Private Ephesus Tour — Skip-the-Line & On-Time Return
Ephesus, the Terrace Houses and the Basilica of St. John with your own licensed guide — and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship.
total for 2 guests$180
Details
About This Tour
This is our most complete shore excursion — the tour we recommend if it is your first visit to Ephesus. After meeting your guide at the port exit, we drive to the ancient city and walk its full length: the Odeon, Curetes Street, the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Library of Celsus and the 24,000-seat Grand Theatre. Inside the Terrace Houses you will see the frescoes, mosaics and even the heating pipes of Ephesus's elite homes.
We then climb Bülbül (Nightingale) Mountain to the House of the Virgin Mary, the humble stone chapel where Mary is believed to have spent her final years. The shrine has been visited and blessed by Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, and remains one of the most moving pilgrimage sites in the Mediterranean.
A photo stop at the Temple of Artemis and a panoramic drive through Kusadasi complete the day, with an optional stop for authentic local lunch. As always, your return to the ship is coordinated with your onboard time and guaranteed.
What's Included
- Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary included in the route
- Licensed professional tour guide
- 100% private tour — only your own group
- Meet & greet at the port exit with your name sign
- Air-conditioned private vehicle with separate driver
- Port / hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Guaranteed on-time return to your ship — in writing
- All local taxes, parking fees and fuel
Not Included
- Entrance tickets to sites and museums
- Lunch, food and drinks (unless stated)
- Gratuities (optional, appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Private Tour Prices by Group Size
| Group Size | Total Price |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | $180 |
| 3 guests | $220 |
| 4-6 guests | $250 |
| 7-9 guests | $280 |
| 10-12 guests | $300 |
| 13-15 guests | $350 |
| 16+ guests | Contact us for a quote |
Prices are the total for your whole group — not per person. No prepayment: pay at the end of the tour, cash or card.
Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — Ephesus still has its original marble streets.
- The site is mostly open-air: bring a hat, sunscreen and water in summer.
- No prepayment — pay at the end of the tour, cash or card.
- Free cancellation with full refund if your ship cannot dock.
- The itinerary is flexible: pace and stops are adjusted to your group.
