Private Virgin Mary House and Turkish Bath Tour with Pickup

Explore Kusadasi’s Most Meaningful Sites with a Private Guide

This $64-per-person tour offers a well-rounded experience combining spiritual history, traditional Turkish relaxation, and local shopping. Perfectly timed at about 5 hours, it provides enough time to visit the iconic Virgin Mary’s House, indulge in a Turkish bath, and enjoy a delicious lunch while avoiding crowded group tours. The tour features private transportation in De-Luxe cars and mini-vans, with a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring comfort and personalized attention. The pickup service from the Kusadasi cruise port adds convenience, making this a worry-free option for cruise passengers who want to explore without the hassle.

Choosing this tour means you get guaranteed on-time return to your ship, a local licensed guide, and the flexibility to spend as much or as little time at each stop. While admission fees to the Virgin Mary’s House, Ephesus, and the Hammam are paid directly on-site, the tour price includes the Turkish bath and a lunch at a local restaurant. The tour is praised for its excellent guide service and value for price, especially compared to larger cruise shore excursions.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience with a licensed local guide
• Includes pickup and drop-off at Kusadasi cruise port
• Visit Virgin Mary’s House, believed to be where she spent her last days
• Relax in a traditional Turkish bath with full scrub and foam massage
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
• Tour price is $64, with optional skip-the-line tickets for attractions

Meeting Point and Transportation in Kusadasi

This tour departs directly from the Kusadasi Cruise Pier or nearby locations such as Yeni Yolcu Terminali and Ege Port. You’ll travel in a luxury, private A/C vehicle with a professional driver, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride. The group size is limited to 8-10 guests, which helps maintain a relaxed pace and personalized service. Pickup is arranged to make your arrival and departure seamless, so there’s no worry about missing your ship.

The transportation emphasizes comfort and efficiency, with De-Luxe cars and mini-vans that accommodate small groups. This setup allows for stops at your discretion for photos or short visits, giving you control over your time at each site.

Discover the Significance of Virgin Mary’s House in Ephesus

The House of Virgin Mary is a highlight of this tour, believed to be where Mary spent her final days. It’s located in Ephesus, and many think it occupies a sacred spot where a spring beneath the house has supposed healing properties. The site attracts pilgrims and visitors alike who seek spiritual solace or curiosity about its history. The admission fee of approximately EUR 13 is paid directly on-site, so budget accordingly.

The tour guides are experienced and local, providing insights into the historical and religious importance of the house. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, taking in the serene atmosphere and beautiful views. The two-hour visit balances enough time for exploration without feeling rushed.

Relax with a Traditional Turkish Bath Experience

The Hammam Kusadasi is a core part of this tour, offering a full Turkish bath with sauna, full body scrub, and foam massage. The experience lasts about two hours, and the admission fee of EUR 40 is paid directly at the site. Guests are advised to bring swimming clothes because the bath includes sweating in the sauna and full-body scrubbing with a bath glove (kese), which leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed.

The Hammam combines scrubbing, foam massage, and relaxation, helping you unwind after visiting the historical sites. The marble slabs used for the scrub are heated, adding to the authentic Turkish bathing ritual. Many appreciate how professional the staff are, making this a luxurious yet traditional experience.

Indulge in a Tasty Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Following the Turkish bath, the tour offers a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, included in the overall price. The lunch showcases Turkish cuisine and provides a relaxed setting to enjoy authentic flavors. This stop also includes a visit to a carpet farm, adding a touch of local craftsmanship to the experience.

The one-hour break is enough to savor the food, shop for carpets or leather jackets, and take in the local ambiance. The lunch and shopping stops are designed to give visitors a taste of Kusadasi’s vibrant culture and craftsmanship, making the experience both satisfying and informative.

Exclusive Visits to Local Artisans and Shops

The tour includes visits to a carpet farm, leather jacket shop, and jewelry store, offering a chance to see local craftsmanship up close. These stops are not obligatory but are included in the package, with no additional cost for browsing. They serve as a great opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs.

Visitors should note that the carpet farm is a wholesaler, giving insight into Turkish handwoven carpets. The jewelry and leather shops offer quality items, and the guide can assist with questions or shopping tips.

Optional Skip-the-Line Tickets and Additional Fees

While admission tickets for the Virgin Mary’s House, Ephesus, and the Hammam are not included in the base price, they can be purchased directly on-site. The Virgin Mary House costs about EUR 13, while Ephesus and the Hammam each cost EUR 40.

The tour offers optional skip-the-line tickets, which can save time during busy periods, though they are not included in the standard package. If you prefer to avoid waiting, it’s worth considering these additional costs.

The Value of a Private, Personalized Experience

This tour emphasizes personalized service, with a private guide and luxury transport, making it an upgrade from standard cruise ship excursions. The group size of up to 8-10 people ensures you can spend as much time as you wish at each stop or make spontaneous detours for photos.

Compared to larger group tours, this private option offers more flexibility, more attention from guides, and better overall comfort. The price of $64 is competitive, especially considering that it includes lunch, transportation, and guide services.

Considerations and Tips for Tour Participants

Guests should bring swimwear for the Turkish bath and comfortable shoes for walking around the sites. The admission fees for attractions are paid directly on-site, so travelers should carry some cash in euros. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but individuals with mobility concerns should check the walking involved at each site.

The tour’s flexible schedule allows guests to control their time at each stop, making it a relaxed way to see the highlights without feeling rushed. It’s also a great choice for those wanting a private experience that balances historical exploration, relaxation, and local shopping.

The Sum Up: A Personal Touch for an Authentic Kusadasi Experience

This Private Virgin Mary House and Turkish Bath Tour stands out for offering a balanced mix of history, relaxation, and local culture. The private guide and luxury transport ensure a comfortable, personalized day, ideal for cruise passengers who want flexibility and authenticity.

While the admission fees are paid separately, the overall value comes from the customized itinerary and inclusive lunch. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a more intimate experience with less crowding and a focus on quality. Suitable for most travelers, it combines spiritual sites, spa treatments, and local craftsmanship, making it a well-rounded Kusadasi excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking around the Virgin Mary’s House and other sites, so travelers with mobility concerns should consider their comfort level.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Kusadasi cruise port, private transportation, Turkish bath experience, and lunch. Admission tickets for attractions are paid on-site.

Can I customize the time spent at each stop?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility to spend more or less time at specific sites, making it ideal for personal preferences.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, admission fees for Virgin Mary’s House (EUR 13), Ephesus (EUR 40), and the Hammam (EUR 40) are paid directly at the location if you choose to visit or use skip-the-line tickets.

How many people are in each group?
The group size is limited to 8-10 guests, ensuring a personalized experience and more individual attention from the guide.

Is the tour available for non-cruise visitors?
This particular tour is designed for cruise passengers arriving at Kusadasi port, but similar experiences might be available for other visitors upon request.

What should I bring for the Turkish bath?
Guests are advised to bring swimming clothes for the bath and towels or robes if desired.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind in case of schedule changes or weather issues.