What’s the best way to experience the Basilica of St. John?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Basilica of St. John. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Kusadasi/Ephesus-Sightseeing-All-Inclusive-Tour/d582-18736P19" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers: Opt Museum Entrance Tickets</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kusadasi/Small-Group-Ephesus-Boutique-Tour/d582-18736P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Tour for Cruisers: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kusadasi/Private-Ephesus-and-The-House-of-Virgin-Mary-Tour-from-Kusadasi/d582-12889P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour (Skip-the-Line)</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kusadasi/Private-Biblical-Ephesus-Tour-from-Kusadasi-Port-with-lunch/d582-329748P4" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Biblical Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port With Lunch</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kusadasi/Biblical-Ephesus-tour-with-Bible-Oriented-Tour-guide/d582-10390P73" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">All-Inclusive Biblical Ephesus With Bible-Oriented Guide & Lunch</a></li></ul>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Basilica of St. John Tours and Tickets

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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

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

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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SKIP-THE-LINE EPHESUS and MARY'S HOUSE TOUR for Cruisers

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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Ephesus Biblical Tour House of the Virgin Mary and Ancient City

Explore the profound biblical significance of Ephesus in a day dedicated to its sacred history. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last earthly home, and the Basilica of Saint John, the resting place of the beloved disciple. Walk through the Ancient City of Ephesus, where Saint Paul preached and early Christians thrived, with an expert guide who offers insights into the region's religious and archaeological importance. - Visit the House of the Virgin Mary on Nightingale Mountain - Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, a key site in early Christianity - Gain insights from a knowledgeable guide specialized in religion and history - Enjoy comfortable transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle

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Ephesus Biblical Tour House of the Virgin Mary and Ancient City

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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Private Ephesus Bible Study Tour From Kusadasi Port

It was to Ephesus that St. Paul addressed his letter to the Ephesians, yet this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers more Biblical history than Paul alone. Discover it with ease on this tour that also visits St. John’s tomb, the Temple of Artemis, and Mary’s final home. Explore in a small group or upgrade for a private tour. Your guide arranges skip-the-line tickets, for which you pay on the day.

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Private Ephesus Bible Study Tour From Kusadasi Port

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

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All inclusive: Exclusive Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Make the most of your time in port without worrying about transportation, admission lines, or your return to the ship. This private Ephesus excursion is timed around your cruise schedule and pairs skip-the-line access with a licensed guide at Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and Temple of Artemis. A traditional Turkish lunch adds local flavor while personalized guidance helps you get more from the ancient sites.

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Private Ephesus Tour From KUSADASI port

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Tailored for Cruisers

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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ALL INCLUSIVE Biblical Ephesus with BIBLE Oriented Guide &LUNCH

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Private Full Day Ephesus Tour from Bodrum

The Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must on most Turkish Riviera itineraries, but the 5-hour round trip is a long way to drive yourself. Enjoy a ride as smooth as it’s seamless without compromising your independence on this fully customizable private tour in a premium Mercedes-Benz van. You choose where you go and pay for your tickets; your guide leads the way and ensures you skip the line.

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Private Full Day Ephesus Tour from Bodrum

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi with Ticket Option

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Ephesus is a must for history enthusiasts, but large group tours often don’t offer enough flexibility for travelers with limited time. On this private full-day tour, get a chance to customize your experience, whether you’re departing from the cruise port in Kusadasi, a Bodrum hotel, or even coming all the way from Istanbul (with round-trip flight tickets to Izmir included). Lunch and guiding are included for a seamless package.

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Daily Trip to House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Basilica of St.John

7 to 15 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi

Benefit from traveling with your own private guide to Ephesus when your cruise ship docks in Kusadasi. Take time to walk around the ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and significant cultural center from the ancient world. Continue to Temple of Artemis, then have some free time for shopping before returning to Kusadasi. Entrance fees for Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, and Virgin Mary's House are not included.

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Ephesus Basilica of Saint John Virgin Mary's House Tours kusadasi

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guests (Kusadasi Port)Lunch+Vip Minibuses

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)Lunch+Vip Minibuses

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Customizable Private Guided Ephesus Tour for your family

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Basilica of St. John

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

Justin_S, Jul 2026

Safe and comfortable tour

With only half a day to visit Kusadasi we wanted to visit Ephesus. Air conditioned van met us at the cruise terminal and away we went! Local history as we visited the House of Mary before the crowds. Our guide Inan navigated our stops to meet our interests in biblical history and archeology as well as leather and rugs. He even arranged for us to visit a local family who makes ceramics! Comfortable, clean and safe.

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

Alison_d, Jul 2026

Great flexibility and knowledge

We loved our tour and our guide! Extremely knowledgeable! Car was clean and he always had water for us! Everything was very well planned out but also very flexible based on what we wanted to do!

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

Leticia_L, Sep 2026

Biblical ephesus

Canan, our tour guide, greeted us and explained our expectations of our tour and the biblical history of the area. She was most knowledgeable in the history of Ephesus. She also, took us to a Turkish rug weaving place. We learn so much and had much appreciation for the Turkish rug making and culture. So impressed! I would recommend her.

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

Jane_H, Jun 2026

It was absolutely...

It was absolutely amazing! It was a private tour with Babur (not sure of spelling) as our guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable and was excited to share it all with us. He had a great love for the city and it showed. We went to The Ancient City, Virgin Mary's House, and St. John's Basilica.

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

Edward_J, Jun 2026

Ephesus Tour

Tour guide, Dennis, was great. Friendly and VERY knowledgeable. Driver was great as well. Got us everywhere we needed to be safely and in a timely fashion. Tickets to all the places are extra (and so is lunch) so plan accordingly. One part that I really did NOT like was the whole sales pitch of Turkish rugs. This was a big waste of time and we weren’t even asked if we wanted to participate. It was just forced upon us. Not cool.

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.