Cruise port to House of the Virgin Mary
Meryemana — believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary — sits in the hills above Ephesus. 40 minutes from the cruise port, recognised by Pope Paul VI, peaceful even on busy days.
The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana Evi) is a small stone chapel in the wooded hills 9km above Ephesus. Catholic tradition holds that Mary spent her final years here under the care of John the Apostle, and the site was formally recognised by Pope Paul VI in 1967 (later visited by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis). It remains one of Turkey's most-visited Christian pilgrimage sites.
From Kusadasi cruise port the drive takes 40 minutes via a winding mountain road. We do it as a private round-trip transfer: pickup at the gangway, drop at the chapel car park, driver waits 90 minutes free (the site is small — that's plenty for the chapel, the wishing wall, the holy spring), brings you back.
Flat rate: sedan €45 (3 pax), van €65 (7 pax), minibus €90 (12 pax). Includes English-speaking driver. Excludes Meryemana entrance (€10 in 2026, paid at the gate) and any donations.
Most cruise visitors combine this with Ephesus on the same trip — €10 extra and 1 hour added. Driver does the Ephesus → Meryemana drive (10 minutes uphill) without an additional charge. Book via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked
Is the chapel actually open for visitors?
Yes — open daily 08:30–18:00 (winter), 08:00–19:00 (summer). It's a working pilgrimage site with daily masses (check the schedule on site for English-language services). Quiet behaviour and modest dress expected inside the chapel; shoulders and knees covered.
Can I combine Meryemana with Ephesus in one shore call?
Yes — most cruise visitors do. Ephesus first (2.5 hours), then 10-minute uphill drive to Meryemana (1 hour), back to port. Total ~5 hours including transfers. Add €10 to either the Ephesus or Meryemana flat rate. Tell us in the WhatsApp message.
Is there anywhere to eat or rest nearby?
There's a basic café at the Meryemana entrance (drinks, simple sandwiches) and clean toilets. For a proper lunch we recommend the Selçuk town centre on the way back — 15 min downhill, plenty of good kebab places (€8–12 meal).
Book your Meryemana pilgrimage transfer
WhatsApp us your ship and docking time. We pick up at the gangway and have you back before all-aboard.