Biblical Ephesus & Basilica Of St. John & The Mary's House Tour

Kuşadası, TR
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (12 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    PRIVATE TOUR that ensures more personalized service
  • inclusion
    Transportation with A/C Minivans with separate Driver
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    GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
  • inclusion
    Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
  • inclusion
    Cruise Port/Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off (mentioned on the details)
  • inclusion
    SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKET (according to the option chosen), allow you to bypass long lines

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Food and drinks (optional)
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    Gratuities recommended
  • exclusion
    Entrance fees if the option is not selected

What to expect

1
Kusadasi

We meet you at the Cruise Port! Our team will be waiting next to Information Desk at the Exit Gate of Cruise Port by holding a sign which is your name written on it. After booking this tour, please contact our team to agree on your meeting time. Please note that there are several Cruise Ships with different arrival and departure timings. So, you might decide with our team about the best meeting time which is fitting your schedule.

2
Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

The House of Virgin Mary is one of the pilgrimage centres of Christians where the Mary came to Ephesus with John the Apostle and lived her last 10 years. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967, and 'unofficially' confirmed its authenticity. Pope John Paul II also visited the shrine in 1979. Pope Benedict XVI visited this shrine in 2006. Whether or not she died in Ephesus was not known until Anne Catherine Emmerich’s vision. A disabled German nun who had never been to Ephesus, had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to the German writer Clemens Brentano who later published a book about it. Catherine Emmerich died in 1884. In 1891 Paul, Superior of the Lazarists from Izmir read about her visions and found a little building which corresponded with Emmerich’s descriptions. Then, the archeological works started which allows us to visit Mary's House and see the result today!

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3
Ancient City of Ephesus

UNESCO listed place the Ancient City of Ephesus that is one of the best well-kept Greco- Roman ancient cities in the world, famous for the Odeon where music concerts were organized, Domitian Temple that is one of the first temples dedicated for a human, Celcus Library which was the third biggest library in the ancient time, Amphitheatre where is one of the biggest amphitheatres in the world with 24.000 people capacity and St. Paul preached to Ephesians, Marble Street, Roman Baths, Fountains, Temples, Agora, Love House, Public Toilets, Terrace Houses famed with gorgeous mosaics and wall paintings...

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4
Basilica of St. John

We will have a visit to the Basilica of St. John the Apostle. It is believed that the Evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and was buried on the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. The tomb of St John was under the central dome of the basilica. In addition, while we are visiting the Basilica of St. John, we will have a panoramic view of the Temple of Artemis and Isabey Mosque and learn about the stories of these places too.

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5
The Temple of Artemis

Temple of Artemis, also called Artemisium was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6
Kusadasi

We will drive through the Kusadasi Town and will have a panoramic view while listening the key informations from our Local Tour Guide.

7
Kusadasi Shopping Center

You are able to see local handicrafts and experience local shopping if preferred. You will be also able to collect informations from your Local Tour Guide about: best traditional handicrafts, best places to go, things to be carrefull, and best tips for hassle free experience...

8
Kusadasi Castle

Also called Pigeon Island! One of the earliest settlements of modern Kusadasi. We will pass by and have an opportunity of seeing it in a distance. It is located very close to the Port, you might be able to have time after your tour if you are interested.

9
Kusadasi

At the end of our tour, we will return to the Cruise Port. PLEASE NOTE THAT: There are several Ships with different arrival and departure times. We carefully check all the timings, confirm with the passengers, and coordinate the return time. OUR TOURS ARE WITH GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT!

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    After you sent your reservation, please contact our reservation team via our e-mail or WhatsApp and coordinate your meeting time.
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Pick-up and Drop-off services available from the Hotels which is centrally located in Kusadasi or Selcuk Towns
  • Additional information
    Pick-up and Drop-off services available from the Izmir Cruise Port and Izmir Hotels with an additional fee of 100 USD for up to 15 Persons.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    We highly recommend you to meet our team, after 30/45 minutes your ship docked to the Port. So, you might beat the crowds, school buses, and hot weather in order to have a better experience during your Tour in Ephesus.
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by Kusadasi Shore Excursions

What our experts say

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    Meet our team 30 mins after docking.
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    Enjoy local lunch options after tour.
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    Bring water; it can get hot!
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    Visit nearby Selcuk for authentic shops.
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    Consider visiting the Temple of Artemis.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Transport yourself back in time and uncover the secrets of the ancient world with the captivating Biblical Ephesus & Basilica Of St. John & The Mary's House Tour. Exploring the largest open-air museum in Turkey, Ephesus, and its surrounding treasures, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in history, culture, and spirituality. Let our team take care of all arrangements while you sit back and relax, ensuring a stress-free experience for cruise ship passengers.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to discover the incredible ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Marvel at the splendid architecture of the Odeon, stroll along the Marble Street, and admire the breathtaking Terrace Houses with their intricate mosaics and wall paintings. Explore the sacred House of Virgin Mary, where she spent her final years, and feel the spiritual connection to the past. Visit the Basilica of Saint John, where the apostle was buried, and soak in the panoramic views of the Temple of Artemis and the Isabey Mosque.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for all cruise passengers who want to make the most of their limited time in Kusadasi. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about ancient civilizations, this tour offers something for everyone. Our knowledgeable local guides will provide valuable insights and make the experience memorable for individuals, families, and groups alike. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Why book this?

By booking this private tour, you can enjoy a personalized and flexible experience tailored to your preferences. Our team guarantees an on-time return to the cruise ship, ensuring peace of mind and eliminating any worries about missing the departure. Skip-the-line entrance tickets are also available, allowing you to make the most of your limited time and bypass any queues. Our experienced local guides will provide you with a deeper understanding of the sites, their significance, and the stories behind them. This tour offers an immersive and insightful journey that will create lasting memories.

Good to know

Please note that the total duration of the tour is approximately 240 to 360 minutes, giving you ample time to explore each location fully. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a local lunch upon request, immersing yourself in the culinary delights of the region. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat to make your explorations comfortable. As this tour is customizable, feel free to inform our team about any specific preferences or requirements you may have, and they will do their best to accommodate them.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the Biblical Ephesus & Basilica Of St. John & The Mary's House Tour have been enthralled by the rich history and cultural significance of the sites visited. They praise the knowledgeable and friendly local guides who provided valuable insights and enhanced their understanding of the ancient world. Tour participants appreciate the flexibility and personalized nature of the tour, allowing them to explore at their own pace. The seamless organization and guaranteed on-time return to the cruise ship have also been highly appreciated, ensuring peace of mind throughout the tour. Overall, customers highly recommend this tour for an unforgettable and enriching experience.

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