Luxury Meets Legend: Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour
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Luxury Meets Legend: Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour

Active
4h - 6h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the ancient world on a private journey through Ephesus, one of the most legendary cities of the Greco-Roman era. As your expert guide, I will walk you through marble streets once crowded with philosophers, merchants, and emperors. You’ll explore monumental highlights like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the elegant Terrace Houses where Ephesus' elite once lived.

Feel the serenity of the House of the Virgin Mary, said to be her final home, nestled peacefully in the hills. Stand before the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Along the way, discover the vibrant artistry of Turkish handicrafts and enjoy warm hospitality over a traditional lunch.

This tour is perfect for history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts seeking depth, beauty, and unforgettable stories from one of antiquity’s greatest cities.

Available options

Private Tour excl Mus. Tickets

Tickets not included. Pay only for the museums you choose on-site. Private tour for your group only. Pickup included.<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour incl Mus Tickets

Includes Ephesus and House of Mary tickets, private tour, lunch and pickup.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off. (mentioned on the details)
Expert Local Guide with Official License.
Timely Return to Your Ship Guaranteed.
All Parking Fees.
Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver.
Private Tour Designed Just for You.

Detailed itinerary

1

Kusadasi Pass By and Tour Options: Drive through Kusadasi while learning from your guide. Group tours follow set schedules with up to 15 people. Private tours offer flexibility and a personalized itinerary based on your interests. You only pay for entry fees to the sites you choose. Enjoy your tour without waiting for others.

2

Kusadasi Cruise Port Pickup: We’ll meet you at Kusadasi Cruise Port next to the Information Desk at the exit. Look for our team holding a sign with your name. After booking, please contact us to confirm your best meeting time based on your ship’s schedule. Multiple cruise ships dock at different times, so we’ll arrange a pickup that suits you perfectly.

3
Stop 3

Ancient City of Ephesus: Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Explore the Odeon, once a music concert hall, the Domitian Temple, one of the first temples dedicated to a human, and the Celcus Library, the third largest of its time. Visit the amphitheater seating 24,000 where St. Paul preached, along with Marble Street, Roman baths, fountains, temples, the Agora, the Love House, public toilets, and more.

4
Stop 4

House of the Virgin Mary: The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred Christian pilgrimage site where Mary lived her last 10 years with John the Apostle. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI visited, confirming its spiritual importance. Its location was revealed by visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German nun who never visited Ephesus but described the house in detail. Archaeological discoveries later confirmed her descriptions, allowing visitors to explore this historic and peaceful shrine today.

5
Stop 5

Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis was built around 650 BC to honor Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon. It was constructed on a site sacred to the ancient Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele. Funded by the wealthy King of Lydia, the temple was built on marshy ground to protect it from earthquakes. Despite this, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters. Today, it stands as a symbol of ancient devotion and architectural wonder.

6

Lunch: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a seaside restaurant in Kusadasi, featuring fresh Aegean flavors. The perfect way to unwind before or after your historical journey.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai: Drive through Kusadasi Town with a panoramic view while your local guide shares key insights about the area.

8

Kusadasi Port Return: At the end of the tour, we return you to Kusadasi Cruise Port based on your ship’s onboard schedule. We carefully coordinate with passengers to ensure timely arrival.

Please note: Different ships have varied arrival and departure times. We monitor all schedules to guarantee your on-time return to the port.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Kusadasi Castle: Also known as Pigeon Island, Kusadasi Castle is one of the oldest settlements in modern Kusadasi. We’ll drive by and give you a chance to see it from a distance. Located very close to the port, you may have time to visit after your tour if you wish.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

Kusadasi Shopping Center: Drive past Kusadasi Shopping Center, just minutes from the port. If you wish, explore local handicrafts and shop at your leisure. Your guide will share insider tips on the best crafts, top shopping spots, what to watch out for, and how to enjoy a hassle-free experience.

What's not included

Museum Tickets. (can be included or excluded depending on the option chosen)
Lunch. (can be included or excluded depending on the option chosen)

Available languages

Guide guide
AR DE RU PT CMN JA EN IT FR ES

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
This is a private tour; only your group will participate.

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 3-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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