• Kusadasi - Ephesus Travel Agency extends a warm welcome to cruise passengers at the port’s main exit gate, holding a sign with your name, and to hotel guests in their hotel lobby. After booking your tour, please reach out to our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Kusadasi Castle - As you pass by, take a moment to admire Kuşadası Castle, perched on Pigeon Island and surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea. Built during the Ottoman era for coastal defense, this historic fortress once protected the region from pirates and invaders, standing as a symbol of strength and resilience.

Today, Kuşadası Castle is a cherished landmark that offers visitors a fascinating look into the town’s maritime history. Its breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and sea make it a must-see destination for those exploring the charm and beauty of Kuşadası.

• Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI - As you pass through Kuşadası, uncover the rich history of the Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai, an Ottoman-era marvel built in 1618 as a vital trade hub for merchants traveling between the East and West. This impressive structure provided lodging and protection for traders and their goods, ensuring safe passage along bustling trade routes.

With its grand arched entrance, robust stone walls, and elegant Ottoman architectural design, the caravanserai symbolizes the role of trade in fostering cultural exchange and economic growth during the empire’s height. Today, it stands as a significant historic landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and Kuşadası’s heritage.

• Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, invites you to step back in time. Its ancient streets, still marked by chariot wheels, connect awe-inspiring landmarks. Marvel at the Great Theater, seating over 20,000 people, once echoing with gladiatorial battles and public events. Explore the Public Agora, where St. Paul preached and Anatolian handicrafts, celebrated for their quality, were traded.

Stroll along Marble Street to the iconic Celsus Library, the ancient world’s third-largest library, renowned for its beautifully restored façade. Discover architectural gems like the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple—among the first temples dedicated to a human—and the Odeon, a venue for musical performances.

Ephesus is a testament to the grandeur, innovation, and cultural richness of ancient civilizations, making it a must-visit destination in Turkey.

• Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary, located near Ephesus, is a revered Christian pilgrimage destination, believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final days and was assumed into heaven. According to tradition, Apostle John brought Mary to Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ, seeking refuge following the martyrdom of James and other apostles.

Built on the foundation of her home, the church has been affirmed by visits from three popes: Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. Their gifts to the shrine, displayed as symbols of its sacred importance, underscore its spiritual significance.

This tranquil site offers a profound connection to Christian history and faith, continuing to inspire devotion among pilgrims and visitors from around the globe.

• The Basilica of Saint John - In the early centuries A.D., St. John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus, dedicating his life to spreading Christianity and teaching the message of Jesus. After his exile on the island of Patmos, where he authored the Book of Revelation, St. John returned to Ephesus, where he passed away and was buried by his disciples on the southern slope of Ayasoluk Hill.

In the 6th century A.D., Roman Emperor Justinian honored St. John by commissioning the construction of one of Christendom’s largest basilicas, directly over his tomb. This magnificent structure featured grand domes and intricate mosaics, symbolizing the devotion of early Christians.

The Basilica of St. John became a major pilgrimage site, drawing faithful visitors from around the world. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to the spiritual and architectural achievements of the Byzantine era.

• The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon. Built around 650 BC on a site sacred to Cybele, the Anatolian Mother Goddess, it was financed by King of Lydia and engineered on marshy ground to prevent earthquake damage. In 41 BC, Cleopatra’s sister, Arsinoe IV, was murdered here under Mark Antony’s orders. Though only columns and ruins remain, the temple’s legacy rivals the grandeur of the Parthenon.

Here you will unveil how Christianity has shaped different religion in the area.

• Kusadasi Shopping Center - Discover the Best Traditional Handicrafts and Local Insights from Your Guide. Get expert tips from your local guide on must-see attractions, top-quality traditional handicrafts, safety advice, and insider recommendations for a hassle-free experience.
• Kusadasi - At the end of your tour, we will ensure your timely return to Kusadasi Cruise Port, well before your ship’s scheduled departure.

Important Note: With multiple cruise ships docking and departing at different times, we carefully monitor all schedules, confirm details with our guests, and coordinate return timings to guarantee a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Our tours promise an on-time return to your cruise ship, so you can explore with confidence and peace of mind.

• PRIVATE TOUR, ensures a more personalized and exclusive experience tailored to your preferences
• PROFESSIONAL, LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE, Authorized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture
• PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION, travel with separate driver in an air-conditioned, non-smoking van.
• CRUISE PORT / HOTEL PICK-UP & DROP-OFF, convenient service as detailed in the itinerary.
• LUNCH IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, Enjoy a peaceful meal with authentic flavors in a serene rural setting.
• PARKING FEES, all parking fees are included in the tour price, for your convenience
• TO SKIP TICKET LINES, ask your guide to arrange tickets; pay the fee in cash to your guide.
• GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN, ensuring cruise passengers return on time for their departure schedule.

• Gratuities for the guide and the driver
• Personal Expenses
• Beverages During Lunch
• Entrance Fees to the Museums and any Sites

Join a captivating exploration of Turkey’s spiritual and historical core with the Ephesus Bible Study Tour from Kusadasi. Start at the House of the Virgin Mary, a cherished Christian pilgrimage destination believed to be where Mary spent her last days, providing a peaceful setting for faith and contemplation.

Stroll through the ancient streets of Ephesus, where St. Paul delivered his sermons and penned his letters. Link scripture to history as you visit the Great Theater and Public Agora, significant sites in the early spread of Christianity. Explore the Basilica of St. John, constructed by Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Evangelist, highlighting its architectural splendor dedicated to one of Christianity’s key figures.

Finish at the Temple of Artemis, a location where early Christians opposed pagan rituals, highlighting the emergence of Christianity in the area. With expert guidance, this tour offers a profound and enriching journey into the biblical history of Ephesus.

• Optimize Your Cruise Tour Experience – Meet Your Guide at the Perfect Time! For cruise guests, we recommend meeting your guide at the port promptly for a seamless and enjoyable tour. If your ship arrives before 7:00 AM, plan to meet at 7:45 AM. For later arrivals, aim to meet 30–45 minutes after docking. This ideal timing helps you avoid crowds from other cruise ships, escape the midday heat, and enjoy your tour comfortably, as much of it takes place in open areas. Start your Tour stress-free and make the most of your visit!
• After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.