PRIVATE EPHESUS and HOUSE OF VRGN MARY TOURS KUSADAS PORT

Discover the private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary tour from Kusadasi port offered by Samyeli VIP tours for just $59 per person. This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed visit to some of Turkey’s most iconic sites. With a professional licensed guide, private transportation, and guaranteed on-time return to your ship, this tour combines convenience, comfort, and rich historical sights.

What makes this tour stand out is its private setup, which allows you to explore at your own pace without the rush and constraints of larger groups. It also includes skip-the-line entrance tickets as an optional add-on, plus lunch with a glass of Turkish wine at a local restaurant. For those seeking a well-organized and intimate experience of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary’s House, this trip offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and ease.

Key Points

• Private tour with a professional licensed guide ensures personalized attention and flexibility
• Stops at Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary, both UNESCO World Heritage and biblical sites
• Includes transportation in a luxury Mercedes van with a maximum of ten people
• Optional skip-the-line tickets for faster entry to major sites
• Lunch and a glass of Turkish wine included, plus visits to local handicrafts stores
• Guaranteed on-time return to Kusadasi port, ideal for cruise ship passengers

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exclusive Private Guide for a Richer Ephesus Experience

This tour offers the benefit of a well-educated, professional licensed local guide who leads your exploration of Ephesus’s key highlights. The guide’s expertise ensures you hear detailed stories behind the ruins, such as the Grand Theatre, where St. Paul preached, and the Celsus Library, famed for its stunning architecture.

The private nature of the tour means you avoid the typical group rush. You can customize the experience, decide what to see and when to spend extra time. The guide is dedicated to providing an informative and relaxed atmosphere, making your visit enjoyable rather than hurried.

From Kusadasi Port to the Ancient City of Ephesus

The tour begins at Ege Ports, where the guide meets you with your name visible. After a 30-minute coach ride, you arrive at the archaeological site of Ephesus. Here, you explore Roman ruins that include the Terrace Houses, Marble Street, and the Public Toilets—each with unique mosaics and frescoes.

Arriving early helps beat the crowds at Ephesus, allowing for better photos and more peaceful sightseeing. The guide’s insights turn the ruins into a vivid story of ancient life, with special attention to the Temple of Hadrian and the Marble Street, both key sights for history enthusiasts.

Skip the Lines with Optional Entrance Tickets

The tour features optional skip-the-line entrance tickets, which can be purchased for around 40 euros for Ephesus and 15 USD for the Terrace Houses. These tickets speed up entry, saving valuable time, especially during busy seasons.

Without tickets, you’ll need to wait in lines, but the guide ensures everything is prepared for smooth access. This flexibility helps you plan your day efficiently and maximizes your sightseeing time.

Visiting the House of Virgin Mary – A Peaceful Biblical Site

A highlight is the House of Virgin Mary, located 5 miles from Ephesus on the Aladag Mountains. This biblical site claims to be where Mary lived with St. John after the death of Jesus, and it has been a pilgrimage destination since 1892.

You can expect a peaceful atmosphere here, with the chance to reflect at the shrine. The site’s historical significance is complemented by the scenic mountain views, adding a spiritual dimension to your tour.

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The Temple of Artemis – One of the Ancient Wonders

While the Temple of Artemis no longer stands, this tour includes a visit to its former location, providing context for one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Although you won’t see the temple itself, the site offers a sense of the grandeur and importance of Artemis worship in antiquity.

The guide will explain its history and significance, helping you visualize what once was a majestic structure. This stop gives a broader understanding of the ancient world’s architectural and religious achievements.

Authentic Turkish Lunch and Cultural Stops

After exploring Ephesus and the Virgin Mary’s House, the tour includes a 2.25-hour lunch break in Selcuk. The meal features traditional Turkish cuisine, and you get a complimentary glass of Turkish wine.

In addition, the tour makes stops at local handicrafts cooperative stores, where you can see handmade carpets, leather jackets, and jewelry. These visits showcase Turkey’s rich artisan traditions, with no obligation to buy, but offering a chance to purchase authentic souvenirs.

Comfortable Transportation and Convenient Logistics

Transportation is arranged in a luxury brand-new Mercedes minivan, equipped with air conditioning. The vehicle accommodates up to ten people, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

The tour includes all parking fees and taxes, with port pickup and drop-off guaranteed. The worry-free, on-time return is especially valuable for cruise passengers eager to make the most of their limited time in port.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Tour

Travelers are advised to leave early from the ship to maximize time at the ruins. Wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a hat is recommended due to the marble flooring in Ephesus.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that most visitors can enjoy the experience. Participants should bring passports or IDs, cash, and any necessary tickets or copies.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience without the crowds. It suits those interested in history, biblical sites, and local culture while maintaining comfort and flexibility.

It’s perfect for cruise passengers needing a guaranteed on-time return to the port, and for anyone valuing skip-the-line access and customizable sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on the Kusadasi Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded visit to Ephesus, combining historical sights, biblical significance, and Turkish culture in a private, relaxed setting. The inclusion of lunch and wine, local artisan stops, and skip-the-line tickets adds value for a reasonable price.

While the site entrance fees are paid separately, the overall experience emphasizes personalized attention, timely logistics, and comfort. It suits travelers looking for an exclusive, in-depth tour with flexibility and expert guidance.

If you prioritize customized itineraries, avoid crowds, and want to see Ephesus and Mary’s House comfortably, this tour provides a reliable, enriching option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most, including those in wheelchairs, but standing and walking on marble floors require comfortable shoes.

What is included in the price?
The $59 price covers transportation in a private Mercedes van, lunch with wine, professional licensed guide, all parking fees, and taxes. Entrance fees to the sites are optional and paid separately.

Can I skip the entrance lines?
Yes, optional skip-the-line tickets are available for an extra cost, significantly reducing wait times at Ephesus and the Terrace Houses.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring passport or ID, cash for optional entrance fees and souvenirs, comfortable shoes, and a hat for sun protection.

How long is the sightseeing portion at Ephesus?
The guided tour of Ephesus lasts approximately 2.5 hours, focusing on major highlights and some lesser-known spots.

Is lunch included, and what type of food is served?
Yes, lunch in Selcuk features traditional Turkish cuisine, with a glass of wine included.

What is the tour’s duration?
The entire tour lasts about one day, with specific stops and a total duration of around 6-6.5 hours.

Will I be back at the port on time?
Absolutely, the tour guarantees on-time return to Kusadasi port, making it a reliable choice for cruise passengers.

Is transportation air-conditioned?
Yes, the luxury Mercedes minivan is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day.

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a private experience, there is flexibility to adjust the itinerary according to your interests and timing preferences.

How do I meet the guide?
The guide waits at Ege Ports, holding a sign with your name, ready to lead you at the start of the day.

This private Ephesus and Virgin Mary tour from Kusadasi offers a satisfying mix of history, spirituality, comfort, and cultural insight — ideal for those seeking an enriching yet stress-free day exploring Turkey’s renowned ancient sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby