About This Tour
A private six-hour tour that goes beyond the standard Ephesus circuit — adding the Basilica of Saint John, one of the most significant early Christian monuments in the world, alongside Ephesus itself and the House of the Virgin Mary.
Meet your licensed local guide at Ege Ports in Kuşadası and begin with Ephesus Ancient City — its Library of Celsus, Great Theatre and Temple of Hadrian are among the finest examples of Roman architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. Continue to the Basilica of Saint John, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I on the hill traditionally believed to be the burial place of the Apostle John. Then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, an official Roman Catholic shrine set peacefully in the hills above the ancient city.
Lunch is included, and the afternoon allows time at the Selçuk arts and crafts market before an optional shopping stop in Kuşadası on the return to port. The entire tour is private — your guide, your vehicle, your flexibility — with an on-time return to the ship guaranteed.
Why This Tour is Different
Most Ephesus tours skip the Basilica of Saint John. Built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this is one of the most important early Christian pilgrimage sites in Turkey — constructed over the traditional burial site of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist. With its grand nave, marble columns and sweeping hilltop views over Selçuk, it is a deeply significant and visually striking monument that deserves far more time than it typically receives.
- A dedicated 1-hour guided visit — not a rushed photo stop
- Panoramic views of Selçuk, the Mosque of İsa Bey and surrounding plain
- Exceptional context from your private licensed guide
Tour Highlights
- Explore Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world
- Visit the Basilica of Saint John, built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century
- See the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is said to have spent her final days
- Private tour with a licensed local guide and dedicated A/C vehicle
- Flexible pacing — spend as much time as you want at each site
- Traditional lunch included in the tour price
- Guaranteed on-time return to your ship at Ege Ports
Itinerary
Ege Ports, Kuşadası
Your licensed guide meets you at the port holding a sign with your name. Leave the ship early to make the most of your time on tour.
Ephesus Ancient City
Two full hours in one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Walk the marble streets with your guide — the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the other monuments of this once-mighty Roman metropolis.
Skip-the-line tickets optionalBasilica of Saint John
Built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I on the hill of Ayasoluk, this grand basilica stands on the traditional burial site of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist. Its imposing ruins — marble columns, mosaics, a baptistery — and the sweeping views over Selçuk and the plain of Ephesus make it one of the most moving sites in the region.
House of the Virgin Mary
Set in the tranquil hills above Ephesus, this is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. An official Roman Catholic shrine since 1986, it is visited by pilgrims of all faiths and carries a unique spiritual atmosphere that a full hour here allows you to fully experience.
Selçuk — Traditional Lunch
A traditional and delicious lunch is included in the tour price. Time to relax and enjoy local flavours.
Selçuk — Arts & Crafts Market
Browse the local arts and crafts market in Selçuk — traditional textiles, ceramics and handmade goods. A relaxed hour to explore at your own pace.
Kuşadası — Shopping Stop
An optional 30-minute shopping stop in Kuşadası before returning to the port. Entirely at your discretion.
Ege Ports, Kuşadası
Your guide and driver guarantee your timely return to the port before your ship departs. Parking fees are included.
What's Included
Included
- Professional licensed local English-speaking guide
- Fully air-conditioned brand-new private vehicle with dedicated driver
- Port pickup and drop-off at Ege Ports
- All parking fees and taxes
- Traditional delicious lunch
- Wholesale shopping centre visit
- Skip-the-line entrance tickets (optional at booking)
- Guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Not Included
- Entrance fees to Ephesus, Basilica of St. John and House of Virgin Mary
- Gratuities (optional)
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Know Before You Go
On-time return to your ship is guaranteed. Leave the vessel as early as possible to enjoy the full six hours.
Your guide will be waiting at the point where passengers disembark, holding a sign with your name.
Skip-the-line entrance tickets are optional — select at booking or discuss with your guide on the day.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on marble and uneven surfaces. This is especially important at Ephesus.
Bring a hat, sunscreen and water — the sites are largely open-air and can be hot.
The tour includes a wholesale shopping centre visit. Purchasing is entirely optional.
Check Availability & Book
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Meeting Point
Ege Ports, Kuşadası
Your guide waits at the passenger disembarkation point with a name sign. Leave the ship as early as possible to maximise your time on tour.
Open in Google MapsBasilica of Saint John
- Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I
- Located on Ayasoluk Hill above Selçuk
- Traditional burial site of the Apostle John
- Panoramic views over Selçuk and the Ephesus plain
- Not included in most standard Ephesus tours
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat & sunscreen
- Water
- Camera