Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers
Description
Make the most of your limited time ashore with this carefully timed small-group or private shore excursion to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Designed specifically for cruise passengers, the tour runs smoothly and guarantees an on-time return to your ship. After disembarking, meet your professional guide at the Kuşadası cruise port or your hotel and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, walking along marble streets to see highlights such as the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and Roman baths, brought to life through your guide’s engaging commentary. Continue to the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims, before stopping at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Upgrade your tour to include skip-the-line entrance tickets for a completely hassle-free experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will meet you at the Kusadasi Cruise Port! After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree & secure your meeting time.
Ephesus: The ancient city of Ephesus is home to many well-preserved ruins, including the Roman-era streets, public buildings, and private houses. Visitors can explore the city and imagine what life was like in the Roman Empire. Some of the highlights of Ephesus include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, the Temple of Artemis, and the Terrace Houses. Ephesus’s most spectacular site has to be the façade of the Library of Celsus. Constructed between 110 and 135AD, the library originally had three floors, but an earthquake destroyed the building in the 10th century. Other sites include the Theater, Basilica of St. John, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Church of Mary, House of the Virgin, the Isabey Mosque, the Prytaneion, the synagogue and the Temple of Hadrian. All the sites are in varying states of disrepair. Unfortunately, all that remains of the Temple of Artemis, rumoured to have been four times as large as the Parthenon, is one column standing in a marshy basin.
The Temple of Artemis: Ephesus was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Although the temple no longer exists, the foundation and some columns remain, providing an idea of the scale and grandeur of the original temple.
Built and extended between the 14th and 18th centuries, picturesque Kusadasi Castle sits on Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasa), an islet connected to Kusadasi via a causeway. Originally constructed as a military base, the fortress is composed of outer walls that enclose its gardens and an inner castle with a tiny museum.
A cluster of ancient 2-story homes spread across three tiers, the Ephesus Terrace Houses reveal how wealthy Romans lived during the city’s glory days. Glass floors let you admire geometric mosaics and still-colorful frescoes gleaming on the walls—it’s a small wonder some compare the site to Pompeii.
The House of Virgin Mary: is a Christian pilgrimage site in Turkey, it is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, who is said to have lived there until her Assumption. It is considered one of the most holy places in the world by Catholics.
In the end of our tour, we return to the Kusadasi Cruise Port according to your ONBOARD TIME! PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate our return time to Cruise Port.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
⚠️ Entrance Tickets of House of Mary and Ephesus Ruins are included if the included option is chosen. On the day of the tour, if you would like to visit any other place, you are responsible with the entrance ticket of that place. ⚠️ Our licensed tour guide will meet you at the cruise port with a sign of your name is written on at harbour/cruise port in Kusadasi. For the cruıse passengers please just follow the others from your shıp, then you will see our sign your name is written on, after you passing by custom control. ✳️**CRUISE PASSENGERS WHO WILL JOIN FROM THE CRUISE PORT***** • Upon your ship's arrival at the port, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to meet with our team WITHIN 30 to 45 MINUTES. By doing so, you can bypass the crowds, school busses, and hot weather, ensuring an enhanced and MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS✳️
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NA
Reviews(842)
The tour was world class with a highly knowledgeable guide fluent not only in English but also in history and culture that was put into context for the landmarks visited. The experience was a highly positive one and worth the price. From start to finish the guide and driver were highly hospitable, warm, and friendly. Our experience was very positively memorable. This was our first time visiting Turkey and we’re very happy to have done the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the fascinating and vast history of the area.
Thank you! We’re delighted your first visit to Türkiye was made so memorable by our knowledgeable guide and hospitable driver. It’s wonderful you enjoyed the history, culture, and warm service throughout the Ephesus & Virgin Mary tour. Your kind recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
We had an amazing tour of Ephesus tailored to our interests. Nafia is a wonderful guide very pleasant and knowledgable. Great value for money. Highly recommended.
Thank you! We’re delighted Nafia made your Ephesus tour so pleasant, knowledgeable, and tailored to your interests. It’s wonderful you found the experience great value and enjoyable. Your kind recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Friendly and professional guide, very easy to find at the port exit and pleasant trip
Grazie! Siamo felici che la guida abbia reso il vostro tour di Efeso così piacevole e professionale, con un incontro facile al porto e un viaggio gradevole. Speriamo di rivedervi presto! Response from Moira Travel (English): Thank you! We’re delighted your Ephesus tour was made so pleasant and professional, with easy pickup at the port and a smooth journey. Your kind words mean a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Rabia is a very well-informed guide who enlivens the visit with her history lessons.
¡Muchas gracias! Nos alegra saber que Rabia hizo de su visita a Éfeso una experiencia enriquecedora con sus conocimientos de historia. Su comentario significa mucho para nosotros y esperamos recibirlos nuevamente pronto. Response from Moira Travel (English): Thank you! We’re delighted Rabia enriched your Ephesus tour with her well‑documented knowledge and engaging history lessons. Your kind words mean a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon!
Rabia is a very qualified guide. Kind and respectful.
¡Muchas gracias! Nos alegra saber que Rabia hizo de su visita a Éfeso una experiencia tan profesional, amable y respetuosa. Su comentario significa mucho para nosotros y esperamos recibirlo nuevamente pronto. Response from Moira Travel (English): Thank you! We’re delighted Rabia made your Ephesus tour such a professional, kind, and respectful experience. Your kind words mean a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon!
Wonderful very knowledgeable guide. Very clear and easy to understand.
Thank you! We’re delighted your Ephesus & Virgin Mary tour was guided so wonderfully, with clear explanations and easy‑to‑understand insights. It’s great you found the experience both knowledgeable and enjoyable. Your kind words mean a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Memo was exceptional! He was funny, patient, pleasant and knowledgeable! Thee best tour guide I have had! It was well curated tour of Ephesus. Yolkan the driver was pleasant and kept the car cool while waiting on us! 10/10 WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND !
Thank you! We’re thrilled Memo made your Ephesus tour exceptional with his humor, patience, and knowledge, and that Yolkan ensured comfort with his thoughtful driving. It’s wonderful you had such a well‑curated experience. Your 10/10 recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Our tour with Memo and our driver, Yolkan, was one of the highlights of our trip! Memo was absolutely amazing. His personality made the entire day fun, engaging, and memorable. We visited several incredible sites, but what made the experience even more special were the beautiful local spots he took us to that we never would have found on our own. He treated us to delicious local snacks and traditional shots, shared fascinating information throughout the tour, and was always happy to take photos for everyone. In fact, he was so much fun that we made sure he was in a few of our pictures too! He also did a fantastic job keeping the group comfortable by choosing shady places whenever possible and timing our stops to avoid long lines, which made a huge difference in the summer heat. A special thank you to our driver, Yolkan. He was outstanding! Every time we finished exploring, he seemed to magically appear right where we needed him. We never had to wait long for the bus, and everything ran smoothly because of him. If you’re lucky enough to get Memo as your guide and Yolkan as your driver, you’re in for an exceptional experience. Highly recommend! 20/10
Thank you! We’re thrilled Memo and Yolkan made your Ephesus tour one of the highlights of your trip with fun, engaging stories, thoughtful timing, and seamless comfort. It’s wonderful you enjoyed the local touches and unforgettable memories. Your 20/10 recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Memo did the best job being our tour guide. He explained all the history of the area. I was very impressed and would highly recommend.
Thank you! We’re delighted Memo made your Ephesus & Virgin Mary tour so impressive with his clear explanations and deep knowledge of the area’s history. It’s wonderful you had such a memorable experience. Your kind recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Me and my family had a tour with Emma (the tour guide) and it was Great! We were picked up right outside of our port for a cruise, then visited Virgin Mary house, temple of Ephesus, temple of Artemas and then afterwards also got to visit Golden Fringe and see carpets being made and tested for free!! The whole experience was excellent with lots of facts and information, taking time and overall a great day!
Thank you! We’re delighted Emma made your Ephesus & Virgin Mary tour such a great family experience, with fascinating sites, cultural insights, and the special visit to Golden Fringe. It’s wonderful you enjoyed the history, hospitality, and smooth organization. Your kind words mean a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
