For Cruisers: Ephesus, Mary’s House Tour with ENTRY FEES & LUNCH

From $80 • 5 hours • Anatolia Expedition • Kuşadası, Selcuk, Türkiye • Meet on location or pickup • Free until 1 day before

View all (12)

Why we love it?

The Ephesus and Mary's House tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two significant historical sites in Türkiye, perfect for cruise passengers with limited time. Lasting five hours, the tour includes a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its well-preserved ruins, as well as the house believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary. Participants benefit from a professional licensed tour guide who provides insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the locations. The experience is enhanced with a local lunch, allowing travelers to savor regional cuisine, while convenient port pick-up and drop-off streamline logistics for those arriving by cruise.

Inclusions

Professional licensed tour guide
Port pick-up and drop-off
Lunch in the local restaurant
All local taxes
Ephesus Ancient City
The Virgin Mary's House

Exclusions

Beverages at lunch
Personal Expenses

Itinerary

Step 1

According to the scheduled pick-up time—carefully arranged based on your ship’s arrival—meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port and begin your journey to the first stop of the tour.

Step 2

Travel to the serene House of Virgin Mary, a revered site nestled on a hilltop. Located 6 km north of the ruins of Ephesus, a church was built in the 6th century AD over the foundations of a 1st-century house, which the Church has declared to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her last days.

Step 3

Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the 1st century AD, it was the second-largest city in the world after Rome, boasting a population of over 250,000. Strategically located at the heart of the known world, it served as a vital gateway between East and West.

With its expansive harbor, Ephesus was a major center of trade in antiquity. But it wasn’t just a thriving commercial hub—it was also the romantic retreat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The city is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis.

So well-preserved is Ephesus that walking along its ancient marble streets, past grand monuments like the Library of Celsus—the third largest of the ancient world—and the largest Roman theater in Asia Minor, truly feels like stepping back in time.

Step 4

Lunch: A traditional Turkish meal will be served at a local handicraft village, where you’ll also have the opportunity to see a live demonstration of handmade Turkish carpet weaving by local artisans.

Step 5

Finish with a visit to the Temple of Artemis ruins. Though only fragments remain, the temple’s historical significance and your guide’s engaging storytelling make it an unforgettable stop.

Following the tour

you’ll be comfortably transferred back to Kusadasi Cruise Port—with our guarantee of on-time return to your ship.

Please Note

Wheelchair accessible
Stroller or pram accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infants must not sit on laps
Wheelchair accessible
Not wheelchair accessible
House of Virgin Mary entrance fee is 700 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
Ephesus Ancienty City entrance fee is 40 EUR. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
GUARANTEED RETURN ON TIME TO CRUISE
Discover the wonders of ancient history on a guided journey to the House of the Virgin Mary, the legendary city of Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis — all conveniently arranged from/to Kusadasi Cruise Port, exclusively for cruise ship guests.
Choose between a Private or Group tour, both options include entry tickets for a hassle-free experience.
Savor a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, featuring authentic regional flavors and warm hospitality.
Group Tour Option: Travel in a small group of 10–12 fellow cruise passengers for a relaxed, social experience tailored for comfort and connection.
Private Tour Option: Enjoy a completely personalized tour with your own expert guide. Take your time at each stop and add extra sites if your schedule permits.
Designed especially for cruise travelers seeking to explore the best of the region in one enriching shore excursion.
Round-trip pick-up and drop-off service is included from Kusadasi Cruise Port only.
Departure and return times are carefully matched to your ship’s schedule for peace of mind.
We GUARANTEE your on-time return to the ship — relax and explore worry-free!