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Offered languages
- English
Walk in the Footsteps of Faith
Step into sacred history on a private Biblical Ephesus Tour, beginning from Kuşadası Port. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached and early Christianity took root. Visit the serene House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final home—a place of quiet devotion and spiritual reflection. Continue to the Basilica of Saint John, built over the apostle’s believed burial site, and take in panoramic views of Selçuk’s sacred landscape. Midday, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local carpet weaving cooperative, followed by a glimpse into the timeless art of handmade carpet-making. With a private guide and luxury transport, this journey offers both comfort and depth—a truly meaningful experience crafted just for you.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
For Cruise Guests We strongly recommend that you meet at the port 30 to 45 minutes after your ship has docked. This will help you avoid the crowds and the hot weather that can occur later in the afternoon. By meeting earlier, you can enjoy a more pleasant and less crowded tour of Ephesus. If your ship is scheduled to arrive at 7:00 AM, we suggest meeting at 8:00 AM. If your ship arrives later than 7:00 AM, please plan to meet approximately 30 minutes after your ship docks Please note, this tour is exclusively for cruise guests. If you are not arriving by cruise ship, kindly refrain from booking this tour and consider other available options. Our tours are conducted in English only. We do not offer tours in Spanish or any other languages. We guarantee that you will be returned to your ship on time. This is a private tour/activity, meaning that only your group will participate.
We will meet with you at the entrance of the port, next to security gate.
Itinerary
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Kusadasi (Pass by)
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE! ⚠️ ⛔ Group tours may sound convenient, but they often mean sacrificing your freedom. You’re forced to follow a rigid schedule, rush through places you might not care about, and wait for others — all while paying entry fees upfront for sites you may not even want to visit. Why spend your valuable holiday time and money this way? ✅ With our private tours, your day is truly yours! You decide where to go, how long to stay, and what to see. Entry fees aren’t included in advance, so you only pay for the places that genuinely interest you. Each morning, we discuss your preferences and shape the tour around you. ✳️ Imagine the difference: Instead of being herded along with strangers, you explore at your own pace. Instead of paying for places you don’t care about, every stop is somewhere you actually want to see. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all tour. Choose a private experience tailored just for you and your family — and make your trip unforgettable!
Admission ticket free -
1
When your cruise ship arrives, our team will be ready to welcome you just outside the Exit Gate, next to the Information Desk. You’ll easily spot us—we’ll be holding a sign with your name on it. To make the most of your time ashore and avoid the crowds, we highly recommend disembarking within 30 minutes of your ship’s arrival. This allows us to leave before the large group tours depart and ensures a more relaxed, personalized experience at each site. When booking your tour, please choose the earliest available disembarkation time. This helps us begin your tour smoothly and maximizes your time at the highlights of the region. We look forward to providing you with a seamless, crowd-free start to your private tour experience!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
Your journey begins in a place of peace and reverence—the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled in the quiet hills above Ephesus. Believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, this humble stone chapel has become a sacred sanctuary for both Christians and visitors of all faiths. Surrounded by pine trees and birdsong, the site offers a moment of reflection, stillness, and spiritual connection. We begin our tour here, where faith and history intertwine beneath the soft Aegean light. As you step through the ancient doorway, you’ll feel a gentle hush in the air—a sense that this ground, though simple, carries the weight of centuries and prayers whispered across time. Visiting the House of Mary is not just a stop on your itinerary—it is a serene and sacred beginning to a day filled with wonder.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3Basilica of St. John
Rising gracefully on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, the Basilica of Saint John stands as a powerful tribute to one of Christianity’s most beloved apostles. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, this grand basilica was believed to enshrine the tomb of St. John the Evangelist, who spent his final years in Ephesus, spreading the teachings of Christ.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4Ephesus Terrace Houses
The Terrace Houses of Ephesus are a complex of luxurious ancient Roman homes located on the slopes of the Bülbül Mountain, within the ancient city of Ephesus. These houses were built during the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD and were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians. The houses are notable for their well-preserved frescoes, mosaics, and intricate architectural features, including heating systems (hypocausts) and private baths. Visitors to the Terrace Houses can explore these remarkable buildings and gain insight into the lifestyle of the elite in ancient Ephesus. The Terrace Houses are part of the archaeological site and offer a glimpse into the advanced engineering and artistic skills of the Roman period.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus, cradled in the heart of ancient Ionia, stands as a timeless symphony of marble and memory. Once a glittering jewel of the Roman Empire, its streets still echo with the footsteps of philosophers, merchants, and emperors. The Library of Celsus rises like a stone poem to wisdom; the Grand Theater still whispers the voices of long-forgotten plays. Beneath the Aegean sun, temples, colonnades, and mosaic floors reveal a city where art, faith, and power once danced in harmony. Ephesus is not merely a ruin—it is a living testament to the beauty and brilliance of a lost world, eternal in its silence.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
Kusadasi Castle (Pass by)
Kuşadası Castle, located on Pigeon Island (Güvercinada), is a small fortress built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. It was used to protect the harbor of Kuşadası. The castle offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding area, and the island is accessible by a causeway from the mainland. You can see the castele from your cruise or you can visit it by your own after the tour.
Admission ticket free -
Kusadasi Shopping Center (Pass by)
Nestled just steps from the port, Kuşadası Bazaar is a vibrant maze of colors, scents, and local charm. From handmade carpets and leather goods to spices, ceramics, and Turkish delights, the market offers a rich variety of treasures. Your guide will lead you through the lively streets and help you discover the best shops and most authentic items, ensuring a personalized and memorable shopping experience in the heart of Kuşadası.
Admission ticket free -
6Kusadasi
At the conclusion of our tour, we ensure your timely return to Kusadasi Cruise Port in accordance with your ship’s onboard time. Please be advised: As multiple cruise ships may be in port simultaneously, each with different arrival and departure schedules, we meticulously verify all timings, confirm them individually with our guests, and coordinate our itinerary accordingly. Our tours guarantee your prompt and safe return to your vessel before departure.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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