Biblical Ephesus with Bible Oriented Guide & Lunch NO HIDDEN FEES

Explore the Biblical Wonders of Ephesus for $118.15 per Person

This private tour through Ephesus offers a personalized experience led by a Bible-oriented guide. For $118.15, travelers enjoy all entrance fees included, a delicious Turkish lunch, and comfortable A/C transportation. The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, with the flexibility to choose a departure time and spend as much time as desired at each site.

Meeting points are convenient, with pickup offered at Kusadasi port or hotels, and the tour is designed to be intimate and informative. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in biblical history and wanting a stress-free, all-inclusive experience. The high rating of 5.0 from 32 reviews underscores its popularity, especially among visitors seeking a comprehensive and personalized exploration of Ephesus and its sacred sites.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour led by a Bible-oriented licensed guide
• Includes all entrance fees and a Turkish lunch with mezes, salad, chicken shish, and meatballs
• Stops at key biblical sites: Virgin Mary’s House, St. John’s Basilica, and the Artemis Temple
• Departure from Kusadasi can be scheduled at your convenience
• Comfortable A/C transportation with parking fees covered
• No hidden costs, with a full refund possible if canceled 24 hours in advance

Pickup and Drop-off at Kusadasi Port or Hotel

The tour begins with a personalized pickup at Kusadasi port or your hotel, with the guide holding a sign with your name. This easy start ensures smooth logistics, so you’re ready to begin your journey into biblical Ephesus. The driver and guide work together to provide prompt service and a comfortable ride to the archaeological sites.

After the tour, you are dropped back at your original pickup point or at Kusadasi’s town center, where you can enjoy last-minute shopping or further exploration. This flexible pickup/drop-off arrangement makes it ideal for cruise travelers or those staying locally.

Discovering the Ancient City of Ephesus

The highlight of the tour is the Ancient City of Ephesus, which takes approximately 2 hours. As one of Turkey’s most celebrated archaeological sites, it was a major port city and a center of trade in ancient times. The guide will lead you through marble streets lined with public buildings, including the Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century AD as a memorial, and the Baths of Scholastica.

Visitors can admire the Temple of Hadrian and other remarkable ruins, gaining insights into how the city functioned during its peak. The skip-the-line tickets provided by the guide ensure that visitors avoid long queues, making the most of their time exploring the well-preserved structures and scenic vistas.

Visiting Meryemana, the House of Virgin Mary

A key highlight is the House of Virgin Mary, located about 5 miles from Ephesus on the Aladag Mountains. Historically significant, this site is believed to be where Mary lived during her final years, after arriving with St. John in 37 A.D. The archbishop of Izmir declared it a pilgrimage site in 1892, and it has since drawn many visitors.

The visit lasts about 1 hour and includes walking around the small, serene shrine, which has been visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967. The setting offers a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to reflect on biblical events associated with Mary.

Lunch: A Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine

Included in the tour is a delicious Turkish lunch served on-site, featuring 4 kinds of mezes, salad, chicken shish, meatballs, and fresh fruit. This authentic meal provides a welcome break after exploring the sites, offering a taste of local flavors in a comfortable setting. The lunch is part of the all-inclusive package, with no extra charges.

The meal is designed to meet the needs of most guests and complements the spiritual and historical journey with a cultural culinary experience.

Visiting the Basilica of Saint John

Next, the tour takes you to the Basilica of Saint John, believed to be the burial site of St. John. The evangelist is thought to have spent his last years nearby, and the basilica stands on the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill.

This site is a significant religious landmark, with its 45-minute visit providing an opportunity to see the remains of the basilica, which still hold an aura of historical reverence. The admission is included, and the guide explains its biblical and archaeological importance.

Viewing the Temple of Artemis

Before returning to Kusadasi, a brief 15-minute stop at the Temple of Artemis offers a chance to see the site of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Though only a few ruins remain today, standing amidst the sparse remains provides a tangible connection to ancient history.

This free stop allows visitors to snap photos and ponder the temple’s past grandeur, making it a fitting final site for a biblically focused day.

Additional Stops and Final Moments

The tour includes a drive-by past Kusadasi and the Setur Marina, giving a scenic view of the modern seaside town. Afterward, visitors are returned to their initial pickup point or the city center for some last-minute shopping or personal exploration, with 15 minutes allocated for this.

This flexible ending ensures that guests can extend their day as they wish or prepare for their onward journey.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour unique is the combination of biblical sites, archaeological significance, and cultural experiences, all delivered by a Bible-oriented licensed guide. The all-inclusive price covers entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and guide service, offering excellent value compared to other tour options.

The personalized nature and flexibility to choose departure times appeal to travelers who prefer an unhurried, private experience. The positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides like Kerem and Ozzie, known for their engaging commentary and accommodating attitude.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour best suits visitors interested in biblical history, archaeology, or religious sites, seeking a comprehensive and relaxing day. It’s ideal for those who appreciate personalized attention and prefer to avoid crowded group tours. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as sites involve walking and some uneven surfaces.

Because the tour includes lunch and all entrance fees, it offers good value for a full-day experience. Its flexible schedule and private guide make it especially appealing for families or small groups wanting a customized tour.

The Sum Up: A Rich, Personalized Journey into Biblical Ephesus

This Biblical Ephesus tour provides a thorough exploration of the region’s most significant biblical sites, with the advantage of a private, personalized approach. The all-in-one package makes planning straightforward, and the knowledgeable guides ensure that the history and spiritual significance come alive.

While the itinerary is packed, the flexibility to spend more time at each site allows for a relaxed pace suited to those eager to learn and reflect. The inclusion of lunch and all entrance fees makes it a cost-effective option.

This tour offers a reliable, enriching experience for anyone interested in the biblical connections to Ephesus. It combines historical insight, spiritual significance, and cultural flavor into a memorable journey, perfect for both history buffs and faith-based travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven surfaces, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges.

Can I customize the departure time?
Yes, guests are free to choose their preferred departure time, adding flexibility to the schedule.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, all site entrance fees are pre-paid by the guide, ensuring no hidden costs or long lines.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features 4 kinds of Turkish mezes, salad, chicken shish, meatballs, and fruit.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on pacing and time spent at each site.

Is pickup offered from hotels?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at Kusadasi port or hotels are included in the tour package.

What is the maximum group size?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Who provides the tour?
The tour is operated by Ephesus Shuttle Private & Small Group Tours, known for their licensed guides and reliable service.

Is this tour more cost-effective than cruise shore tours?
Yes, the private rate offers a more reasonable alternative to group cruise excursions, with greater flexibility and personalization.