
Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi worth booking?
Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi is a 6-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $50 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Combination of History & Religion – You visit Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and St. John Basilica all in one day. Cultural Immersion – Enjoy a live carpet weaving demonstration and learn about Turkish craftsmanship. Authentic Cuisine – Traditional lunch included, giving a taste of local flavors. Diverse Experiences – Combines archaeology, spirituality, art, and gastronomy in a single itinerary. Expert Guidance – Knowledgeable guides explain the history, symbolism, and techniques behind every site and craft. Additionally, during the tour, you will have the opportunity to walk through the ancient streets of Ephesus and feel the atmosphere of the Roman era, learn detailed stories and legends from your guide, and shop for small souvenirs or handmade items at local markets. At every step, the tour offers a rich visual and cultural experience, making it truly unforgettable.
What you get
About this experience
Combination of History & Religion – You visit Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and St. John Basilica all in one day. Cultural Immersion – Enjoy a live carpet weaving demonstration and learn about Turkish craftsmanship. Authentic Cuisine – Traditional lunch included, giving a taste of local flavors. Diverse Experiences – Combines archaeology, spirituality, art, and gastronomy in a single itinerary. Expert Guidance – Knowledgeable guides explain the history, symbolism, and techniques behind every site and craft. Additionally, during the tour, you will have the opportunity to walk through the ancient streets of Ephesus and feel the atmosphere of the Roman era, learn detailed stories and legends from your guide, and shop for small souvenirs or handmade items at local markets. At every step, the tour offers a rich visual and cultural experience, making it truly unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- Satisfaction Guarantee A delicious lunch!
- Professional Local Licensed Tour Guide(Our tour guide will be with you till end of the tour)
- GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT
- You have the flexibility to spend how much time you want in each site
- Worry-free shore excursion: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
- SKIP THE LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS (OPTIONAL) if you are interested please let us know
Not included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
The House of the Virgin Mary
Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House) The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of kusadasi declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Ephesus Ancient City
Ancient City of Ephesus Our second stop is Ephesus Ancient City. We will start visiting one of the main highlights in Turkey, Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionian League (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor) is located near kusadasi cruise port . As a port city it was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus; it was built in the beginning of the 2nd century A.D. by Gaius Julius Aquila to be a memorial to his father Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus, the proconsul of Province of Asia. , the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater are two of the most i
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica of St. John
Visit the impressive ruins of the Byzantine Church of St John mark the spot where St John the Evangelist was buried. This church was built over the tomb of St. John. The presently-visible church is cruciform and roofed with six massive domes, and was donated by the Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora. The capitals facing the nave (central aisle) bear their monograms. Persecution Gate forms the entrance to the walls of the Byzantine fortification, and is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes of pursuit from the life of the Greek hero Achilleus. It probably dates to the sixth or seventh century A. D
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Selcuk
Lunch traditional turkish food and In our tours, we visit a Turkish handicrafts cooperative in order to show our handicrafts and culture as well as the historical and natural beauties of our country.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kusadasi
As you exit the arrival gate, our guide will be waiting to welcome you, holding a sign with your name on it.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
As you exit the arrival gate, our guide will be waiting to welcome you, holding a sign with your name on it.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Samyeli Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ephesus Basillica and Virgin Mary house
We had amazing tour with Erum and the driver was great too. She was very knowledgeable.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had an amazing tour with Irem and that you enjoyed your experience with our driver as well. We truly appreciate your kind words about Irem’s knowledge and service. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon! 🌟
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour.
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour! Fusun was just great as was the driver. Enjoyed Ephesus ruins & Virgin Mary's house. Glad we were early since alot more people arrived while we were leaving. It was wonderful that the turkish lunch was included with this tour & it was absolutely yummy. We opted to go to the hammam as well & Fusun our guide waited for us till we were done & we were driven back to the ship. So glad we went with this tour. Very comfortable & air conditioned car. Would highly recommend this company in Kusadasi. Thank you again.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for joining our Ephesus tour, you are always welcome ephesus tours cruise port kusadasi turkiye-samyeli travel
via Viator
History made alive!
Your guide, Fusun Ozsurucu, was knowledgeable, caring, personable, and she made Ephesus come alive with her imaginative talks.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for joining our Ephesus tour, you are always welcome ephesus tours cruise port kusadasi turkiye
via Viator
Do it!
Great communication from the owner. Elif and our entire tour was amazing start to finish! The food and service at the restaurant were impeccable. They even got us back to the port right on time. I will take this tour again. Thank you to all of Elif’s friends along the way!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for joining our Ephesus tour, you are always welcome ephesus tours cruise port kusadasi turkiye
via Viator
Super Day would recommend this trip with Fusun
Had an amazing day with Fusun, the information and knowledge that she had made it extra special. Kindness shown to us throughout the day, from everyone we met certainly made our visit to Kusadasi a special memory. thank you for the communications from the minute we booked, we never had to worry about a thing. a great big thank you.
Response from the operator: you are always welcome samyeli travel team cruise port kusadasi turkey
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Samyeli Travel, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.8.
See everything Samyeli Travel runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kusadasi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kusadasi is not rushed.
Is Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kusadasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kusadasi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kusadasi and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kusadasi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kusadasi?
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On Outty we rank every Kusadasi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line, PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus, FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour with Entry Fees & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kusadasi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kusadasi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi?
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Included: Satisfaction Guarantee A delicious lunch!; Professional Local Licensed Tour Guide(Our tour guide will be with you till end of the tou; GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT; You have the flexibility to spend how much time you want in each site; and Worry-free shore excursion: guaranteed on-time return to your ship. Not included: Drinks; Gratuities; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi?
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As you exit the arrival gate, our guide will be waiting to welcome you, holding a sign with your name on it. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kusadasi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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