St Johns Basilica, Ephesus, Terrace Houses, House of Mary and Lunch

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Private Experience

This excursion is reserved exclusively for your travel party. No other guests will join your experience.

St Johns Basilica, Ephesus, Terrace Houses, House of Mary and Lunch

Tour Times: 8:00 AM

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Hassle-free

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included

7.5 hours (approx.) Private Tour - No Other Guests Strenuous

Overview

Your adventure begins with a 20-minute drive from the cruise port to the Ephesus area, traveling in comfort with a professional, English-speaking guide.

The House of Virgin Mary (Entrance Included)
Perched on the serene slopes of the Aladag Mountains, just 5 miles from Ephesus, lies the House of Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that Mary lived here from 37 A.D. until her death in 48 A.D., having arrived with St. John. Declared a site of pilgrimage in 1892, it has welcomed visitors from all over the world—including Pope Paul VI in 1967. You'll have time to reflect, explore, and take in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred place.

Ancient City of Ephesus (Entrance Included)
Next, step back in time as you walk the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved classical cities in the world. Your guide will share rich historical context as you explore:

• The Baths of Scholastica
- • The Library of Celsus – built in the 2nd century A.D. in honor of Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus
  - • The Temple of Hadrian
    - • The Grand Theatre – originally from the 3rd century B.C., later expanded by the Romans to hold 24,000 spectators
      
      Terrace Houses (Entrance Included)
      Discover the hidden lives of Ephesus’ elite in the Terrace Houses, where ongoing excavations reveal stunning frescoes, mosaics, and Roman engineering. These homes, once the residences of the city’s wealthy, offer a rare and intimate look at ancient domestic life.
      
      Souvenir Time
      Before leaving Ephesus, enjoy free time to browse the local stalls for handmade souvenirs, Turkish goods, or keepsakes to remember your visit.
      
      Traditional Turkish Lunch
      Enjoy a delicious meal at a typical Turkish restaurant, featuring a variety of traditional mezes and authentic regional dishes. A true taste of Turkish hospitality.
      
      St Johns Basilica
      
      St Johns Basilica is believed to be where the evangelist St John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill.
      
      At St Johns Basilica your guide will take you around this small site where you will be able to learn about the history from your guide. During the visit of St Johns there will be plenty of time for photo opportunities with some amazing sights across Ephesus.
      
      After leaving St Johns Basilica the tour will continue to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the famous Artemis Temple. Here the tour will stop so you will be able to stop for photo opportunities before returning back to the cruise port in plenty of time for your cruise ships departure.
      
      Return to Kusadasi
      Your tour concludes with a comfortable return to Kusadasi town center and the cruise port, with plenty of time before your ship’s departure.

What's Included

Cruise Port Pick-up
Air-Conditioned Transportation
Expert Professional English Speaking Guide
Entrance Fees to Ephesus, Terrace Houses and House of Mary, St Johns Basilica
Lunch (Typical Turkish Meze)
Bottled Water
Artemis Temple

Beverages
Tips/Gratuities
Personal Expenses

Itinerary

Meet and Greet at the Cruise Port

Start Tour

Panoramic Drive 40 Minutes

Drive to House of Virgin Mary

Walking Tour 45 Minutes

Visit to House of Virgin Mary

Panoramic Drive 10 Minutes

Drive to Ephesus

Walking Tour 90 Minutes

Visit to Ephesus and Terrace Houses

Lunch Break 45 Minutes

Traditional Turkish Lunch

Drive 10 Minutes

To St Johns Basilica

Visit 40 Minutes

To St Johns Basilica

Panoramic Drive 10 Minutes

Drive to Artemis Temple

Photo Opportunity 10 Minutes

Photo Stop At Artemis Temple

Return back to the cruise port 20 Minutes

Tour End

Order of Itinerary is subject to change on the day

Considerations

This tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Special Instructions

Wear comfortable footwear, as there is a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, steps and marble tiles on this tour.
Restrooms can be found at the site of House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus.
During peak season, this region may experience very high temperatures. Please make sure to dress accordingly and hydrate often
Please advise of any dietary requirements on booking
Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
Local Currency is the Turkish Lira, however, most places except the US Dollar, GB Pounds and the Euro

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Skip The Line

Tour Times: 8:00 AM

Hassle-free

Cancellation

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included

St Johns Basilica, Ephesus, Terrace Houses, House of Mary and Lunch

Overview

What's Included

Itinerary

Considerations

Special Instructions

Book Now

Price Info

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