Ephesus Day Tours Day Tour · 8h

Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary: Full Day from Kuşadası

Ephesus 08:30 – 16:30 Cultural Max 16 people
Price on request Free, no-obligation quote
Private vehicle
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Pickup from your hotel in Kuşadası (or from the port or airport, by arrangement)

About This Tour

The great visit of the Aegean coast, with the time Ephesus deserves. We start at the House of the Virgin Mary, high on Mount Bülbül: Christian tradition holds that the apostle John brought Mary here after the death of Jesus, and today it is a place of pilgrimage recognised by the Vatican.

Then we head down to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved excavations in the world: the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian and the façade of the Library of Celsus, the image everyone recognises. The Great Theatre, where St Paul preached, held 24,000 people; we leave along the Arcadian Way, the colonnaded avenue where Mark Antony and Cleopatra paraded.

After lunch, the İsa Bey Mosque and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: four times the size of the Parthenon, and so rich with pilgrims' offerings that it served as the world's first bank. Today a single column still stands, and your guide tells you why.

Hour-by-Hour Itinerary

08:30

Pickup from your hotel

We meet you in the lobby with a sign bearing your name and set off for Mount Bülbül.

30 min
09:15

House of the Virgin Mary

A small stone house where tradition places the last years of Mary's life, in a forest 9 km from Ephesus. A place of pilgrimage recognised by the Vatican and also visited by Muslims.

Read more about House of the Virgin Mary 45 min
10:15

Ephesus, the ancient city

A two-hour walk through one of the most impressive excavations in the world: the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Arcadian Way.

Read more about Ephesus, the ancient city 120 min
12:45

Buffet lunch

Lunch at a local restaurant, included in the price.

60 min
14:00

İsa Bey Mosque

One of the oldest Seljuk mosques in Anatolia (1375), built with columns reused from Ephesus, at the foot of Ayasuluk Hill.

30 min
14:45

Temple of Artemis

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, four times the size of the Parthenon. Today a single column still stands: your guide explains its size, its wealth and why it disappeared.

Read more about Temple of Artemis 30 min

Included

  • Licensed guide throughout the tour
  • All entrance tickets to the sites in the programme
  • Air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
  • Buffet lunch
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel

Not Included

  • Drinks with lunch
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Entrance tickets to sites not listed in the programme

Important Information

Daily departures all year round, with pickup from your hotel at the time given.
Shared group with other travellers; the guide speaks English throughout the day.
The order of the visits may change depending on traffic and crowds, without dropping any stop.

Interested in This Tour?

Message me and I'll confirm availability within an hour. I can also adapt it to suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary: Full Day from Kuşadası” include?

It includes: Licensed guide throughout the tour; All entrance tickets to the sites in the programme; Air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver; Buffet lunch; Pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Not included: Drinks with lunch; Tips and personal expenses; Entrance tickets to sites not listed in the programme.

What time does it start and how long does it last?

The tour starts at 08:30 and lasts about 8 hours. Meeting point: Pickup from your hotel in Kuşadası (or from the port or airport, by arrangement).

Is it a private or a shared tour?

This is a small-group tour shared with other English-speaking travellers (maximum 16 people); the guide speaks English throughout the day. If you would prefer a private version, mention it when you request a quote.

Can I book for tomorrow?

Yes, subject to availability. We recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance to secure your date, but we can often arrange last-minute tours.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. The price is confirmed in a free, no-obligation quote before you book.

Is it suitable for children?

Of course. The guide adapts the pace and explanations for families. Young children get free or reduced entry at many sites in Türkiye; the age limit varies from one site to another.

Get a quote

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