meet our team, after 30/45 minutes your ship docked to the Port. So, you might beat the crowds, school buses, and hot weather in order to have a better experience during your Tour in Ephesus.
Pick-up and Drop-off services available from the Hotels which is centrally located in Kusadasi or Selcuk Towns
Pick-up and Drop-off services available from the Izmir Cruise Port and Izmir Hotels with an additional fee of 100 USD for up to 15 Persons.
After you sent your reservation, please contact our reservation team via our e-mail or WhatsApp and coordinate your meeting time.

Important notes

• Please note that there are several Ships with different timings. In this regard, after booking, we highly recommend you contacting our team and coordinating your meeting time. So, you might have zero stress during your experience.

• We highly recommend you to meet our team, after 30/45 minutes your ship docked to the Port. So, you might beat the crowds, school buses, and hot weather in order to have a better experience during your Tour in Ephesus.

About Kusadasi

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.

Top Attractions

Lady Mary's Bath

A historic hamam (Turkish bath) built in 1640, offering traditional Turkish bath experiences and spa treatments.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Kusadasi Castle

A medieval castle with a rich history, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Long Beach (Long Beach)

A popular beach with golden sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports and activities.

Beach Half day to full day Free to Moderate (for amenities and water sports)

Ephesus Ancient City

One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (entry fee applies)

Pigeon Island (Kusadasi Castle)

A small island connected to the mainland by a causeway, featuring a historic castle and beautiful views.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to enter, moderate for activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gözleme

A traditional Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or potatoes

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian options available

Kusadasi Köfte

Spicy meatballs made with ground beef, onions, and spices, often served with rice or bread

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Parasailing Jet skiing Hiking in nearby nature parks Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga on the beach Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

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.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Turkish
  • Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kusadasi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use reputable tour operators
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering services

Getting there

By air
  • Adnan Menderes Airport • 75 km south of Kusadasi
By bus

Kusadasi Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent minibuses that follow set routes. Easy to use but can get crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi, Gett

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Kadınlar Denizi Davutlar

Day trips

Ephesus
20 km • Half day to full day

One of the most famous ancient cities in the world, featuring well-preserved ruins and significant historical sites.

Pamukkale
160 km • Full day

A natural wonder featuring terraces of white travertine pools filled with thermal water.

Sirince
30 km • Half day

A charming village known for its wine production, fruit wines, and traditional architecture.

Festivals

Kusadasi International Music Festival • July Kusadasi International Kite Festival • May

Pro tips

  • Visit Ephesus early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
  • Try the local street food, especially simit and kebabs
  • Bargain politely when shopping in bazaars
  • Learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
  • Use dolmuş (shared taxis) for affordable and convenient transport within the city
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 5-99
1
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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