All Inclusive Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch
A fully guided private journey through ancient ruins, sacred sites, and authentic Turkish flavors — all in one day.
This private Ephesus tour from Kusadasi combines two of Turkey's most historically significant destinations — the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary — into a single, seamless six-hour experience. Entrance fees, professional guiding, transportation, and a traditional Turkish lunch are all included, with no hidden costs.
Departing from Kusadasi port or your hotel at a time that suits you, your private guide will escort you through marble-paved streets that once formed one of the most important port cities of the ancient Ionian League. The tour covers landmark structures including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Baths of Scholastica, and the Grand Theater — a venue originally built in the 3rd century B.C. and later expanded to seat 24,000 spectators under Roman rule.
The itinerary also includes a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, set on the Aladag Mountains roughly five miles from Ephesus. Historical accounts presented at the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 A.D. suggest that Mary traveled to Ephesus with St. John around 37 A.D. and remained there until her passing. The site was declared a place of pilgrimage in 1892 and was visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967.
Before returning to Kusadasi, the tour makes a final stop at the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The private format means you set the pace, choose where to linger, and never wait on a group — an advantage that makes this itinerary especially suited to families, couples, and independent travelers.
Tour Highlights
Walk the marble streets of ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean world.
Stand before the Library of Celsus, a monumental 2nd-century A.D. facade built as a memorial to a Roman proconsul.
Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site on the Aladag Mountains recognized by the Catholic Church.
Explore the Grand Theater of Ephesus, an ancient venue that once held up to 24,000 spectators.
See the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
All entrance fees are included — no surprise costs or last-minute add-ons at the gate.
Travel with a dedicated private guide from pickup to drop-off, fully flexible to your schedule and interests.
Itinerary
Your private guide meets you at the agreed location holding a sign with your name. A 20-minute drive brings you to the Ephesus archaeological site.
Explore the city's major monuments, including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Baths of Scholastica, and the Grand Theater. Your guide provides historical context throughout the walk.
Travel to the Aladag Mountains to visit the stone house believed to have been Mary's final home. The site draws pilgrims of multiple faiths and offers a reflective atmosphere.
A sit-down lunch is served, featuring grilled chicken shish, grilled meatballs, three kinds of mezes, salad, and seasonal fruit. The meal is included in the tour price.
The final site visit is the Temple of Artemis, where the guide covers the history of what was once one of antiquity's greatest architectural achievements.
After the tour concludes, you are driven back to Kusadasi city center or the cruise port, completing the full-day itinerary.
What Is Included
Included
- Private professional guide for the full duration
- All entrance fees (Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis)
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Traditional Turkish lunch
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
- Flexible departure time
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Any items not listed under inclusions
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour Today
Secure your exclusive private experience at Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary — all fees and lunch included, no hidden costs, fully flexible departure.
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