Our most popular “Best of” program includes Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John.

Roman Catholic tradition states that St. John and the Virgin Mary moved to Ephesus, where they eventually died. This tour to Ephesus also includes visits to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.

After meeting your professional guide on the pier, your private Ephesus shore excursion begins with a drive to the House of the Virgin Mary, located in the hills above Ephesus. It is known with certainty that the Virgin Mary went to Ephesus and lived there for some time. The belief that she died in Ephesus was given merit with Anne Catherine Emmerich’s 1884 vision. The stigmatized German nun, who had never been to Ephesus, had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to German writer Clemens Brentano, who later published a book about it. In 1891 Paul, Superior of the Lazarists from Izmir, read about her vision and found a little building that corresponded with Emmerich’s descriptions. Archeological evidence showed the foundation to be from the 1st Century A.D., but the little house itself was from the 6th Century A.D. The site was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage.

From the house, you will travel down to the ancient city of Ephesus. Dating to more than 300 years B.C., the city has an incredible history. While walking through the sight, you can see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theater. It was in this theater that Paul preached to the Ephesians.

Your next stop is at the Basilica of St. John. It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and was buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of Saint Paul, a small chapel was constructed over the grave. The chapel was replaced with a marvelous basilica during the region of Emperor Justinian (527 -565 A.D.). The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Its construction, being of stone and brick, is an extremely rare find amongst the architecture of its time. Raised on two steps and covered with marble, the tomb of St. John was under the central dome.

You will then enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, returning to the town of Kusadasi, guests will have the option to end their tour in the shopping area where they can attend a Turkish carpet explanation and shop, explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherware, and copper goods, or both. Turkish salespeople expect you to haggle and quite often you can get 10-15% off the listed price. Treat it as an adventure. The cruise pier is a 5-10 minute walk from the main shopping area.

Travelers often think of Kusadasi as a gateway to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, one of the top attractions in Turkey. But for travelers willing to take a closer look at the town, there’s a treasure trove of activities and sights. On this Kusadasi walking tour, you’ll discover the depth of this town and get lost in its culture and history.

After meeting your guide at the port, you’ll take a brief waterfront walk toward Pigeon Island. On this island, you’ll see the Byzantine Castle up close. Resting on sharp rocks, the castle once served as a checkpoint for battles. Since then, its violent history has given way to calmer surroundings; you’ll now find cafes, restaurants and other charming venues nearby.

During this tour, you’ll also get to explore the city center and admire local art at the Ibramaki Art Gallery, a historic structure originally built as a hospital. Other fun experiences on this tour include a Turkish bath and lunch, the latter of which is comprised of area fare to give you a true taste of the town. When you do make your way back to the meeting point, you can expect to pass by mosques and other beautiful structures. At the end of the tour, you can choose to remain downtown or return to the ship (just a stone’s throw away).

Experience the best Ephesus has to offer on this comprehensive full day guided tour. This Kusadasi shore excursion takes you to the most noteworthy and popular destinations available. Learn about Ephesus’s stunning history, visit incredible landmarks, and enjoy local cuisine before visiting a popular shopping area to witness a carpet demonstration. This Kusadasi guided tour is ideal for history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for an immersive cultural experience at a low price.

Begin your professionally guided tour of Ephesus with a comfortable 30 minute drive to The House of the Virgin Mary. Learn the spectacular story behind this historic structure, discovered in the 19th century following reported visions by a Catholic nun who had never seen the building. A book was published after her death, and years later her descriptions were followed, leading to the prominent site being discovered. The building became an officially declared holy shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896 and has developed into a popular place of pilgrimage, receiving visits from several popes. Check out the “Wishing Wall,” a noteworthy spot where pilgrims have tied their personal wishes, dreams, and goals on paper or fabric to a scenic wall.

From The House of the Virgin Mary, travel to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible history. Built in the 10th century BC, this ancient city contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. Famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this destination has plenty of sights to offer the eager eye. Pass by the Library of Celsus, built in 125 AD, where an extravagant entrance once lead to nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Another highlight is The Baths of Scholastica, an area used by former citizens to bathe, socialize, and discuss current events and important daily topics. The most grandiose attraction in Ephesus is The Great Theater, a massive 25,000 seat venue. Sixty rows of seats spanning three sections face a striking 60 foot stage. The theater was once used for concerts and plays as well as religious, political, and philosophical discussions. Most interestingly, gladiator and animal fights were also held there. Enjoy a few other notable highlights before moving forward with your tour.

The next stop on your Kusadasi guided tour is The Basilica of St. John, a marvelous church built in the 6th century AD. It is speculated the evangelist St. John spent his last living years around Ephesus and was buried on a nearby hill. Three hundred years after his death, a small chapel was constructed over his grave. Several hundred years after that, Emperor Justinian transformed that small chapel into a marvelous Basilica. Built almost entirely of brick and stones, the structure is an extremely rare find among the architecture of its time. Six beautiful domes cover the cruciform-style building, making this a stunning photogenic landmark.

Up next on your tour is the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Two divided sections in this museum (archaeological and ethnographical) contain interesting artifacts from the Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman time periods. Discover magnificent coins and sculptures, elegant mosaics, and numerous statues of Mother Goddess Artemis.

After the museum, head to the Ephesus Park for a savory lunch, which is included in your tour price. Enjoy a mixture of hot and cold appetizers, seasonal salads, a main course, and Turkish pastries with dessert and fresh fruit. Water, tea, and coffee are also provided. Additional snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the Ephesus Park.

Your comprehensive Kusadasi guided tour closes with a return trip to your starting point. You have the option to end your tour in a vibrant shopping area, where an interesting Turkish carpet demonstration takes place. Additionally, you can explore the variety of shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherwear, and copper goods. If you prefer to return to your port instead of remaining in the shopping area, advise your professional guide, and you will be returned directly to your port.