Ephesus & Mary's House: Private Tour with Museum Tickets

Summary

Walk ancient Ephesus streets pause at Mary’s House with private entry

You’ll walk Ephesus’ legendary streets with a local guide who knows every stone, pause quietly at Mary’s House or swap for St. John’s Basilica if you want, and feel history come alive without crowds rushing you along. Pickup is included and your return to port is guaranteed—just focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand where St. Paul once spoke? I didn’t really expect the Grand Theatre in Ephesus to echo so much — even with just a few of us there, our guide Selin’s voice bounced off those old stones. She pointed out carvings I’d have missed (honestly, I was distracted by the smell of wild sage in the air). The sun was already sharp by mid-morning, but we moved slow, weaving between columns and bits of mosaic that made me wish I could time travel for a day.

At Mary’s House, things got quiet. It’s up in the hills, cooler somehow — maybe just the shade or maybe something else. People lit candles; some whispered prayers. Selin told us about pilgrims coming from everywhere, and I tried to picture them all arriving over centuries. There was this faint scent of incense mixed with pine needles, and for a minute it felt like being outside time. We could’ve swapped this stop for St. John’s Basilica if we wanted (she asked), but no one spoke up — everyone just kind of lingered.

The Temple of Artemis is mostly ruins now, but standing there you get why it mattered so much once. You can see St. John’s Basilica way off in the distance from here — Selin waved her hand toward it and joked about how “everything is connected in Ephesus.” Lunch was an option too; we ended up stopping for gözleme at a roadside place she recommended (I tried to order in Turkish and got a laugh from the cook). On the way back through Kusadasi town, windows down, you catch bits of market chatter and that salty sea air again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private tour of Ephesus and Mary’s House

• Meet at Cruise Port exit
• Drive through Kusadasi Town
• View Kusadasi Castle from distance
• Explore Ephesus Ruins sites
• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• See Temple of Artemis
• View Basilica of St. John from afar
• Optional local shopping experience
• Return to Cruise Port on time

Top questions

Is pickup included for this private Ephesus tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise port are included.

Can I visit both Mary’s House and St. John’s Basilica?

You can choose either Mary’s House or St. John’s Basilica as part of your itinerary.

Are museum tickets included in the price?

Museum entrance tickets can be included or excluded depending on your booking option.

How long does the private tour last?

The tour length depends on your preferences but generally covers a full day including major sites.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A local lunch can be added upon request; otherwise meals are not automatically included.

Will I return to my cruise ship on time?

Yes, tours are scheduled to guarantee on-time return to your cruise ship.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What sites are visited during the tour?

Main stops include Ephesus Ruins, Mary’s House or St. John’s Basilica, Temple of Artemis, Kusadasi Castle (from a distance), and optional shopping in Kusadasi.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from your hotel or cruise port, transportation by air-conditioned minivan with a separate driver, flexible entry to museums (tickets can be arranged based on your interests), an expert licensed local guide throughout Ephesus and surrounding sites, plus guaranteed on-time return for cruise passengers—so you don’t have to worry about missing your ship after wandering those ancient streets.