FROM IZMIR Cruise Port: Ephesus and Mary's House Private Tour

Discover the top highlights of Ephesus on a private, stress-free shore excursion crafted exclusively for CRUISE PASSENGERS arriving at IZMIR CRUISE PORT. Travel in comfort with your own air-conditioned Minivan and expert local guide as you explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Your guide plans the entire day around your ship’s schedule—handling entrances, timing, comfort breaks, and optional cultural stops. Enjoy a flexible itinerary, personalised attention, and a guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship. • Private shore excursion from İzmir Cruise Port, designed specifically for cruise passengers • Explore three major highlights in one day: Ephesus Ruins, House of the Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis • Enjoy a flexible, personalised itinerary with your own licensed guide • Worry-free booking with port pickup/drop-off and guaranteed on-time return

1. 1

   Izmir

   Pass by

   We will meet you at the Cruise Port! Once your tour is confirmed, we will promptly contact you with your personalised meeting time and exact pickup location, carefully planned according to your cruise ship’s arrival and departure schedule. After greeting our team at the port, you will begin your journey with a comfortable 1-hour drive to Ephesus. Along the way, your guide will share valuable insights about Turkey, the region, and what to expect during your tour.

2. 2

   The House of the Virgin Mary

   1 hour

   The House of the Virgin Mary is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites, believed to be where Mary spent her final years after coming to Ephesus with John the Apostle. The shrine has been honored by several Popes, including Paul VI (1967), John Paul II (1979), and Benedict XVI (2006). Its discovery is linked to the visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German nun who described the house in remarkable detail despite never having visited Ephesus. Her accounts, published by writer Clemens Brentano, inspired Father Poulin, a Lazarist priest from Izmir, to search for the site. In 1891, he found a small stone house that matched her descriptions perfectly, leading to archaeological studies and the preservation of the site we visit today.

3. 3

   Ephesus Ancient City

   2 hours

   The Ruins of Ephesus form Turkey’s largest open-air museum, showcasing extraordinary remains from the Greek and Roman eras. As you walk through this ancient city, you will see highlights such as the Senate Building, Ancient Hospital, Temple of Domitian, Nike Statue, Hercules Gate, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, the iconic Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre—along with many other remarkable structures that reveal the grandeur of Ephesus.

4. 4

   The Temple of Artemis

   15 min

   Artemis was the Greek goddess, the virginal huntress and twin of Apollo, who replaced the Titan Selene as Goddess of the Moon. The ancient temple was built around 650 BC to the cult of Artemis, was constructed on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele. The temple was financed by the wealthy king of Lydia and the marshy ground was selected for the building site as a precaution against future earthquakes. During the time, it has been destroyed and collapsed many times due to the natural disasters.

5. 5

   Selcuk

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   We will pass through the charming town of Selçuk, giving you a glimpse of local life in this small community located right beside the Ephesus ruins.

6. 6

   Kusadasi Shopping Center

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   You will also have the chance to explore authentic local handicrafts and, if you choose, enjoy a truly genuine shopping experience. Your professional local tour guide will be by your side to offer valuable insights—highlighting the finest traditional crafts, recommending the most reputable places to visit, and providing expert tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and completely hassle-free experience.

7. 7

   Izmir

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   In the end of our tour, we will hit the road back to Izmir and drop you. Please note that the pick-up & drop-off places; Izmir Cruise Port, Izmir Airport, and Izmir Centerally located Hotels. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you join this tour from Izmir Cruise Port, or from Airport, OUR TOUR OFFERS YOU GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN!

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Pick up and Drop off services available from the below mentioned places;

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.