Kuşadası in 1 Day for Seniors - Guided walk through Ephesus Ancient City (Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Curetes Street)
In Collaboration with Anatolia Expedition. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Private, Bible-oriented guided visit to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John with a traditional Turkish lunch and guaranteed return to Kusadası Cruise Port. Licensed English-speaking guide, skip-the-line access and private transport included. Stores to visit listed as carpet weaving village and leather factory as part of the local stops.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Anatolia Expedition, inspired by the tour BIBLE-ORIENTED Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided walk through Ephesus Ancient City (Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Curetes Street)
- Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana)
- Visit to the Basilica of St. John with panoramic viewpoints
- Traditional Turkish lunch in Selçuk (carpet-weaving village area)
- Private, comfortable transport with skip-the-line access and guaranteed return to port
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at the cruise terminal in Kuşadası and transfer to Ephesus for the guided tour, with visits to the House of the Virgin Mary, lunch in Selçuk (carpet-weaving village area), the Basilica of St. John and return to port. Schedule built for comfort and shorter walking segments.
Meet at Kuşadası Cruise Port & depart
Meet your private guide and vehicle at the Kuşadası cruise terminal. Brief orientation, confirm mobility needs and departure to Ephesus.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at the port exit area and look for the reservation name on the board as instructed by the operator.
- Have a small personal bag with essential items (water, medication); the guide can store larger items in the vehicle.
- If you need a lower step vehicle or assistance boarding, tell the guide immediately so they can make adjustments.
Transfer: Kuşadası → Ephesus (Selçuk)
Comfortable private transfer from the port to the Ephesus archaeological site. Short rest stops available on request.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive is roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic; use this time to sit, hydrate and store any large bags in the vehicle.
- If you experience motion sensitivity, request a front-seat and keep a window slightly open for ventilation.
- Confirm any mobility limitations with the driver so they can help with boarding and alighting.
Guided visit to Ephesus Ancient City
Walk through the well-preserved Roman city with your licensed English-speaking guide. Key stops include the Great Theatre, Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian and Curetes Street. Pace is adjusted for short walking segments and frequent seated stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Ephesus is uneven stone and has steps; use a walking stick or request a slower, shorter route from your guide if needed.
- There are shaded rest points near the theatre and library — pause regularly to sit and hydrate.
- Restroom facilities are at the main entrance; use them before starting the longer walking sections.
Visit: House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana)
Short drive to and a calm visit at the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos. The guide will share the site's religious history and provide time for quiet reflection.
Tips from local experts:
- The House of the Virgin Mary grounds are tranquil but can have inclines; wear supportive, slip-resistant shoes.
- Photography is allowed in the exterior areas; quiet behavior is appreciated inside the sanctuary for other visitors.
- There is limited seating inside the complex—if you need seating, ask the guide to arrange a brief rest before entering.
Traditional Turkish lunch in Selçuk (carpet-weaving village area)
Enjoy a relaxed Turkish lunch at a local venue in the Selçuk/carpet-weaving village area. Meal will include traditional dishes; seating and service paced for comfort.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform your guide of any dietary restrictions before the meal so the restaurant can accommodate them.
- Ask for a seat with back support and avoid long waits by requesting the meal to be served promptly.
- If you want to visit a short carpet workshop demonstration after lunch, tell the guide and they will arrange a brief, seated viewing.
Visit: Basilica of St. John (Ayios Ioannis)
Short visit to the Basilica of St. John, a 6th-century site associated with St. John the Apostle. The guide will provide historical context and point out accessible viewpoints and the courtyard.
Tips from local experts:
- The basilica site has archaeological uneven ground—use caution and request a shorter, less-stepped route if needed.
- There are viewpoints with seating in the courtyard; ask the guide to prioritize those for rest and photos.
- Carry a light jacket if the breeze is strong on elevated viewpoints; shade can be limited at the site.
Return transfer to Kuşadası Cruise Port
Private transfer back to Kuşadası Cruise Port with guaranteed on-time arrival for cruise departure. Vehicle will stop briefly if needed for restroom or comfort breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm with the guide the time you need to be back on the ship and keep any necessary documents or medications with you.
- If you require assistance with boarding the ship, ask the guide or driver to escort you to the port exit.
- Allow a short buffer in the vehicle for restroom or medication stops; the guide will manage timing to ensure on-time return.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal |
