Ephesus Private Full Day Tour

Tour Itinerary

Meet your private guide at Kusadasi Port or your hotel and begin a 30-minute scenic drive to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site. Declared a holy place by Pope Paul VI in 1967, it is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. You will have approximately one hour to explore the chapel and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred site.

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 two-hour tour of Ephesus, including the Terrace Houses, covers the most remarkable highlights of the ancient city.

Before entering the site, you will have 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, originally built in the 3rd century BC, later expanded by the Romans, and capable of seating 25,000 people.

This grand amphitheater is famous as the place where Saint Paul the Apostle preached to the Ephesians. The State Agora, a key administrative and commercial center of the city, featuring the Augustus Basilica, a grand colonnaded structure. The main streets, lined with statues, fountains, and monumental temples dedicated to Emperors Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian. The Celsus Library, one of the most iconic landmarks of Ephesus, was the third-largest library of the ancient world, housing over 12,000 scrolls. The Hercules Gate, marking the transition into the more exclusive residential area of the city.

As you exit Ephesus, there will be a stop at the souvenir area, where restrooms and small shops are available. Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch, allowing you to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. The afternoon continues with a visit to 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 original tomb of St. John, a sacred site for early Christians. The baptism hall, where early Christian conversions took place. Byzantine-era paintings, featuring Emperor Justinian I, Empress Theodora, and St. John. The observation terrace, offering breathtaking 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 may also introduce you to local cultural experiences, such as visits to a weaving school or a ceramic art center, before returning to Kusadasi. The tour concludes with a return to Kusadasi.