Ephesus & Virgin Mary: Private Tour with Terrace Houses Option

Summary

Marble streets, sacred silence, and frescoed terrace houses in Ephesus

You’ll start your day with pickup at Kusadasi port and wind through pine-scented hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary before exploring ancient Ephesus on foot with a local guide. If you choose Terrace Houses, you’ll see mosaics up close. The tour ends back by the sea — but some moments will stay with you much longer.

What’s the experience like?

Hands waving above the crowd — that’s how our guide found us at Kusadasi port. He had this easy smile and a sign that read “Ephesus Shuttle,” which made me laugh because it sounded like we were about to board a spaceship. The drive up into the hills was quiet except for the hum of the A/C and his stories about Mary and St. John coming here all those centuries ago. I could smell pine through the cracked window as we climbed toward the House of the Virgin Mary. There’s something hushed about that place, even with other visitors around — people whispering, lighting candles, a faint scent of incense in the air. I’m not religious but I felt… I don’t know, small in a good way.

It was only ten minutes to Ephesus itself but it felt like stepping into another world — marble underfoot still cool from last night’s rain, columns throwing long shadows across the street. Our guide (I think his name was Cem? He pronounced it “Jem”) pointed out where traders would have shouted deals or actors performed in the Grand Theater. He told us about Celsus’ library being built for a father who loved books more than gold — you could almost hear old voices echoing if you stood still long enough. We chose the Terrace Houses option (worth it if your knees are up for stairs) and climbed past mosaics so detailed I nearly tripped staring at them. Cem joked that these homes were like “Roman penthouses” — he wasn’t wrong.

The Temple of Artemis is mostly just stones now but standing there with the sun on my face, picturing what used to be one of the world’s wonders… well, it hit different than I expected. We finished back at Kusadasi marina with salt in our hair from the sea breeze and dust on our shoes. I still think about those painted walls and how quiet everything felt up on that hill.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus

• Meet guide at Kusadasi Port
• Drive 30 minutes to House of Virgin Mary
• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Drive 10 minutes to Ephesus
• Tour Ephesus ancient city
• Optional visit to Terrace Houses
• Stop at Temple of Artemis
• Drive back through Kusadasi Marina to port

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Kusadasi port to Ephesus?

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Kusadasi port to Ephesus or the House of the Virgin Mary.

Is hotel or port pickup included in this private Ephesus tour?

Yes, pickup from Kusadasi port or your hotel is included in all options.

Are entrance fees covered for all sites on this tour?

Yes, entry fees are included for all scheduled attractions during your private tour.

Can I include Terrace Houses in my Ephesus tour?

You can choose an option that includes Terrace Houses when booking; otherwise they’re not part of every itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for people with walking difficulties?

The main sites involve walking over uneven ground; Terrace Houses have many steps and aren’t recommended for those with mobility issues.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your professional guide speaks English fluently throughout the day trip from Kusadasi to Ephesus.

Will we return to our cruise ship on time?

The tour guarantees on-time return to Kusadasi port for cruise passengers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship in Kusadasi, comfortable transportation with air conditioning, all parking fees and taxes covered, plus entry tickets to sites like Ephesus and (if selected) Terrace Houses — always led by a licensed English-speaking guide before returning you safely to port or town center.