Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath

5.0 (3 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Ephesus

House of the Virgin Mary

Ephesus Virgin Mary

Ephesus Turkey

House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk

Ephesus Tours

Pilgrimage House of Mary

Ephesus Pilgrimage — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving in Kuşadası, this guided tour showcases the most meaningful spiritual and historical sites in the region. Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be her final home. Continue to Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, where your guide will walk you through its remarkable ruins and rich history. After enjoying a traditional Turkish lunch, visit the Basilica of St. John, built over the Apostle John’s believed burial place and offering beautiful views over Selçuk. Guests looking to relax before returning to the ship may add an optional Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam) for a refreshing cultural experience. This tour ensures a memorable and on-time return to your cruise.

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: SeaDrop Travel

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–6 years) · Adults (7–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Flexible itinerary – stop wherever and whenever you like
Included: Traditional Turkish Lunch
Included: Visits to wholesale factory outlets and an art gallery outside the town
Included: All taxes and parking fees
Included: Worry-free shore excursion – guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Included: Pick-up & Drop-off from Kusadasi Port
Included: Complimentary alcoholic beverages offered to our guests in selected carpet and leather stores
Included: Professional Licensed English-Speaking Guide Traditional Turkish Lunch
Included: Private Transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Ephesus Ancient City Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site)
Not included: House of Mother Mary Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site)
Not included: Basilica of St John Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site)

Itinerary

Port Kusadasi Turkey

30 min

Meeting at the Ege Port. Your guide will be waiting at the exit gate holding a board with your name on it.
The House of the Virgin Mary

one hour Admission 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.
Ephesus Ancient City

2 min Admission not included

Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Walk through the Library of Celsus, explore the Great Theatre, and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our Ephesus tours from Kusadasi offer a unique chance to experience Roman history, biblical heritage, and the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for travelers looking for the best Ephesus excursions, day trips, and guided tours in Kusadasi.
Can Carpet

one hour Admission 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.
The Temple of Artemis

30 min

Once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis, protector of women and fertility. Originally built in the 6th century BCE, it was one of the largest temples of the ancient world, famed for its grand scale and ornate marble columns. Though only a single column remains today, the site holds immense historical significance and offers a glimpse into the glory of ancient Ephesus and its religious heritage.
Basilica of St. John

45 min Admission 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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

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.Thank you for joining our tour in Kusadasi, Turkey

We hope you enjoyed your unforgettable Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi, the House of Virgin Mary Tour, and your experience exploring one of the most beautiful historical destinations in the world.

If you were happy with your Private Ephesus Tour Turkey experience, please recommend us to your friends and family traveling with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and other cruise lines visiting Kusadasi Cruise Port.

We specialize in:

✔ Best Ephesus Shore Excursions

✔ Ephesus Cruise Excursion

✔ Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour

✔ Biblical Ephesus Tour

✔ Christian Tours in Turkey

✔ Kusadasi Port Tours

✔ Luxury Ephesus Tour

✔ Ephesus Small Group Tour

✔ Guided Ephesus Tour

✔ Skip the Line Ephesus Tour

✔ Ephesus Archaeological Site Tour

✔ Turkey Shore Excursions

✔ Ephesus Tours for Cruise Passengers

✔ Private Biblical Tour Turkey

✔ Top Rated Ephesus Tours

Our professional local guides and comfortable vehicles help cruise guests enjoy the best Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port with guaranteed on-time return to the ship.

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