Kusadasi Port: Private Ephesus Tour with Basilica & Mary’s House

Summary

Walk ancient streets, stories & faith from Kusadasi port

You’ll walk ancient Ephesus with a local guide who knows every shortcut, step into the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary in pine-scented hills, share lunch at a carpet workshop near Selçuk, and climb among basilica ruins with sweeping views—all with private transport from Kusadasi Port. You might even pick up a Turkish word or two.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup at Kusadasi Port because I got distracted by a stray cat weaving between the taxis—our guide Cem just grinned and waved us over. I liked him right away. He handed us cold water (it was already warm, even before 10am) and told us we’d start at the House of the Virgin Mary. The drive up was quiet except for birds and the low hum of Turkish radio. The hills smelled like pine and something sweet I couldn’t place—maybe wild thyme? It felt strange to be somewhere that people have been making pilgrimages to for centuries. Cem said locals call it “Meryemana” and shared a story about his grandmother lighting candles there every year.

I didn’t expect Ephesus itself to feel so… real. Not like a museum, more like someone just stepped out for lunch and left their city behind. We wandered through marble streets under that sharp Aegean sun, Cem pointing out faded Latin inscriptions on stones I’d never have noticed. The Library of Celsus is as grand as everyone says but it was actually the smaller things—the grooves worn into steps, a bit of mosaic peeking through dust—that stuck with me. There were crowds in places but Cem always steered us around them; he seemed to know every shortcut. At one point he laughed when I tried (badly) to say “teşekkürler”—I think my accent made it sound like sneezing.

Lunch was in a carpet workshop outside Selçuk, which wasn’t what I expected at all (I thought we’d get sandwiches). Instead there were bright rugs everywhere, smells of tomato and grilled lamb drifting in from a little kitchen out back. Someone showed us how silk threads are spun—her hands moved so fast—and then we ate together at a long table while she asked about our families back home. Afterward we climbed up to the Basilica of St. John, where the wind whipped around broken columns and you could see all the way down to Ephesus below. For some reason that view made me feel both tiny and lucky at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ephesus and nearby sites

• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• Tour ancient city of Ephesus
• See Basilica of St. John ruins
• View Temple of Artemis site
• Enjoy lunch with carpet presentation

Top questions

How long does the private Ephesus tour from Kusadasi Port take?

The tour typically lasts half a day, depending on your pace and interests.

Is lunch included in this private Ephesus tour?

Yes, lunch is included during a stop at a local carpet workshop near Selçuk.

Which sites are visited on this Kusadasi Port private Ephesus tour?

The tour includes Ephesus ancient city, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis area.

Is transportation provided from Kusadasi cruise port?

Yes, private air-conditioned transportation is included with pickup from Kusadasi Port.

Are guides licensed for this Ephesus day trip?

Yes, your guide is professionally licensed and knowledgeable about local history.

Can infants join this private group tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; seats are available upon request and they must sit on an adult’s lap if needed.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but involves walking over uneven ground in Ephesus.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport from Kusadasi Port, all guiding by a licensed expert who shares stories along the way, entry to main sites like Ephesus and the Basilica of St. John, plus lunch at a local carpet workshop before heading back refreshed (and maybe full of new Turkish words).