Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Discover the spiritual and historical heart of the region on this House of Virgin Mary & Basilica of St. John Tour with a traditional Turkish lunch. Visit the peaceful holy site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage and prayer for millions. Continue to the Basilica of St. John, where the beloved apostle is said to be buried, and admire the impressive ruins overlooking Selçuk. Enjoy a delicious local lunch during your journey, and for a perfect end to the day, you may add an optional Turkish Bath experience to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in a unique cultural tradition.
What's included
Turkish Lunch
Visits to wholesale factory outlets and an art gallery outside the town
All taxes and parking fees included
Fully air-conditioned, brand-new Mercedes vehicle with a separate driver
Pick-up and drop-off from Cruise Port
Professional, licensed local tour guide
Complimentary alcoholic beverages offered in selected carpet and leather stores
Worry-free shore excursion — guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Flexibility to stop anywhere you wish during the tour
Entrance Fee - Paid on the Site - The House of Virgin Mary
Entrance Fee - Paid on the Site - Basilica of St. John
Paid on the Site - Turkish Bath Experience
What to expect
Port Kusadasi Turkey
30m · Admission ticket included
Meeting at the Ege Port. Your guide will be waiting at the exit gate holding a board with your name on it.
Virgin Mary's House
1h · Admission ticket not included
Located in the Aladağ Mountains, just 5 miles from Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a significant pilgrimage site. According to tradition, Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. The site was recognized as a place of pilgrimage by the Archbishop of Kusadasi in 1892, following the discovery of the house. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed at this sacred location, cementing its importance for visitors from around the world.
Basilica of St. John
1h · Admission ticket not included
Located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, the Basilica of St. John was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian over the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle. Once a grand domed structure rivaling the Hagia Sophia, the basilica was a major pilgrimage destination in the Byzantine era. Today, visitors can explore its remains — including elegant arches, column fragments, and the symbolic tomb of St. John — all set against panoramic views of Selçuk and the surrounding countryside. The site offers a powerful glimpse into early Christian history and the region’s spiritual legacy.
Nomadic Carpet & Kilims
1h · Admission ticket included
Our tours from Kusadasi include a complimentary lunch with authentic Turkish food, a highlight for many of our guests. Afterward, we visit a Turkish handicrafts cooperative, where you can explore local culture and crafts. Entrance is free, and there is no obligation to buy anything—just enjoy this unique cultural experience.
Adasaray Hammam
1h · Admission ticket not included
Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish Bath in Kusadasi. Begin with a few minutes in the sauna, followed by a gentle body scrub with a bath glove (kese), and finish with a soothing foam massage. This complete treatment leaves your skin soft, refreshed, and renewed—truly a rejuvenating experience.
Port Kusadasi Turkey
30m · Admission ticket included
We will drive you back to port.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
You must leave the cruise according to your pick-up timing (We suggest you to leave as early as possible so that you can have longer time for the tour). Your guide will be waiting for you holding a board with your name on at the exit gate.
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
