Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi with Lunch Included4.9(349 Reviews)6 hours
From€106.43per person
Listing ID : 48378
4.9(349 Reviews)
Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi with Lunch Included
6hDuration
English, SpanishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration6 Hours
Group SizePrivate Group
Starts AtKusadasi
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
VIP Private Shore Excursion — Kusadasi
All-Inclusive VIP Ephesus Private Shore Excursion with Lunch
A fully customizable journey through ancient wonders, sacred sites, and timeless history — just for your group.
This private Ephesus shore excursion from Kusadasi brings you face to face with some of the most significant archaeological and spiritual landmarks in the ancient world, all within a single seamless day trip from the port.
Your personal guide meets you dockside holding a sign with your name, then escorts your group at your own pace through marble-paved streets, Roman theatres, and mountain sanctuaries. Lunch is included, entrance fees are covered, and there are no hidden costs waiting at the end of the tour.
Because this is a private experience, you decide where to linger and what to skip. The itinerary is a starting point, not a contract, and your guide adjusts every stop based on your interests as the day unfolds.
Tour Highlights
Walk the marble-paved main street of Ephesus, passing the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the 24,000-seat Grand Theatre.
Visit the House of Virgin Mary on the slopes of Aladag Mountains, a recognized pilgrimage site visited by multiple popes since 1967.
Explore the Basilica of St. John on Ayasolug Hill, believed to be the burial site of the evangelist who accompanied Mary to Ephesus.
Stand at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Enjoy a fully private tour with no waiting for other groups and the freedom to spend as much time as you wish at each site.
Sit down to a traditional Turkish lunch included in the price, with no extra charge at the table.
All entrance fees are included and the tour is fully all-inclusive, so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Itinerary
1
Port Pickup — Kusadasi Cruise Terminal
Your professional guide meets you at the Kusadasi cruise terminal holding a sign with your name. The drive to the Ephesus area takes approximately 20 minutes, passing the Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai and Kusadasi Marina along the way.
2
Ephesus Ancient City
Explore the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League and a major Aegean trade hub. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre originally constructed in the 3rd century B.C. and later expanded by Rome to seat 24,000 spectators. The optional Terrace Houses can be added for an additional entrance fee paid on-site.
3
House of Virgin Mary
Located on the Aladag Mountains about five miles from Ephesus, this sanctuary marks the site where Mary is believed to have lived from 37 A.D. until her death in 48 A.D. after arriving with St. John. It was declared a place of pilgrimage by the Archbishop of Izmir in 1892 and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967.
4
Traditional Turkish Lunch
Enjoy a sit-down traditional Turkish meal at a local restaurant, fully included in your tour price. This is a relaxed midday break before continuing to the afternoon sites.
5
Basilica of St. John and Temple of Artemis
Visit the Basilica of St. John on the southern slope of Ayasolug Hill, traditionally identified as the burial place of the evangelist. The final stop is the Temple of Artemis, whose ancient columns once formed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
6
Return to Kusadasi Port or Hotel
Your driver and guide return you to the cruise terminal or your hotel in Kusadasi, ensuring you are back well within the one-hour boarding window before your ship departs.
What Is Included and Excluded
Included
Private professional licensed tour guide throughout
Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
All entrance fees to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis
This tour operates as a private excursion only. The pickup time is confirmed after booking. Guests are advised to board their cruise ship no later than one hour before departure.
Duration
Approximately 6 hours, with a maximum of up to 8 hours available depending on cruise departure schedule. Service can be used between 3 and 10 hours.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket for cooler months, a camera, and a valid ID or passport. The House of Virgin Mary is a religious site — modest clothing is appreciated.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking confirmation for the applicable cancellation policy. Private tours are typically subject to specific terms based on group size and lead time.
Accessibility
Ephesus involves walking on uneven marble and stone surfaces. The tour is rated Easy overall, but guests with significant mobility limitations should discuss site access with the guide before arrival.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children and seniors are welcome. The private format allows the pace to be adjusted to suit every member of the group.
Reserve Your Private Ephesus Experience
Secure your all-inclusive private shore excursion today and explore Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis entirely on your own terms — with lunch included and no hidden fees.
Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers with a tight turnaround? ▼
Yes. The guide is experienced in coordinating with cruise schedules and will return you to the port at least one hour before your ship departs. The pickup time is agreed upon during booking confirmation based on your ship's schedule.
Are all entrance fees genuinely included? ▼
Entrance fees for Ephesus Ancient City, the House of Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis are all included. The only optional extra is the Terrace Houses inside Ephesus, which carry a separate entrance fee payable on-site if you choose to visit.
Can we change the order or skip certain sites? ▼
Yes. Because this is a fully private tour, your guide will explain all the sites and give recommendations at the start of the tour, and you can then decide together which places to visit and how long to spend at each one.
What type of food is served at lunch? ▼
Lunch is a traditional Turkish meal at a local restaurant. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, please inform the operator at the time of booking so arrangements can be made in advance.
Is the House of Virgin Mary open to non-Christian visitors? ▼
Yes. The site is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. It is recognized as a place of pilgrimage and reflection, and respectful dress and behavior are expected from all guests.
Can the pickup location be at our hotel rather than the port? ▼
Yes. The guide can meet you at your hotel lobby in Kusadasi or at the cruise terminal, depending on your preference. The meeting location and exact pickup time are confirmed during the booking process.
Ephesus TourShore Excursion KusadasiPrivate Tour TurkeyHouse of Virgin MaryTemple of ArtemisBasilica of St JohnAll Inclusive TourCruise ExcursionAncient Ruins TurkeyIonian HistoryTurkish Lunch IncludedVIP Private Excursion
This private shore excursion operates from Kusadasi, a major Aegean cruise port on the western coast of Turkey in Izmir Province. The primary destination is Ephesus (Efes), located approximately 20 minutes by road from the port, near the town of Selcuk. Additional sites visited include the House of Virgin Mary on the Aladag Mountains, the Basilica of St. John on Ayasolug Hill in Selcuk, and the Temple of Artemis at the edge of the ancient city. The region sits within the historically significant Ionian coast, part of ancient Asia Minor, and attracts visitors from cruise lines docking at Kusadasi throughout the Mediterranean sailing season. Nearby landmarks include the Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai and Kusadasi Marina. The area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate zone and draws pilgrimage tourism from Catholic and Christian communities worldwide due to its association with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist.
Type: Private Shore Excursion | Departure Port: Kusadasi, Turkey | Primary Destination: Ephesus Ancient City | Secondary Sites: House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis | Region: Aegean Turkey, Izmir Province | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 6 Hours | Meal: Traditional Turkish Lunch Included | Pricing Model: All-Inclusive, No Hidden Costs | Tour Format: Fully Private and Customizable | Suitable For: Cruise Passengers, Families, Senior Travelers, History Enthusiasts, Religious Pilgrims
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