Kusadasi Biblical Ephesus Sightseeing Shore Excursion

Description

• Licensed English-speaking guide (certified by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism)!
• Comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with a professional driver!
• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary on the scenic Solmissos Mountains!
• Guided walk through the ancient city of Ephesus, as well as the Celsus Library, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, and more!
• Explore the Basilica of St. John with stunning views over Selçuk!
• Cultural stop at a traditional village to witness authentic carpet weaving!
• Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the women’s cooperative!

Your guide will be waiting to greet you at the port for a warm welcome before beginning your journey to the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled atop the beautiful Solmissos Mountains—believed to be where Mary spent her final days.

From there, you’ll head to the ancient city of Ephesus for a guided downhill walk through its remarkably preserved ruins. Highlights include the Bouleuterion, Temple of Domitian, Hercules Gate, Temple of Hadrian, the iconic Celsus Library, and the impressive Great Theater.

Next, visit the Basilica of St. John in the historic town of Selçuk, where you'll admire the elegant surviving columns and take in stunning views of the old town.

To complete your cultural experience, enjoy a visit to a traditional teaching village, where local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of handwoven carpets and rugs, keeping centuries-old techniques alive.

What is included?

• Licensed English-speaking guide (certified by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism).
• Comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with a professional driver.
• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary on the scenic Solmissos Mountains.
• Guided walk through the ancient city of Ephesus, as well as the Celsus Library, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, and more.
• Explore the Basilica of St. John with stunning views over Selçuk.
• Cultural stop at a traditional village to witness authentic carpet weaving.
• Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the women’s cooperative.

Excursion Notes

• As you may be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered for men and women.
• We suggest you have cash on hand for the entrance fee, refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• There will be about a 2 km walk on marble ground in Ephesus, so sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended, along with sun protection.
• This excursion 
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion; no refund will be granted if requirements are not met.
• Please note that the entrance fees are not included in the price: Virgin Mary – $15, Ancient City of Ephesus – $45, and Basilica of St. John – $8. These costs are per person.

Where we meet

For this Kusadasi Biblical Ephesus Sightseeing Shore Excursion, you will meet at your Kusadasi (Ephesus) cruise ship terminal. All necessary information will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces, some on inclines at most stops.
• There are steps required to enter several of the sites, as well as steep curbs in some areas.
• This excursion involves a lot of walking, so it is NOT suitable for guests with walking difficulties.
• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.