Private Ephesus, St. John Basilica, The House of Mary with Lunch

Explore the Ephesus and Mary’s House Private Tour for an Unforgettable Day

This private tour from Kusadasi offers a full day of exploration, guided by a licensed professional and tailored to your group. For $49.56 per person, you’ll visit Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, St. John Basilica, and the Temple of Artemis, all within 6 to 7 hours. The tour begins with a hassle-free pickup from your hotel or the port, ensuring a relaxed start to your adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of personalized guiding, private transportation, and delicious traditional Turkish lunch included in the experience. With a high rating of 5.0 from 23 reviews and 96% recommendation rate, this tour is highly regarded for its knowledgeable guides and excellent value for money. It is especially suitable for those who want a comprehensive day out without the stress of organizing logistics themselves.

However, travelers should be prepared for a moderate physical level, as the tour involves walking around ancient sites, and entrance fees are not included in the ticket price. This tour is perfect for families, friends, or small groups seeking a flexible, informative, and comfortable day visiting key historical and religious landmarks near Kusadasi.

Key Points

• Private guided experience with licensed experts ensures personalized attention.
• Visits to Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, St. John Basilica, and the Temple of Artemis highlight Turkey’s cultural and religious history.
• All transportation is private and air-conditioned, with pickup from your hotel or port.
• A traditional Turkish lunch with mezes, salad, and kebab is included.
• Entrance fees are not included but are pre-paid by the guide to skip lines.
• Duration of 6 to 7 hours makes this a full but manageable day trip.

Convenient Pickup from Kusadasi Hotels and Ports

The tour starts with a personalized pickup from your hotel or Kusadasi port, arranged at a time that fits your schedule. This eliminates the need to navigate or coordinate transportation, making the day stress-free from the outset. The guide ensures timely arrival and departure, with a guaranteed return to the port or hotel, allowing you to plan the rest of your day without concern.

The transportation involves brand-new, air-conditioned vehicles, suitable for comfort and easy movement between sites. This private arrangement allows your group to enjoy a flexible pace and ask questions freely throughout the trip.

Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus: Highlights and Marvels

Ephesus is the core of this tour and the main highlight for history enthusiasts. The guide leads your small group through marble streets lined with ancient public buildings, including the Library of Celsus, which was built in the early 2nd century A.D. as a memorial to Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus, the proconsul of Asia.

Other key sights include the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C. and expanded in Roman times to seat 24,000 spectators. Visitors can choose to pay an additional entrance fee to explore the Terrace Houses, which are currently being excavated and offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman residential life.

The guide provides engaging explanations about the significance of each structure, helping visitors appreciate the grandeur of this once-major port city. The two-hour visit ensures sufficient time to see the main attractions without feeling rushed.

The House of Virgin Mary: A Spiritual Stop

Located 5 miles from Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary is believed to be the place where Mary lived until her death, following her presence in Ephesus with St. John. The house was discovered after archaeological efforts, and it was declared a pilgrimage site by the Archbishop of Izmir in 1892.

This stop is a meaningful addition to the tour, especially for those interested in religious history. The site has been visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, emphasizing its significance. Visitors can quietly contemplate the spiritual atmosphere and take photos of the serene surroundings, although admission fees are not included.

The tour allocates about an hour for this visit, allowing enough time for reflection and to absorb the site’s peaceful ambiance.

Enjoying a Traditional Turkish Kebab Lunch in a Local Restaurant

After visiting the religious site, the group proceeds to Agora Restaurant, where a traditional Turkish lunch awaits. The meal includes mezes, fresh salad, and a delicious kebab, providing a taste of local flavors and hospitality.

The lunch break lasts about one minute from the site, but the experience is authentic and satisfying. The inclusive meal adds great value to the tour, making it convenient to enjoy genuine Turkish cuisine without extra planning or expenses.

Visiting St. John Basilica and Its Historical Significance

Post-lunch, the guide takes you to St. John Basilica, believed to be the burial site of St. John, the evangelist. The basilica is situated on the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill and dates back to early Christian times.

Spending around 45 minutes here, visitors can explore the remaining ruins and learn about the basilica’s religious importance. The site offers insights into early Christianity and its connections to Ephesus, enriching the overall narrative of the tour.

Admission fees are not included, but the guide facilitates skip-the-line access, ensuring a smooth visit.

The Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders

A brief 20-minute stop at the Temple of Artemis offers the chance to see what remains of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Although only a few columns survive today, this site holds immense historical value.

The site’s iconic columns make for great photos, and the guide shares stories about the temple’s grandeur and significance in ancient Greece and Anatolia. This stop provides a quick but impactful glimpse into ancient architecture and religious practices.

Final Return to Kusadasi

The tour concludes with a 20-minute drive back to Kusadasi, either to your hotel or the port. The guide ensures punctuality and a relaxed end to your day, leaving you free to continue exploring or preparing for your departure.

This hassle-free return is a key benefit, especially for travelers with tight schedules or cruise arrivals.

Why Choose This Private Ephesus Tour?

This tour offers a comprehensive, personalized experience of Turkey’s iconic sites. The small-group setting ensures intimate guidance with a licensed professional who customizes the visit to your interests. The inclusive lunch and private transportation add significant convenience and value.

The consistent high ratings and positive reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and the smooth organization. The skip-the-line tickets save time at popular sites, making the most of your day.

However, visitors should note that entrance fees are not included and need to be paid separately if they wish to access certain attractions like the Terrace Houses. The moderate physicality of site exploration means that travelers should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private tour suits history enthusiasts, religious pilgrims, or small groups seeking a flexible and insightful day in Kusadasi. Families with members comfortable with walking and standing will find it manageable. It also appeals to those who want to avoid crowded tourist groups, thanks to the private, curated experience.

This is a well-rounded option that balances culture with comfort, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized service and authentic local cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided between sites?
Yes, private transportation with air conditioning is included, and the guide handles all transfers during the day.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included but are pre-paid by the guide to skip lines; individual entrance costs are paid separately if desired.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering all listed stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
While generally manageable, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking around ancient sites.

What kind of lunch is included?
A traditional Turkish kebab with mezes and salad is served in a local restaurant, providing authentic flavors and a hearty meal.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, the licensed guide can tailor the experience to your interests within the scope of the sites included.

What makes this tour stand out?
The private guided experience, comprehensive itinerary, and local culinary experience make this tour a top choice near Kusadasi.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 110 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and demand.