Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis Tour

Kusadasi , Turkey

Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis 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 heart of the ancient world on this immersive half-day tour of Ephesus, led by a professional archaeologist guide. Walk the marble streets of this once-great Roman city and marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and sacred temples that once stood at the center of empire and faith.

Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final home, and feel the spiritual quiet of this revered site. Then see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

This tour is perfect for travelers who crave depth and history in a short amount of time. With private transport, expert insight, and a traditional Turkish lunch, you’ll experience the rich layers of culture and belief that shaped the ancient world.

Available options

Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle.

Parking Fees.

Insurance.

Lunch.

Professional licensed tour guide.

Guiding.

Detailed itinerary

Kusadasi Cruise Port: Meet your professional guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port, right on time based on your ship’s arrival. Your pickup will be arranged specifically for your docking schedule to ensure a smooth and timely start to your tour. From the port, begin your journey into the heart of history with your first stop just ahead.

Stop 2

Ancient City of Ephesus: Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Once believed to be founded by the Amazons, it is now linked to the Hittite city of Apasas. With your guide, explore highlights like the Odeion, Roman Baths, Celsus Library, Grand Theater, and many other remarkable ruins and monuments.

Stop 3

Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was a magnificent tribute to the goddess Artemis, showcasing the grandeur of ancient architecture.

Stop 4

House of the Virgin Mary: Located near the upper gate of Ephesus, this small Byzantine church is believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived and passed away. A sacred site for Christians, it’s visited for prayer, healing, and offerings.

Kuşadası Port Türkiye: At the end of the tour drive you back to Kusadasi Cruise Port. We guarantee your timely return to the Kusadasi Cruise Port.

What's not included

Gratuities.

Entrance Fees of Ephesus.

Entrance Fees of Virgin Mary House.

Available languages

Guide guide

AR DE RU PT CMN JA EN 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

This is a private tour/activity. 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