CRUISE PASSENGERS: Ephesus & Terrace Houses & Virgin Mary Tour

Cruise passengers visiting Kusadasi can embark on a unique and personalized tour that showcases the region’s remarkable historical and cultural landmarks. This comprehensive experience allows visitors to skip long lines and explore the captivating stories of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Guided by a licensed expert, the tour ensures a comfortable and insightful exploration, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• This private tour is designed for cruise passengers visiting Kusadasi, Turkey, providing a comprehensive exploration of historic and cultural landmarks.
• Includes pre-purchased tickets to Ephesus and Terrace Houses, allowing cruise passengers to skip long lines and optimize their time.
• Offers personalized service with a licensed local guide, air-conditioned transportation, and seamless pickup and drop-off from the Izmir Cruise Port.
• Ensures a smooth start to the tour by recommending cruise passengers meet the tour team 30-45 minutes post docking.
• Provides wheelchair accessibility, infant seats, and stroller accessibility, making the tour inclusive for guests with mobility needs or young children.

Tour Overview

The tour, named "Ephesus & Terrace Houses & Virgin Mary Tour," takes visitors on an exploration of the historic and cultural landmarks in the Kusadasi region of Turkey.

Explore the historic and cultural landmarks of the Kusadasi region in Turkey on the "Ephesus & Terrace Houses & Virgin Mary Tour."

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 reviewers, this private tour offers personalized service with a licensed local guide and round-trip transportation.

Priced from $25 per person, the tour includes pre-purchased tickets to avoid long lines at popular sites like the Terrace Houses and Temple of Artemis.

Catering to diverse needs, the tour is wheelchair accessible and accommodates infants and strollers.

Tour Features

This private tour offers personalized service for your group only.

A licensed local tour guide, fluent in English, accompanies you throughout the experience. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned minivan with a separate driver.

Pickup and drop-off services are available from Kusadasi and Selcuk hotels, as well as the Izmir Cruise Port (additional fee).

The tour includes pre-purchased tickets to skip long lines at the Ephesus and Terrace House museums.

• Private, personalized tour

• Licensed, English-speaking guide

• Air-conditioned transportation

• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

• Pre-purchased admission tickets

Meeting and Pickup Details

Cruise passengers are recommended to meet the tour team 30-45 minutes after the ship docks to avoid crowds and hot weather.

Hotel passengers can arrange for pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Kusadasi and Selcuk.

The tour team can be contacted via email or WhatsApp to coordinate the meeting time.

This helps ensure a smooth start to the tour and allows guests to settle in before embarking on their Ephesus adventure.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with surfaces and transportation accommodating for wheelchair users.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with surfaces and transportation accommodating for wheelchair users.

Infant seats are available, though infants must sit on laps. The tour is stroller accessible as well.

Key accessibility details include:

• Wheelchair Accessible

• Infant Accommodations

• Stroller Accessibility

• Surfaces and Transportation Accommodate Wheelchairs

• Infant Seats Available, Infants Must Sit on Laps

This ensures the tour is inclusive and allows guests with mobility needs or young children to fully participate and enjoy the Ephesus and Terrace Houses experience.

Highlights of the Virgin Mary’s Home

Among the highlights of the Ephesus and Terrace Houses tour is the visit to the Virgin Mary’s home. This site, known as the House of the Virgin Mary, is believed to be the final residence of the Mother of Jesus.

Visitors can explore the modest stone structure and learn about its historical and religious significance. The guide provides insights into the architectural features and the Catholic pilgrimage site, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of this revered figure.

The tour allows guests to connect with the sacred history and atmosphere of this holy place.

Exploring the Ancient City of Ephesus

After exploring the sacred site of the Virgin Mary’s home, the tour continues its journey through the ancient city of Ephesus.

The tour continues its journey through the ancient city of Ephesus after exploring the sacred site of the Virgin Mary’s home.

Dating back to the 10th century BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a thriving Greek city and later the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

The tour highlights include:

• Seeing the iconic Library of Celsus, a stunning two-story marble structure

• Walking along the ancient marble streets and visiting the grand Greco-Roman theatre

• Marveling at the well-preserved Terrace Houses, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of the elite

• Discovering the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• Learning about the city’s rich history and the significance of its excavated ruins.

Discovering the Terrace Houses

Leaving the grandeur of the ancient city behind, the tour explores the well-preserved Terrace Houses, offering a unique glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Ephesus’ elite.

These intricately decorated homes were built into the hillside, showcasing the architectural ingenuity and wealth of their former owners.

Visitors can wander through the intricate network of interconnected houses, marveling at the exquisite mosaics, frescoes, and marble floors that adorn the interiors.

The Terrace Houses provide a fascinating contrast to the more public spaces of Ephesus, shedding light on the private lives of the city’s aristocracy.

The Temple of Artemis and Optional Weaving Center Visit

The tour then visits the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Guests marvel at the impressive ruins and learn about the temple’s rich history and significance.

Guests marvel at the impressive ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and learn about its rich history and significance.

The tour also includes an optional stop at a local weaving center, where visitors can:

• Observe skilled artisans creating intricate Turkish carpets

• Learn about the traditional techniques and materials used in rug making

• Browse a selection of handmade carpets and textiles

• Enjoy a demonstration of the weaving process

• Gain insights into the cultural heritage of Turkish craftsmanship

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The tour typically lasts around 5-6 hours, depending on the exact itinerary and pace. Visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring the highlights of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the Virgin Mary’s house.

Are Any Food or Drinks Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include any food or drinks. Lunch suggestions are provided, offering an opportunity to sample Turkish cuisine at participants’ own expense during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Requests?

The tour can be customized to meet specific guest requests. Travelers can work with the reservation team to modify the itinerary or add optional activities like visiting a local weaving center to learn about rug making.

Are Group Discounts Available for Larger Parties?

Yes, the tour offers group discounts for larger parties. The more people in the group, the lower the per-person price. This allows travelers to enjoy the personalized tour at a more affordable rate.

What Is the Policy for Children or Pets on the Tour?

The tour accommodates infants, who must sit on laps, and provides infant seats. It’s stroller accessible but does not allow pets. Discounts for children may be available, but group size policies should be confirmed with the reservation team.