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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Best Seller

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

4.7

(16)

from $25

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

4.9

(61)

from $39

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

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

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

(567)

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

(90)

from $29

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

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

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

4.9

(60)

from $139

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

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

Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi with Ticket Option

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4.6

(36)

from $17

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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

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

(41)

from $25

Price varies by group size

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

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(19)

from $29

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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

5.0

(1,358)

from $29

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

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(25)

from $11

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

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(47)

from $15

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

4.9

(28)

from $79

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PRIVATE Ephesus Full Day Tour from Izmir

Travel directly from Izmir to Ephesus on this private tour. This tour takes you right from the meeting point in central Izmir out to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where your guide explains all of the history and architecture. You stop by many important sites, like Saint John Kilisesi, Meryemana, and more. Admission fees for Ephesus Ancient City and the House of Virgin Mary are not included.

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PRIVATE Ephesus Full Day Tour from Izmir

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(102)

from $126

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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For Cruise Guests : Biblical Ephesus PRIVATE TOUR/ Kusadasi Tours

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(10)

from $39

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

(44)

from $80

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

ALL INCLUSIVE Biblical Ephesus with BIBLE Oriented Guide &LUNCH

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

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

(161)

from $75

Price varies by group size

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

4.8

(87)

from $259

Price varies by group size

Private Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Cruise Port

THIS IS A PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR ONLY FOR YOU AND YOUR TRAVEL COMPANIONS Welcome to Ephesus during this amazing full day tour. You will see all the most popular sights and experience the best parts of the city with a local tour guide. This is a big chance for you to discover fascinating sites around the town with an expert local tour guide on this private shore excursion departing from the Port of Kusadasi / Ephesus. You will be met at port and guaranteed on-time return to your ship. As you will have a private tour guide, you can adjust the schedule, duration and activities to meet your needs. When you booked this private Ephesus tour; Ancient City of Ephesus & Artemis Temple visits are already included.

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Private Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi Cruise Port

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(9)

from $39

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What are people saying about Basilica of St. John

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.

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

Jenny_R, May 2026

Fantastic tour!

Easy to find when getting off ship. Very flexible. Saw the highlights. Great guide named Inan. Personable and professional.

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

Meghan_C, May 2026

Wonderful experience

Our tour was excellent! Great communication ahead of time, easy to find when we got off our cruise ship, comfortable transportation, and a knowledgeable guide who provided a wealth of information and allowed us to customize the tour so we saw everything we wanted to see. We had a wonderful day and would highly recommend!

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

Jacqueline_M, May 2026

Ephesus tour

We booked this tour with Ozzy. He was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and was a lot of fun. He made our trip to Ephesus perfect.. We 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

John_N, May 2026

Making the most of a day in Ephesus

We had one day docked in Kusadasi on our cruise ship, and we wanted to see just about everything in Ephesus. This tour was the one of the very few on Viator that allowed total flexibility in scheduling the day's activities, without paying an exorbitant price. We spent the morning in Ephesus, including the Terrace Houses, with a stop at Mary's Church; then had a very good, included lunch; and in the afternoon visited the Ephesus Museum, the Basilica of St. John, and the site of the Temple of Artemis. The tour began with pickup from the cruise terminal at 8am, concluding with a drop-off at 3:30. The tour guide, Cenkis, was thoroughly knowledgeable of the history of Ephesus and the wider region. Though a Muslim himself, he also had a deep knowledge of the Christian history that took place in the area. He was a joy to spend the day with. Our driver, Ali, was professional and courteous; and the vehicle itself was quite comfortable and conducive to touring. All in all, this was a great way to see as much of Ephesus as possible in a day, and is highly recommended.