About This Tour
Step off your cruise ship at Kuşadası and into a full day of history, faith and wonder. This guided shore excursion takes you to three of the region's most iconic sites — the House of the Virgin Mary, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis — with your guide handling skip-the-line entry and all the logistics so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Your journey begins at the House of Virgin Mary, a church built in the 6th century AD on the foundations of a 1st-century home, set peacefully in the hills 6 km north of Ephesus. According to tradition, this is where the Virgin Mary spent her final years — a place of quiet pilgrimage visited by Christians and Muslims alike.
Next, the ancient city of Ephesus — one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Walk the same marble streets as Apostle Paul and John, past the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and more. During the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the second largest city on the planet after Rome, with over 250,000 citizens and a giant harbour that made it the trading gateway between East and West.
After a lunch break in Selçuk, you'll continue to the Temple of Artemis — once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your guide brings its storied history to life before the tour returns you to Kuşadası Cruise Port, guaranteed on time.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the ruins of Ephesus with group and private tour options to suit your preference
- Walk the ancient roads where Apostle Paul and John walked
- See the Great Theatre, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Public Toilets and more
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary — where she is believed to have spent her final days
- Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Easy transfer to and from Kuşadası Cruise Port — guaranteed on-time return
- Available in English, Japanese and Russian
Itinerary
Kuşadası Cruise Port
Meet your guide at one of six pickup locations around the port. Departure is scheduled around your ship's arrival and all-aboard time.
House of the Virgin Mary
Located 6 km north of Ephesus, this church was built in the 6th century AD on the foundations of a 1st-century home. A place of quiet pilgrimage revered by both Christians and Muslims — your guide shares the history and significance of this extraordinary site.
Entry ticket required (optional add-on at booking)Ephesus Ancient City
The best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Walk the marble streets past the Great Theatre, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian and Public Toilets. With 105 minutes here, there is ample time for your guided tour and free exploration.
Selçuk — Lunch Break
A 45-minute break in Selçuk. Your guide will suggest a restaurant; lunch is at your own expense and is optional.
Temple of Artemis
Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was the most important religious sanctuary in the region. Its cult dedicated to Artemis made Ephesus one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations of antiquity. A single column stands today — and your guide brings the grandeur of the original to life.
Back at Kuşadası Cruise Port
6 drop-off locations around the port. Your guide guarantees your timely return before your ship departs.
Flexible Ticket Options
This tour is available with or without entry tickets for Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary — choose the option that suits you best when booking.
- Tickets Included option: Entry fees are pre-arranged — no cash needed on the day
- Tickets Not Included option: Pay your guide directly in cash (EUR, USD, or Turkish Lira)
- Either way, your guide holds pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues
What's Included
Included
- Entry tickets to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary (with "Tickets Included" option)
- Port pickup and drop-off (6 pickup and 6 drop-off locations)
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional licensed local tour guide
- Skip-the-line entry (pre-paid by guide)
- Guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship
Not Included
- Lunch (guide suggests a restaurant; at your own expense)
- Entry tickets (if "No Tickets" option selected — payable to guide in EUR, USD or TL)
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
- Personal expenses
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Know Before You Go
On-time return to your cruise ship is guaranteed. The tour start time adjusts to your ship's dock and all-aboard schedule.
Your guide holds pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long entry queues.
If you choose the option without entry tickets, you can pay the guide directly in cash — euros, dollars, or Turkish Lira.
Both group and private tour options are available. Private tours give you a dedicated guide and vehicle with a fully flexible itinerary.
Your guide may suggest visiting local artisan shops with handmade items. These stops are completely optional for all guests.
Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.
Check Availability & Book
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Meeting Point
Kuşadası Cruise Port — one of 6 pickup locations. Exact meeting details are provided after booking.
Pickup and drop-off is available only from Kusadasi Port.
Open in Google MapsLanguages Available
- 🇬🇧 English
- 🇯🇵 Japanese
- 🇷🇺 Russian
What to Bring
- Passport or ID card (required for children)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat & sunscreen
- Camera
- Cash in EUR, USD or TL (if paying entry tickets on the day)