Ephesus and St. Mary's House tour from Kusadasi with Lunch
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Kusadasi, Turkey
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Venture back in time and experience Christian history during a guided sightseeing tour of Ephesus from Kusadesi. Travel to the Mediterranean’s ancient city and discover one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Temple of Artemis. Admire the immensity of the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. You will have a traditional Turkish lunch and then be inspired by the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary eternally rests.
- Full Day Ephesus Sightseeing Tour
- Explore the majestic ruins of Ephesus including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven wonders of the Ancient World
- Marvel at the Fountains of Trojan and The Temples of Hadrian and Domition
- Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch
- Visit the home of the Virgin Mary
- English-speaking local guide
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Centrally located Kusadasi hotels
Itinerary
Meet your guide at your Kusadasi hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of Ephesus. Your expedition into ancient Christian times begins with a drive aboard an air-conditioned coach to St John's Basilica at the summit of Ayasuluk Hill. Inside the basilica, observe the 4th century grave that is believed to keep the remains of the saint.
Continue to Ephesus, an ancient city famous for its early Christian roots. Hear about Christ’s vision, in the book of Revelation, that shed light onto seven churches including Ephesus. Then, explore the Great Theater and Library of Celsus with your guide. Afterward, uncover one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, as well as other well maintained ancient temples.
Stop along the way at a local eatery and savor Turkish delicacies for lunch. Listen as your guide delves deeper into the history of Ephesus and the surrounding region.
Next, experience a place that has been a host to pilgrims for centuries - the House of the Virgin Mary. Hear about Mary’s final moments alive before embracing eternal rest. Then, learn how Pope Paul VI certified the site in 1967.
After leaving the historic site of the House of the Virgin Mary, return by coach to your hotel.
Continue to Ephesus, an ancient city famous for its early Christian roots. Hear about Christ’s vision, in the book of Revelation, that shed light onto seven churches including Ephesus. Then, explore the Great Theater and Library of Celsus with your guide. Afterward, uncover one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, as well as other well maintained ancient temples.
Stop along the way at a local eatery and savor Turkish delicacies for lunch. Listen as your guide delves deeper into the history of Ephesus and the surrounding region.
Next, experience a place that has been a host to pilgrims for centuries - the House of the Virgin Mary. Hear about Mary’s final moments alive before embracing eternal rest. Then, learn how Pope Paul VI certified the site in 1967.
After leaving the historic site of the House of the Virgin Mary, return by coach to your hotel.
1
Temple of Hadrian
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
The House of the Virgin Mary
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Temple of Domitian
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Bibliotheque de Celsus
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
6
The Temple of Artemis
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
7
Ephesus Ancient City
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
- Not recommended for children aged 4 and under
- Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.3
based on 50 reviews
Donna_F, May 2022
Very enjoyable trip, went smoothly. Ephesus was amazing! The Guide -Josh - was very knowledgeable and paced the tour well.
Ruthie T, Jun 2018
Tour guide was great, very informative. Lots of outdoor walking. Make sure to bring water, comfortable walking shoes, hat or umbrella to shade from the sun. Lunch provided was traditional Turkish food and delicious. Lunch was at a Turkish Rug Center where we were shown a demonstration on how rugs are made and had the chance to purchase a rug. Prices were a bit high but I only have one carpet buying experience from a couple years ago to compare to. Still overall a great experience and was one of the highlights of the trip.
WES L, Feb 2018
I called and also emailed twice the day before to confirm hotel arrangements for pickup. Day of the tour, they did not show up or reply. The day after I was supposed to tour, they emailed and said they did not have enough people the prior day to conduct the tour. I waited an hour at the hotel for them for no reason. Turkey is not open for tourists' business.
Kimmo S, Jun 2016
Tour guide was nice, but many times just left us to our own and told he'll wait by the car.
Christine S, Jun 2016
The tour guide was really fantastic. He took us to all the sightseeing spots as mentioned. He would give you the history of the places and then also allow you free time to explore which I liked, it didn't feel too rushed. Our transportation driver was very sweet and accommodating as well.
MingGia_H, Jun 2016
The tour was good, I appreciated the tour guide's knowledge and the excellent lunch. The bad part was the carpet sale pitch after lunch. It should not include that promotional sale in this tour.
Deana J, Nov 2015
Highlight of my trip to Turkey! If you make it to this area, you must stop by Ephesus. And this is a fantastic way to do it!
While the sites were amazing, I have to first talk about the incredible guide I had. She was one of the best I've ever had anywhere! Incredibly knowledgeable in history, politics and culture, she has been doing this for decades and it shows. The tidbits and different points of view I learned from her were some of the things I remember most about the trip. We also had a very mixed group with different needs and interests and she did a fantastic job making sure everyone got the most out of their experience.
St. John's: Neat to see this but even better to hear all the explanations from the guide. I would have not known what I was looking at if it wasn't for her!
Ephesus: Incredible. The guide makes a big difference telling neat antidotes and explaining things you'd never know otherwise. Plus, free time is included to get to explore on your own.
Lunch: Some of the best food I had on the trip and I love that it was at a rug center that helped support local women. Yes, they tried to sell us stuff of course like you'll find on EVERY excursion but I actually learned a lot here about the silk and rug making process. In fact, while the rest of the group was shopping, I found myself outside with one of the women actually teaching me how to weave. I weaved a whole section and it was another highlight of the trip.
House of the Virgin Mary: I'm not Catholic but am Christian so I had some context. The guide helped explain so much more and I was surprised how much I enjoyed and was intrigued by this stop.
Jayne S, Oct 2015
Polite and knowledgable guide. Excellent transport. Visit to carpet cooperative was very interesting but ultimately a sales excercise which is unfair to customers.
Laraemwill, Jul 2014
Wonderful tour with so much to take in . Our guide was informative , interesting and humorous which made and ancient city come alive . Well done and thank you
Michelle H, Nov 2013
What a great historical site! Really enjoyed the tour.
Maria D, Jul 2013
The tour was okay. Transportation was an old van. Lunch was a buffet and the food was awful. The tour guide was very nice.
Amy_C, Jun 2013
i was so disappointed we spent more time in a rug factory and leather shop than at this place easier to get your own taxi and spend the time you want. too many turkish tours have add ons as guides get kick backs not what I paid for!!!
Seamus H, Jun 2013
It was yet another great tour organised by Viator. Hopefully with tour again with Viator. Great guide,comfortable bus and a great meal after the tour. Pleaase Keep up
This standard
Elizabeth H, Jun 2013
This tour was excellent. We were members of a small group and our guide was charming and well informed. We had a most enjoyable lunch where all the dishes were explained and, despite the sales pitch, the visit to the carpet factory was an interesting experience.
Gunilla S, Jul 2012
The best of all the tours we did. The AC van, guide, driver, and lunch - excellent.
Ramesh D, Nov 2011
We were quite worried as there was no word from your local agent there when he/she will come to pick us up from our hotel. I tried to call but their phone was always busy, could not call. Please make sure that your agent always leaves a message at the hotel desk about pick up time for reassurance. Tour guide was good and it was a nice tour. Ramesh Doshi
Longshot, Oct 2011
The tour is an excellent value with many "best" sites concentrated into one area. The guide approached the tour with passion and was a wealth of knowledge on the site.
Robert G, Oct 2011
It was a pretty complete tour except for the lack of seeing the Temple Houses. Also the LONG tour of the rug factory was NOT needed or appreciated!
Gemma, Oct 2011
We were happy with the tour. We've already recommended you website to our friends.
Mishanda F, Oct 2011
Ephesus was amazing. Our guide was great, very knowledgeable.
danna91552, Oct 2011
Our tour of Kasadasi turned out to be excellent, after a very shaky start. The directions on our ticket told us to confirm prior to 10 AM tour at the port. We tried to do so, but were told the office didn't open until 9. Also the number was not locat. We had to disembark ship, so we went directly to port location for tour - no one showed up and there were no signs anywhere. Finally the tourist office nearby made several calls for us, and were told the it left at 9 AM! There were others who also experienced the problem. Finally they sent a bus for us. Clearer arrangements are needed. Our tour guide in Ephesus was excellent and the lunch and rest of trip was fine. We would heartily recommend tour with adjustments for meeting point and exact time made clearer.
LOURDES N, Oct 2011
The best of all the tours we did. The shuttle bus, guide, driver, and lunch - excellent!
VALENCIA C, Oct 2011
GREAT EXCURSION, for the price!
Our day was beautiful! Our guide was well-informed! Our bus clean and air conditioned! There are two things to be "aware" of:
1) THE PICKUP IS NOT 10AM but 9AM! - so if you are on a cruiseship and can't call - PLEASE REMEMBER its 9am pickup - outside the security gate/guards that are beyond the shopping area - NOT OUTSIDE THE CUSTOM DOOR! Keep walking down the breezeway, thru the shopping area until you reach the security post and street. REMEMBER 9AM PICKUP NOT 10AM!
2) The guide is well-informed but you must keep your eye on the time - she was trying to keep to a schedule but she was not "really" holding to it - So, you MUST REMIND HER OF PORT DEPARTURE TIMES!!! Make sure you are heading back by 4:45pm - NO LATER!!! Remember to keep an eye on the time!!!
I enjoyed the day, again, It's Worth the Money!
omar b, Oct 2011
Our tour guide was late otherwise was quite knowledgeable about the subject matter. The lunch was substantial and tasty.
Emmmanuel M, Sep 2011
The tour was outstanding. The tour guide was awesome. The best tour guide, I've ever had; he was very knowledgeable and spoke english very well.
randy, Sep 2011
great tour..great guide..right at ship..saacha[dawn]...very knowledgeable..AC van very comfortable
Why not?, Jul 2011
Great tour! We ended up with a private guide and driver. Our guide was brand new to the profession and was a little timid, but she was very friendly and informative. We were driven around in a Mercedes van after getting picked from our cruise ship. My wife and I like to move quickly and our guide was more than happy to oblige. Similar shore excursions through the cruise company would have cost hundreds more. Definitely worth the money.
max r, Jul 2011
tour delivered informative relaxing insight to this wonderfull area.Guide was very knowledgeable and created an excellent picture of those past times. Bus and food /value was excellent.
Brandon W, May 2011
Excellent trip! So nice to get off the ship and have a private van waiting for you with your own personal guide! All at half the price of the cruise trips plus no waiting for people to load on / off a bus. We got to see everything and the lunch was fantastic. Our guide, "Honor" was fantastic and very knowledgable. I would definitely recommend this tour to everyone!
ALAN R, May 2011
An excellent trip. Only complain was that we were told we were being collected at 10-00am when in fact we were expected at 9-00am. I understand that an E.mail was sent to my home advising us of this fact, but as we were already on our cruise this was not of much use.
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