Full-Day Tour of Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary from Kusadasi
Active
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
Your professional local guide for the day will be taking you to visit some of the amazing sights found in Ephesus, Selcuk's surrounding area.
Available options
Full-Day Tour of Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary from Kusadasi
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Ancient City of Ephesus dates back to 10th Century B.C. Once one of the largest Roman cities, the ruins are extremely well preserved for you to appreciate the way of life of these ancient people.
2
Stop 2
You will be walked through the ruins to visit some of the major attractions like the large theater that used to hold up to 25,000 people, as well as the most photographed building the Celsius Library. The library was completed back in 120 A.D. and used to house up to 12,000 scrolls. You will marvel at the grand sight that it is.
3
Stop 3
Located just a short 7 kilometers from Ephesus stands the House of the Virgin Mary. Now an important pilgrimage site, the house is visited by many kinds of religions to pay their respects. The house is said to be where Mary lived out the last days of her life.
4
Stop 4
Do not miss a chance to visit the Terrace Houses section which is located inside of Ancient City of Ephesus and has an extra entrance fee of 15 USD per person. "The houses of the rich Romans", the oldest building, dates back to the 1st century BC until the 7th century AD. You will be able to see amazing mosaics and frescoes and the famous water-running and heating system with clay pipes. Anyone who has seen it will tell you that it is one of the highlights of this place as you can really picture the lifestyle of the people in that period. In this section there are over 100 stairs so we do not recommend it for people with physical disabilities. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes to visit.
5
On visiting the house you will also be able to appreciate the views over Selcuk and the surrounding area.
6
After the visit drive down to Ephesus. By the end of touring Ephesus, return to Kusadasi.
What's not included
Entrance fee to the Terrace Houses ($15)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
