Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 948 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers worth booking?
Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers is a 4-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $15 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 948 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (948)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Make the most of your limited time ashore with this carefully timed small-group or private shore excursion to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Designed specifically for cruise passengers, the tour runs smoothly
What you get
About this experience
Make the most of your limited time ashore with this carefully timed small-group or private shore excursion to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Designed specifically for cruise passengers, the tour runs smoothly and guarantees an on-time return to your ship. After disembarking, meet your professional guide at the Kuşadası cruise port or your hotel and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, walking along marble streets to see highlights such as the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and Roman baths, brought to life through your guide’s engaging commentary. Continue to the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims, before stopping at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Upgrade your tour to include skip-the-line entrance tickets for a completely hassle-free experience.
What's included
Included
- Port / Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All Taxes
- Very luxury Brand new of Mercedes vehicle with Separate Driver
- 100 % Satisfaction
- Entry tickets (for the "Entry Tickets Included" option)
Not included
- Entry tickets (for the "Entry Tickets Included" option).
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities are appreciated
What you'll see and do
We will meet you at the Kusadasi Cruise Port! After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree & secure your meeting time.
15 minutes here
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus: The ancient city of Ephesus is home to many well-preserved ruins, including the Roman-era streets, public buildings, and private houses. Visitors can explore the city and imagine what life was like in the Roman Empire. Some of the highlights of Ephesus include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, the Temple of Artemis, and the Terrace Houses. Ephesus’s most spectacular site has to be the façade of the Library of Celsus. Constructed between 110 and 135AD, the library originally had three floors, but an earthquake destroyed the building in the 10th century. Other sites include the Theater, Basilica of St. John, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Church of Mary, House of the Virgin, the Isabey Mosque, the Prytaneion, the synagogue and the Temple of Hadrian. All the sites are in varying states of disrepair. Unfortunately, all that remains of the Temple of Artemis, rumoured to have been four times as large as the Parthenon, is one column standing in a marshy basin.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis: Ephesus was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Although the temple no longer exists, the foundation and some columns remain, providing an idea of the scale and grandeur of the original temple.
30 minutes here
Kusadasi Castle
Built and extended between the 14th and 18th centuries, picturesque Kusadasi Castle sits on Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasa), an islet connected to Kusadasi via a causeway. Originally constructed as a military base, the fortress is composed of outer walls that enclose its gardens and an inner castle with a tiny museum.
15 minutes here
Ephesus Terrace Houses
A cluster of ancient 2-story homes spread across three tiers, the Ephesus Terrace Houses reveal how wealthy Romans lived during the city’s glory days. Glass floors let you admire geometric mosaics and still-colorful frescoes gleaming on the walls—it’s a small wonder some compare the site to Pompeii.
Pass by without stopping
The House of the Virgin Mary
The House of Virgin Mary: is a Christian pilgrimage site in Turkey, it is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, who is said to have lived there until her Assumption. It is considered one of the most holy places in the world by Catholics.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
In the end of our tour, we return to the Kusadasi Cruise Port according to your ONBOARD TIME! PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate our return time to Cruise Port.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Small Group EXCLUDES TICKETS
Duration: 5 hours Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR WITH TICKETS ✅
.: INCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS to Ephesus and House of Mary. .: This option offer you to chosee the sites you would like to visit, stay in the sites as much as you wish. Mercedes High Model Minibus. Pickup included
SMALL GROUP TOUR WITH TICKETS✅
Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR EXCLUDES TICKETS
EXCLUDES ENTRY TICKETS Customize:: This option offer you to chosee the sites you would like to visit, stay in the sites as much as you wish. Mercedes High Model Minibus. Pickup included
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
- Moira Travel Agency
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NA
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 932 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
932 verified traveler reviews for Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
5 stelle completamente meritate
The guide was absolutely perfect! Friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire experience. We truly couldn’t have asked for anything better. Everything was well organized, and we felt comfortable and well taken care of from start to finish. We had an amazing time and would highly recommend this experience to anyone!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience
Professional and available. Always taking care of our needs. Congratulations!
via Tripadvisor
Above and beyond well done guys
Memo was an absolute pleasure and an amazing guide. Informative full of knowledge and super polite and helpful. Would definitely book with him again , met us from our ship, great info on pick up time and location of meeting as we were slightly concerned about not booking with the ship, but everything was fab, far better value than many others we saw advertised. Huge thanks Memo you gave us a great day .
via Tripadvisor
Great family tour!
With a private tour, we had such a nice experience. Yavuz is an informative, chill and kind guide. We were traveling with a baby so we booked a private tour and everything was so comfortable. 100% would recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We’re delighted Yavuz’s informative and kind guidance made your private family tour of Ephesus so comfortable, especially while traveling with your baby. It’s wonderful you had such a nice experience. Your recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
via Tripadvisor
Mehmet was a super guide!
After helping us clarify a misunderstanding about the admission to terrace houses (not included in the tour), our tour guide Mehmet was very informative and attentive. He kept us out of long line ups and was able to customize the experience. We felt very safe with our driver and Mehmet leading the way. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We’re delighted Mehmet clarified the terrace house admission and guided you with such attentiveness and knowledge. It’s wonderful he customized the tour and kept you out of long lines, while the driver ensured safety. Your recommendation means a lot to Moira Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
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
- $15 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 332
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers 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 Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers 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 Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 948 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kusadasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers?
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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 Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers 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 Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers?
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Around 332 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 Top-Rated Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers 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 TICKET+LUNCH, Ephesus Temple of Artemis and House of Mary Private Half Day Tour, Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Private Tour from Kusadasi Port. 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.
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