
Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis worth booking?
Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis is a 6-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $129 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $129 per person
Enjoy this customised Full Day Private Tour with an expert professional local tour guide with visits to Ancient City of Ephesus; The best preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean, the Temple of Artemis; was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World, and the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy this customised Full Day Private Tour with an expert professional local tour guide with visits to Ancient City of Ephesus; The best preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean, the Temple of Artemis; was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World, and the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Licenced Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance Fees to the Museums and Sites
What you'll see and do
Ephesus Ancient City
Enter through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your route takes you past the Odeum, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
The House of the Virgin Mary
Where Mary had spent her last day, the Basilica of St. John where is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Temple of Artemis
Which is known as one of the seven wonders of the Antic World.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, ja, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City of Sultans
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Do not skip the Terrace houses! With lunch. Minimise waiting and maximise what you will see
Okan was a passionate educator for our semi private group to Ephesus, Virgin Mary house and lunch. Entune with the needs of the small group of 10, he made sure we weren’t bored with long winded history lessons while still giving us an appreciation for his country, Turkey. He knew how to organise the tour to minimise waiting time. He knew how to best present the beautiful Terrace houses (do NOT skip this €15 option!). I am not a history buff and walked away thinking this was the best day of my 2 1/2 week trip to Europe and Asia Minor. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
Very enjoyable and educational tour!
Our tour guide was amazing! She was very sweet and full of knowledge. They were very accommodating when my husband got overheated. The driver was wonderful as well.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
One of the best tours taken from our 2 week trip
Excellent tour! So interesting and Ugur was very knowledgeable of all the areas. He made our trip full of surprises and wonderful memories!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful, touching tour
Ugur was a fantastic tour guide. He gave us a geography lesson as well as the history of all of the monuments and he was so so knowledgeable and friendly. He also was very smart about avoiding the large tour groups and avoiding crowds, which was so welcome. He has a great personality for being a tour guide, and I would take a tour with him again so happily. Best tour I’ve ever taken! The Virgin Mary’s house was incredibly touching both. My mom and I were moved to tears and it was a beautiful site. The terrace houses and Ephesus were amazing and so beautiful. The visit was totally worth it!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
Exploring Ancient wonders of Ephesus
Uger took our group of 6 on an adventures day. Explaining in detail what we were experiencing while making history come to life. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
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
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by City of Sultans, who run 20 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.
See everything City of Sultans runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis cost?
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Prices start at $129 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis?
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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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis?
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Around 4 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis 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 FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour with Entry Fees & Lunch, Ephesus Temple of Artemis and House of Mary Private Half Day Tour, Best of Ephesus: Private & Group Skip-the-Line Tour for Cruisers. 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Professional Licenced Tour Guide. Not included: Lunch; and Entrance Fees to the Museums and Sites. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Kusadasi. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Japanese, English, French and Spanish. 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis?
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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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ephesus Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis 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 Private Shore Excursion: House of Virgin Mary and Artemis?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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