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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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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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

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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

Price varies by group size

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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 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

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

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

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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, 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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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

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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

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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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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Private Luxury Ephesus Tour with Lunch- FOR CRUISERS!

Discover the highlights of ancient Ephesus on this private shore excursion from Kusadasi Port. Walk through the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus, explore the luxurious Terrace houses with their stunning mosaics and frescoes, visit the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and see the Basilica of St. John, believed to be the final resting place of St. John the Evangelist. This well-paced tour is designed to fit perfectly into your cruise schedule. This private tour is flexible and fully customizable! Whether you want to adjust the itinerary or include specific stops such as local shopping or cultural experiences, we’re happy to tailor the tour to your preferences!

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Private Luxury Ephesus Tour with Lunch- FOR CRUISERS!

4 to 5 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

Special Offer

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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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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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

Price varies by group size

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Best of Ephesus Private Tour For Cruise Travelers

Skip the tiring pre-planned itineraries and customize your own sightseeing schedule on this tailor-made private excursion to Ephesus. Choose between diverse activities, from traditional historical tours to Turkish cooking classes or a horseback ride along the beach. You can also mix and match multiple options, including diving, shopping, or village and waterpark visits. A private guide and driver are on-hand to take you anywhere you’d like to go.

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Best of Ephesus Private Tour For Cruise Travelers

4 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Virgin Mary House and St John Basilica Tour with Lunch opt Bath

Discover the spiritual and historical heart of the region on this House of Virgin Mary & Basilica of St. John Tour with a traditional Turkish lunch. Visit the peaceful holy site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage and prayer for millions. Continue to the Basilica of St. John, where the beloved apostle is said to be buried, and admire the impressive ruins overlooking Selçuk. Enjoy a delicious local lunch during your journey, and for a perfect end to the day, you may add an optional Turkish Bath experience to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in a unique cultural tradition.

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Virgin Mary House and St John Basilica Tour with Lunch opt Bath

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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

Price varies by group size

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

Price varies by group size

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Ephesus tours Basilica of Saint John Turkish bath Tours

Discover Ephesus on a convenient shore excursion from Kuşadası Port. Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis with a professional guide. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, an informative carpet presentation, and relax at a Turkish hammam. Cruise-friendly timing with on-time return guaranteed. Explore the highlights of Ephesus on this well-paced shore excursion from Kuşadası Port, combining ancient history, religious landmarks, local culture, and relaxation. Begin with a guided visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus and see the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Hadrian’s Temple, and marble streets. Continue to the Basilica of St. John and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, an informative carpet presentation, and relax at Ada Saray Hammam with a traditional Turkish bath. Includes port pickup and guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship.

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Ephesus tours Basilica of Saint John Turkish bath Tours

6 to 7 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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FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port /GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO BOAT

Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus on a private full-day tour when your cruise ship docks in Kusadasi. Your private guide shows you the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus. Continue to the nearby site where the Temple of Artemis once stood, plus other highlights like the Basilica of Saint John. Includes private guide and driver, and transportation from Kusadasi port.

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FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port /GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN TO BOAT

4 to 6 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

John_L, Oct 2026

Ephesus tour for viking cruisers

Fatima was exceptional. We met with her at cruise terminal on time. The lunch was excellent. We were back to port on time

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

norma_c, Oct 2026

Great private tour great guide Ali

My husband Tieh and I NormaJean Chin booked this tour . I’m so very pleased ! Ali was our guide he was early at port we were first to Mary house on top of beautiful mountain. We are elderly husband can’t hear well I have hard time walking. He took his time assisting me making sure I did slip and fall . Very professional and educated us about all the sites . I asked if we can skip one site and they did and returned us safe to port . I give Ali high marks very good guide.

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

Valerie_T, Jun 2026

Ephesus Tour

An amazing experience having a private tour to Ephesus. Our Tour Guide Al was very informative and kept us amused all day. Very knowledgeable and a Comedian. As it was my husband’s 60th Birthday he went above and beyond by organising a birthday cake when we stopped for lunch. Lunch was also amazing. Organic Co-op. Food was simple but truly tasty! Best tour of our trip.

Bodrum Day Tour from Ancient History to Village Life

Lynn_S, Oct 2026

Great Tour of Bodrum Ancient Wonders to the Villages

What an amazing tour!!!! Fatma, our tour guide took us to the castle and spent extra time explaining the major artifacts, history and culture. Our driver, Onur, navigated through tiny streets and crowded areas to get us to the picturesque points of the area. We tried fresh squeezed pomegranate juice ( we could have had fresh squeezed orange juice) at a local place. We drove up to a small village Etrim to have all local foods for lunch and demonstration of Turkish rug making which were died with only natural dyes and handmade by the local women. This tour helped me understand Bodrum and the local culture better. GREAT TOUR!

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.