
Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch worth booking?
Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch is a 7-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $15 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 53 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (53)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Designed exclusively for cruise passengers visiting Kusadasi Cruise Port, this private Ephesus shore excursion combines history, culture, comfort, and flexibility in one unforgettable day. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, with a licensed local guide who brings its fascinating history to life. Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites, before enjoying an authentic Turkish lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. Enhance your experience with an optional Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam), the perfect way to relax before returning to your cruise ship. With private transportation, flexible itinerary, personalized service, and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship, this tour is the perfect choice for travelers seeking the best Ephesus experience from Kusadasi.
What you get
About this experience
Designed exclusively for cruise passengers visiting Kusadasi Cruise Port, this private Ephesus shore excursion combines history, culture, comfort, and flexibility in one unforgettable day. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, with a licensed local guide who brings its fascinating history to life. Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites, before enjoying an authentic Turkish lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. Enhance your experience with an optional Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam), the perfect way to relax before returning to your cruise ship. With private transportation, flexible itinerary, personalized service, and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship, this tour is the perfect choice for travelers seeking the best Ephesus experience from Kusadasi.
What's included
Included
- Private Air-Conditioned Deluxe Vehicle
- Guided Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary
- Flexible Private Itinerary
- Free Time for Shopping (No Obligation to Purchase)
- Guaranteed On-Time Return to Your Cruise Ship
- Traditional Turkish Lunch at a Local Restaurant
- Licensed Professional English-Speaking Tour Guide
- Parking Fees, Fuel & Local Taxes
- Pick-up & Drop-off at Kusadasi Cruise Port
- Guided Visit to Ephesus Ancient City
- Personalized Private Experience
- Complimentary Bottled Water
- Fully customizable private itinerary tailored to your interests.
Not included
- Ephesus Ancient City Entrance Fee
- House of the Virgin Mary Entrace Fee
- Ephesus Terrace Houses Entrance Fee
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Port Kusadasi Turkey
Meet your licensed local guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port. Your guide will be waiting outside the terminal exit holding a sign with your name. Guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship.
30 minutes here
The House of the Virgin Mary
Visit one of Christianity's most sacred pilgrimage sites, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. Surrounded by peaceful forests, this spiritual destination welcomes visitors from around the world, including several Popes.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Walk through Marble Street, visit the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, ancient baths, fountains, and discover fascinating stories from your licensed local guide.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Ephesus Terrace Houses
Optional visit. Discover the luxurious homes of wealthy Romans featuring beautiful mosaics, marble decorations, colorful frescoes, and one of the world's earliest underfloor heating systems.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Anadolu Rug
Enjoy a complimentary Turkish lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. After lunch, guests may optionally observe traditional Turkish carpet weaving, one of Turkey's oldest cultural arts. Shopping is never required.
60 minutes here
The Temple of Artemis
Visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and learn about its remarkable history from your expert guide.
30 minutes here
Adasaray Hammam
Optional Turkish Bath experience. Relax with traditional sauna, steam room, scrub, foam massage and enjoy one of Turkey's oldest wellness traditions.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Kusadasi Bazaar
Enjoy free time at Kusadasi Bazaar, where you can browse local shops offering Turkish delights, spices, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, and handmade souvenirs.
30 minutes here · Admission 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
53 verified traveler reviews for Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour! Highly recommend
Sevda was amazing! She perfectly curated our tour to what we wanted to see - would do again.
Response from the operator: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review and for highly recommending our tour! We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience with Sevda on your Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour from Kusadasi. Our goal at Sea Drop Travel is to make every private Ephesus tour flexible and personalized, allowing our guests to enjoy the Ancient City of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, and the highlights of Kusadasi at their own pace. We will be very happy to share your kind words with Sevda. Thank you for choosing Sea Drop Travel for your Ephesus tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port. We would love to welcome you back to beautiful Kusadasi and Ephesus again in the future! Warm regards, Salman & Sea Drop Travel Team ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
via Tripadvisor
Great times!
It was cool, the places he took us were interesting, the lunch pitstop was very homey, sometimes he didn’t talk clearly, but he was able to answer all questions we asked with detail
Response from the operator: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you very much for your 5-star review and for sharing your experience with us! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the interesting places you visited, the warm and authentic lunch experience, and that your guide was able to answer your questions in detail. We also truly appreciate your feedback regarding the guide’s communication. Your comments are valuable to us and help us continue improving the quality of our Private Ephesus Tours. It was a pleasure welcoming you on our Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour from Kusadasi. At Sea Drop Travel, we strive to provide memorable, informative and personalized Ephesus tours from Kusadasi Port, allowing our guests to discover the incredible Ancient City of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary at a comfortable pace. Thank you for choosing Sea Drop Travel. We hope to welcome you back to Kusadasi and Ephesus, Turkey for another wonderful experience! Warm regards, Sea Drop Travel Team-kusadasi-turkey cruise port kusadasi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
Wonderful guide, very knowledgeable. Great overall experience
Response from the operator: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience and especially enjoyed the knowledge and service of your private tour guide. It was our pleasure to welcome you on our Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour from Kusadasi. At Sea Drop Travel, we aim to provide memorable and personalized Ephesus private tours, with professional local guides who bring the fascinating history of Ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary to life. Thank you for choosing Sea Drop Travel for your Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Kusadasi and Ephesus, Turkey again in the future. Warm regards, Sea Drop Travel Team -kusadasi turkiye ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
via Tripadvisor
fun time
great work by the guide looked out for us
Response from the operator: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted to hear that you had a fun time on your Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour and that our guide took great care of you throughout the day. At Sea Drop Travel, we always aim to provide a comfortable, enjoyable and personalized Ephesus Private Tour from Kusadasi Port. We are very happy that you enjoyed discovering the magnificent Ancient City of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary with us. Thank you for choosing Sea Drop Travel for your Ephesus Tour in Kusadasi, Turkey. It was a pleasure having you as our guest, and we hope to welcome you back to Kusadasi and Ephesus again in the future! Warm regards, Sea Drop Travel Team ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
via Tripadvisor
Review
Made sure we followed everything that we wanted to do. Had a slower pace and more enjoyable.
Response from the operator: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour from Kusadasi and especially appreciated being able to explore everything at a comfortable, relaxed pace. Our goal at Sea Drop Travel is to make every Ephesus tour personal, flexible, and enjoyable, allowing our guests to discover the magnificent Ancient City of Ephesus and the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary without feeling rushed. Thank you for choosing us for your Ephesus private tour from Kusadasi Port. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to beautiful Kusadasi and Ephesus again in the future. Warm regards, Sea Drop Travel Team kusadasi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $15 to $25
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $15 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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 53 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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch?
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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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch?
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Around 19 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch 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, FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour with Entry Fees & Lunch, FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return. 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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch?
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Included: Private Air-Conditioned Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary; Flexible Private Itinerary; Free Time for Shopping (No Obligation to Purchase); and Guaranteed On-Time Return to Your Cruise Ship. Not included: Ephesus Ancient City Entrance Fee; House of the Virgin Mary Entrace Fee; Ephesus Terrace Houses Entrance Fee; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch include hotel pickup?
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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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch 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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch?
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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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch 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 Private Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour with Lunch?
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Across 53 reviews averaging 4.8 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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