Private Tour to Biblical Gems of Ephesus NO FORCED SHOPPING STOPS

This private Ephesus tour is available for departures from your hotel in Istanbul or Kusadasi or Selcuk or Bodrum. You can create your own Turkey travel plan with this flexible daily trip. The highlights of this private tour are UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St.John church where St John lived with the Virgin Mary after being cast out of Jerusalem in 37 to 42 AD. The lunch is including in a traditional local restaurant. Also, entrance fees are included and you will be skipped the long ticket lines.

1. 1

   Kusadasi

   Pass by

   Before the tour itinerary, we would like to emphasize that, in order to ensure a genuine private tour experience, we guarantee that there will be absolutely no visits to carpet, leather, ceramic, jewelry cooperatives or workshops during this tour. This tour is not a budget shopping trip with commercial stops. It is a genuine private tour, designed for travelers to experience history, archaeology, world heritage sites, and cultural experiences.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   Your private guide will meet you at the arrival terminal exit gate of Kusadasi Cruise Port. Afterwards, you will take a short walk of about 50–100 meters to reach your private vehicle.

3. 3

   Selcuk

   30 min

   You will continue to the town of Selcuk by your private car for your tour of Ephesus and its surroundings. Selcuk is best known as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Selcuk is also home to landmarks such as the Basilica of St. John, the Isa Bey Mosque, and the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

4. 4

   Ephesus Ancient City

   1.8 hours

   Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   20 min

   Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With innovative approach of this amazing museum, we offer an entirely mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory. (Admission to the Ephesus Experience Museum is free if you have a ticket for Ephesus Ancient City)

6. 6

   Ephesus Terrace Houses

   Pass by

   You will be walking from front of Terrace Houses during your tour, and your guide will provide information about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City. (There is no visit to this place included in the guided tour. However, you may add a short visit if your schedule allows.)

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   After completing your Ephesus archaeological site experience, you will continue with the rest of your tour.

8. 8

   The House of the Virgin Mary

   45 min

   The next visit of your tour will be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Once you arrive there you will be thrilled by the natural beauty that surrounds the monument. The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   45 min

   Another visit of tour will be to this ancient Basilica dedicated to the author of Revelation St. John. According to the legend St. John died in this church after having written the Fourth Gospel and the Basilica was built by the Emperor Justinian over St. Johns burial place.

10. 10

    Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park

    10 min

    You will drive back to Kusadasi and stop at the Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) for take photos of the Kusadasi Bay and your cruise ship.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    20 min

    At the end of the tour, we will return you to the cruise port in accordance with your onboard time. Please note: Different ships have varying arrival and departure schedules. We meticulously verify all timings, confirm them with passengers, and coordinate the return to the cruise port to ensure a smooth and timely transfer.

12. 12

    Kusadasi Castle

    Pass by

    This small castle is picturesque Byzantine fortress stands on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can walk to this small castle after we dropped you to the port. The distance is approximately 500 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.

13. 13

    Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI

    Pass by

    This caravanserai was built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to support maritime trade in the region. This historical building is opposite to Kusadasi cruise port. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can walk to this historical building after we dropped you to the port. The distance is approximately 120 meters from Kusadasi cruise port.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.