Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath in Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi, Turkey

Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath

Outty Ranking 65 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $45
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath worth booking?

Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath is a 6-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $45 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
6 hours
From
$45 per person

Designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving in Kuşadası, this guided tour showcases the most meaningful spiritual and historical sites in the region. Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be her final home. Continue to Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, where your guide will walk you through its remarkable ruins and rich history. After enjoying a traditional Turkish lunch, visit the Basilica of St. John, built over the Apostle John’s believed burial place and offering beautiful views over Selçuk. Guests looking to relax before returning to the ship may add an optional Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam) for a refreshing cultural experience. This tour ensures a memorable and on-time return to your cruise.

What you get

    About this experience

    Designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving in Kuşadası, this guided tour showcases the most meaningful spiritual and historical sites in the region. Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be her final home. Continue to Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, where your guide will walk you through its remarkable ruins and rich history. After enjoying a traditional Turkish lunch, visit the Basilica of St. John, built over the Apostle John’s believed burial place and offering beautiful views over Selçuk. Guests looking to relax before returning to the ship may add an optional Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam) for a refreshing cultural experience. This tour ensures a memorable and on-time return to your cruise.

    What's included

    Included

    • Flexible itinerary – stop wherever and whenever you like
    • Traditional Turkish Lunch
    • Visits to wholesale factory outlets and an art gallery outside the town
    • All taxes and parking fees
    • Worry-free shore excursion – guaranteed on-time return to your ship
    • Pick-up & Drop-off from Kusadasi Port
    • Complimentary alcoholic beverages offered to our guests in selected carpet and leather stores
    • Professional Licensed English-Speaking Guide Traditional Turkish Lunch
    • Private Transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

    Not included

    • Ephesus Ancient City Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site)
    • House of Mother Mary Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site)
    • Basilica of St John Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Port Kusadasi Turkey

      Meeting at the Ege Port. Your guide will be waiting at the exit gate holding a board with your name on it.

      30 minutes here

    2. The House of the Virgin Mary

      Located in the Aladağ Mountains, just 5 miles from Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a significant pilgrimage site. According to tradition, Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. The site was recognized as a place of pilgrimage by the Archbishop of Kusadasi in 1892, following the discovery of the house. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed at this sacred location, cementing its importance for visitors from around the world.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Ephesus Ancient City

      Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Walk through the Library of Celsus, explore the Great Theatre, and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our Ephesus tours from Kusadasi offer a unique chance to experience Roman history, biblical heritage, and the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for travelers looking for the best Ephesus excursions, day trips, and guided tours in Kusadasi.

      2 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Can Carpet

      Our tours from Kusadasi include a complimentary lunch with authentic Turkish food, a highlight for many of our guests. Afterward, we visit a Turkish handicrafts cooperative, where you can explore local culture and crafts. Entrance is free, and there is no obligation to buy anything—just enjoy this unique cultural experience.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. The Temple of Artemis

      Once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis, protector of women and fertility. Originally built in the 6th century BCE, it was one of the largest temples of the ancient world, famed for its grand scale and ornate marble columns. Though only a single column remains today, the site holds immense historical significance and offers a glimpse into the glory of ancient Ephesus and its religious heritage.

      30 minutes here

    6. Basilica of St. John

      Located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, the Basilica of St. John was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian over the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle. Once a grand domed structure rivaling the Hagia Sophia, the basilica was a major pilgrimage destination in the Byzantine era. Today, visitors can explore its remains — including elegant arches, column fragments, and the symbolic tomb of St. John — all set against panoramic views of Selçuk and the surrounding countryside. The site offers a powerful glimpse into early Christian history and the region’s spiritual legacy.

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    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 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    SeaDrop Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Ephesus House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Virgin Mary Ephesus Turkey House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk Ephesus Tours Pilgrimage House of Mary...Ephesus House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Virgin Mary Ephesus Turkey House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk Ephesus Tours Pilgrimage House of Mary...Ephesus Tours Ephesus Turkey Tours Ephesus Tours Ephesus tour Ephesus Tours cruise port Kusadasi Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tours from...Ephesus House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Virgin Mary Ephesus Turkey House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk Ephesus Tours Pilgrimage House of Mary...Ephesus House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Virgin Mary Ephesus Turkey House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk Ephesus Tours Pilgrimage House of Mary...Ephesus House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Virgin Mary Ephesus Turkey House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk Ephesus Tours Pilgrimage House of Mary...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    Sort
    617dixon · June 2026

    Kuşadası Tour, Shopping, Lunch, and Turkish Bath

    Sevda was very pleasant, friendly and polite. She was great with explaining the history of Kuşadası and the historical sites visited. I enjoyed the shopping experience as well as lunch. The food was delicious!

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review! We are truly delighted that you enjoyed your Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, and St. John Basilica Tour from Kusadasi. Your kind words about Sevda mean a great deal to us. She is passionate about bringing the history of Ancient Ephesus, the spiritual significance of the House of the Virgin Mary, and the rich culture of Türkiye to life. We are especially happy that her stories made your visit more meaningful and that you appreciated the flexibility of your private tour. We hope your traditional Turkish Bath experience was the perfect way to relax after exploring one of the world's most remarkable archaeological and religious sites. Thank you again for choosing Sea Drop Travel for your Kusadasi shore excursion. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable journey to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, St. John Basilica, and many more beautiful destinations in Türkiye. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Sea Drop Travel

    via Tripadvisor

    tameshaf2026 · June 2026

    Ephesus & Turkish Bath

    Our tour guide met us at the port. Our tour guide was very friendly and helpful. Sevva was patient and very knowledgeable about the area. Her stories resonated with me and increased my knowledge about the culture. She was flexible with what we liked (the tour was not rigid). Looking forward to the Turkish bath.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review! We are truly delighted that you enjoyed your Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, and St. John Basilica Tour from Kusadasi. Your kind words about Sevda mean a great deal to us. She is passionate about bringing the history of Ancient Ephesus, the spiritual significance of the House of the Virgin Mary, and the rich culture of Türkiye to life. We are especially happy that her stories made your visit more meaningful and that you appreciated the flexibility of your private tour. We hope your traditional Turkish Bath experience was the perfect way to relax after exploring one of the world's most remarkable archaeological and religious sites. Thank you again for choosing Sea Drop Travel for your Kusadasi shore excursion. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable journey to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, St. John Basilica, and many more beautiful destinations in Türkiye. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Sea Drop Travel

    via Tripadvisor

    melekk809 · September 2025

    Rehber melek Fethiye

    We had a very nice day with the Guide angel the angel lady told us the full history of the cliché of the epic Mary Mother I and my family were very happy Recommendation the guide angel lady

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the flexibility of the tour, the lunch choice, and the Turkish bath. Our goal is always to create memorable and personalized experiences for our guests, and your feedback means a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Kusadasi and Ephesus in the future! sea droptravel LLC ephesus tours kusadasi turkey

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    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
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by SeaDrop Travel, who run 24 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.1.

    See everything SeaDrop Travel runs

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)20
    Booking momentum (14% weight)12
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.

    How much does Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath cost?

    +

    Prices start at $45 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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath 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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath?

    +

    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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath 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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath?

    +

    Included: Flexible itinerary – stop wherever and whenever you like; Traditional Turkish Lunch; Visits to wholesale factory outlets and an art gallery outside the town; All taxes and parking fees; and Worry-free shore excursion – guaranteed on-time return to your ship. Not included: Ephesus Ancient City Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site); House of Mother Mary Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site); and Basilica of St John Entrance Fee (Payable On-Site). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Kusadasi. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath offered in?

    +

    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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath?

    +

    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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Ephesus & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 & Virgin Mary & St John Basilica + Lunch Opt Turkish Bath?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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