Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tours
Places to see “Duration : 4 hours (approx.) “ View similar tours & things to do
Highlights
- Take a half day trip to the ruins of Ancient city of Ephesus the great cities & home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent last days of her life.
- Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine.
- Transport by Private De-Luxe Cars.
- Private Local Licensed Guide.
- No shopping stops along the way ! “ Without the hassle of being taken to various factory outlets or shopping “.
Schedule details
When you arrive in the port of Kusadasi, your private guide will be waiting to lead you to your own luxury vehicle, during a 20 minute ride to Ephesus, your guide gives you a brief info about the area and about the country.
As you arrive in Ephesus, you will first see the Magnesia Gate, a marvelous example of ancient architecture that once stood tall as an entrance to the city. Begin a downhill walk with your guide into the city’s ruins. The route will take you past the Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. The theater, one of the city’s best-preserved monuments, it is still used today for the local spring festival. It once had seating space for 24,000 people, and it is believed to be the site where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
This tour includes a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent last days of her life. House of Mary discovered in a vision by a bedridden German nun in 1812, this stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years. There is also a healing fountain.
After enjoying authentic Turkish cuisine at lunch, returning to port of Kusadasi where you tour concludes.
Inclusions
Price Chart
Payment
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
- At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- Children 6-18 years must be accompanied by an adult
- Please enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time.
- Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces, comfortable clothing and closed toe, sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen are suggested.
- We will ensure your timely return to the Kusadasi or Izmir port for this activity. If you are not returned to the ship in time to board, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call.
According to our guide, t's not confirmed that this is the Virgin Mary's actual home so that's why I gave it 4*. Still, a very cool experience, especially if you are spiritual. Bring an empty bottle if you'd like to bring home some holy water. Overpriced, cheaply made trinkets sold at the shops, which cheapened the experience somewhat.
This was one of the best and most economical tours of our cruise and we certainly recommend that anyone visiting kusadasi consider this tour.
This is a bit out of the way, high up in the mountains, but worth the trip. It is quiet moving to go here and whilst not being religious, it is interesting to see where the Virgin Mary spent her latter years. It gets quiet busy there, so be patient.
A great way to see Ephesus on a budget. Highly recommended.
Our tour guide was lovely – she spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable. Thanks
The scenery was breathtaking, enjoyed every minute of it. The Microlight was very comfortable and the scenic flight was great value for money and great friendly and experienced pilot.
Emrah was fantastic. We had a wonderful trip and his commentary to and from Ephesus was fantastic.
We got a taxi to Mary's house it was very hot out there. It was lovely to see it. Have petitions written to put on wall. Little gift shop resonably priced. Bring bottle for holy water.
I sent emails asking for prices and options to create a private tour for our shore excursion. I was able to take a standard tour and customize it and it was less than half the price of the group tour shore excursion offered by our cruise. We met our private guide and driver as soon as we got off the ship. We first started with a drive out to the Virgin Mary’s House. Along the drive, we learned some interesting facts about the region and Turkey in general. Then, we reached Mary’s house and toured the site very interesting. Then it was off to Ephesus where we had a leisurely and informative tour through the amazing ruins. Make sure to get the added tour of the terrace houses. This is the most well preserved ancient ruins ever discovered.
Then it was off to St John’s Basilica and the Temple of Artimis to finish the tour. The tour was incredible and a highlight of our trip. I would highly recommend this private tour the price was very reasonable.
This ancient city has recently been excavated outside Izmir, Turkey. Very enlightening and really a must see when in Turkey. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip as the roads can get very rough and slippery when wet. you will Need to use the bathrooms before you go in as it will take about two hours to see and there are no bathrooms once inside. The amphitheater and the grand library are amazing works are architecture which have withstood centuries and earthquakes and are still standing. great tour..highly recommended!!!