Magnesia, House of Virgin Mary & Ephesus Day Tour

Highlights of the Magnesia, Virgin Mary & Ephesus Day Tour

Discover three of the Aegean's most rewarding sites on this private full-day tour from Kusadasi. You begin at the ancient city of Magnesia on the Meander, founded by the Greek Magnetes of Thessaly and home to the best-preserved stadium in Anatolia — a quieter, atmospheric ruin away from the crowds. From there you continue to the House of the Virgin Mary near Selcuk, the peaceful hillside shrine where, according to tradition, Mary came with St John around 37 A.D. and lived until her death, today one of the most important biblical pilgrimage sites in Türkiye.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Kuşadası

Cruise passengers docking in Kuşadası can book the Magnesia, House of Virgin Mary & Ephesus Day Tour as a convenient Kuşadası shore excursion during their port call. With a private vehicle and guide, the day is timed to your ship’s arrival and departure, so you can enjoy the sights without worrying about the all-aboard deadline. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Just tell us the ship and the day it calls at Kuşadası — we take care of the rest.

Day Trip to Kuşadası from the Greek Islands (Samos and Patmos)

The Magnesia, House of Virgin Mary & Ephesus Day Tour is also arranged for visitors coming over from Samos or Patmos for the day. Catch the early ferry to Kuşadası (from Samos the ferry takes 45 minutes; from Patmos the ferry takes about 3 hours) and you will be back on the island the same evening. Our team welcomes you at the Kuşadası ferry port and makes sure the day ends in time for your return crossing. For longer itineraries we check the ferry timetable first and confirm that the full programme fits your day. Please bring your passport and check the Turkish entry requirements for your nationality before travelling.

The tour then takes in a panoramic view of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, where your guide explains the Grand Theatre in which St Paul preached, the celebrated Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Roman Baths, Marble Street, the Agora and the remarkable Terrace Houses with their mosaics and frescoes. A traditional Turkish lunch is included, along with a visit to a local handicrafts cooperative (no obligation to buy). With a private vehicle, a licensed English-speaking guide, all taxes, parking and entrance fees arranged, it is a rich blend of ancient history, faith and Aegean scenery.