Kusadasi Port to Ephesus - Virgin Mary's House - Temple of Artemis

Kusadasi , Turkey

Kusadasi Port to Ephesus - Virgin Mary's House - Temple of Artemis

Active

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

Make the most of your time off the ship in Kusadasi on this 5-hour shore excursion. Meet your guide just off the ship and then travel back in time thousands of years, exploring the area's ancient historical roots as well as, skip-the-line access at most sites. Stop by the supposed house of the Virgin Mary; see the Temple of Artemis; and drink in the ambience of the ancient city of Ephesus, among other legendary landmarks. Learn about the history of this swath of antiquity and then get deposited back at your ship again.

Available options

Ephesus Shore Excursions

Daily Private Tour<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Private tour

Lunch

Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Port pickup and drop-off from the port

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will start your Ephesus walking tour at the upper Magnesia Gate, and work your way down through the city, ending near the ancient Harbor. Along the way you will See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsius. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is the largest theater in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. You will return to your private vehicle through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.

Stop 2

After the termination of the visit to Ephesus, You’ll also see one of the most popular sites in Ephesus, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. First built during the Archaic period, the temple is one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World.

Stop 3

the Virgin Mary is located in a nature park between Ephesus and Selcuk, which is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. The peaceful site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims, and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims. This House was later visited by Popes Paul VI and John Paul II, who confirmed its appropriateness as a place of pilgrimage. On November 29, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated mass here.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

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