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.
Once you get to the place, which is at the top of a high hill ( about 15mins drive from Selcuk) you feel a sense of peace and tranquillity, in the place. It is worth visiting if you have an hour of time to spare.
I’ve been to Ephesus before but have only done the half day tour so really wanted to spend the day there and see more. The tour was well-organised and really nice as we were in a small group which allowed us to ask lots of questions to our guide. I think if you go to Ephesus do the deluxe full day tour so you can see the Terrace Houses and House of Virgin Mary which is fascinating!
Located in the mountains, in the shade of centurial forest, the House is a place visited and respected by Christians as well as Muslims.
The price of our private tour was much less than the tours provided by our ship, The Norwegian Jade. It was a great tour.
Visited as part of our Adriatic & Aegean cruise. Docked in Kusadasi and this provided a short driving tour of the area around the Ephesus site.
Buy one of the books that descibes the site as a helpful resource. The site accepts only Turkish Lira or credit card payments. There is a museum in the adjacent community where many of the original artifacts are housed. The site can become crowded during the peak tourist season and is open air so if it is hot, you’ll be out in the sun the whole time.
Ephesus – the city established in 10 BC is a must visit for anyone having an interest in history. What is amazing is the way one can almost walk through the streets of the city and imagine how the city was organised in those time by seeing the ruins on both sides.
The site is surprisingly easy to access from Selcuk (5 km) or Kusadasi (15 km)
Be sure to take ample sun protection and water on the tour since one cannot get anything in the middle of the ruins,
The van was comfortable, the driver was careful it was a wonderful experience.
This tour was booked as from a cruise ship arrival for 10 people. I must say we realy enjoyed we had a great time.
This was an attraction I almost passed on, but my flight attendant recommended it. I am so glad I went! The tour of the ruins was quite spectacular and extensive, with a re-enactment of the gladiators at the end of the tour. The ruins were up-close, not roped off, and you could actually touch them!!! I was especially enamored with the library ruins.
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