Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Embark on a journey through the spiritual and historical heart of Turkey with this Biblical Ephesus from Kusadasi. Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final days, offering a serene space for faith and reflection.
Walk the ancient streets of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached and wrote his epistles. Connect scripture to history as you explore the Great Theater and Public Agora, key locations in the spread of early Christianity. Visit the Basilica of St. John, built by Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Evangelist, showcasing its architectural magnificence dedicated to one of Christianity’s pivotal figures.
Conclude at the Temple of Artemis, a site where early Christians challenged pagan practices, underscoring the rise of Christianity in the region. With expert guidance, this tour provides a deep and enriching exploration of biblical history in Ephesus.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
MEETING POINT: Kusadasi Cruise Terminal for cruise passengers ---------------------------------- EXLUSIVE PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY - NO SHARING WITH OTHER GROUPS! ---------------------------------- Enjoy a personalized journey tailored to your party. Want to make it even more enjoyable? Invite friends or cruise travelers to join and explore Ephesus together on your terms with flexibility and comfort. ---------------------------------- FOR CRUISE GUEST! ---------------------------------- We highly recommend meeting at the port approximately 30 minutes after your ship docks to avoid crowds, and the afternoon heat. Meeting early ensures a more enjoyable and relaxed tour of Ephesus. ---------------------------------- WE GUARANTEE ON-TIME RETURN TO YOUR SHIP. ---------------------------------- ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE TOURS OVER GROUP OR BUS TOURS ---------------------------------- A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPURTUNITY: Your visit to Ephesus may be a unique experience. A private tour allows you to make the most of it with a personalized itinerary. ---------------------------------- FLEXIBLE AND PERSONALIZED SCHEDULE: Unlike group tours, private tours give you full control over what to see, when to start, and when to conclude. You set the pace, ensuring a tour tailored to your interests. ---------------------------------- DEDICATED ATTENTION: In private tours, the guide focuses entirely on you and your group, ensuring you don’t miss any fascinating details or key highlights. ---------------------------------- NO WAITING OR DELAYS: You won’t have to wait for large groups to gather or stop for unforeseen situations. Private tours keep the experience seamless and efficient. ---------------------------------- EXCLUSIVE COMFORT: Enjoy your own Van and expert local tour guide without the need to share with others. ---------------------------------- HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE: Your guide will handle tickets and entry arrangements, saving you time and effort while you focus on enjoying the ruins and museums. ---------------------------------- OPTIMAL LEARNING AND INTERACTION: Private tours provide better opportunities to ask questions, hear the guide clearly, and engage deeply with the history and culture of Ephesus.
Itinerary
-
1Kusadasi
Visit to Ephesus Travel Agency will warmly welcome cruise passengers at the port's main exit gate, holding a sign with your name, and hotel guests in their hotel lobby. After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon. Built around 650 BC on a site sacred to Cybele, the Anatolian Mother Goddess, it was financed by King of Lydia and engineered on marshy ground to prevent earthquake damage. In 41 BC, Cleopatra’s sister, Arsinoe IV, was murdered here under Mark Antony’s orders. Though only columns and ruins remain, the temple’s legacy rivals the grandeur of the Parthenon. Here you will unveil how Christianity has shaped different religion in the area.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, invites you to step back in time. Its ancient streets, still marked by chariot wheels, connect awe-inspiring landmarks. Marvel at the Great Theater, seating over 20,000 people, once echoing with gladiatorial battles and public events. Explore the Public Agora, where St. Paul preached and Anatolian handicrafts, celebrated for their quality, were traded. Stroll along Marble Street to the iconic Celsus Library, the ancient world’s third-largest library, renowned for its beautifully restored façade. Discover architectural gems like the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple—among the first temples dedicated to a human—and the Odeon, a venue for musical performances. Ephesus is a testament to the grandeur, innovation, and cultural richness of ancient civilizations, making it a must-visit destination in Turkey.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
4Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
The House of the Virgin Mary, located near Ephesus, is a revered Christian pilgrimage destination, believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final days and was assumed into heaven. According to tradition, Apostle John brought Mary to Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ, seeking refuge following the martyrdom of James and other apostles. Built on the foundation of her home, the church has been affirmed by visits from three popes: Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. Their gifts to the shrine, displayed as symbols of its sacred importance, underscore its spiritual significance. This tranquil site offers a profound connection to Christian history and faith, continuing to inspire devotion among pilgrims and visitors from around the globe.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5Basilica of St. John
In the early centuries A.D., St. John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus, dedicating his life to spreading Christianity and teaching the message of Jesus. After his exile on the island of Patmos, where he authored the Book of Revelation, St. John returned to Ephesus, where he passed away and was buried by his disciples on the southern slope of Ayasoluk Hill. In the 6th century A.D., Roman Emperor Justinian honored St. John by commissioning the construction of one of Christendom's largest basilicas, directly over his tomb. This magnificent structure featured grand domes and intricate mosaics, symbolizing the devotion of early Christians. The Basilica of St. John became a major pilgrimage site, drawing faithful visitors from around the world. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to the spiritual and architectural achievements of the Byzantine era.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Kusadasi
At the end of your tour, we will ensure your timely return to Kusadasi Cruise Port, well before your ship’s scheduled departure.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
