Ephesus and Mary’s House with Entry Tickets Opt. For Cruisers
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kusadasi, Turkey
- 4 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Hotel/port pickup- drop-off
- Transport by private vehicle
- Museum Entrance Tickets. (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
- Gratuities
- Museum Entrance Tickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Kusadasi Cruise PierIstanbul Denizcilik, Yeni Yolcu Terminali - Ege Port, Camikebir, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye
Pickup details
⚠️ Entrance Tickets of House of Mary and Ephesus Ruins are included if the included option is chosen. On the day of the tour, if you would like to visit any other place, you are responsible with the entrance ticket of that place. ⚠️ Our licensed tour guide will meet you at the cruise port with a sign of your name is written on at harbour/cruise port in Kusadasi. For the cruıse passengers please just follow the others from your shıp, then you will see our sign your name is written on, after you passing by custom control. ✳️**CRUISE PASSENGERS WHO WILL JOIN FROM THE CRUISE PORT***** • Upon your ship's arrival at the port, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to meet with our team WITHIN 30 to 45 MINUTES. By doing so, you can bypass the crowds, school busses, and hot weather, ensuring an enhanced and MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS✳️
Itinerary
1
Kusadasi
2 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Ephesus Ancient City
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
The Temple of Artemis
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
The House of the Virgin Mary
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Ephesus Terrace Houses
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Kusadasi (Pass By)
Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen as shade is limited
- The order of the tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion
- This excursion/activity is private. Only your team will take part.
- For cruise guests, we strongly advise meeting at the port after 30 to 45 minutes have passed after your ship docked to avoid afternoon traffic, school buses, and the heat. To have a better tour of Ephesus before the crowds, IT IS BETTER TO MEET EARLY.
- Sirince Village: Free of charge
- Isa Bey Mosque: Free of Charge
- NA
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 204 reviews
Margaret_L, Mar 2026
Group of 6 tourists and our tour guide was Memo. Memo was a great guide with good English and provide good details on the attraction sites. The only thing was that I thought the tour included couple more attractions e.g. Mary's House & Street of Terrace Houses (understood that the admission fees are extra costs). We visited the ancient city and the Temple. Description on the online tour webpage is misleading.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the Ephesus and Mary’s House Tour with Entry Tickets Option for Cruisers. Exploring the ancient city of Ephesus and visiting the sacred House of the Virgin Mary is truly a memorable experience, especially for cruise travelers visiting Kusadasi Port.
We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable Ephesus shore excursion!
Damaris_A, Oct 2025
Memo was great! Very knowledgeable and gave us great info. Walked thru all the places we wanted to see.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with our Ephesus House of Mary with Entry Ticket Option for Cruiser tour! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed exploring the ancient city of Ephesus and visiting the sacred House of Virgin Mary. Our goal is to make every Ephesus shore excursion unforgettable, offering comfort, historical insight, and exceptional service for our cruise guests. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Kusadasi and Ephesus
MarissaS, Sep 2025
Exhausting but interesting to explore esp the house of mama mary which is a fulfilling memory. The food is nice and the driver is so courteous
Joann_B, Jun 2025
I was overwhelmed with this tour. Mehmet was an outstanding tour guide. He met us at the port and escorted us to our awaiting driver and van. This private tour was ours to direct. We went to Ephesus first and spent 2 hours. Our guide brought these ruins to life with his stories and the history of these ruins. The countryside was lovely. So different from Istanbul. We went to a family Ceramic shop and watched a clay piece being formed. We had our own fashion show at a leather shop and found good prices for quality pieces. Turkish carpet weaving is being taught at a place where you can learn about how silk is spun and the different wools are used to make designs. This was truly an educational experience. I highly recommend this tour . You will not be disappointed.
Rusty_P, Jun 2025
Its was good experiance, bit chaotic on the start as our agent was not waiting there for us and the GPS coordinates were not correct. On the end there were other agents which helped us to call our agent and all went good.
Stephanie_S, Oct 2024
This was the best tour I could have ever imagined when I booked it! I had to decide between two tours and I am so glad that I ended up choosing the Private one with guide Kaya and driver Serdal! First the company kept in touch with me regarding meeting location and time. Second they said I could bring my mobility scooter! Kaya was an outstanding guide! He was so professional, knowledgeable and friendly. He had so much information about the area and history was great and the stories he shared kept me fascinating the whole time! The scenery was magnificent from Ephesus to the House of the Virgin Mary. Kaya made it so interesting and fun. Even going to the carpet school where I meet Charlie who gave me a humorous education on Turkish rugs and rug making. There was no real pressure to purchase.
There was never any issues with Kaya and Serdal taking my scooter in and out of the van! I had a wonderful time and learned so much, I probably should have taken notes, but I didn't want to miss anything!!! This is a must do experience and ask for Kaya and driver Serdal!!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with us to share your recent experience about
our Agency we are looking forward to welcoming you in your next trip in the very near future.
Best Regards,
Joseph_M, Sep 2024
Outstanding tour. Out tour guide was extremely informative and made sure my elderly parents were able to see as much as they could considering their disability.
Highly recommend !
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with us to share your recent experience about
our Agency we are looking forward to welcoming you in your next trip in the very near future.
Best Regards,
Tracey_A, Aug 2024
Great knowledge of Ephasus from our guide easy pick up and drop off at cruise port spacious van with air con
Our guide felt with a medical emergency well with our elderly mother
Chose an appropriate route for the heat and walking distance
Jeff_L, Aug 2024
Our tour guide Ozan is awesome. All of us enjoy this trip very much. He even tell us some skill to bargain. Highly recommend to everyone.
Scott_B, Aug 2024
I’ve been on numerous tours throughout Europe but haven’t had a guide as well spoken and knowledgeable as Hediye. Her enthusiasm for her beautiful country was so wonderful and she truly made our private tour so special. We had a large van with a very nice driver who dropped us at several different locations and picked us up as soon as we were ready. We toured the ruins in Ephesus, stopped by several different picturesque spots and truly enjoyed seeing different parts of Turkey. In the short time we had, we learned more from Hediye than we could have possibly learned on our own. She was absolutely super!
Susan_B, Jun 2024
Amazing historical must see place.
Disappointed Haluc our guide only took us to Ephesus, House if Mary and Temple if Artemis, missing the Sirince Village, Isa Bey Mosque, Terrace Houses and Basillica St John without any mention or explanation.
We were the only 2 people on the bus, and struggled at times to understand Halucs explanations in English.
However he did know his stuff on the 3 places we managed to get too.
He was obviously tired as he felt asleep on the way back to the port and we had no commentry.
Shame as we had both been really looking forward to this excursion, maybe with a different guide and actually visiting all the places we should have and paid for it would have been better.
Dana_F, Jun 2024
Our guide was great. Gave us a fabulous history lesson during the tour. Unfortunately it was CRAZY hot the day (June 4) we were at the ruins and there isn't much shade. I'd skip the House of Mary... overpriced for what it is and they aren't even sure Mary was ever there. Felt like a tourist trap. We luckily got there before the rush so didn't have to wait to see it, but there was a huge line that would take at least an hour after us.
Lynda_P, Jun 2024
Here’s the good and bad of this tour.
Ephesus:
The Good - Ephesus is amazing. Seeing the ruins of the city of the Ephesians in the Bible really brings it to life. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The stop at the house where they believe Jesus mother lived after He was crucified was interesting and in a beautiful park-like setting. Seeing the lush green countryside around Ephesus and learning of how much fruit, vegetables, and nuts they produce was interesting also.
The Bad - In Ephesus a local photographer who appeared to be known by the tour guide kept snapping our pictures. When we said no thanks he kept saying, “last one .” When the guide left us to explore an area of Ephesus alone for 15 minutes, that’s when the photographer came over and wanted us to buy the photos he took. His asking price started at $40 ($10 per person). We kept saying no. Who needs his photos when we have our own phones with cameras? Finally when he wouldn’t let up we offered him $10 total, which he accepted. He was going to email them later but we told him he needed to send them to my phone on the spot, which he did.
Rug Factory:
The Good - On the way back to the ship we stopped for lunch. The guide said the lunch was free. We just had to pay for drinks. What’s the catch? The restaurant was attached to a rug school and factory. We asked the guide if we were expected to make a purchase since we had a free lunch (which was excellent by the way). He said no, the school is run by the government. After lunch we went inside and saw how rugs are made by hand and even how silk is harnessed from cocoons. Very interesting!
The Bad - Then we went inside the showroom for the sales pitch where they served tea and coffee. They kept bringing out rugs. They were beautiful but we were not in the market for a rug that costs thousands of dollars, and all of the rugs they showed cost from $3,000 to $20,000.
Leather Factory Store:
The Good - We then stopped at a leather factory where we were given a personal fashion show - 5-6 professional looking models modeling leather jackets and coats, runway, music and all! Then we went into the leather showroom. They have all kinds of beautiful leather coats. They are very unique to Turkey - very thin, soft leather and many are reversible with an eye catching waterproof material inside.
The Bad - They are expensive- most costing well over $1000. On the way back to the ship as we passed by the port shops where the ships were docked, and saw some of the same leather jackets for half the price of the factory showroom. We didn’t stop because our guide was leading us back to the ship. I suspect they had a fraction of what was available in the showroom but it would be worth checking those shops out first so you have a price to compare.
Overall it was a good tour but beware of the local photographer, rug factory, and leather factory that all seem to be overpriced.
Alex_t, Mar 2024
Our guide,Ali , arrived at port on time . He was well prepared with a recommended order for the main building visits, along with a route and full history through each (particularly places ), all tailored to our questions and preferences. While we covered most of the principal sights . More expensive than some tours but flexible and informative and a great way to pack in as much as possible in two days in the company of a passionate, warm-hearted and humorous local.
john_s, Mar 2024
We were reluctant to book with an un familiar company and website but wow were we happy we did. From the moment we walked off the ship, our delightful tour guide ali was having to greet us. From there we loaded into a clean comfortable new vehicle and had an extraordinary day. Ali was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and kept our day interesting.This tour delivered everything it promised. And more. he navigated the tour so flawlessly. It was an incredible day with a lovely tour guide.
christine_C, Sep 2023
Our guide- Gokhan was the best. He took us to all the attractions and helped to eliminate the long lines. He bought us turkish coffee and turkish delight- yum!! Excellent English and extremely knowledgeable on the history of the area- kusadasi , Ephesus and surrounding cities
Katie_I, Aug 2023
Serdar was such a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide! He was funny and took lots of pictures of us without us having to ask. He had so many fun facts to share and was very easy to talk to! He even planned a private traditional Turkish lunch for us. Just make sure to bring some extra euros for tip! Such a great day and way to spend our time in Turkey
joe_Q, Aug 2023
DO NOT use this tour operator
We did not do this tour because we where in a different port than where the tour was offered. This should have been communicated to us by the tour operator who knows the island. . ( and i can post the communication if anyone doubts it)
Fourteen days ago the tour operator asked me where I was arriving and I told him, arrive by Virgin Cruise at Bodrum port and he replied that pickup was in a different port. The other port is 2 1/2 hours away which he never told us and we didn’t know. He should have told me I would need to rent a taxi to travel 2.5 hours to get to him.
I live in the USA and I am not familiar with this country, the correct thing to do is for the tour operator to have informed me 13 or 14 days ago that I was in the wrong port but he NEVER did. And i didn’t know any better. And as far as Viator, they are very difficult to reach and are not very helpful.
So DO NOT use this tour operator.
Will take your money!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
This review appears to have been posted by our COMPETITORS with the intent to unfairly impact our ranking in a negative manner. As you can observe from the review itself, it lacks specific details, such as the name of the Tour Guide or any particular incidents. Rest assured, we are taking the necessary steps to have this review investigated and potentially removed. We believe that our esteemed prospective guests will be able to visit our company profile and discern the exceptional level of service quality we consistently deliver. Your understanding and support during this time are greatly appreciated.
Donna_S, Jul 2023
Our family of 4 had a fantastic private tour with Ali and our driver in a very nice van. We toured Virgin Mary’s house, the Ancient Ephesus grounds, the Temple of Artemis and were taken to a pottery factory as well as a leather goods showroom. It was an extremely hot July day and Ali was great at keeping the tours interesting but brief. He also brought us to a delicious lunch spot. Highly recommend this private tour. Thank you, Ali! We will look you up when we return.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you very much for your precious review on your Skip The Line: Private Best Of Ephesus Tour.
We are really glad and honored to read you
spend a good time during your Best of Ephesus tour. We hope to see you again...
briana_m, Jul 2023
amazing tour! Gulcan was a great guide and very knowledgeable! took us to see all the best sites and even a carpet weaving presentation! would definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you very much for your precious review on your Skip The Line: Private Best Of Ephesus Tour. We are really glad and honored to read you
spend a good time during your Best of Ephesus tour. We hope to see you again.
Best regards
Riki_S, Jul 2023
Our tour guide was fabulous! She was easy to find when we were leaving the cruise terminal. She was extremely knowledgeable of Ephesus, and Turkey overall and answered a lot of questions while driving about Turkey. We really enjoyed the Turkish rug shop and learning about how they were made!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you very much for your precious review. We are really glad and honored to read you
spend a good time in Turkey. We hope to see you again.
Best regards
Jon_N, Jun 2023
Booked a Private Tour and there was a 'bait-and-switch' when we got to meet-up point. The woman said we'd be in a van with two other parties and 8 total people. We specifically wanted a private tour to both avoid any shopping and to have the opportunity to visit sites at our own pace. The woman said we could cancel if we wanted and find another option. Seriously.
So, we canceled and had to finf a private driver on our own at more of a cost since it was last minute. Total BS. Another group of four did same thing because they'd booked private. The last group had not arrived yet, so I don't know if they booked private, but they got it either way, I guess.
Viator DID refund what we paid, so that was good. But they DIDN'T refund a credit that we used, so that wasn't good.
Bottom line, I can't recommend booking this tour because the operator can't be trusted fo deliver what was promised. It will make me question Viator in the future, too; since this was all pretty shady.
Milind_G, Oct 2019
The tour iternary and service was very good. I was able to contact Ali from the tour company a day before via Whatsapp to confirm time of pick up. We had Adem as our guide who was knowledgable about the history of all the places we visited. We had a relaxing day visiting all the prominent attractions especially with a young 3 yr old. We opted to visit the local craftsmen (pottery, carpet and leather shops) which was optional. It was nice to see the way things were produced. Best part was no hassling to buy things. We had a wonderful lunch that was included as part of tour. All in all a great day out with lots to learn about the history of Ephesus and a great tour company
maria_j, Aug 2025
The tour is fine with driver and private guide. It was very hot and I think it influenced the guide. I would have liked a little more explanation and passion in your comments. And maybe a little more time to explore on my own. But Ephesus’ visit impresses and it’s amazing to do it privately and not with 30 people at once.
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Ricardo_H, Jun 2025
Our guide Kutai/Diego was excellent, the whole tour in Spanish, avoided the lines in Ephesus, took us to the house of the Virgin Mary, always giving free time so that we could shop and see the places in our path and without pressure. He even took us to certified places of ceramics, leathers and carpets that were not part of the tour but that are part of the culture and that we appreciate very much. The driver quite well too and we were even offered water when we boarded the vehicle (which was new and clean). I would definitely recommend this tour and especially our Kutai/Diego guide!!
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Katrin_R, Oct 2023
Wir wurden pünktlich abgeholt..unser Guide Tugrul Sezgin hatte hervorragende Kenntnisse über die Stadt Ephesus,welche er so rüber gebracht hatte,dass es nie langweilig wurde ihm zuzuhören..hatte immer gut drauf geachtet,dass wir die wenigen Schattenplätze aufsuchten,um neues zu erfahren...Ephesus ist an vielen Stellen gut erhalten...der Spaziergang war sehr kurzweilig..die Geschichte sehr interessant und beeindruckend,für den Preis würde ich es jedem empfehlen zu buchen...besser als in großen Gruppen durchgeschleust zu werden...ein toller Tag in Ephesus
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Attractions in Kusadasi, Turkey
- Miletus (Miletos) Tours & Tickets
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- Sirince Tours & Tickets
- Dilek National Park (Dilek Milli Parki) Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus Tours & Tickets
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