FULL Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath
Description
Designed exclusively for cruise passengers visiting Kuşadası, this Full Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour offers the most complete introduction to the region’s top highlights. Enjoy a guided tour of Ephesus Ancient City, exploring its remarkable Roman ruins, marble streets, and iconic landmarks as your guide brings history to life. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be her final home. A traditional Turkish lunch is included to savor local flavors. Guests wishing to unwind may add an optional Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam) for a refreshing cultural finish before returning comfortably and on time to the ship. Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and memorable Ephesus shore excursion.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meeting at the Ege Port. Your guide will be waiting at the exit gate holding a board with your name on it.Guaranteed Return to Ship
Located in the Aladağ Mountains, just 5 miles from Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a significant pilgrimage site. According to tradition, Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. The site was recognized as a place of pilgrimage by the Archbishop of Kusadasi in 1892, following the discovery of the house. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed at this sacred location, cementing its importance for visitors from around the world.---Guaranteed Return to Ship
Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Walk through the Library of Celsus, explore the Great Theatre, and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our Ephesus tours from Kusadasi offer a unique chance to experience Roman history, biblical heritage, and the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for travelers looking for the best Ephesus excursions, day trips, and guided tours in Kusadasi.
Ephesus Terrace Houses Terrace Houses is located on skirt of Pion Mountain. There are 6 residential units which were built on three man-made terraces. These houses were settled by wealthy citizens of Ephesus. These houses were very fancy decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics. There are many steps to ascend from bottom to top.
Our tours from Kusadasi include a complimentary lunch with authentic Turkish food, a highlight for many of our guests. Afterward, we visit a Turkish handicrafts cooperative, where you can explore local culture and crafts. Entrance is free, and there is no obligation to buy anything—just enjoy this unique cultural experience.-Guaranteed Return to Ship
Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a grand sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Today, only a few columns remain, but the site still carries a powerful sense of history and offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient world.
Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish Bath in Kusadasi. Begin with a few minutes in the sauna, followed by a gentle body scrub with a bath glove (kese), and finish with a soothing foam massage. This complete treatment leaves your skin soft, refreshed, and renewed—truly a rejuvenating experience.Guaranteed Return to Ship
Thank you for joining our tour in Kusadasi, Turkey We hope you enjoyed your unforgettable Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi, the House of Virgin Mary Tour, and your experience exploring one of the most beautiful historical destinations in the world. If you were happy with your Private Ephesus Tour Turkey experience, please recommend us to your friends and family traveling with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and other cruise lines visiting Kusadasi Cruise Port. We specialize in: ✔ Best Ephesus Shore Excursions ✔ Ephesus Cruise Excursion ✔ Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour ✔ Biblical Ephesus Tour ✔ Christian Tours in Turkey ✔ Kusadasi Port Tours ✔ Luxury Ephesus Tour ✔ Ephesus Small Group Tour ✔ Guided Ephesus Tour ✔ Skip the Line Ephesus Tour ✔ Ephesus Archaeological Site Tour ✔ Turkey Shore Excursions ✔ Ephesus Tours for Cruise Passengers ✔ Private Biblical Tour Turkey ✔ Top Rated Ephesus Tours Guaranteed Return to Ship
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You must leave the cruise according to your pick-up timing (We suggest you to leave as early as possible so that you can have longer time for the tour). Your guide will be waiting for you holding a board with your name on at the exit gate.Thank you for joining our tour in Kusadasi, Turkey We hope you enjoyed your unforgettable Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi, the House of Virgin Mary Tour, and your experience exploring one of the most beautiful historical destinations in the world. If you were happy with your Private Ephesus Tour Turkey experience, please recommend us to your friends and family traveling with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and other cruise lines visiting Kusadasi Cruise Port. We specialize in: ✔ Best Ephesus Shore Excursions ✔ Ephesus Cruise Excursion ✔ Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour ✔ Biblical Ephesus Tour ✔ Christian Tours in Turkey ✔ Kusadasi Port Tours ✔ Luxury Ephesus Tour ✔ Ephesus Small Group Tour ✔ Guided Ephesus Tour ✔ Skip the Line Ephesus Tour ✔ Ephesus Archaeological Site Tour ✔ Turkey Shore Excursions ✔ Ephesus Tours for Cruise Passengers ✔ Private Biblical Tour Turkey ✔ Top Rated Ephesus Tours Our professional local guides and comfortable vehicles help cruise guests enjoy the best Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port with guaranteed on-time return to the ship. Please share your experience and recommend Sea DropTravel to your friends looking for: • Best Ephesus Tour Guide • Kusadasi to Ephesus Tours • Ephesus Day Trip from Cruise Port • House of Virgin Mary Tour Turkey • Biblical Turkey Tours • Best Tours in Kusadasi Turkey Thank you again and we hope to see you back in Turkey someday.Guaranteed Return to Ship Best regards,
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(23)
This was a good tour except that they took us to the jewelry dealer and carpet warehouse to hard sell us. They are great sales people. The lunch wasn’t good. Felt like a time share presentation. My kids weren’t happy with the experience. Felt like a bait and switch.
Dear 104caml, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the service provided by our guide. We were also grateful to read your previous review in which you highlighted your family's enjoyable experience, our guide's professionalism, and the opportunity to learn about local traditions and artisans. We understand that opinions and impressions can vary during different parts of a tour, and we appreciate your honest comments regarding the jewelry and carpet workshop visits. As clearly stated in both our tour description and pre-tour confirmation messages, visits to selected local carpet, leather, and jewelry workshops are included as part of the cultural experience. These family-owned businesses help preserve traditional Turkish craftsmanship and support local artisans. Participation is entirely voluntary, and there is never any obligation to purchase anything. Your feedback regarding the sales presentations and lunch experience has been noted and will be shared with our local partners as we continuously work to improve our guests' experience. Thank you again for visiting Kusadasi with Sea Drop Travel. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back to Turkey in the future. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Director | Sea Drop Travel www.seadroptravel.com
Uygar was amazing! It felt as if we were spending the day with a friend rather than a fella we just met this morning. He was genuine and knowledgeable. 10/10!!
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for choosing Sea Drop Travel during your visit to Kusadasi. We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable first visit to our beautiful region and that Erden helped make your day special. We are especially pleased that you enjoyed learning about the rich Christian heritage of the area, as Ephesus is one of the most important biblical and historical destinations in Türkiye. It is great to know that you enjoyed your Private Ephesus Tour and appreciated the fascinating history of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Our guides love sharing the stories, culture, and archaeological treasures that make an Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port such a unique experience. We also appreciate your comments regarding the local jewelry and carpet demonstrations. These traditional crafts are an important part of Turkish culture, and we are glad you found them interesting while still feeling comfortable throughout your visit. Thank you for mentioning the lunch and overall service as well. Although you chose not to participate in the Horse Safari or Turkish Bath Kusadasi experience this time, we would be honored to welcome you back in the future to enjoy these activities along with other highlights such as the House of Virgin Mary Tour, the Temple of Artemis, and additional Kusadasi Shore Excursions. Your kind words about Erden's knowledge, professionalism, and passion for history mean a great deal to our team. Reviews like yours help future travelers discover authentic Kusadasi Private Tours and unforgettable experiences in Türkiye. Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back soon for another amazing Ephesus Tour, House of Virgin Mary Tour, or customized private excursion. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Sea Drop Travel Team Kusadasi, Türkiye
Our language is very friendly, very, not eligible and made it entertaining as well
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for choosing Sea Drop Travel during your visit to Kusadasi. We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable first visit to our beautiful region and that Erden helped make your day special. We are especially pleased that you enjoyed learning about the rich Christian heritage of the area, as Ephesus is one of the most important biblical and historical destinations in Türkiye. It is great to know that you enjoyed your Private Ephesus Tour and appreciated the fascinating history of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Our guides love sharing the stories, culture, and archaeological treasures that make an Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port such a unique experience. We also appreciate your comments regarding the local jewelry and carpet demonstrations. These traditional crafts are an important part of Turkish culture, and we are glad you found them interesting while still feeling comfortable throughout your visit. Thank you for mentioning the lunch and overall service as well. Although you chose not to participate in the Horse Safari or Turkish Bath Kusadasi experience this time, we would be honored to welcome you back in the future to enjoy these activities along with other highlights such as the House of Virgin Mary Tour, the Temple of Artemis, and additional Kusadasi Shore Excursions. Your kind words about Erden's knowledge, professionalism, and passion for history mean a great deal to our team. Reviews like yours help future travelers discover authentic Kusadasi Private Tours and unforgettable experiences in Türkiye. Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back soon for another amazing Ephesus Tour, House of Virgin Mary Tour, or customized private excursion. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Sea Drop Travel Team Kusadasi, Türkiye
Our family had an amazing experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, and we are so grateful for our tour company and especially our tour guide, Aydin. Before visiting Turkey, we had heard many stories about how pushy vendors can be, but that was not our experience at all thanks to Aydin. He did an excellent job listening to what we were interested in seeing and purchasing, and he made sure locals understood that if we wanted to buy something, we would. We never felt pressured during the entire tour. The van was spacious and comfortable as we toured and kept us cool on a warm day. Our original tour included Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and a Turkish Bath, but because we started early, Aydin surprised us with several extra stops before the main tour even began. We got to see the flamingos that visit Kusadasi during May and June, a shipwrecked boat, and the House of the Virgin Mary. These extra experiences made the day even more special. We also visited a fantastic Turkish Delight shop where we were offered many samples and were never pressured to buy anything. Everything was delicious, and because we genuinely enjoyed it, we ended up purchasing several items. At Ephesus, Aydin guided us from the top entrance all the way down to the Library of Celsus while giving us plenty of time to explore and take photos. Along the way, we saw several cats that our daughter absolutely loved. We also visited the visual Ephesus museum, which was a really neat and interactive experience for her. We were excited to visit the Temple of Artemis and see the single remaining column. Aydin was incredibly kind and made sure to help us take family photos and enjoy every stop at our own pace. Afterward, we had a delicious lunch near the carpet factory. They showed us how Turkish rugs are made, and they even let our 10-year-old daughter help make part of a rug, which was such a memorable experience for her. The rugs were beautiful, and they kindly explained that they could ship them to us if we wanted to purchase one. We chose not to buy anything, and once again there was absolutely no pressure. Everyone was very respectful and kind, which we truly appreciated. The Turkish Bath experience was the highlight of our day. As a family — my husband, daughter, and I — we all participated together. We chose the full package with the aromatherapy massage, and we all picked the amazing pomegranate scent. We started in the sauna, then moved to the hot marble room where we were washed, exfoliated, covered in bubbles, and given wonderful massages before being rinsed off. After that, we each had our aromatherapy massage, which was fantastic. This was my daughter’s first spa experience, and it was absolutely perfect for our family. At the end of the day, we were brought back to the ship relaxed and happy, ready to enjoy the rest of our cruise. The tour company itself was also excellent with communication from the moment we booked. They contacted us immediately through WhatsApp, worked with us on customizing our experience, introduced us to our guide ahead of time, and clearly explained all payment details for each activity. We appreciated that payments were handled as we went because we had heard stories from other cruise passengers about tour scams or guides not showing up. This company made us feel completely comfortable and well taken care of throughout the entire experience. We would absolutely recommend this company and especially Aydin to anyone visiting Kusadasi.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful review of your experience with us in Kusadasi. We are truly delighted to hear that your family enjoyed your day exploring Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and experiencing an authentic Turkish Bath in Kusadasi. Your kind words about Aydin mean a great deal to us. He is passionate about sharing the history, culture, and beauty of Türkiye while ensuring that every guest enjoys a comfortable, relaxed, and personalized experience. We are especially happy that the additional stops, including the flamingos, the shipwreck, and the House of Virgin Mary, made your day even more memorable. It is always our goal to provide more than just a standard tour and create unforgettable memories for our guests. Thank you for mentioning our approach to shopping visits as well. We believe that guests should feel comfortable and free to enjoy local products, Turkish Delight, carpets, and handicrafts without any pressure. Your appreciation of this philosophy means a lot to our team. We are thrilled that your family enjoyed one of the best attractions in Kusadasi, the traditional Turkish Bath experience. Knowing that your daughter had such a wonderful first spa experience makes us especially happy. Thank you also for recognizing our communication and customer service before and during your visit. We work hard to ensure that every guest feels safe, informed, and well cared for from the moment they book their Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port until they return to their ship. It was an honor to be part of your cruise vacation, and we sincerely appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you, your family, and your friends back again for another unforgettable Private Ephesus Tour, House of Virgin Mary Tour, or other Kusadasi Shore Excursions in the future. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Sea Drop Travel Team Kusadasi, Türkiye
Really enjoyed our tour of Ephesus with Erden. Appreciated the historical details of the sites. It was just The right amount of time for a tour. Highly recommend!
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Ancient Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary with our guide Erden. Ephesus is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Türkiye, and we always strive to bring its rich history to life for our guests. We are also pleased that you found the tour timing comfortable and well-balanced. Your recommendation means a lot to us and helps future travelers looking for the best Ephesus Tour, Virgin Mary House Tour, and Kusadasi shore excursions. Thank you for choosing Sea DropTravel. We hope to welcome you back to Kusadasi and Ephesus again in the future! Best regards, Salman Kurt Sea DropTravel
Our tour guide was Sevda, Virgin House of Mary tour was perfect.EPHESUS, felted rushed. Lunch, leather and rug was very uncomfortable experience.
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the House of Virgin Mary visit and appreciated our guide Sevda. We would like to kindly clarify for future guests that our tour description clearly explains in advance that the cultural visits to the leather showroom and traditional carpet workshop are part of the local cultural experience in the region. These visits are optional, educational and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything. Many guests enjoy learning about traditional Turkish craftsmanship and supporting local family-owned businesses. Our tour itinerary and inclusions/exclusions are also clearly stated before booking, including information regarding entrance fees. As this is a cruise-based shore excursion with limited port timing, the Ephesus schedule is carefully organized to ensure all guests return to the ship safely and on time. We truly appreciate all feedback, as it helps us continue improving our guest experience, and we hope to welcome you again in Turkey in the future. Kind regards, Sea DropTravel Team
An excellent private tour! Sevda is an exceptional guide; I highly recommend her. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed every moment of your tour with us. It was a pleasure to guide you through the ancient city of Ephesus and the peaceful House of Virgin Mary. Your kind words about our knowledge and service mean a lot to us. We always aim to provide memorable and informative experiences for our guests. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey in Turkey!
Nuestra experiencia con Sea DropTravel fue magnifica en cuanto a el tour Efesos/ Virgen Maria . Our guide with good explanations, answers all questions and helps with accommodations. I would return and recommend this good and responsible company.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed every moment of your tour with us. It was a pleasure to guide you through the ancient city of Ephesus and the peaceful House of Virgin Mary. Your kind words about our knowledge and service mean a lot to us. We always aim to provide memorable and informative experiences for our guests. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey in Turkey!
It was so Wonderful, Loved every minute of it. So helpful, knowledgeable and so nice. If I could give a 1000
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed every moment of your tour with us. It was a pleasure to guide you through the ancient city of Ephesus and the peaceful House of Virgin Mary. Your kind words about our knowledge and service mean a lot to us. We always aim to provide memorable and informative experiences for our guests. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey in Turkey!
Not the best tour we’ve been on, but seemed like an okay value for the transportation and lunch alone. Tour guide was nice enough, but when we arrived at the designated meeting point we walked by a few times because she was not holding the sign with our names. It took us contacting her to realize she was there for us. Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary were neat, but our group would’ve preferred to explore on our own. The description of the tour included a stop at a rug place so we expected this; however, we were also made to stop at a “leather factory”. We were a little concerned by this because one member of our group is a strict vegetarian and does not support production of leather, but it turned out to be just another opportunity to try to sell us stuff with an awkward fashion show and then a visit to the sales floor. We were a little annoyed that it wasn’t advertised when we booked the tour and took away time from other activities, but luckily it was quick. We were provided lunch at the rug place, the lunch was enjoyable and had plenty of vegetarian options. After lunch was the rug and jewelry shop, it was interesting to learn how the rugs are made and they were beautiful to look at. We felt a little pressured by the jewelry store staff so got out of there quickly… who’s going to spend $2,000 USD on a necklace at a roadside rug store?? Lastly, we ended the day at the Turkish bath house. In the tour description it stated the cost of services start at $40 euro; however, the cheapest option was $55 euro. We were looking forward to this so still did it. It included stops in a salt room and sauna, then the exfoliation treatment and soap massage. These were enjoyable, but lasted only around 10 minutes, so we didn’t find it a very good value.
Thank you for your feedback and for joining our tour. We’re happy to hear you enjoyed Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the lunch. We’re sorry for the small inconvenience at the meeting point and will improve our visibility. As part of our tours, we include brief visits to local family-owned workshops (carpet & leather) to introduce traditional Turkish craftsmanship. These are completely optional experiences with no obligation to purchase, and many guests find them culturally interesting. We also appreciate your note about the Turkish bath pricing and will make sure this is communicated more clearly. We hope to welcome you again for an even better experience next time! Warm regards, sea drop travel
