Private Ephesus, St. John Basilica and the House of Virgin Mary with Lunch
Walk through centuries of history at one of Turkey's most celebrated ancient sites, accompanied by a dedicated private guide and a traditional Turkish lunch.
This private Ephesus tour from Kusadasi brings together the most significant historical and spiritual landmarks of the Aegean coast in a single, well-organized full-day experience. A professional guide, private air-conditioned transportation, and a sit-down kebap lunch are all included.
The itinerary covers the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary in the Aladag Mountains, St. John's Basilica on Ayasolug Hill, and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Because this is a private tour, the schedule and pace are flexible and can be adjusted to your group's interests.
Guests are collected directly from their Kusadasi hotel or the cruise port, making logistics straightforward for both independent travelers and cruise passengers with limited time ashore. The entire experience is designed so that no time is spent waiting for other groups or following a rigid timetable.
Tour Highlights
Explore the marble-paved streets of ancient Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theatre, which once seated 24,000 spectators.
Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a recognized Catholic pilgrimage site declared sacred by the Archbishop of Izmir in 1892 and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967.
Walk the grounds of St. John's Basilica, where the evangelist is believed to have been buried on the southern slope of Ayasolug Hill.
See the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now marked by a single standing column amid excavated ruins.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch featuring kebap, mezes, and salad at a local restaurant, with soft drinks included.
Travel in a brand-new, air-conditioned private minibus with hotel or port pickup and drop-off included.
Benefit from a professional private guide throughout the entire tour, with the flexibility to linger at sites that matter most to your group.
Itinerary
Your private guide meets you at the arranged location with a name sign. A short two-minute drive brings you to the Ephesus entrance area.
Walk along marble streets past the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre. Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League and a major trade hub on the western coast of Asia Minor.
Located five miles from Ephesus in the Aladag Mountains, this site is believed to be where Mary lived from 37 AD until her death in 48 AD. It has been an official pilgrimage destination since 1892.
A sit-down lunch at a local restaurant includes kebap, mezes, salad, and soft drinks. This is a full meal, not a quick stop.
Visit the basilica built over the believed burial site of the evangelist St. John, then stop at the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the ancient world's most celebrated structures.
Your driver returns you to the Kusadasi city center or cruise port at the conclusion of the tour.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional private tour guide for the full duration
- Private air-conditioned minibus with driver
- Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off
- Traditional Turkish kebap lunch with mezes, salad, and soft drinks
- Flexible itinerary and customizable pace
Not Included
- Entrance fees to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St. John's Basilica, and Temple of Artemis
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses and alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Secure your private guide, transportation, and lunch for a full day exploring Ephesus and its surrounding historic sites. Groups of all sizes are welcome.
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