Kusadasi: Ephesus and House of Mary Shore Excursion

Kusadasi offers a chance to step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. This shore excursion packs a punch, taking travelers on a 4.5-hour journey through remarkable landmarks. From the iconic Library of Celsus to the serene House of Mary, the tour immerses visitors in the rich history and cultural significance of these iconic sites. With convenient pickup, knowledgeable guides, and ample time for exploration, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Key Points

• This 4.5-hour shore excursion in Kusadasi visits the House of Virgin Mary and the ancient city of Ephesus.
• The tour is priced from $130.05 per person and includes pickup from the cruise port, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
• Key landmarks in Ephesus include the Temple of Artemis, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus, and Grand Theatre.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, and modest clothing is recommended.
• Restrooms are available at both sites, and local currency (Turkish Lira) is accepted, though other currencies may also be used.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Kusadasi shore excursion is an activity-packed 4.5-hour tour that takes visitors to the remarkable House of Virgin Mary and the ancient city of Ephesus.

Priced from $130.05 per person, it includes pickup from the cruise port, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide.

The tour provides 40 minutes at the House of Mary and a 2-hour guided exploration of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing are recommended.

This excursion isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at M.Esat Bozkurt Cd. no:21/3, where visitors will start their 4.5-hour excursion.

The first stop is the House of Virgin Mary, a significant pilgrimage site since 1892. Guests will spend 40 minutes exploring this sacred location.

Next, the group will venture to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 2-hour guided tour, they’ll see the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Hadrian, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the Grand Theatre, which could seat up to 24,000 spectators.

Explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a 2-hour guided tour.

The tour concludes back at the starting point.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes pickup from the cruise port, as well as air-conditioned transportation throughout the excursion.

A professional English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the historical sites.

The tour also includes:

1. Entrance fees to both the House of Virgin Mary and the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Exploration of key landmarks, such as the Temple of Artemis, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus, and the Grand Theatre.

3. Plenty of time to wander and take photos at these remarkable archaeological sites.

Food, beverages, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Important Information

Not everyone may be able to fully enjoy this shore excursion. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, for the religious sites. Uneven terrain requires proper footwear.

Peak season’s high temperatures mean dressing accordingly and staying hydrated. Smoking isn’t allowed.

The local currency is Turkish Lira, but Euros, GBP, and USD are accepted. Restrooms are available at both sites, though there may be a fee.

Souvenirs and refreshments can be purchased during the tour.

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Visitor Guidelines

Visitors should dress modestly when exploring the religious sites, covering their shoulders and knees. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as guests can expect uneven ground during the tour.

During peak season, visitors should dress accordingly and stay hydrated due to high temperatures.

The tour offers the following visitor guidelines:

1. Dress modestly for religious sites.

2. Expect uneven ground and wear comfortable shoes.

3. Prepare for high temperatures during peak season by dressing appropriately and staying hydrated.

Souvenirs and refreshments are available at both the Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary sites.

Exploring Ephesus

After departing the cruise port, the tour takes guests on a 2-hour guided exploration of the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This once-thriving metropolis boasts impressive ruins, showcasing the grandeur of classical antiquity. The tour highlights key sites, including:

| Site | Significance |

| — | — |

| Temple of Artemis | One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World |

| Temple of Hadrian | Ornate gateway adorned with intricate carvings |

| Library of Celsus | Beautifully preserved and one of Ephesus’ architectural gems |

| Grand Theatre | Expansive 24,000-seat amphitheater, expanded by the Romans |

Guests can enjoy the rich history and impressive scale of this ancient wonder, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural legacy.

Visiting the House of Virgin Mary

After departing Ephesus, the tour takes guests to the revered House of Virgin Mary, a significant pilgrimage site since 1892.

The 40-minute visit allows guests to:

Explore the modest stone structure, visit the shrine and spring with healing powers, and reflect on the religious significance.

1. Explore the modest stone structure where tradition holds that the Virgin Mary spent her final days.

2. Visit the shrine and spring, which are believed to have healing powers.

3. Reflect on the religious significance of the site and its importance to Catholic and Orthodox Christian faiths.

The House of Virgin Mary offers a serene contrast to the grand ruins of Ephesus, providing a spiritual respite on the Kusadasi shore excursion.

Getting to the Tour Starting Point

The tour starts at M.Esat Bozkurt Cd. no:21/3, a convenient location near the cruise port. This starting point makes it easy for cruise ship passengers to join the excursion. The tour includes transportation from this meeting spot, so you can relax and let the guide handle the logistics.

| Getting Around | | |

|—————-|–|–|

| Pickup Service | ✓ | From cruise port |

| Transportation | ✓ | Air-conditioned |

| Return Location | ✓ | Same as start |

With the tour logistics taken care of, you can look forward to enjoying the rich history and cultural sites of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a group. The tour operator offers group bookings and discounts may apply. Contact them directly to discuss your group size and pricing options.

How Can I Reschedule My Tour if Needed?

To reschedule the tour, the customer can contact the tour provider up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows them to book the tour on a more suitable date without penalty.

What Happens if I’m Running Late on the Day of the Tour?

If running late, the traveler should contact the tour operator as soon as possible. The tour will not wait, but the operator may be able to accommodate the late arrival or reschedule the tour, depending on availability and policies.

Are Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

The tour company doesn’t offer any discounts or special offers for this excursion. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which may be helpful for managing last-minute changes.

Can I Extend My Time at the Sites Beyond the Scheduled Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 4.5 hours, but visitors can’t extend their time at the sites. However, they’re free to explore the areas on their own after the guided portion is complete.

The Sum Up

This Kusadasi shore excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the iconic House of Virgin Mary and the ancient city of Ephesus. With convenient transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and ample time for exploration, visitors can enjoy the rich history and culture of this remarkable region. Don’t miss this chance to create unforgettable memories on your cruise vacation.

You can check availability for your dates here: