PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kusadasi, Turkey
- 4 to 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY
Explore the ancient ruins and religious sites of Ephesus on a full-day, private tour with an experienced guide. Follow the trail of the Virgin Mary to her mountainside house, then trace a route through the ancient city’s ruins, temples, theater, and the great Celsus Library. See an iconic mosque made of brick, marble and tiles, then see the ruined foundations of the Temple of Artemis, once a Wonder of the Ancient World.
- Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the ancient city of Ephesus
- Enjoy an on-time guarantee back to your cruise ship
- A private tour means a personalized experience
- Guaranteed on time return to the boat
What's Included
- Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
- PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service
- Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off (mentioned on the details)
- GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
- Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver
- Museum Entrance Tickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
- Museum EntranceTickets (you can include or exclude the ticket according to the option)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Kusadasi Cruise Port
Pickup details
IMPORTANT NOTICE: ⚠️ 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. ⚠️ ⛔️ GROUP TOURS force you to follow fixed schedules and visit places based on their timing, regardless of your interests! You’re stuck with fast and slow travelers alike, having to keep up with the group. Plus, you have to pay all ENTRY FEES IN ADVANCE, whether you're interested in the sites or not. Why pay for places you don't want to visit and feel obligated to go just because you paid? ⛔️ ⚠️ Our PRIVATE TOURS give you the flexibility you need. Entry fees are not included, so you only pay for the places that genuinely interest you. In the morning, we discuss your interests and tailor the itinerary accordingly. ⚠️ ✳️ With our PRIVATE TOURS, you have complete control, visiting only the places you want to see. Would you rather spend your day WAITING FOR OTHER TRAVELERS and FOLLOWING A FIXED ITINERARY, or ENJOY A PRIVATE TOUR CUSTOMIZED JUST FOR YOUR FAMILY? The choice is yours! ✳️ *****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. • WHY CHOOSE OUR PRIVATE TOURS OVER THE GROUP TOURS? Your time is valuable, don't waste it in the Group Tours by waiting for other fellow travelers! NOTE: ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY FOR PICK-UPS FROM IZMIR, BODRUM, OR OTHER PORTS THEN KUSADASI.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
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Itinerary
Meet your guide at your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk around 9am, and get a brief introduction to local history during the 20-minute drive to the Virgin Mary House, a pilgrimage site that sits on the flanks of Aladağ mountain, south of Ephesus. Hear the legendary story of Mary’s trip to Ephesus after Jesus’ crucifixion then pay your respects at a small shrine that attracts Christian pilgrims from around the world.
Continue to the city of Ephesus, now a UNESCO-listed archeological site where you’ll find the beautifully preserved remains of Hellenistic and Roman settlements. Visit a theatre and temples that saw Roman emperors, and hear about the revolutions and religious transformations that shook this ancient city.
Step into the world of Anatolian Beyliks at Isa Bey mosque, a 14th-century building that’s among the most important of its era, then make a final stop at the Temple of Artemis to explore the stone remains of what was the largest temple on earth. Finish the day at 4:30-5pm at your hotel.
Continue to the city of Ephesus, now a UNESCO-listed archeological site where you’ll find the beautifully preserved remains of Hellenistic and Roman settlements. Visit a theatre and temples that saw Roman emperors, and hear about the revolutions and religious transformations that shook this ancient city.
Step into the world of Anatolian Beyliks at Isa Bey mosque, a 14th-century building that’s among the most important of its era, then make a final stop at the Temple of Artemis to explore the stone remains of what was the largest temple on earth. Finish the day at 4:30-5pm at your hotel.
Kusadasi (Pass By)
Kusadasi (Pass By)
1
Ancient City of Ephesus
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
The Temple of Artemis
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Basilica of St. John (Pass By)
Kusadasi Shopping Center (Pass By)
Kusadasi Castle (Pass By)
Kusadasi (Pass By)
Kusadasi (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- 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 BUSES, AND HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS, ENSURING AN ENHANCED AND MORE ENJOYABLE TOUR EXPERIENCE OF EPHESUS.
- OUR PRIVATE TOURS ENSURE GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE SHIP.
- BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TOUR WITH US, VERIFIED PROVIDER OF KUSADASI/EPHESUS CRUISE PORT!
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 1,362 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Gretchen_B, Jul 2026
Ozzy was a wonderful tour guide. Listen n go early as he will keep you ahead of the bus crowds. I got more out of this tour than I expected. Transportation was comfortable n the Turkish lunch was delicious. The tour was well guided as Ozzy is very knowledgeable. Activity level is good for everyone.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Cal_P, Jul 2026
Josh was our guide. Met us right at board as expected. Van was clean and was spacious for our group of 4. Josh was knowledgeable of Turkish history, culture, foods, etc.
Van pickups were prompt at all stops. Arranged for a lunch during tour.
Smart drop offs at top and pickup at bottom. Overall very pleasant experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Theodore_R, Jun 2026
Fatama was simply amazing! She had an incredible base of knowledge and was so good with our family and especially our kids.
She made sure we had an authentic experience and made sure we had the best of the best everywhere we went.
I can’t recommend our experience with her enough!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Virgilio_C, May 2026
Our tour guide in Ephesus was truly unforgettable thanks to our guide Nilay.She is marvelous, incredibly,knowledgeable,warm,patient and passionate about history.She brought the ancient city to life with her storytelling.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
natetasha0907, May 2026
Nilay is a very kind, helpful and knowledgeable tour guide. The kids loved her too! A truly wonderful experience
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Francois_T, May 2026
Very informative and a wonderful site to visit. We had the chance to visit a Turkish carpet fabrication. While at first I felt pressured to buy one, the owners where very nice and did not push for a sale.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Melanie_T, May 2026
We had a lovely tour with Josh. He was well informed and answered all our questions. (We were in port with multiple ships and very busy) He got us through lines quickly and provided photography skills for our family pics. Our driver was also wonderful and accommodating to all of us.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Yingna_C, May 2026
Our private tour Nilay was the great tour guide. Friendly, professional and knowledgeable and excellent English. She took us beautiful restorant. I highly recommend this tour. 100% satisfaction. She did super job for the tour. We appreciate very much! She is the best person we know during our trip.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words.
Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Quang_N, Apr 2026
There is no communication between the Avitor and tour guide. When we booked this trip we were requested what and where to go, Avitor agreed with our requested; but the tour guide didn’t aware of it and went ahead with her plan. Even if the she did a good job but that was not what we wanted. Disappointed with Viator.
Lorraine_K, Mar 2026
Thanks for the great experience we loved the tour Josh was an amazing guide great history and culture
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words. Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Mike_S, Dec 2025
The guided monologue was very good. It was over and above expectations. The Mary’s home spiel was a little too abbreviated maybe because it needed to be. The only disappointment was the hard sells at the rug making and leather goods stops. We had asked to stop and see how Turkish rugs are made. That said, it was quite obvious that our guide would get a fee if we purchased anything. Lots of good warnings about where to beware and what to watch for.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your kind words. Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Roseann_B, Oct 2025
What an experience! Fatima was a gift dropped in our lap thankfully. We learned so much about Turkey, the culture, the customs and the history! She is a fabulous advocate for the tourist and is concerned always with your safety, and experience. Learning and shopping from the local artisans was a great experience. I can’t decide if visiting the final resting place of Mother Mary or seeing where St Paul spoke to the Ephesians was my favorite part. Also, the Roman houses are totally worth it if you can navigate steps. This tour was amazing because we could totally customize the entire day to meet the needs of our older family. Thank you Fatima for a beautiful and memorable.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
We’re grateful for your feedback and delighted to know you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for being part of the Best Turkey Tour family.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Nigel_H, Oct 2025
Excellent tour and Josh was a brilliant guide, friendly, and very knowledgeable, would highly recommend. The driver Yildo was also very pleasant and a comfortable, clean vehicle.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
We’re grateful for your feedback and delighted to know you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for being part of the Best Turkey Tour family.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Rebecca_H, Oct 2025
We loved that the tour was catered to our interests and we never felt rushed or bored. Josh, our tour guide was highly knowledgeable and helpful. We learned so much and had a fabulous time!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
We’re grateful for your feedback and delighted to know you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for being part of the Best Turkey Tour family.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Elizabeth_H, Oct 2025
Wonderful day with Josh. He showed us everything we wanted to see. Very knowledgeable. He started us out early to avoid crowds as much as possible. Well worth it Nice farm to table lunch too ( extra cost). Definitely recommend if you are on a cruise.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
We’re grateful for your feedback and delighted to know you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for being part of the Best Turkey Tour family.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Steve_C, Oct 2025
Fatima was a wonderful guide that took us to all of the local spots. The culture and history was fascinating and we loved this stop most of all of our stops on Voyager of the Seas on Royal Caribbean. We are so glad we did a private tour with Fatima, she customized our tour for our family and we all loved everything we saw and did.
HannahUrbina_U, Oct 2025
Josh was the best tour guide, very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our time touring Ephesus, carpet making, local food and food. Our driver did a great job, and we were very comfortable.
Fiona_C, Oct 2025
Really good communication from the tour company and excellent guide - Alper - and driver
Would highly recommend
Guide made it clear that it was our tour and we could decide order of visits and what we wanted to do , if you are looking for a professional, reliable tour during your visit to Kusadasi we would recommend
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
Your positive review brightens our day! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your travel story, and we hope to see you again soon.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Aileen_K, Sep 2025
Fabulous tour with a great guide Valerie who was so informative and a lovely person to spend the day with. Our party of 4 included 3 ladies in their 80s, and Valerie was very sensitive to our needs in terms of walking, shade, stops to sit/ rest, avoiding crowds where possible & getting us back to the ship in really good time. Our driver was so professional, and never kept us waiting for him. The communication beforehand from the tour company was great, very clear & we knew what to expect from the day.
Early start, our ship docked at 7am, our guide was waiting for us, so we were in the car & on the road by 7:30am.
We started with the Virgin Mary’s house & were in & out before the crowds, which made the experience very special. Then to the Ephesus site, which was amazing, we started at the top so walked downhill.
We had asked for a lunch stop to be included during the day, so we went to a local carpet-weaving cooperative, supported by Turkish Departments of Education & Tourism, had a lovely lunch, great fresh local food, followed by a tour of the carpet-making process.
Our last stop was the Temple of Artemis, then back to the ship by 2pm. All in all, a really great day, we’d highly recommend this company, guide & driver.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Your positive review brightens our day! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your travel story, and we hope to see you again soon.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Robert_F, Sep 2025
Communication was very prompt and pleasant.
We were unable to take the tour ourselves because a health issue came up, but family members who did go said it was good.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your kind words. Knowing you had a great experience encourages us to keep delivering unforgettable tours.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Nicholas_T, Sep 2025
Fatimah is well informed and knowledgeable about the history and surrounding areas of Ephesus. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a good guide.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Your positive review brightens our day! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your travel story, and we hope to see you again soon.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Donna_B, Sep 2025
Ismail (Smile) was excellent! I had some mobility issues and he was very accommodating. He was able to personalize the tour to our needs. He is very knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Your positive review brightens our day! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your travel story, and we hope to see you again soon.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Michael_L, Sep 2025
Fatima was excellent. She provided very informational facts and connections to the history and areas visited. We had 6 hours tour during our Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
It’s always an honor to guide travelers on their adventures. We’re happy your journey was smooth and memorable. Until next time!
Best Turkey Tour Team
Cindy_P, Sep 2025
Josh was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly! He didn't rush us or stay too long at any one place. Recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Guest,
Your happiness is our greatest reward. We’re delighted you had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing you again on another journey.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Chris_M, Jul 2025
We enjoyed our excursion with Ismail. He was a wonderful tour guide that was very knowledgeable with the history of the places we visited. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Guest,
We appreciate your kind review! We're so happy to hear that you had a great time. We look forward to welcoming you back for another enriching travel experience.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Sue_B, Jul 2025
Our guide, Phylis (Filiz) met us as soon as we disembarked from our ship (as early as possible to beat the crowds & heat) - we left straight away yo visit the House of Virgin Mary then a personalized tour through Ephesus. Filiz was a very knowledgeable & amazing guide which made a visit even more memorable, our driver Hussein was also excellent
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for sharing your travel experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey. Your satisfaction means the world to us, and we’re always striving to exceed expectations. We hope to welcome you back on another wonderful adventure soon.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Alison_W, Jul 2025
This was a great tour. Our guide, Yigithan, was an excellent guide. A wealth of knowledge, with a great sense of humour. Made our day in Kusadasi more special, thank you
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for sharing your travel experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey. Your satisfaction means the world to us, and we’re always striving to exceed expectations. We hope to welcome you back on another wonderful adventure soon.
Best Turkey Tour Team
Daniele_B, Jun 2025
We had a fantastic tour with Zeki. He was waiting for us as soon as we exited the ship and escorted us right to a clean, new van. They provided water bottles and snacks for us. They made sure to tell us to be off the ship quickly and that paid off because we beat the crowds to Ephesus. Zeki was very knowledgeable and considerate of our needs while we were touring with our 13 year old, who is autistic. He needed to take some breaks while we were touring Ephesus and Zeki made sure to slow the pace when we needed it. He stopped for lunch when we needed it as well. We learned so much from him. I would highly recommend this tour. I think Ephesus is best experienced with a really good guide and Zeki was great!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your lovely review. Your happiness and comfort during your trip are our biggest priorities. We’re proud to be part of your travel memories and look forward to creating many more together. Until next time!
Best Turkey Tour Team
Maria_J, Jun 2025
Beautiful amazing excursion. Our tour guide was very historically knowledgeable of the area and history.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for choosing Best Turkey Tour and for sharing your journey with us. We value your feedback and are thrilled to know we met your expectations. Our team is dedicated to creating meaningful and enjoyable travel moments. Hope to travel with you again soon!
Best Turkey Tour Team
MayraAlejandra_B, Jun 2025
Amazing tour with Ozzy and Halil who took us all over Ephesus tour, Virgine Mary’s house, Fashion show and so on. Many thanks for all the explanation, was very complete
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Guest,
We’re so happy to hear that you had a positive experience with us. At Best Turkey Tour, we work hard to ensure every guest feels welcomed and cared for. Thank you for trusting us with your travel plans. We look forward to seeing you again on another amazing tour.
Best Turkey Tour Team
From $29.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus
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6 hours
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Attractions in Kusadasi, Turkey
- Sardis (Sart) Tours & Tickets
- Kusadasi Cruise Port Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus Tours & Tickets
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