Set out on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the serene House of Virgin Mary. This remarkable tour promises to transport you back in time, immersing you in the rich history and spiritual significance of these iconic sites. Indulge in the rejuvenating Turkish bath experience, where relaxation and pampering await. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a truly exceptional day, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of exploration and rejuvenation.
Key Points
- Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, a well-preserved Greco-Roman city with historical significance spanning over 3,000 years.
- Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a serene and spiritual site believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.
- Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience, featuring a warm, steamy environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Enjoy a comprehensive 5-hour tour with transportation, guiding services, lunch, and entrance fees included.
- Take advantage of the flexible booking options, including the ability to reserve a spot now and pay later.
Tour Overview
The "Legendary Memories: Ephesus & House of Mary and Bath Experience" is a 5-hour tour that offers visitors an opportunity to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, visit the revered House of Virgin Mary, and experience a traditional Turkish bath.
Priced from $42.51 per person, the tour includes transportation, guiding services, lunch, and all entrance fees.
Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is exclusively for cruise guests and isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years old.
Looking for more options in Selcuk? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary
Starting at the Kusadasi Cruise Pier, the tour first takes visitors to the House of Virgin Mary for a guided tour lasting around an hour. Next, the group explores the ancient city of Ephesus for 2 hours, marveling at its impressive ruins. After the Ephesus tour, the group enjoys a 1.5-hour lunch in Selcuk. The final stop is a 2-hour visit to a traditional Turkish bath, where participants can relax and rejuvenate.
| Stop | Duration |
|——|———-|
| House of Virgin Mary | 1 hour |
| Ephesus | 2 hours |
| Lunch in Selcuk | 1.5 hours |
| Turkish Bath | 2 hours |
Exploring Ephesus
Ephesus stands as one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient cities, significant for over 3,000 years.
Ephesus stands as one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient cities, significant for over 3,000 years.
Visitors can explore this archaeological wonder, walking along the marble-paved streets and marveling at the grand Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian.
The scale and grandeur of the ruins transport travelers back in time, offering a glimpse into the vibrant past of this once-thriving Greco-Roman metropolis.
From the iconic facades to the intricate details, Ephesus captivates visitors with its remarkable state of preservation and the enduring legacy of its ancient inhabitants.
Visiting the House of Virgin Mary
Although the House of Virgin Mary is located just a short distance from the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the two sites offer vastly different experiences for visitors.
The House is a place of reverence and pilgrimage, believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can explore the serene, spiritual atmosphere of the site, which features a chapel and fountain.
The guided tour provides insight into the history and significance of the House, allowing guests to connect with the profound religious and cultural meaning it holds.
Compared to the grandeur of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary offers a more contemplative and sacred experience.
More Great Tours NearbyIndulging in the Turkish Bath Experience
After exploring the historical wonders of Ephesus and the spiritual significance of the House of Virgin Mary, the tour culminates in an indulgent Turkish bath experience.
Guests will visit a traditional Turkish hammam, known for its rejuvenating qualities. Here, they’ll relax and unwind in the warm, steamy environment, indulging in a soothing scrub and massage.
The Turkish bath experience provides a unique culture, allowing visitors to appreciate the centuries-old bathing rituals that have been an integral part of Turkish life.
This 2-hour stop completes the day’s journey, leaving guests feeling refreshed and revitalized.
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Savoring the Lunch in Selcuk
The tour’s midday stop in Selcuk provides guests with a chance to savor the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine. After exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the House of Mary, travelers can indulge in a hearty 1.5-hour lunch. The menu typically features a selection of traditional dishes, offering a delightful culinary experience.
| Dish | Description |
| — | — |
| Kebabs | Grilled meat skewers, often lamb or beef, seasoned with Middle Eastern spices. |
| Meze | Appetizer platters with dips, olives, and small bites to share. |
| Baklava | Flaky phyllo pastry layered with nuts and sweet syrup. |
| Turkish Tea | The ubiquitous black tea, served hot in traditional tulip-shaped glasses. |
This midday dining break allows guests to recharge and enjoy the local culture before continuing the day’s explorations.
Important Information and Customer Reviews
Before embarking on the tour, travelers should be aware of several important details. The meeting point is the Kusadasi cruise terminal, where a guide will hold a sign with the customer’s name. The tour is exclusively for cruise guests and not suitable for individuals over 95 years old.
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The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, guiding services, insurance, lunch, gratuities, and entrance fees for Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Turkish Bath.
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Customers can take advantage of the "reserve now & pay later" option.
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The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Customer reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, the tour does not allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch is provided as part of the tour package, and outside food and beverages are not permitted during the excursion.
Are There Any Special Dress Requirements for the Turkish Bath?
For the Turkish bath, visitors are typically required to wear a sarong or bathing suit. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended, as guests will be provided with towels and slippers upon arrival at the bath.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping During the Tour?
The tour itinerary does not explicitly allocate time for shopping. The focus is on guided tours of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Turkish bath experience. There doesn’t appear to be a dedicated shopping component included in this particular tour.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Turkish Bath Experience?
No, you cannot extend the duration of the Turkish bath experience on this tour. The itinerary specifies a 2-hour visit to the Turkish bath, and the tour length is fixed at 5 hours total.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups or Families?
Group discounts are not explicitly mentioned in the tour overview. However, the operator may offer special pricing for larger groups or families. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider for any potential group discount options.
The Sum Up
The "Legendary Memories: Ephesus & House of Mary and Bath Experience" tour offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of ancient Ephesus, the serenity of the House of Virgin Mary, and the rejuvenating Turkish bath experience. This unforgettable day promises to leave travelers enriched and reenergized, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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