4-Hour Small Group Tour to Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis (Max. 10 Guests)

Ege Ports - Your tour guide will greet you at the Kusadasi Cruise Terminal with a sign displaying your name. After introductions, you will be driven to the House of Virgin Mary as the first stop.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The initial stop is the House of Virgin Mary. According to the Bible, Jesus entrusted his mother to his beloved disciple, St. John the Evangelist. Following Jesus’ crucifixion, St. John and Mary fled Jerusalem due to the persecution of early Christians and settled in Ephesus, where Mary spent her final years.

Ancient City of Ephesus - Next, explore the renowned ancient city of Ephesus, walking through history along marble streets lined with remarkable public buildings. Notable sites include The State Agora, Odeon, Memnius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, Polio Fountain, Curetes Street, The Trajan Fountain, The Baths of Scholastica, Hadrian Temple, Latrina, Celcus Library, the Gate of Mihridates and Mazues, Commercial Agora, and The Grand Theater. The Grand Theater, originally built in the 3rd century B.C., was expanded by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. to accommodate 24,000 spectators.

The Temple of Artemis - The tour concludes with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Dedicated to the Greek fertility goddess Artemis, the temple was constructed in the 3rd century B.C. Its immense size and status as the first temple made of marble earned it a place among the seven wonders, as noted by the Greek poet Antipater.

Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park - Return to the Kusadasi town center through Gazibegendi Park.

Ege Ports - Arrive at the town center where the Kusadasi cruise port is located.

8-Hour Istanbul Group Tour with TRAM (Max. 10 Guests) - Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar

Galataport Istanbul - Meet your local tour guide in front of the Istanbul Galata Port Terminal Building, holding a sign with your name. Walk 200 meters to Tophane Tram Station and take the tram to the Sultanahmet area, a journey of about 20 minutes.

Hippodrome - Begin the walking tour at Hippodrome Square, the former center of sporting and political activities in Constantinople.

Blue Mosque - The next stop is the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s largest mosques, showcasing 17th-century architecture. It is renowned for its blue tiles and six minarets, adorning Istanbul’s skyline.

Topkapi Palace - A short walk leads to Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative and educational center of the state. Constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, the tour includes a visit to the weapons section.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Following Topkapi Palace, visit Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine Church, considered one of the finest and largest architectural masterpieces in the world.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit:
Live guiding is not permitted in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests must use smartphones and headphones during their visit. Headphones can be purchased at the entrance for 3.5 USD if needed. The system functions similarly to an audio guide. Guests without smartphones can follow the signs and information provided.

Kapali Carsi - The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, featuring over 58 covered streets and more than 1,200 shops. Attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpets.

Galataport Istanbul - After completing the tour, walk to Sultanahmet Tram Station to catch the tram back to Tophane Tram Station. After disembarking, walk approximately 200 meters back to the port, marking the end of services.

• Professional Licensed Tour guides in Ephesus and Istanbul for 2 days
• Guaranteed On Time Return to Port
• A/C transportation in Kusadasi
• TRAM tickets in Istanbul Tour

• Meals and drinks
• Personal Expenses & Tips for driver & guides and meals
• ENTRANCE FEES ( Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines )

Specifically crafted for Princess Cruise guests, this package includes two mini group tours (maximum of 10 participants). Enjoy a 4-hour tour of Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, and the Artemission Temple. Additionally, experience a 7-hour Istanbul Mini Group Tour using the TRAM, the most efficient mode of transport in Istanbul’s busy traffic.

• Small group size guarantees personalized service.
• Knowledgeable, amiable, and professional guide.
• Option for a private tour tailored for your family.

• At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
• In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during Religious Holidays will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
• Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.
• Not recommended for travelers with walking disabilities

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