Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi: Ancient Ruins & Virgin Mary House

Walk through two thousand years of Greek and Roman history, then tie a wish at the House of the Virgin Mary

This shore excursion from Kusadasi Cruise Port takes you to Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites, with a live guide in English or Spanish. You'll walk through the archaeological ruins (the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Marble Street and other landmarks), then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a place of religious significance. The tour returns you to port in time for your ship's departure, with lunch and transport included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ephesus3h · entry included
2. House of the Virgin Mary1h

Explore Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House

• Meet guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port
• Travel to Ephesus archaeological site
• Tour Ephesus ruins with guide
• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• Drink holy water and tie wish
• Return to Kusadasi Cruise Port

The experience

Your ship docks at Kusadasi and you have a few hours before it leaves again. A guide meets you at the cruise port with your name on a board, then drives you in an air-conditioned vehicle to Ephesus, about an hour away. Once there, you walk through the archaeological site with your guide, who explains the highlights: the Library of Celsus (one of the largest libraries in the ancient world), Trajan's Fountain, the Statue of Nike, the Great Theatre carved into the hillside, and Marble Street where Romans once walked. The guide shapes what you see around the history of the city and its role in the Greek and Roman periods, so the stones make sense as you stand in front of them.

If all the guests in your group want to, you continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be where Mary spent her final years. The site sits on a hillside and draws pilgrims from around the world. After you tour the house, you can drink holy water from the spring and tie a wish to the "Wish Wall": a tradition visitors follow. You'll also have time to browse local handicrafts and regional products before heading back to the port. Lunch is included during the day.

The tour is built around the timing of your ship: your guide knows your docking time and re-boarding time (you provide these at booking), so the route and pace fit inside your port call. You return to Kusadasi Cruise Port with time to spare before your ship leaves.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus and back.
• expert guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to the Ephesus archaeological site.
• parking fees.
• and a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary if your group chooses it.

Options for this experience

2 options

Spanish Tour08:00Pickup is included

English Tour08:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gezenthi Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Choose the English tour or Spanish tour depending on which language your guide speaks. Both follow the same route and timing, so pick whichever matches your preference. The tour is timed to your ship's departure, so all the stops (Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and time for shopping) fit inside your port call without rushing you back to the dock.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's inside the Library of Celsus that I'll actually see?

The Library of Celsus is a two-story facade with columns and carved stone, one of the best-preserved structures in Ephesus. Your guide will explain its role as one of the largest libraries in the ancient world and point out the architectural details as you walk through the ruins.

Can I visit the House of the Virgin Mary if I want to, or is it required?

The House of the Virgin Mary is optional and included only if all guests in your group wish to visit it. Let your guide know at the start of the tour if you'd like to go, and they'll include it in your route.

How much time do I spend actually walking around Ephesus?

You'll spend several hours walking through the Ephesus archaeological site with your guide, who explains the landmarks and history as you move through the ruins. The exact pace depends on your group's interests and your ship's schedule.

What happens if my ship's departure time changes after I book?

You provide your ship's docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking, so the tour is timed to your schedule. If those times change, contact the operator as soon as possible so they can adjust the itinerary.

Is there time to shop for souvenirs during this tour?

Yes, the tour includes time to browse local handicrafts and regional products, so you can pick up souvenirs before returning to the port.