The most popular full-day tour from Kuşadası (7–8 hours): ancient Ephesus with a licensed guide, the House of the Virgin Mary, a quick stop at the Temple of Artemis, and a traditional Turkish lunch included. One trip covers the region’s three headline sights. From €65 with hotel or port pickup.
Tour Highlights
- Ancient city of Ephesus with licensed guide
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders)
- Traditional Turkish lunch included
Itinerary
- 108:30Pickup from hotel or cruise port.
- 209:15House of the Virgin Mary visit.
- 310:30Ancient Ephesus guided tour.
- 413:00Traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
- 514:30Temple of Artemis quick stop.
- 616:00Return to Kuşadası.
What's included
- Transfers
- Licensed guide
- Lunch
- Bottled water
Not included
- Ephesus entrance fee
- Drinks at lunch
Who is this tour best for?
- First-time visitors who want the essentials in one day
- Cruise passengers with a long port call
- Travellers combining history and faith sites
- Anyone who prefers lunch and logistics handled for them
Frequently asked questions
What does the Ephesus and Virgin Mary combo tour include?
A guided visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a full guided tour of ancient Ephesus, a quick stop at the Temple of Artemis, a traditional Turkish lunch, transfers and bottled water. Entrance fees and drinks at lunch are paid separately.
How long is the combo tour?
Seven to eight hours door to door, typically starting around 08:30 and returning to Kuşadası by about 16:00 — comfortable timing for most cruise schedules with a full day in port.
Why does the tour visit the House of the Virgin Mary first?
The shrine is quietest early in the morning, before the big groups arrive, and starting up the mountain means you then walk Ephesus downhill from the upper gate — easier in the heat.
Is the Temple of Artemis worth seeing?
It is a short photo stop rather than a long visit. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once stood here; today a single reconstructed column and the foundations remain, and seeing it takes only a few minutes on the way back.
