Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers

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.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15 min

   We will meet you at the Kusadasi Cruise Port! After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree & secure your meeting time.

2. 2

   Ephesus Ancient City

   2 hours

   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.

3. 3

   The Temple of Artemis

   30 min

   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.

4. 4

   Kusadasi Castle

   15 min

   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.

5. 5

   Ephesus Terrace Houses

   Pass by

   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.

6. 6

   The House of the Virgin Mary

   30 min

   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.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   15 min

   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.

• 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

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