Your guide will meet you at the Kusadasi port with a sign with your name written on it. Then, you will be driven directly to the sites. First, you will visit ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open air museum in Turkey. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, the face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus. It was originally built in 115–125.
You might also see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Scholastica Baths, Marble Road, agora, and the Temple of Domitian. After lunch in a local Turkish restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. Mary was brought to Ephesus by the apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived her final days here.
After your tour, drive back to the departure point.
Pickup and drop-off from Kusadasi Cruise Port for cruise guests
Guided tour of ancient Ephesus with professional licensed English-speaking guide
Visit to the House of Virgin Mary
Visit to the Temple of Artemis (Artemision) remains and photo stop
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation during the tour
Free time for shopping or local handicraft demonstrations (optional)
Local lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant (if option selected)
Entrance fees to tourist attractions Drinks during the tour Tip for the guide and driver (optional) Personal expenses
If you have children, bring their passports with you. Entrance fees (per person) -Ancient Ephesus: 45 EUR -House of Mary: 20 EUR -Entry is free for children aged 8 and under. Note: The tour guide will have pre-paid, skip-the-line entrance tickets to avoid long queues. The cost of used entrance tickets can be paid to your guide in cash in USD, EUR or Turkish Lira during the tour.
Meeting point is at Kusadasi Cruise Port arrival terminal; look for your guide holding a sign with the tour name, and please provide your ship name and arrival time in advance: Your guide will be waiting just outside the Kusadasi Cruise Port arrival terminal, clearly holding a sign with the exact tour name so you can easily recognize your group. Sharing your ship’s name and arrival time before the tour helps the operator track any schedule changes and ensures a smooth, timely pickup right when you disembark.
Tour usually lasts around 5–6 hours and includes visits to Ancient Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (outside view), and commonly the House of Virgin Mary or Terrace Houses depending on the option booked: The tour is planned to fit comfortably within a typical cruise port call, lasting about 5–6 hours, including travel time to and from the sites. You will explore the main highlights such as Ancient Ephesus and an exterior visit to the Temple of Artemis, with either the House of Virgin Mary or the Terrace Houses included, depending on the specific option you selected at booking.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), as much of Ancient Ephesus is exposed and involves uneven stone surfaces and some uphill walking: Ephesus is an extensive archaeological site with ancient marble streets, steps, and uneven stone paths that can be slippery, so supportive walking shoes are essential for safety and comfort. Shade is limited, and you will be outdoors for extended periods, making a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses very important, especially in the summer months when temperatures can be high.
Modest clothing is recommended, especially if visiting religious sites like the House of Virgin Mary (shoulders and knees covered), and bring a light jacket in cooler months: Because certain stops, such as the House of Virgin Mary, are considered sacred, visitors are expected to dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees. In spring, autumn, and winter, the weather can be cooler or windy on the hills, so a light jacket or layer will keep you comfortable during outdoor and shaded portions of the tour.
Tour is designed for cruise guests with timings coordinated to ship schedules, but you should confirm your all‑aboard time and inform the guide so you can return to the ship comfortably before departure: This excursion is planned around typical cruise timetables, aiming to maximize your sightseeing while ensuring you are back at the port in good time. Still, it is important to double‑check your ship’s all‑aboard time and let your guide know, so they can adjust pacing or route if needed and avoid any risk of missing your departure.
Entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities may or may not be included depending on the specific package; check your voucher carefully and bring local currency or a credit card for any extras or shopping: Different tour versions have different inclusions, so your confirmation or voucher will specify whether entrance tickets, meals, and tips are already covered or will be additional costs.
Lightweight clothing and a hat for sun protection
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle
Camera or smartphone for photos
Local currency or credit card for entrance fees and souvenirs
the House of the Virgin Mary. Mary was brought to Ephesus by the apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived her final days here.
TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS
EPHESUS