Basilica of St. John Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Basilica of St. John in 2026?

Admission to the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk costs €6, which also includes admission to the Ayasoluk Castle (Selçuk Castle). However, if you’re also visiting the Ephesus Archaeological Site, you can buy a combo ticket that includes admission to the basilica, the archaeological site, the Ephesus Museum, and some other area attractions for €65.

Q: What are the opening hours of the Basilica of St. John?

The Basilica of St. John opens at 8am and closes at 6pm. The ticket office closes at 5:30pm. The main ruins of Ephesus are about 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) away, so it makes sense to visit the basilica at the end of the day if you’re staying in Selçuk.

Q: How much time should I spend at the Basilica of St. John and its surroundings?

Plan to spend about an hour at the Basilica of St. John. It’s right next to Ayasoluk Castle (Selçuk Castle), which is also worth exploring. If you have already visited the main ruins at Ephesus on the same day, you may not want to schedule too much time here.

Q: Is the Basilica of St. John accessible to people with limited mobility?

The Basilica of St. John is partially accessible for people with limited mobility. Because this is an ancient site in a partial state of ruin, some paths are uneven, and there are some steps. You may be able to enter the complex to see the structures, but other parts may be challenging to navigate.

Q: Are there any tourist amenities at the Basilica of St. John?

Yes, the Basilica of St. John has restrooms, a small shop, and a café. Its location in Selçuk town means you can also find many other amenities a short walk away. You can buy a wider selection of food and drinks in town, shop for souvenirs, and use other facilities such as washrooms.

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NO HIDDEN FEES : Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House, St. John Basilica

Experience Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and St. John's Basilica all in one day during this private tour that includes entrance fees, a licensed guide, air-conditioned transportation, and all taxes. Set your own departure time and allow your guide to greet you at the port. Enjoy flexibility with your itinerary, allowing you to spend as much time as you want at each site and make small changes.

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NO HIDDEN FEES : Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House, St. John Basilica

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$128

$139

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

NO HIDDEN FEES Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica

Take an unforgettable half-day private tour in the cradle of ancient civilizations and explore some of its most renowned attractions. Discover Ephesus, Terrace Houses, St John Basilica, and Artemis Temple with complete ease and no hidden costs. Enjoy a flexible trip from start to finish; choose your own departure time for a half-day of exploration alongside charming company. A professional licensed guide will be on hand as you wander through these awe-inspiring sites at your leisure.

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NO HIDDEN FEES Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$122

$139

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch

Get the most out of your time in Kusadasi with this private, full day, skip the line tour. You'll get to experience an exclusive journey through the ancient wonders of Ephesus, St. John Basilica, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary. With a licensed tour guide, comfortable transportation, parking fees, and a delicious lunch all included, you can relax and enjoy the day. Your guide will also have pre-purchased tickets, so you can avoid wasting time in queues.

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Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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$84

$99

Price varies by group size

Private Tour : Biblical Ephesus Tour for Cruisers from Kusadasi ( Ephesus ) Port

This tour is designed especially for cruise ship passengers who want to see the Christian sites around Ephesus. Make the most of a short time on land by going directly to the places that interest you the most. There’s a lot of Christian history at Ephesus, including the House of the Virgin Mary, one of the holiest Christian sites in Turkey. Your guide will tell you all about it on this informative tour.

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Private Tour : Biblical Ephesus Tour for Cruisers from Kusadasi ( Ephesus ) Port

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $39

Price varies by group size

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

• GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT • SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS (OPTIONAL) • FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS • PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY, MORE PERSONALIZED SERVICE • LEAD BY LOCAL TOUR GUIDES FOR BETTER INSIGHT • REASONABLE THAN SHORE EXCURSIONS • FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCES . Ephesus is the largest open-air museum in Turkey and one of the largest in the world, planning a visit to the famous ruins takes serious time. Cruise passengers have a limited time in Kusadasi and in your limited time, you can settle back & relax while our team handles all arrangements for you. Explore the EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY, THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY, TERRACE HOUSES OF EPHESUS, LOCAL HANDICRAFTS, and many more on this private tour that is created for cruise passengers. Upon your request, you will have a chance for a local lunch.

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(15)

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

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $25

Price varies by group size

FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Private Tour (GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN)

4.9

(80)

FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Private Tour (GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN)

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $29

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Private Biblical Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port with Lunch

Indulge in a divine adventure with this exclusive and private biblical Ephesus tour from Kusadasi Port. Enjoy a 4- to 6-hour heavenly experience with an expert tour guide. Discover the spiritual wonders of the Virgin Mary House, Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, and St. John's Basilica. Delight in exploring significant monuments such as Celsus Library, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, and more. Relax and unwind as all the logistics are taken care of for you, ensuring a seamless journey.

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Private Biblical Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port with Lunch

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$40

$42

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

PRIVATE Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour (Skip-The-Line)

Our PRIVATE Ephesus Tour is one of its kind about places it covers and it's our best-seller! This tour is a perfect option for those who have a full day to spend around the most important sights of the Ephesus area. This tour is guaranteed Skip-The-Line with pre-purchased tickets. You can always customize your tour with your private guide. This tour includes pick up and drop off service from Kusadasi Cruise Port. During your private tour, you will visit; Ephesus Ancient City which used to be the most important commercial center of the western Anatolia, the House of Virgin Mary where Mary had spent her last day, the Basilica of St. John where is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill and the Temple of Artemision which is known as one of the seven wonders of the Antic World. Enjoy the personalized attention of your licensed tour guide and the comfort of your private mercedes van.

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PRIVATE Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour (Skip-The-Line)

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$39

$49

Price varies by group size

FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Private Tour (SKIP-THE-LINE & ON-TIME RETURN)

Delight in a private half-day adventure to discover the grandeur of Ephesus, Turkey's remarkable open-air museum, without wasting any precious time. Relax and soak in the experience as your local guide takes care of the rest. Uncover the wonders of Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Temple of Artemis, and more on this exclusive tour designed specifically for cruise passengers and hotel guests.

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FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Private Tour (SKIP-THE-LINE & ON-TIME RETURN)

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $25

Price varies by group size

This Biblical Ephesus Tour is carefully designed for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—it offers a deep, meaningful journey into early Christianity, guided by expert storytelling and historical insight. Unlike standard tours, this experience focuses on the biblical and spiritual significance of Ephesus, connecting Scripture with real locations mentioned in the New Testament. Walk the same paths where St. Paul preached, visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, explore the sacred site of St. John’s final resting place, and stand where the mighty Temple of Artemis once challenged the rise of Christianity. With a knowledgeable guide experienced in biblical history, ancient culture, and theology, each location is brought to life through context, scripture references, and historical background. This tour also stands out for its well-planned route, minimal waiting time, and seamless transitions between sites, making it ideal for cruise passengers and faith-based travelers.

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Biblical Ephesus Tour

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $11

Special Offer

Private Ephesus Bible Study Tour From Kusadasi Port

Embark on a journey through the spiritual and historical heart of Turkey with this Ephesus Bible Study Tour from Kusadasi. Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final days, offering a serene space for faith and reflection. Walk the ancient streets of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached and wrote his epistles. Connect scripture to history as you explore the Great Theater and Public Agora, key locations in the spread of early Christianity. Visit the Basilica of St. John, built by Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Evangelist, showcasing its architectural magnificence dedicated to one of Christianity’s pivotal figures. Conclude at the Temple of Artemis, a site where early Christians challenged pagan practices, underscoring the rise of Christianity in the region. With expert guidance, this tour provides a deep and enriching exploration of biblical history in Ephesus.

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Private Ephesus Bible Study Tour From Kusadasi Port

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$24

$48

Price varies by group size

For Cruise Guests : Biblical Ephesus PRIVATE TOUR/ Kusadasi Tours

THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY, THIS IS NOT A GROUP TOUR. See the major Biblical sites in Ephesus. This tour is ideally suited for cruise ship passengers, this exclusive private tour takes you on an enriching off-shore excursion to some of the world’s most famous ruins. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman site, and visit locations considered sacred in Christianity, like the House of the Virgin Mary and St. John Basilica. Tours include dock-side pickup, and you’ll travel between stops in a luxury Mercedes.

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(9)

For Cruise Guests : Biblical Ephesus PRIVATE TOUR/ Kusadasi Tours

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $39

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guests (Kusadasi Port) + Luxury Minibus

Your guide will meet you at the Kusadasi port with a sign with your name written on it. Then, you will be driven directly to the sites. First, you will visit ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open air museum in Turkey. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, the face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus. It was originally built in 115–125. You might also see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Scholastica Baths, Marble Road, agora, and the Temple of Domitian. After lunch in a local Turkish restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. Mary was brought to Ephesus by the apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived her final days here. After your tour, drive back to the departure point.

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Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guests (Kusadasi Port) + Luxury Minibus

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $49

Special Offer

FOR CRUISERS: Best-Seller PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR from Kusadasi Port

THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY, THIS IS NOT A GROUP TOUR / THIS TOUR IS ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS. Discovering Ephesus independently can be daunting, but with our private shore excursion, all logistics are expertly managed for you. Benefit from skip-the-line access and guided tours of Ephesus' ancient city, the terraced houses, and the Basilica of St. John (or House of the Virgin Mary upon request). Immerse yourself in Turkey's vibrant handicraft culture with insightful commentary. Upgrade to include a delicious authentic Turkish lunch for a truly comprehensive experience. Stores to visit: Carpet Weaving Village Leather Factory

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FOR CRUISERS: Best-Seller PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR from Kusadasi Port

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$25

$29

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Private Full Day Ephesus Tour from Bodrum

*Experience local food and beauties of Turkey together with must-see places. *Focus on social life in Roman history and exciting stories of Ephesus. *Skip the line at all entrances with pre-purchased tickets. Pay for the tickets at the end of your tour. This is a guided private tour. You will be the only one to have your guide's attention and use your valuable time wisely during your stay in the Bodrum. After meeting with your guide at the port or hotel, you will create your unique itinerary. You can choose to visit any of the places below, *Ephesus Ancient City *Terrace Houses of Ephesus *Virgin Mary's House *St. John Basilica *Temple of Artemis *Sirince Old Greek Village *A delicious lunch in a local village atmosphere.

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Private Full Day Ephesus Tour from Bodrum

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$207

$259

Price varies by group size

Private Guided Ephesus Tour, Best of Ephesus

Make the most of your time and uncover the rich history and biblical importance of Ephesus on this private guided driving tour. Enjoy seamless pickup at the Kusadasi cruise port or local hotel and travel to Ephesus, where you’ll see highlights including the Odeon and the Library of Celsus. You’ll also take in the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and the Basilica of St. John.

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Private Guided Ephesus Tour, Best of Ephesus

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $80

Price varies by group size

This exclusive tour is designed for cruise guests who seek more than a standard sightseeing experience. Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations as you explore Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis with a licensed expert guide who brings history to life with engaging, in-depth storytelling. What sets us apart? A traditional Turkish lunch in a serene weaving village, small-group comfort, skip-the-line access, and personalized attention from start to finish. With convenient pickup from Kuşadası port and a carefully timed itinerary to match your ship’s schedule, this tour offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and local flavor—crafted specifically with North American travelers in mind.

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Private Ephesus Tour From KUSADASI port

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $116

Price varies by group size

Ephesus Highlights Tour for Cruisers from Kuşadası Port

Make your Ephesus adventure truly unforgettable with a private sightseeing tour tailored just for you. Your professional licensed guide will be delighted to customize the itinerary based on your personal interests, ensuring a flexible and enriching experience. • Enjoy the personalized attention and comfort of a private tour • Customize your itinerary to match your interests — history, culture, shopping, or leisure • Maximize your limited time in the Ephesus region with expert planning • Relax with hassle-free hotel or port pickup and drop-off From Kuşadası Port, this tour is ideal for cruise passengers and travelers who want to discover the rich historical heritage of Turkey in a private and comfortable way. From Kusadası port it is ideal for cruise passanger and who like historical of turkey

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(14)

Ephesus Highlights Tour for Cruisers from Kuşadası Port

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $14

Price varies by group size

Tailor-Made Private Ephesus Tour with Local Experiences

*Tailor-made your own tour. Choose what to see and where to visit. *Experience local food and beauties of Turkey together with must-see places. *Explore local shops before embark on your cruise. *Skip-the-line all entrances with pre-purchased tickets. Pay for the tickets at the end of your tour. This is a guided private tour. You will be the only one have your guide's attention and use your valuable time wisely during your stay in Kusadasi port of call. After you meet with your guide at the port, you will create your own unique itinerary. You can choose to visit any of the places below, *Ephesus Ancient City *Terrace Houses of Ephesus *Virgin Mary's House *St. John Basilica *Temple of Artemis *Sirince Old Greek Village *Kusadasi Town Center *Handcraft Shops and Ateliers *A delicious lunch in a local village atmosphere.

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Tailor-Made Private Ephesus Tour with Local Experiences

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $75

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

PRIVATE Ephesus Full Day Tour from Izmir

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(99)

PRIVATE Ephesus Full Day Tour from Izmir

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$100

$126

Price varies by group size

PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY Explore the ancient ruins and religious sites of Ephesus on a full-day, private tour with an experienced guide. Follow the trail of the Virgin Mary to her mountainside house, then trace a route through the ancient city’s ruins, temples, theater, and the great Celsus Library. See an iconic mosque made of brick, marble and tiles, then see the ruined foundations of the Temple of Artemis, once a Wonder of the Ancient World.

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PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $29

Price varies by group size

NEW: Private The Most Detailed Ephesus Shore Excursion / with Lunch

Dive deeper into the history of Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most impressive ancient cities and an important pilgrimage site, with this private tour. Enjoy a comprehensive visit that takes in all the highlights, as well as the Terrace Houses, the Ephesus Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary, and Saint John’s Basilica. This tour aims to go deeper into topics of history, Roman engineering and architecture, religion, and daily life, giving you a greater insight into the importance of Ephesus.

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NEW: Private The Most Detailed Ephesus Shore Excursion / with Lunch

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $99

Price varies by group size

Private: Ephesus, Basilica of Saint John,Virgin Mary's House Tour

Experience the best of Turkey’s ancient and spiritual heritage on this private tour with lunch included. Explore the legendary ruins of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world, and stroll through its grand streets, theaters, and temples as your professional guide brings its history to life. Visit the Basilica of Saint John, built over the believed burial site of the apostle, and feel the historical and religious significance of the location. Finally, step into the serene House of the Virgin Mary, a UNESCO-recognized sacred site where tradition holds that Mary spent her final years. Enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch, adding local flavor to a day rich in history and spirituality. This exclusive tour combines comfort, culture, and personalized attention for an unforgettable experience

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Private: Ephesus, Basilica of Saint John,Virgin Mary's House Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $74

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

ALL INCLUSIVE : Private Ephesus & St. John Basilica with LUNCH

NO HIDDEN COSTS tour with LUNCH . Private tour is the best way to see Ephesus Ancient city and Basilica of St. John and Artemission Temple. Terrace Houses can be included to the program on the day of the tour by paying the entrance fee. You will have your private guide and A/C Brand new van for your trip. • Private Tour for your family and friends • You will decide on departure time • Our tour guide will meet you at the Port/Hotel with your name sign, • Our professional tour guide will be with you from arrival till departure, • You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and customize the itinerary, • You do not have to wait for other group members. • You may stop to have pictures during your tour

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ALL INCLUSIVE : Private Ephesus & St. John Basilica with LUNCH

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $139

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Basilica of St. John

Private: Ephesus, Basilica of Saint John,Virgin Mary's House Tour

Kenneth_T, Apr 2026

Great tour and awesome guide.

Highly recommend this tour. Every site was well worth seeing. Our Tour guide,”G”, was awesome. He was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job communicating the history of each site. On the way to the sites, his use of a map was very helpful in understanding the complicated history of the area. I would not recommend this tour for anyone that has a problem, navigating uneven surfaces.

ALL INCLUSIVE : Private Ephesus & St. John Basilica with LUNCH

Mark_H, Apr 2026

Ceren was a wonderful...

Ceren was a wonderful guide. The only issue was the high pressure sales pitch from the rug salesman.

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

Nicolet_S, Apr 2026

Professional and fun..............,.................................,...................................................

Professional and fun, on time and personalized! ....................................................

NO HIDDEN FEES Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica

tlcnaus, Apr 2026

Wow oh wow!!

This tour was exceptional! From start to finish, our tour guide Melih, was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable and his English was impeccable! He not only shared Greco/Roman history but also Christian history. We would take this tour again in a heartbeat!

Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch

Stephen_C, Mar 2026

Melih. very...

Melih. very knowledgeable. Went out of his way to relate culture and history as it related to what we were seeing. Tour was worth price- could have explained a bit better entrances weren’t covered but still was worth it. Was just the 2 of us, and we got to see way easier and more than could have in bigger group

NO HIDDEN FEES Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, St. John Basilica

Kim_P, Jan 2026

Highly recommend- perfect for cruisers

We highly recommend this experience. Alex and the driver, Ibo, were fantastic. Alex was very knowledgeable, considerate and accommodating. We enjoyed every aspect of the tour. We were on a Viking Cruise and Alex greeted us just outside the cruise terminal and had us back in plenty of time.

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

Joan_D, Oct 2025

Don’t miss this Ephesus tour!!

This was the best and most informative tour of Ephesus! Nilay was excellent guiding us to all the major important sites in the ancient city and imparting her expertise and love for Ephesus and for Türkiye. She is caring, kind, intelligent and interesting, and she speaks English very well. Be sure to ask for Nilay as your guide.