Private Tour
PRIVATE Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour (Skip-The-Line)
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Our PRIVATE Ephesus Tour is one of its kind about places it covers and it's our best-seller! This tour is a perfect option for those who have a full day to spend around the most important sights of the Ephesus area.
This tour is guaranteed Skip-The-Line with pre-purchased tickets.
You can always customize your tour with your private guide.
This tour includes pick up and drop off service from Kusadasi Cruise Port. During your private tour, you will visit; Ephesus Ancient City which used to be the most important commercial center of the western Anatolia, the House of Virgin Mary where Mary had spent her last day, the Basilica of St. John where is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill and the Temple of Artemision which is known as one of the seven wonders of the Antic World.
Enjoy the personalized attention of your licensed tour guide and the comfort of your private mercedes van.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
This enclosure for archaeological remains at Ephesus elegantly reconciles historic conservation with accessibility for visitors. The site of a succession of great ancient civilizations, Ephesus, on the south-west coast of modern Turkey, embodied a peculiarly fertile synthesis of architecture and culture. In 356BC the Greeks built the Artemesium (a colossal Ionic temple dedicated to Artemis the fertility goddess) which was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. During the 2nd century BC, Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire, famous for its Artemision, the Library of Celsus and its medical school..
Basilica of St. John
It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of St. John, a small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century. The church of St John was changed into a marvelous basilica during the region of Emperor Justinian (527 -565 AD). The second half of the first century was full of persecution for the early Christians.Apostle James and Stephen were killed in Jerusalem.Paul was sent to Rome and executed. According to tradition John took The Mother Mary and came to Ephesus.He wrote his Gospel in Ephesus and the Revelation in Greece Island, Patmos in 96AD.
What‘s Included
Pick Up and Drop Off from Cruise Port and Hotels
Transport by Luxury Private Vehicle
All Parking Fees and Taxes
English Speaking Tour Guide with Archaeological Backgroud
Local Lunch
Ephesus Ancient City
Virgin Mary House
St John Basilica
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
From Kusadasi Port or Hotels
Mercedes Vito / Sprinter
Pickup included
Reviews
558 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An absolute blast!
Jonathan W,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible tour with Melike! We were picked up on time and our van was extremely comfortable. My wife and I were the only participants, so we had Mel’s complete and undivided attention. Wow! She provided fabulous historical descriptions at all of our stops. Our favorite was Ephesus. Also wanted to thank our driver Engin for keeping us safe. Highly recommended!
Thank you Nagi
Chris C,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nagi was such a gracious host and my apologies for taking so long to post this review… certainly Ephesus was one of the major highlights of our trip and Nagi made it so much more enjoyable and informative.
She was great. Very...
Shelly S,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00She was great. Very informative and just an overall great guide. I would love to get her name as we have some friends going and they would like to book her.
A wonderful Ephesus Tour
Passport36689407957,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are a group of 12 persons, joined a private tour when the cruise arrived at Kusadasi. Nora, our local guide, a beautiful lady, led us to visit Virgin Mary House, then to Ephesus ancient city. After that, visit leather factory to see a fashion show, during which, we were very exciting as we had a chance to act as model. After a delicious lunch, we visited St. Jean Basilica. Lastly, Nora brought us to a souvenir shop for selecting our gift. Throughout the journey, we were very satisfied with Nora's working attitude. She is a well experienced guide as she explaines in detail about each view point. She is also a thoughtful and considerate person, as she will let us know the routing and ask us whether someone is vegetarian beforehand. On the whole, Nora deserves a credit with her work.
Our best tour
Chris C,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nagi is the best tour guide we’ve had in the four cruises my son and I have taken together. We had this particular tour on October 30th. We learned so much from her and enjoyed the incredible lunch as well.
wonderful experience!!!
valerie7179,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The entire day was amazing, but I think Ephesus was the best! had no idea it was that big, very similar to Pompei but in my opinion, better! our Guide Nage was one of the best guides we have ever had, anywhere!!! 5 Stars! Dale and Val Claussen
Ephesus was amazing !
Marysue D,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a very personal tour conducted by a great driver. Selin was very knowledgeable and listen to our questions at all times about the tour . Enjoyed the house of Mary but was kind of disappointed we didn’t go to Saint Paul’s grave. Could’ve not have gone to the shops but I did enjoy the leather shop and the fashion show with it. The restaurant we went to was very authentic and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Knowledgeable and friendly
jerseygirl0303,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our little group loved this tour. Nagi reached out to me the morning of our tour asking if we would be open to starting earlier than planned due to the high volume of traffic that would be visiting the sites that day (there were more than 3 cruise ships docked). It worked out perfectly because we were able to get into the House of the Virgin Mary in less than 10 minutes but as we were leaving the line was so long that she said they would have a 90 minute wait to get in. This was the case with all the sites we visited - as we were leaving the tour buses were just arriving. She was extremely engaging and very knowledgeable during the entire trip. And I can't forget to mention Mehmet, the driver. He expertly navigated the roads and knew exactly where to pull over to get the best views. Thank you both for such a wonderful afternoon.
Ehpesus ancient ruins tour with Nagi
Cruiser598351,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kusadasi was a cruise stop for us, so we only had a half-day to explore the major sites in this area. This tour provided an outstanding overview of the significant historical sites in Ephesus. Our guide Nagi was extremely informative and provided a wealth of information about the different sites we visited. Walking among the ancient ruins was surreal and we highly recommend this tour to get a very good overview of the history of Ephesus and the surrounding area.
Great tour!
Maria U,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour and friendly guide Tas, very helpful driver Boss. Tour covered all what was in the itinerary and finished on time as per our request.
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