PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH worth booking?
PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH is a 4-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $9 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $9 per person
BEST-SELLING EPHESUS TOUR WITH A LOCAL EXPERT GUIDE! Tour Highlights: Ephesus Ruins – Walk in the footsteps of Mother Mary as you explore ancient streets. Marvel at iconic landmarks like: The Great Theater Celsus Library Trajan Fountain Odeon Temple Terrace Houses (where the wealthiest Ephesians lived) House of the Virgin Mary – Visit the sacred place where Mary spent her final days. Capture stunning photos from the best vantage points! Learn the rich history of early Christians and Romans from your expert guide. Choose Your Experience: Small Group Tour – A more intimate experience with up to 10 people. Private Tour – A fully personalized tour tailored just for you. Book now for an unforgettable journey through history!
What you get
About this experience
BEST-SELLING EPHESUS TOUR WITH A LOCAL EXPERT GUIDE! Tour Highlights: Ephesus Ruins – Walk in the footsteps of Mother Mary as you explore ancient streets. Marvel at iconic landmarks like: The Great Theater Celsus Library Trajan Fountain Odeon Temple Terrace Houses (where the wealthiest Ephesians lived) House of the Virgin Mary – Visit the sacred place where Mary spent her final days. Capture stunning photos from the best vantage points! Learn the rich history of early Christians and Romans from your expert guide. Choose Your Experience: Small Group Tour – A more intimate experience with up to 10 people. Private Tour – A fully personalized tour tailored just for you. Book now for an unforgettable journey through history!
What's included
Included
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant
- Entrance fees (for the "Entrance Fees Included" option)
- Car Park Fees & Local Taxes
- Pick-up & Drop-off from Kusadasi Port
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
- Entry fees (for the "Entry Fees Excluded" option)
- Personal expenses
- Beverages
What you'll see and do
Port Kusadasi Turkey
Based on the pick-up time we will coordinate with your ship's arrival, meet your guide at the Kusadasi Cruise Port to begin your journey to the first stop on the itinerary.
30 minutes here
The House of the Virgin Mary
The House of the Virgin Mary, located 6 km north of the ruins of Ephesus, is believed to be the place where Mary spent her final days. A church was built here in the 6th century AD on the foundations of a 1st-century house, and it has been recognized by the Church as her last residence.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was renowned for its grand scale and sacred significance. Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the temple made Ephesus a major pilgrimage center in antiquity. It featured 127 Ionic columns, each standing 19 meters tall. Remarkably, the temple also functioned as one of the earliest known banks in the ancient world.
45 minutes here
Visit a traditional carpet weaving village to discover the art of handmade Turkish carpets, watch local artisans at work, and learn about centuries-old weaving techniques and natural dyes. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients in a peaceful village setting, offering an authentic taste of Turkish hospitality and cuisine.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Port Kusadasi Turkey
After the tour concludes, we head back to Kusadasi Port for your departure.
30 minutes here
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus Ancient City is an archaeological treasure and the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the 1st century AD, it was the second-largest city in the world after Rome, with a population exceeding 250,000. Strategically located at the heart of the ancient world, Ephesus served as a major gateway between East and West, thanks to its vast harbor and thriving trade. More than just a commercial hub, Ephesus was also steeped in romance—it was famously the honeymoon destination of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The city is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the magnificent Temple of Artemis. Today, Ephesus remains so well preserved that a walk through its ancient streets feels like stepping back in time. Visitors can marvel at grand monuments like the Library of Celsus, the third-largest library of the ancient world, and the Great Theatre—the largest Roman theatre in Asia Minor. Exploring Ephesus is truly a journey through history.
120 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.
Options you can book
SMALL GROUP WITHOUT TICKETS
◉ This Option:: ➤ EXCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. Duration: 5 hours ◉: Mercedes High Model Minibus. ◉ In Day:: ➤ Can be paid on tour day in cash or by card. Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR WITHOUT TICKETS
◉ This Option:: ➤ EXCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. Duration: 5 hours ◉: Mercedes High Model Minibus. ◉ In Day: : ➤ Can be paid on tour day in cash or by card. Pickup included
Private Tour with Entry Fees ✅
Entry Fees ✅: ➤ INCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. ➤ : This is a PRIVATE tour with professional tour guide. Lunch:: ➤ Taste Turkish cuisine at selected traditional restaurants. ◉: Brand New Mercedes Sprinter Minibus ◉: Guaranteed on time return to port. Pickup included
Small Group Tour + Entry Fees✅
Includes Entry Tickets ✅: ➤ INCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. ◉◉: Group size will be up to 10-12 people. Lunch:: ➤ Taste Turkish cuisine at selected traditional restaurants. ◉: Brand New Mercedes Sprinter ◉: Guaranteed on time return to port. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Tour Specialist
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children aged 8 and under enter free. Please bring passports for verification.
- We GUARANTEE your on-time return to the port
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
- ✅INCLUDES ENTRANCE FEES OPTIONS: Enjoy the privilege of skipping the ticket lines.
- ❌EXCLUDE ENTRANCE FEES OPTIONS: y Especially in Private Tours, you’re not required to pay for sites you choose not to visit.
- House of the Virgin Mary Entrance Fee is 700 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
- Ephesus Entrance Fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 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.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enjoyed visiting Ancient...
Enjoyed visiting Ancient Ephesus and the House of Saint Mary. Had a great lunch at a rug factory although our visit there was a bit too long.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, The Tour Specialist
via Viator
Small group tour met our...
Small group tour met our needs perfectly. Very informative and well organised. Our tour guide was lovely.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, The Tour Specialist
via Viator
Ephesus small group with lunch and tickets
We started off a bit late since we booked the small tour group we had to wait for two guest coz they cannot follow instructions. Not the tour companies fault coz they gave us clear instructions where to find them. So regarding the tour itself. All i can say is for the price that we paid it was a very high quality tour. Out tour guide Yelis she was very Knowledgeable, Super nice and very considerate since we have a 11 month old baby with us. She always made sure that we are comfortable like being in the shade when she is explaining the area. And letting us know where the baby can feel more comfortable since it was really really hot that day. The food was amazing. It was a little taste of turkish food. Our bus had a little bit of a problem with air conditioning but they had a replacement bus right away so that was not a big trouble. All in all the tour was amazing and worth every penny spent. Thank you to our tour guide Yelis and put driver for doing an amazing Job!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, The Tour Specialist
via Tripadvisor
**This tour comes highly...
**This tour comes highly recommended and exceeded all our expectations.** Our driver was outstanding—extremely knowledgeable, kind, professional, and remarkably patient. We were captivated by the rich history of Türkiye, which he shared with such passion and depth. He was especially considerate and accommodating, ensuring our comfort throughout, even when one of our group members required a rolling walker on rocky and slippery terrain. His attentiveness to our needs and his dedication to providing a meaningful, personalized experience made this tour truly unforgettable. The lunch provided was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed engaging in thoughtful conversations about the local culture. **If you're looking for an insightful, well-organized, and memorable experience, I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.**
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, The Tour Specialist
via Viator
kusadasi turkey.
Our tour guide Cemal was fantastic. Good sense of humour and wonderful knowledge of all the sites we saw. Very personable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, The Tour Specialist
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $9 to $159
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Tour Specialist, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.1.
See everything The Tour Specialist runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH cost?
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Prices start at $9 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 & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH take?
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Plan for about 4 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 & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 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 & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & 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 & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH?
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Around 5 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & 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 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 PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH?
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Included: Lunch at a Local Restaurant; Entrance fees (for the "Entrance Fees Included" option); Car Park Fees & Local Taxes; Pick-up & Drop-off from Kusadasi Port; and Professional Licensed Tour Guide. Not included: Entry fees (for the "Entry Fees Excluded" option); Personal expenses; and Beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 6 listed pickup locations in and around Kusadasi. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH offered in?
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It is offered in English 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 PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & 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 & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & 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 & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH?
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Across 13 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. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for PRIVATE & GROUP: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including SMALL GROUP WITHOUT TICKETS, PRIVATE TOUR WITHOUT TICKETS, Private Tour with Entry Fees ✅, Small Group Tour + Entry Fees✅. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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