Private Ephesus & Virgin Mary Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port
Duration: 5–6 Hours
Tour Type: Private Shore Excursion
Departure and Return: Kusadasi Cruise Port
Short Description
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and explore the remarkable ruins of ancient Ephesus on a private shore excursion from Kusadasi Port. Travel with a licensed professional guide and private air-conditioned vehicle on an itinerary carefully arranged around your cruise ship’s schedule.
Tour Highlights
- Private excursion exclusively for your party
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kusadasi Cruise Port
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Ephesus Ancient City
- Celsus Library
- Great Theatre
- Curetes Street
- Temple of Hadrian
- Temple of Artemis
- Licensed professional tour guide
- Private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle
- Itinerary arranged according to your cruise schedule
- Planned on-time return to Kusadasi Port
- No forced shopping stops
Meeting at Kusadasi Cruise Port
Your licensed professional tour guide will meet you outside the Kusadasi Cruise Terminal after you pass through customs. Your guide will hold a sign displaying your name.
The meeting time will be arranged according to your cruise ship’s arrival and departure schedule. You will then travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle toward the House of the Virgin Mary.
The drive from Kusadasi Port to the Ephesus region takes approximately 30 minutes.
House of the Virgin Mary
Your first visit will be the House of the Virgin Mary, located in a peaceful setting on Mount Koressos near Ephesus.
According to Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary spent the final years of her life in this area. The site is respected by both Christians and Muslims and has been visited by several popes.
During your visit, you will have time to:
- Visit the small stone house
- Explore the peaceful sanctuary
- Light a candle if you wish
- Visit the wishing wall
- See the natural spring fountains
- Enjoy the quiet surroundings
Your guide will explain the religious and historical importance of the site while respecting the peaceful atmosphere.
Ephesus Ancient City
Continue to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean and one of Türkiye’s most important archaeological destinations.
Walk along the ancient marble streets and discover the history, architecture and daily life of this remarkable Greco-Roman city.
During the guided visit, you will see:
- Odeon
- State Agora
- Prytaneion
- Domitian Square
- Monumental Fountain
- Temple of Hadrian
- Trajan Fountain
- Curetes Street
- Scholastica Baths
- Celsus Library
- Commercial Agora
- Marble Street
- Great Theatre
- Harbour Street
The guided visit to Ephesus takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on the available port time and walking pace of your private group.
Please note: The Terrace Houses are not included in this excursion.
Temple of Artemis
After visiting Ephesus, continue to the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Your guide will explain the history of the sanctuary, its connection with ancient Ephesus and the importance of the goddess Artemis in the ancient world.
Entrance to the Temple of Artemis is free.
Return to Kusadasi Cruise Port
After completing the excursion, your private vehicle will take you directly back to Kusadasi Cruise Port.
The visiting order and duration at each location will be planned according to your ship’s departure and final boarding time. We aim to return you to the port comfortably before your ship departs.
Important Information
- This excursion is designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving at Kusadasi Port.
- Please provide your cruise ship’s name, arrival time and departure time when booking.
- Your exact meeting time will be confirmed according to the ship’s schedule.
- If your ship arrives late, the itinerary and visiting times may be adjusted.
- Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price.
- Your guide will assist you with obtaining the necessary entrance tickets.
- The Terrace Houses are not included in this program.
- Appropriate and respectful clothing is recommended at the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Photography may be restricted inside the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Ephesus contains uneven marble streets, slopes and steps.
- This excursion does not include compulsory shopping stops.
- Shopping or a local lunch stop will only be added if requested by your private group.
- The visiting order may change to avoid crowds and use your available port time efficiently.
- Guests with limited mobility should inform us before booking.
Meeting Information
After leaving your cruise ship, proceed through the Kusadasi Cruise Terminal and customs area. Your guide will wait at the designated meeting point outside the terminal, holding a sign with your name.
Before the excursion, we will provide:
- Guide’s name and telephone number
- Guide’s WhatsApp number
- Driver’s telephone number
- Vehicle type
- Vehicle registration plate
- Emergency contact information
Booking Information Required
- Cruise ship name
- Ship arrival time
- Ship departure time
- Number of participants
- Lead passenger’s full name
- Mobile telephone and WhatsApp number
- Preferred guiding language
- Mobility restrictions or special requirements
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kusadasi Cruise Port
- Licensed professional English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned Mercedes Vito or Mercedes Sprinter
- Professional driver
- Parking fees
- Fuel expenses
- Local taxes
- Excursion timing arranged according to the cruise schedule
Not Included
- House of the Virgin Mary entrance fee
- Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee
- Terrace Houses entrance fee
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Passport or cruise ship identification card
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Respectful clothing for the House of the Virgin Mary
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Camera or mobile phone
- Light jacket during spring and autumn
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