Ephesus Private Biblical Tour

Tour Itinerary

Meet your private guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port or your hotel and take a 30-minute scenic drive to the House of the Virgin Mary. Recognized as a pilgrimage site by Pope Paul VI in 1967, this sacred location is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. You will have one hour to explore the site, visit the chapel, and experience its peaceful atmosphere.

A short five-minute drive brings you to the upper gate of Ephesus, where your walking tour begins. Your private driver will meet you at the lower gate while you explore on foot. The tour of Ephesus lasts approximately two hours and covers the most significant historical and biblical sites. Before entering, there will be a brief stop at the upper souvenir area, with additional shopping opportunities at the lower exit

As your guide leads you through Ephesus, key highlights include: The Great Theatre, built in the 3rd century BC, was later expanded by the Romans and could seat 25,000 spectators. It holds special significance in Christianity as the place where Saint Paul the Apostle preached to the Ephesians, as mentioned in Acts 19:21, known as “The Trouble at Ephesus”. The State Agora, once the political and commercial center of the city, features the Augustus Basilica and several ancient inscriptions.

Here, you will also find early Christian symbols, including “ICTHUS” fish engravings, which served as secret markings for Christians during the Roman period. The main streets of Ephesus, lined with fountains, statues, and temples dedicated to Emperors Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian. The Celsus Library, the third-largest library of the ancient world, once housed over 12,000 scrolls and remains one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in Turkey. The Hercules Gate, marking the transition into the more exclusive residential area of Ephesus.

These well-preserved residences on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain showcase frescoes, mosaics, and advanced private heating systems, offering insight into the daily life of the city’s most affluent citizens. A separate entry fee applies. The complex contains 80 steps, making it one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the city. After exploring Ephesus, follow Pine Trees Way to the Church of the Virgin Mary, a significant site in early Christianity.

This church hosted the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD, where Emperor Theodosius II and over 200 bishops convened to define the role of the Virgin Mary in Christian doctrine. Near the exit of the ancient city, there will be time to browse the souvenir area, where restrooms and small shops are available. Next, visit the Basilica of St. John, built in the 6th century AD by Emperor Justinian I over the believed tomb of St. John the Evangelist. Highlights include: The tomb of St. John, a sacred pilgrimage site for early Christians.

The baptism hall, where early Christian converts were baptized. Byzantine-era paintings, featuring Emperor Justinian I, Empress Theodora, and St. John. The observation terrace, offering panoramic views of the Meander River (Ancient Cayster), Isa Bey Mosque, the Artemisium, Mt. Pion, and Mt. Coressus. A topographical display illustrates the transformation of Ephesus Harbor over the centuries.

Your guide will share insights into the life of Saint John in Ephesus, his exile to Patmos, and the letters he sent to the Ephesians, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Your guide may also introduce you to local cultural experiences, such as visits to a weaving school or a ceramic art center, where traditional Turkish craftsmanship is showcased. The tour concludes with a return to Kusadasi.