TURKEY
For Cruisers: Ephesus, Mary's House Tour with ENTRY FEES & LUNCH
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At a glance
- Location
- Turkey
- Languages
- en, es
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation available
- Operated by
- Anatolia Expedition
- Booking
- Instant confirmation, mobile e-ticket
Overview
Explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus with this exclusive private tour from Kusadasi Port. Visit the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the impressive Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. Experience the serene House of the Virgin Mary, a significant pilgrimage site, before marveling at the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, enhancing your cultural journey. With a flexible itinerary and skip-the-line access, this tour promises a personalized experience tailored to your interests.
- Private tour lasting approximately 4–6 hours, including travel time
- Visit Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis
- Enjoy an authentic Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
- Flexible itinerary with a knowledgeable private guide for an enriched experience
What's included
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Port pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch in the local restaurant
- All local taxes
What's not included
- Beverages at lunch
- Personal Expenses
Itinerary
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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.
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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.
- (2h)
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.
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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.
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Following the tour, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to Kusadasi Cruise Port—with our guarantee of on-time return to your ship.
Meeting & pickup
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!
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation available — see Viator booking page for exact deadlines and refund terms.
About the operator
Anatolia Expedition operates this experience in Turkey. All bookings are managed and confirmed directly through Viator, the world’s leading marketplace for tours and experiences, ensuring secure payment, instant confirmation, and 24/7 customer support.
Tour information last updated October 5, 2026