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Ancient Ephesus & The House of Mary
Kusadasi Cruise Tours - Ancient Ephesus & The House of Mary
 

Private Kusadasi shore excursion to the House of the Virgin Mary and the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Ephesus, including the Terrace Houses, a section most tours skip. See the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre before free time for lunch or shopping.

6 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Kusadasi
  • Private Vehicle with Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Included- Ancient Ephesus, Terrace Houses, House of Mary
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number: TKUSA-05


Group Size (Prices in USD)*: 		2 People - $266 Per Person
3 People - $214 Per Person
4 People - $186 Per Person
5 People - $170 Per Person
6 People - $158 Per Person
7 People - $164 Per Person
8 People - $157 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Shore Excursion from Kusadasi

This 6 hour shore trip visits the House of the Virgin Mary and the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included is a visit to the Terrace Houses, something many tours do not include. Before returning to the pier you have free time for lunch and or shopping.

Your driver and licensed guide will meet you at the pier in Kusadasi and you immediately depart for the countryside. The first stop on this fascinating tour is the House of the Virgin Mary. This holy site sitting atop a tranquil mountain is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary after she fled Jerusalem.

Next you travel on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Your licensed guide will bring the past to life as you stroll streets lined with columns and paved with marble. You will see the Odeon, where the advisory council held its meetings, the Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, and many other monuments and ruins. The most impressive sight is the much photographed Celsus Library towering at the end of the main street. Equally impressive is the ancient theater which can seat 24,000 people. It is here where St. Paul preached.

Next is free time for lunch (not included) and or shopping. Possibilities include pottery, leather, jewelry, the famous Turkish carpet workshops or more. If you are interested in shopping, please let your guide know.

Tips on visiting Turkey: Shopping - If additional time is available during your tour, many guides will ask if you are interested in seeing how Turkish carpets are made or if you wish to shop. These free demonstrations are very interesting and quite informative, but they are also a selling opportunity. Decide on your interest and tell your tour guide clearly whether shopping interests you or not. You should never feel obligated to make a purchase on any tour.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Kusadasi Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Kusadasi tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Please note
  • Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Kusadasi
  • Private Vehicle with Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Included- Ancient Ephesus, Terrace Houses, House of Mary

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    45 Minutes
    Meet guide and drive to House of Mary
  • 2
    30 Minutes
    Visit House of Mary
  • 3
    Drive to Ephesus- 15 Minutes
  • 4
    2.5 Hours
    Visit Ephesus
  • 5
    1.5 Hours
    Free Time for Lunch / Shopping
  • 6
    30 Minutes
    Return to pier

Resources

Kusadasi Cruise Port - Ege Port Official Site. Cruise arrival point for this tour, in the heart of Kusadasi. Official Website

Ephesus Archaeological Site - Official Ticketing (muze.gov.tr). Primary site visited on this tour, along with the House of the Virgin Mary nearby. Official Website

Good to Know

Mobility
This tour involves steps and uneven terrain that make it unsuitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility concerns, contact us and we can discuss alternatives.
Customizable
This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.
Larger Groups
For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

Most Popular Tours from Kusadasi Shore Excursions

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Kusadasi from Ephesus and the House of Mary?
Ephesus is approximately 17 kilometers from Kusadasi - about 20 to 25 minutes by road. The House of the Virgin Mary is approximately 9 kilometers from Ephesus up a scenic mountain road.
Is every entrance fee already included in the price?
Yes - entrance to Ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary is included. These are timed tickets and become non-refundable once purchased. You will be informed of this at the time of booking.
Is this tour different from the Ancient and Christian Ephesus tour?
Yes - this tour focuses specifically on Ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary without the Basilica of St. John. It is a slightly shorter option ideal for those who want to combine the ancient city with the Marian shrine in a half day.
Is there a guarantee that we'll make it back to the ship on time from our Kusadasi tour?
That's exactly what our Back-to-Ship Guarantee is designed to prevent on Kusadasi tours. If a delay caused by our tour operator keeps you from returning to the ship on time, we'll arrange and cover your transportation to catch up with the ship at its next port of call. To qualify, your tour needs to be scheduled to return at least 1.5 hours before the ship's departure, and you'll need to be back at the vehicle for every agreed meeting time during the day.
How does the deposit and balance payment work for Kusadasi tours?
Your Kusadasi spot is secured with a $50 per-tour deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your tour date. If your plans change, that deposit isn't refundable, but it stays on your account as credit toward any tour for up to 3 years. Larger groups, custom itineraries, or tours involving flights or overnight stays may carry a bigger deposit and their own terms, which we'll spell out at booking.
What if I need to cancel my Kusadasi excursion last minute?
A Kusadasi cancellation made 15+ days before the tour date is refundable, less a $50 fee. Inside 14 days of the tour date, cancellations become non-refundable. One exception: if your ship simply doesn't call at Kusadasi because of weather, mechanical issues, or political unrest, you'll get a full refund less the $50 fee. All cancellation requests need to be submitted in writing by email.
What's the pickup process for a Kusadasi tour?
Cruise Ship: Your first step off the ship at Kusadasi is to find the terminal's main public exit. Terminal building present? Walk through arrivals to the public pickup zone outside, with cruise staff able to point the way. No terminal building? Your driver's already waiting dockside. If you don't spot your contact right away, hold your position near the exit and call the dispatch number in your confirmation. Hotel: Look for your driver or guide right outside the main entrance or in the lobby -- they'll be holding a sign with your group name. Airport: Once you've collected your luggage and cleared customs, head into the arrivals hall -- your driver or guide will be there holding a sign with your group name.
Are museum and site tickets included in the Kusadasi tour price?
For Kusadasi tours, entrance fees are included exactly where the tour page lists them. Keep in mind some venues require timed, skip-the-line tickets that become non-refundable the moment they're purchased. We'll flag any non-refundable entrance fees for you at booking.
How flexible is a private Kusadasi tour?
Private touring in Kusadasi comes with real room to adjust the plan. Mention any must-see sight to your driver or guide at pickup, and they'll do their best to work it in. Traffic and time constraints can occasionally limit how much we can change, but your guide will always try to keep things personal.

Also Available in Turkey

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Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet guide and drive to House of Mary - 45 Minutes
  • Visit House of Mary - 30 Minutes
  • Drive to Ephesus- 15 Minutes
  • Visit Ephesus - 2.5 Hours
  • Free Time for Lunch / Shopping - 1.5 Hours
  • Return to pier - 30 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 96 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 11, 2026
Reviewer: Bob C from Jupiter Fl  
Both Nice and Ephesus were terrific tours. Our drivers and guides were outstanding. Hats off to both. Could not be happier. Thanks for all your help. Will contact you for any future needs.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 10, 2026
Reviewer: Bobby W from San Antonio TX  
Turkey was fantastic. Driver and Orntune (way he told us to say it. My travel agent friends very impressed with you coordination. Looks like more unrest for Athens tomorrow. So glad we limited to sightseeing. Athens was high-level tour. Guide was very good however, the day was damp and the mood dampened since the strike closed the main attraction.

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  3 of 3 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Walter H from Union Hall VA  
We had a wonderful vacation. Every one of the tour guides were great. My family was really impressed with their knowledge, service, and friendliness. I was pleasantly surprised with how much better an experience we had compared to the Princess Cruise Ship Tours. For example, our tour guide for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii knew that Pompeii was closed until 1130 AM and changed our itinerary to travel along the coast in the morning and go to Pompeii at the end of the day. The other tours just took people to the gate and waited for two hours. Thanks again. My wife and kids felt that each guide was a   friend   by the end of the tour. The guides in Florence and Ephesus were probably the highlight for us. The Mercedes vans that were used in most cities were always nice and all of our drivers were really great. Ive already recommended you to a friend.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Sian A from Katy TX  
We had a wonderful trip, the   Private Shore   excursion in Kusadasi to Ephesus & Sirince was outstanding. Our guide was there at the pier to meet us on time, the minivan was a brand new air conditioned Mercedes. Our guide was superb in every way, professional, pleasant and very knowledgeable. We could not have asked for more. We felt this excursion was well worth the money and made this one of the unexpected favorite stops. Our thanks to you and I will happily recommend your company and look forward to using you again.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Kusadasi July 26, 2026
Reviewer: Louise R from Rocky River OH  
Our trip was fabulous. Our flights were on time, the weather was great and the sites so amazing! Our tours and guides were excellent. I dont have their names handy but all were extremely knowledgeable and we loved their passion for their countries. Should we venture back to Europe we will definitely contact you again. I will surely recommend your company to anyone traveling in Europe.

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