SKIP-THE-LINE: Private EPHESUS and Virgin Mary’s House Tour

from $138

Duration

5 hours

Type

Guided, Private

Difficulty

Easy

This tour is a luxurious and well-curated experience that combines cultural exploration with deep historical significance in one of Turkey's most treasured regions.

SKIP-THE-LINE Tickets, pick-up and drop-off from Kusadasi Port, lunch in a local restaurant, and comfortable transportation are all included.

This best-selling Ephesus tour, led by an expert local guide, offers both SMALL GROUP and PRIVATE TOUR options.

Visit Ancient Ephesus; walk along the same ancient roads once traveled by Mother Mary, St. John, and St. Paul. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Great Theater, Library of Celsus, Trajan Fountain, Odeon Temple, and more. Explore the Terrace Houses, where wealthy Ephesians once lived.

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final days. Learn about the early Christians and Romans from your knowledgeable guide, and capture unforgettable moments at the most scenic photo spots.

Stores to visit:
Carpet Weaving Village
Leather Factory

Inclusions

Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Pick-up & Drop-off from Kusadasi Port
Comfortable Air-Conditioned Transportation
Lunch at a local Turkish Village
Access to Skip-the-Line Tickets

Exclusions

Personal Expenses
Beverages
Entrance Fees for Sites

Tour Plan

Itinerary

Expand All

Stage 1

Your guide will meet you at the Cruise Port, holding a sign with your name on it.

Stage 2

"Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final days, and the Basilica of St. John, where it is believed that the Evangelist St. John spent his last years in the Ephesus region and was buried on the southern slope of Ayasuluk Hill.

Stage 3

Discover the archaeological wonders of Ephesus, a city that beautifully blends historic preservation with visitor accessibility. Located on Turkey's southwest coast, Ephesus was a cultural and architectural hub for successive ancient civilizations. In 356 BC, the Greeks constructed the grand Artemesium—an Ionic temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis—recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. By the 2nd century BC, Ephesus had risen to become the fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire, famed for its magnificent Artemesium, the impressive Library of Celsus, and a renowned medical school.

Stage 4

The Temple of Artemis (Artemision), located in ancient Ionia at Ephesus in present-day Turkey, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built on a flat plain that eventually turned into a swamp, this magnificent Hellenistic structure was crafted entirely from marble and adorned with sculpted columns. Though little remains today, some of the most stunning artifacts from the temple are on display at the British Museum in London.

The earliest remains date back to the 6th century BC, when the temple was surrounded by 36 massive columns. It was later expanded under the rule of the Lydian King Croesus, with many of the surviving pieces from this era now housed in London. A new and even grander version of the temple was constructed in the 2nd century BC on the same site, featuring 121 columns each standing 17.5 meters tall. Sadly, the temple was destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and then ultimately demolished by earthquakes.

Stage 5

Rest assured, you'll be back at Kusadasi Port on time to comfortably board your cruise.

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

Know Before You Go

Wheelchair accessible
Stroller / pram accessible
Public transportation nearby
Infants must sit on your lap

Please Note

Not suitable for pets
Infant seats unavailable
Not wheelchair accessible
Kids aged 8 and below can join the tour free of charge. Please bring their passport as proof of age if applicable.
Choose between a Group or Private tour experience. All options include skip-the-line entry tickets to the main attractions—no hidden fees.
We ensure you return to Kusadasi Port well before your cruise departure—your timely return is our top priority.
Small group tours are limited to 10–12 guests, formed with passengers from the same cruise ship for a more intimate and friendly experience.
Enjoy a private tour exclusively for your group with a dedicated guide. Spend as much time as you like at each site, and customize your itinerary if time permits.
This tour is specially tailored for cruise passengers. Pick-up and drop-off are available only from Kusadasi Port, and the start time is adjusted based on your ship’s docking schedule. Your timely return to the port is fully guaranteed.
Ephesus entrance fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
Virgin Mary' House entrance fee is 500 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
Our team will be ready to pick you up where the cruise docks, as per your arrival time. Please look for your reservation name which your name is on the board in the port exit area.