
Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch worth booking?
Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch is a 6-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $87 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (21)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $87 per person
Private Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica, Artemission temple with Lunch Private : Full Day tour of Ephesus, St. John Basilica Temple of Artemis, The House of Virgin Mary . Private Licenced tour guide, A/C transportation, parking fees and lunch are included in the price. Terrace houses can be added into the program , If requested , Bible Oriented Guide can be organised without any extra. Entrance fees are not included in this program. Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to the sites.Total entrance fees can be paid to our guide at the end of the tour in cash
What you get
About this experience
Private Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica, Artemission temple with Lunch Private : Full Day tour of Ephesus, St. John Basilica Temple of Artemis, The House of Virgin Mary . Private Licenced tour guide, A/C transportation, parking fees and lunch are included in the price. Terrace houses can be added into the program , If requested , Bible Oriented Guide can be organised without any extra. Entrance fees are not included in this program. Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to the sites.Total entrance fees can be paid to our guide at the end of the tour in cash
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
- Transport by air-conditioned mercedes Van
- Private tour
- Professional Licenced Tour guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance Fees ( our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines )
What you'll see and do
Your tour guide will be ready at your hotel lobby in Kusadasi or at Kusadasi Cruise terminal at pre-arranged time. Our professional licenced tour guide will meet you at Kusadasi port with your name sign. After greetings, drive to The House of Virgin Mary for around 25 minutes.
30 minutes here
The House of the Virgin Mary
Our first stop is The House of Virgin Mary is one of the pilgrimage center of Christians where Virgin Mary passed her recently time and died. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967, and ‘unofficially’ confirmed its authenticity. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI has visited this shrine After House of Virgin Mary.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Ephesus Ancient City
We drive to Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Artemis during the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. You will start your Ephesus excursion at the upper Magnesia Gate, and work your way down through the city, ending near the ancient Harbor. Along the way you will see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theater, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period. It has played host to programs as varied as Paul and his sermons to the Ephesians, to concerts by Sting, in part due to its remarkable acoustics. You will walk along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. You will hear stories of Alexander the Great, the Virgin Mary, and many other famous visitors who walked the same marble streets that you are walking.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Ephesus Terrace Houses
You can visit Terrace Houses in Ephesus if you want to add into your program
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Your private Ephesus excursion includes lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Delicious homemade Turkish lunch will be served. Either in Selcuk Köftecisi or in Bizim Ev Hanımeli Restaurant
45 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica of St. John
After Lunch, we will visit The Basilica of St. John it 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.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
The Temple of Artemis
Then Continue to visit Temple of Artemis which is one of the seven wonders of Ancient time. Returning back to your hotel / Cruise terminal in Kusadasi and the end of our tour.
15 minutes here
Pass Through Caravanserail and Arrival to Kusadasi port and drop off . Hotel guests will be dropped off to their hotel. The end of our services
Pass by without stopping
Drop-off at Kusadasi Cruise Port.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kusadasi Private Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Full Day tour of Ephesus, St. John Basilica Temple of Artemis, The House of Virgin Mary . Private Licenced tour guide, A/C transportation, parking fees and lunch are included in the price.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic Tour Experience
Tez (our tour guide) met us at the port and we left in a comfortable and clean Mercedes van. Tez is a local who is passionate about his job. He was professional, personable, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and friendly. We learned so much about Turkey, its geography, history, culture, customs, etc. We visited house of the Virgin Mary and had an exceptional tour of Ephesus. Tez took us to a restaurant where we had a delicious Turkish lunch. We learned about the manufacture of rugs by hand and local jewelry. Since it was late, we drove by St. John Basilica. We had a memorable day due to Tez and his careful driver. This is a must tour!
via Viator
Very good guide and driver well versed and knowleadgable
Far from each other but the tranaport (private)better if booked than group House of Virgin Mary nicw
via Viator
Great Day but too bad about the Carpet Sales Push
We had a very specific itinerary. We wanted to go to Sunday Mass at Virgin Mary’s House at 10:30. Then see a bit of Ephesus and then see St John’s tomb. The day went without a hitch up until the lunch provided. Lunch was lovely, delicious and very Turkish. Then we were basically “strong-armed” to watch how Turkish carpet is made with the promise we wouldn’t be “sold”. Well that part was a lie. The Greasy Piece of Bacon owner did everything to coerce us to buy his crappy carpets. It felt unnecessarily uncomfortable. That part put a damper on our whole day. However. Adnan our Guide as kind and professional. I recommend you book… but if being hounded and pushed to buy carpeting isn’t your thing… speak up. I wish we did
via Viator
Trap disguised as a tour: High-pressure sales and hidden commissions waste your vacation time
This tour includes mandatory, high-pressure stops at carpet and leather showrooms designed to generate massive kickbacks for guides. Expect coercive sales tactics, inflated prices, and hours lost in commercial showrooms rather than sightseeing.
Response from the operator: Dear Yuji, Thank you very much for your comment. We just talked with your guide, because we never take our guests to any place that they do not want to go. And she said that she asked you if you wish to go those two place and you have said that you wished to go, so, she took you there she said. She also added that you told her that you enjoyed your day so much and you and your husband separately gave her high tip to show your gratitude. You also stop by our head office at the end of the tour and when we asked about your day, you also told us that you enjoyed your day. Because we arranged you a Japanese and English speaking guide without any extra charge cause you are originally from Japan. And you were grateful with that. But, if there is anything else we can do in any case with this issue, please do not hesitate to contact with us. You already have my contact number. Looking forward to hear from you. Have a nice day... Best regards, Sadettin Akbaba
via Viator
Amazing Ephesus trip
Goksel was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. He gave lots of info/history on each attraction. We had a great time visiting Ephesus!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $87 to $109
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kusadasi Private Tours, who run 13 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.8.
See everything Kusadasi Private Tours runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $87 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kusadasi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kusadasi is not rushed.
Is Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kusadasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kusadasi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kusadasi and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kusadasi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kusadasi?
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On Outty we rank every Kusadasi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line, FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour with Entry Fees & Lunch, FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kusadasi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kusadasi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch?
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Included: Lunch; GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT; Transport by air-conditioned mercedes Van; Private tour; and Professional Licenced Tour guide. Not included: Drinks; Gratuities; and Entrance Fees ( our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines ). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Kusadasi. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kusadasi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, St John Basilica & Lunch?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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