Daily Trip to House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Basilica of St.John

Explore Ephesus and Surroundings in One Convenient Day

This private full-day tour offers a seamless journey from Istanbul to the legendary sites of Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, and St. John’s Basilica for $112.65 per person. It features airport pickups, air-conditioned transportation, and skip-the-line tickets to ensure a smooth experience. The tour can depart from Istanbul, Bodrum, Kusadasi, or Selcuk, with durations ranging from 7 to 15 hours depending on the selected option, making it suitable for travelers with limited time but a strong desire to see these iconic destinations.

This tour excels in providing expert guidance and comfortable logistics, but it does involve some long drives, especially when departing from Istanbul. It is especially valuable for those interested in historical sites, religious landmarks, and cultural insights, with group discounts available for larger parties. A key highlight is the skip-the-line access, which helps make the most of your day at each location.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour from Istanbul, Bodrum, Kusadasi, or Selcuk to Ephesus and surrounding sites
• Includes airport pickups, air-conditioned transport, and lunch
• Skip-the-line tickets for Virgin Mary’s House, Ephesus, and St. John’s Basilica
• Tour durations vary from 7 to 15 hours, depending on departure location
• Expert licensed guides lead you through the history and significance of each site
• Ideal for history enthusiasts and religious site explorers who value comfort and efficiency

Starting from Istanbul: Long but Rewarding Journey

The Istanbul departure option involves a flight to Izmir followed by a drive to Selcuk, with the entire day spanning approximately 12 to 15 hours. The tour begins with a hotel or airport pickup in Istanbul and includes round-trip flights. Upon arriving in Izmir, a private driver takes you straight to the sites, eliminating the need for self-driving or navigating public transport.

This long journey is ideal for those who want to tick off Ephesus and related sites in a single day without the hassle of planning internal transportation. The air-conditioned vehicle helps manage the long drives comfortably, and the guided commentary makes the trip educational and engaging.

Shorter Options from Bodrum and Kusadasi

For travelers based in Bodrum or Kusadasi, the tour offers shorter options that cut down travel time significantly. Starting from Bodrum, the transfer to Selcuk takes about 2 hours, while from Kusadasi it’s only 30 minutes. These options are perfect for those who are already nearby and want a focused visit without the extensive travel from Istanbul.

The Kusadasi departure provides a half-day experience with just 30 minutes at the Virgin Mary’s House and 1.5 hours at Ephesus, making it suitable for guests with tighter schedules.

Visiting the Virgin Mary’s House: A Sacred Spot

The House of Virgin Mary is the first stop, located on the Aladag Mountains, about 5 miles from Ephesus. This site is believed to be Mary’s last residence after her time in Ephesus, with historical ties dating back to 431 AD. The pious atmosphere, lush surroundings, and religious significance make this stop meaningful.

Entry tickets are not included in the tour price, but your guide has pre-paid access to skip the lines. The site has been declared a pilgrimage location since 1892, and Pope Paul VI visited in 1967, adding to its importance.

Ephesus: A Walk Through Ancient History

The highlight of the tour is Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Roman architecture. The guide will lead you through highlights such as the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, and the Odeon.

You get 1.5 hours at the site, during which skip-the-line tickets allow for more time exploring without long waits. The site’s history includes being one of the seven churches of Revelations, and its ancient harbor once made it a key Mediterranean port.

Lunch in Selcuk: Traditional Turkish Cuisine

A full hour is set aside for lunch at a local Turkish restaurant in Selcuk. Vegetarian options are available, and the meal typically provides a taste of authentic regional flavors. This break offers a chance to relax and re-energize before continuing the sightseeing.

Basilica of St. John: An Early Christian Monastery

Next, the tour visits the Basilica of St. John, believed to be built over the burial site of St. John the Apostle. Developed by Emperor Justinian, this site hosts impressive ruins and offers insight into early Christian architecture and legend.

The 45-minute stop provides ample opportunity to absorb the spiritual significance and view the remaining structures, which echo the early history of Christianity in the region.

Ending the Day in Kusadasi or Selcuk

Depending on your booking, the tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk. For the Istanbul option, the day ends with a transfer back to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul, included in the package. The long travel hours from Istanbul make this a demanding but rewarding day for those eager to see these sites.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour includes a licensed professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, hotel or airport pickups and drop-offs, and lunch. Entrance fees are not included but are paid on-site to skip long lines, with guides holding pre-paid tickets.

Booking is recommended 49 days in advance, as the tour is popular and frequently booked, especially from Istanbul. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for change of plans.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This tour is best suited for history buffs, religious visitors, and those who want a comprehensive day trip with expert guidance. The long drive from Istanbul is ideal for travelers who don’t mind extensive travel for the reward of these iconic sites in a single day. The skip-the-line access and included lunch add convenience and value, especially for visitors with limited time.

The Sum Up: A Well-Organized Day to See Ephesus and More

This private tour offers a thorough visit to Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, and St. John’s Basilica, backed by professional guides and comfortable transportation. It provides good value for money and the peace of mind of skip-the-line tickets.

While the long travel hours from Istanbul may be a concern, the well-planned itinerary and expert guidance help make the day worthwhile. This tour is perfect for those eager to combine religious landmarks and ancient ruins in one memorable day, with options available from Bodrum and Kusadasi for shorter excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers professional licensed guides, air-conditioned transport, hotel/airport pickups and drop-offs, lunch, and skip-the-line tickets for major sites.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included but are paid on-site to avoid lines, with guides holding pre-paid tickets.

How long does the entire tour last?
From Istanbul, expect up to 15 hours including flights; from Bodrum or Kusadasi, the day is shorter, around 7-11 hours.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
Travelers should have moderate physical fitness; the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and some long drives. It is a private tour, so accommodations can be discussed.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, as a private tour, it can often be tailored to your interests, especially regarding stops and timing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is part of the schedule, with vegetarian options available.

What should I bring for the visit?
Bring comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen, and water. The site of Virgin Mary’s House has no shade, so preparation is key.

How do I book this tour?
Advance booking is recommended, especially 49 days prior. Confirmations are received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.

What if my flight is delayed?
The tour company has good communication and can reorganize plans if flights are delayed, ensuring you won’t miss out on key sites.

Are there options for larger groups or discounts?
Yes, group discounts are available, making this a good choice for families or groups traveling together.