Luxury Meets Legend: Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour

Duration4h - 6h

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesArabic, German, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Step into the ancient world on a private journey through Ephesus, one of the most legendary cities of the Greco-Roman era. As your expert guide, I will walk you through marble streets once crowded with philosophers, merchants, and emperors. You’ll explore monumental highlights like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the elegant Terrace Houses where Ephesus' elite once lived.

Feel the serenity of the House of the Virgin Mary, said to be her final home, nestled peacefully in the hills. Stand before the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Along the way, discover the vibrant artistry of Turkish handicrafts and enjoy warm hospitality over a traditional lunch.

This tour is perfect for history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts seeking depth, beauty, and unforgettable stories from one of antiquity’s greatest cities.

Options

Private Tour incl Mus Tickets

Includes Ephesus and House of Mary tickets, private tour, lunch and pickup.
Pickup included

Private Tour excl Mus. Tickets

Tickets not included. Pay only for the museums you choose on-site. Private tour for your group only. Pickup included.
Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off. (mentioned on the details)
Expert Local Guide with Official License.
Timely Return to Your Ship Guaranteed.
All Parking Fees.
Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver.
Private Tour Designed Just for You.

Museum Tickets. (can be included or excluded depending on the option chosen)
Lunch. (can be included or excluded depending on the option chosen)

What to expect

Kusadasi
Pass by

Kusadasi Pass By and Tour Options: Drive through Kusadasi while learning from your guide. Group tours follow set schedules with up to 15 people. Private tours offer flexibility and a personalized itinerary based on your interests. You only pay for entry fees to the sites you choose. Enjoy your tour without waiting for others.
15m

Kusadasi Cruise Port Pickup: We’ll meet you at Kusadasi Cruise Port next to the Information Desk at the exit. Look for our team holding a sign with your name. After booking, please contact us to confirm your best meeting time based on your ship’s schedule. Multiple cruise ships dock at different times, so we’ll arrange a pickup that suits you perfectly.
Ephesus Ancient City
2h · Admission ticket not included

Ancient City of Ephesus: Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Explore the Odeon, once a music concert hall, the Domitian Temple, one of the first temples dedicated to a human, and the Celcus Library, the third largest of its time. Visit the amphitheater seating 24,000 where St. Paul preached, along with Marble Street, Roman baths, fountains, temples, the Agora, the Love House, public toilets, and more.
The House of the Virgin Mary
1h · Admission ticket not included

House of the Virgin Mary: The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred Christian pilgrimage site where Mary lived her last 10 years with John the Apostle. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI visited, confirming its spiritual importance. Its location was revealed by visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German nun who never visited Ephesus but described the house in detail. Archaeological discoveries later confirmed her descriptions, allowing visitors to explore this historic and peaceful shrine today.
The Temple of Artemis
20m · Admission ticket not included

Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis was built around 650 BC to honor Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon. It was constructed on a site sacred to the ancient Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele. Funded by the wealthy King of Lydia, the temple was built on marshy ground to protect it from earthquakes. Despite this, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters. Today, it stands as a symbol of ancient devotion and architectural wonder.
45m

Lunch: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a seaside restaurant in Kusadasi, featuring fresh Aegean flavors. The perfect way to unwind before or after your historical journey.
Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI
Pass by

Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai: Drive through Kusadasi Town with a panoramic view while your local guide shares key insights about the area.
15m

Kusadasi Port Return: At the end of the tour, we return you to Kusadasi Cruise Port based on your ship’s onboard schedule. We carefully coordinate with passengers to ensure timely arrival.

Please note: Different ships have varied arrival and departure times. We monitor all schedules to guarantee your on-time return to the port.
Kusadasi Castle
Pass by

Kusadasi Castle: Also known as Pigeon Island, Kusadasi Castle is one of the oldest settlements in modern Kusadasi. We’ll drive by and give you a chance to see it from a distance. Located very close to the port, you may have time to visit after your tour if you wish.
Kusadasi Shopping Center
Pass by

Kusadasi Shopping Center: Drive past Kusadasi Shopping Center, just minutes from the port. If you wish, explore local handicrafts and shop at your leisure. Your guide will share insider tips on the best crafts, top shopping spots, what to watch out for, and how to enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Cruise guests should meet our team within 30–45 minutes after docking to avoid crowds and heat for a smoother Ephesus experience.
Private tours are fully customized for your group only. You decide where to go and how long to stay. Entry fees are paid separately, so you only pay for what you want to visit.
Extra fees apply for pickups outside Kusadasi. (Izmir, Bodrum, etc.)

Additional information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
This is a private tour; only your group will participate.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.