Private
Private: Ephesus + Virgin Mary
5–5.5 h
390 €$449 ≤15
Private tour
Private tour: Ephesus, the Virgin Mary & the Basilica of St John
The complete Christian-heritage route of Ephesus, privately: the shrine, the ancient city and the tomb of the Apostle John.
- 5–5.5 h
- Private, up to 15 guests
- Back 1 h before sailing
Three places, one story: the house where tradition places Mary, the city where Paul preached, and the basilica guarding John’s tomb. Privately, at the pace a day like this deserves.
Who is this tour for?
Pilgrims, parish groups and travellers of faith, and lovers of Byzantine history who want to go beyond the standard cruise circuit. It’s the most complete religious route possible in a Kusadasi port call.
What makes it different
The Basilica of St John is the great absentee of group tours; here it’s the centrepiece. No commercial stops, a guide fluent in the Christian history of Asia Minor, and our standing ship guarantees: back 1 hour before sailing, 100% refund if the call is cancelled.
Itinerary
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Port pickup
Your guide and vehicle ready as you step off the ship.
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House of the Virgin Mary Ticket €15
The Vatican-recognised shrine, early and uncrowded. The private vehicle gets you there before the cruise buses arrive.
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Ancient city of Ephesus Ticket €40 (includes the Experience Museum)
Where St Paul preached: the Great Theatre of the Acts of the Apostles, the Library of Celsus and the marble streets.
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Basilica of St John Ticket €6
The tomb of the Apostle John and the Byzantine basilica above it, overlooking Selçuk fortress. Few cruise tours make it here: it's the day's crowning stop.
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Temple of Artemis Free entry
The ancient wonder, at the basilica's feet.
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Return to the port
1 hour before sailing, guaranteed.
What's included in the price?
| Included | Not included |
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Practical information
| Meeting point | Ada Pier Lounge, inside the Cruise Plaza at Kusadasi port. You find us on your way from the ship to the exit, without leaving the port area; we send the exact location by WhatsApp. |
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| Back to your ship | Always at least 1 hour before the published sailing time. |
| Paying the balance | On tour day, in euros or dollars, cash or card. |
| Entrance tickets | Paid separately on tour day (prices in the box). The Ephesus ticket office doesn't take euro cash: our team handles your tickets so you never queue. |
| Footwear | Ephesus has ancient marble streets: wear comfortable shoes with good grip. |
Photos from our travellers
Real moments from groups who took this tour with us.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Basilica of St John missing from most cruise tours?
Because group itineraries prioritise commercial stops. Privately we have the time: the basilica is 5 minutes from Artemis, holds the apostle's tomb and completes the Christian story that begins at the Virgin Mary's House.
Can we attend Mass?
The House of the Virgin Mary holds regular Masses; if your port call aligns, we plan the visit around the celebration. For pilgrimage groups travelling with their own priest, contact us in advance on WhatsApp.
What time do we reach the House of the Virgin Mary?
First thing in the morning, and that is the private advantage: you leave the ship without waiting for anyone and reach the shrine before the waves of cruise excursion buses, while you can still hear the silence and the mountain air is cool. Our group tours visit in the afternoon, after the buses have gone; the morning at the shrine belongs to private tours.
How long a port call do we need for this private tour?
From 7 hours 15 minutes in port, counting 45 minutes to disembark and meet and the return 1 hour before sailing. The House of the Virgin Mary comes first thing and the Basilica of St John is five minutes from the Temple of Artemis, so the programme fits in 5 to 5.5 hours.
Are there shopping stops?
No commercial stops, like all our private tours. It is a purely historical and religious route; if you would like bazaar time at the end, we adjust on the spot.
How much walking?
Ephesus is about 2 km downhill; the shrine and basilica are short, level visits. The vehicle drops you at each entrance, a gentle route for older travellers too.
What do entries cost?
€61 per person in total (€40 Ephesus with museum + €15 Virgin Mary + €6 St John), paid on tour day, cash or card. The private tour is €390 per group with a €39 deposit.
What languages are available?
English, Spanish or Portuguese, as you choose: state your preference when booking.
Why book direct
- No commercial stops: no outlet and no fashion show on private tours.
- Book with just €39 / $45 per group: pay the rest on tour day, cash or card.
- If your ship doesn't reach Kusadasi, you get 100% back. No arguments.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Meeting point inside the port: Ada Pier Lounge, in the Cruise Plaza, at our own welcome desk.
- Every departure is timed to your ship's actual schedule: you're back at least 1 hour before sailing.
Other tours from Kusadasi port
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With the village of Şirince
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In a group, priced per person
Useful reading: The House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus
Not sure which one fits your port call? See which tour matches your ship's hours.
390 €$449 ≤15
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