Start with pickup at your Kusadasi accommodations or the cruise port (exact departure time depends on your schedule, and can be determined after booking), then travel to Ephesus in a private van.
The first stop of the day is the Ephesus Museum, which houses many of the artifacts that were excavated from the nearby city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with an extraordinary statue of Artemis that was found in the Temple of Artemis. After visiting the museum, pause for lunch in a local restaurant (own expense).
Continue to the Basilica of Saint John, built by Justinian I on the site where John the apostle is believed to have been buried, then drive to Mt. Koressos to see the House of the Virgin Mary. Tour the small stone home where Jesus’ mother is believed to have lived in her final years, along with a small shrine, and a wall where pilgrims leave folded prayers. If desired, you'll have the chance to learn about the history and craft of Turkish carpet production.
Travel even farther back in time at the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World that was destroyed by the Goths in 268 A.D. Following your visit to the Temple of Artemis, make the return trip to Kusadasi, where this tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or port.