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.

200+ results

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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

4.9

(63)

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

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(17)

from $25

Price varies by group size

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

5.0

(53)

from $139

Price varies by group size

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

4.9

(659)

from $41

Price varies by group size

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

5.0

(63)

from $139

Price varies by group size

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

5.0

(12)

from $99

Price varies by group size

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

4.9

(576)

from $49

Price varies by group size

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

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(104)

from $29

Price varies by group size

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

5.0

(6)

from $139

Price varies by group size

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

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

4.5

(23)

from $111

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

4.9

(77)

from $99

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

4.9

(42)

from $25

Price varies by group size

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

5.0

(51)

from $58

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

5.0

(23)

from $19

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

5.0

(24)

from $29

Price varies by group size

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

4.9

(112)

from $23

Price varies by group size

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

5.0

(20)

from $50

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

4.8

(16)

from $74

Price varies by group size

Best of Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port | Guaranteed on-time Return to Ship

• PRIVATE TOUR ONLY FOR YOUR PARTY, MORE PERSONALIZED SERVICE • GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT • SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS (OPTIONAL) • FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS • 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 of Turkey and one of the largest of 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, TERRACE HOUSES OF EPHESUS, THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY, 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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Best of Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Port | Guaranteed on-time Return to Ship

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(13)

from $25

Price varies by group size

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

4.9

(98)

from $259

Price varies by group size

Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Tailored for Cruisers

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(5)

from $52

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

4.8

(48)

from $80

Price varies by group size

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

4.8

(31)

from $79

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

4.9

(165)

from $75

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Basilica of St. John

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.

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

Linda_W, Jun 2026

Private tour was awesome,...

Private tour was awesome, customized to fot our wants and needs. Wonderful day in Ephasus and Church of St John

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

loweam, May 2026

Tuba was an outstanding...

Tuba was an outstanding guide. Took us everywhere with ease and explained everything. The driver arrived in a large comfortable van which made it very easy for the guide to talk to both of us while driving from site to site. Would highly recommend this tour.

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.

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

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

Bonnie_M, May 2026

Aleyna the Great!

First off the communication for pick up and details of what to expect were superb. We were met at the port and walked a couple of minutes outside of the port to our awaiting Mercedes van. It was very clean and stocked with water for our day. Our guide and driver headed straight for the House of Mary to beat the crowds and the mega buses. Thank goodness for that as we had no line at all! Aleyna gave us so much rich history of not only the land but also about Mary’s house and John the beloved disciple who brought her there. From there we went into ancient Ephesus through the upper gate. I totally suggest this as if you enter through the lower gate you miss all the history of the government area and latrines! She pointed out the perfect picture points and took them of us too. She already had our tickets so that we skipped the long lines for the city of Ephesus area as well. We paid her for that at the end as well as basilica of St John entrance fees. She explained different options for the day and any additional fees when we had entered the van. After an incredible lunch at Agora cafe we traveled to our last stop, the basilica of St John. Aleyna also gives biblical tours so we got a mix of both as we told her we were Christians and were very interested in what she could tell us. She almost felt like our daughter by days end and got her info for our friends who are traveling as well. Her English was perfect as she explained thousands of years of history and culture to us!!! There is no way we could have experienced Ephesus and enjoyed it without Aleyna’s expertise.

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

Seth_L, May 2026

Turkey up Close and Personal

Our tour guide, Yavuz, provided a lovely personalized tour of Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House, St. John Basilica, and more. He was a wealth of knowledge and extremely helpful and professional. We also stopped at a rug weaver who creates wonderful hand-made rugs. The quality and workmanship is exceptional. We enjoyed the history, the sites and the personal touches. I highly recommend this tour.