Private Ephesus Tour with St. John Basilica, Artemission and Lunch
Walk ancient marble streets, visit a wonder of the world, and share it only with the people you choose.
This private Ephesus tour from Kusadasi takes you through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, combining Ephesus with the sacred ruins of St. John Basilica and the legendary site of the Temple of Artemis, all within a flexible five-hour private itinerary that includes lunch.
Ephesus was among the most significant port cities of the ancient world, serving as a hub of commerce, culture, and religion at the crossroads of East and West. Today its marble-paved avenues, monumental facades, and layered history make it one of Turkey's most visited and most rewarding archaeological destinations.
Because this tour is private, your group sets the pace. You can linger at the Library of Celsus, request additional time at the Grand Theater, or pause for photographs wherever the light and the ruins invite it. There are no other travelers to coordinate with and no fixed group rhythm to follow.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century A.D. as a memorial to the Roman proconsul Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus.
Walk through the Temple of Hadrian and the Baths of Scholastica along Ephesus's remarkably intact marble street.
Stand inside the Grand Theater, originally built in the 3rd century B.C. and later expanded by Romans to seat 24,000 spectators.
Visit St. John Basilica, built on Ayosolug Hill where the Apostle John is believed to have been buried after his final years near Ephesus.
Stop at the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and an enduring symbol of Ionian civilization.
Travel exclusively with your own group and benefit from a professional private guide from pickup to drop-off.
Enjoy a included lunch during the tour, giving your group a comfortable break between the archaeological sites.
Itinerary
Your private guide meets you at Kusadasi port or your hotel lobby holding a sign with your name, at the pre-arranged departure time. A 20-minute drive brings your group to the Ephesus archaeological area.
Enter one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League and walk its marble-paved streets past the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. The Grand Theater, a vast Roman-era venue that once held 24,000 spectators, is among the most striking structures on the site. Optional Terrace Houses can be added for an extra entrance fee paid on site.
Your group stops for an included lunch, offering a comfortable pause between the morning at Ephesus and the afternoon visits.
Drive to Ayosolug Hill where the Basilica of St. John stands on the site traditionally associated with the burial of the Apostle John. The ruins convey the scale and spiritual importance of this early Christian monument.
Stop at the ancient site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a single column marks the original footprint today, the context your guide provides brings its former grandeur into clear perspective.
The route back passes by Gazibegendi Park, offering a panoramic view over Kusadasi and the cruise terminal. Your guide drops you off at your hotel or the town center near the port.
What Is Included
Included
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to Ephesus ancient city
- Entrance fees to St. John Basilica
- Stop at the Temple of Artemis site
Not Included
- Terrace Houses entrance fee (optional, paid on site)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Ephesus Experience
Secure your date and departure time for this private tour. Your guide, vehicle, and lunch are all arranged once your booking is confirmed.
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