Unique Tour of Ephesus with House of Mary and Basilica of San Juan

Selçuk , Turkey

Unique Tour of Ephesus with House of Mary and Basilica of San Juan

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About this experience

This tour from Kusadasi takes you on an enriching day of history and culture in Ephesus. Start with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle transfers from your hotel or port, then start exploring this cool, historic site. Discover marvelous Roman architectures such as the Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre, guided by an expert who will bring these ancient wonders to life. In addition, you can taste authentic Turkish cuisine, combining its cultural adventure with delicious flavors. They also have the opportunity to visit local workshops to get an idea about what kind of crafts and products this region has.
Explore the House of the Virgin Mary, Mary’s final resting place.
Discover the monuments and art on display in Ephesus.
Visit the sacred site of the Temple of Artemis. one of the wonders of the world
Visit the Basilica of San Juan I consider the place where buried San Juan
Enter the ancient Greek theatre of Ephesus and Celsus Library

Available options

Unique Tour of Ephesus with House of Mary and Basilica of San Juan

Pickup included

What's included

Guia Professional Speaks Spanish

Lunch at the Local Restaurant

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will visit the site of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in Turkey. Since you will have the guide at your disposal, you can ask him all the questions you have about this ancient city.
During the private tour of Ephesus we will see the Library of Celsus which is a wonder in the heart of the city, the Greco-Roman Theatre which has capacity of 25,000 people, Latrines were used not only for body needs at the same time to socialize, the Temple of Hadrian with reliefs on foundation of Ephesus according to mythology, 3 Main Streets of numerous marbles with different colors, First symbol of pharmacy, Monuments, Fountains, Aquaducts, Temples, Ancient Markets, House of Ancient Love and More that you can not imagine before visiting it.

House of the Virgin Mary, which is a very important place for Christian believers. We will head to Selçuk city. Upon arrival, we will explore the grounds of the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final resting place of Mary, the mother of Jesus. We will visit the small chapel of the site, where you can offer prayers or reflect in the quiet surroundings. Then take the time to explore the interior of the house, which has been restored and contains a small altar and various religious artifacts. After your visit, take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.

Stop 3

Visit the impressive ruins of the Byzantine church of St. John, mark the place where St. John the Evangelist was buried.
This church was built on the tomb of St. John. The presently visible church is cruciform and covered with six solid domes, and was donated by Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora. The capitals facing the nave (central corridor) bear their monograms. The Door of Persecution forms the entrance to the walls of the Byzantine fortification and is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes of persecution of the life of the Greek hero Aquileo. It probably dates from the 6th or 7th century AD.

Stop 4

The Temple was considered one of 7 wonders of the ancient world, although it remained only one column after excavations by English archaeologists is a unique place where you can take a photo of 3 buildings of 3 different religions.

What's not included

Drinks at Lunch

Personal Expenses

Tip the Guide and Driver

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Ephesus' Door Up We Can Pick You Up

About Selçuk

Selçuk is a charming town in Turkey's Aegean Region, renowned as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural sites, Selçuk offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and authentic Turkish hospitality.

Top Attractions

Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (Entrance fee around 20 USD)

Selçuk Basilica

The Selçuk Basilica is an ancient Christian church with well-preserved mosaics and architectural details, offering insights into the region's early Christian history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

İsa Bey Mosque

İsa Bey Mosque is a 14th-century Ottoman mosque with beautiful Seljuk architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Şirince Village

Şirince is a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses, local wines, and olive oil. It's a great place to experience authentic Turkish village life and sample local produce.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, budget for food and wine tastings

Ephesus Museum

The Ephesus Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including sculptures, mosaics, and coins.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fee around 5 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Çökertme Kebap

A traditional dish made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices, cooked on a skewer over an open flame.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Karnıyarık

A stuffed eggplant dish made with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Şakşuka

A traditional dish made with green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Midye Dolma

Stuffed mussels filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices, served with a lemon wedge.

Snack Contains seafood, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding countryside Horseback riding Mountain biking Beach relaxation in Kuşadası Spa treatments in Pamukkale Wine tasting in Şirince Village Exploring ancient ruins Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Selçuk is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the ancient sites and enjoying the local cuisine.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Selçuk is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Be wary of fake petitions or surveys, as they may be a distraction for thieves.

Getting there

By air

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport • 80 km

By train

Selçuk Railway Station

By bus

Selçuk Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Selçuk, connecting the town center to major attractions and nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Ephesus Area Şirince Village

Day trips

Pamukkale

150 km • Full day

Pamukkale is a natural wonder known for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Selçuk.

Kuşadası

20 km • Half day

Kuşadası is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. It's a great day trip for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma

50-60 km • Full day

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma are ancient cities located near Selçuk, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. These sites are less crowded than Ephesus and offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins.

Festivals

International Selçuk Ephesus Culture and Art Festival • May International Selçuk Ephesus Jazz Festival • July Selçuk Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Try the local specialties, such as Çökertme Kebap and Şakşuka, at traditional restaurants like Dünyayla Otel Restaurant or Selçuk Pidecisi.
Explore the charming village of Şirince for a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with its stone houses, local wines, and olive oils.
Take a day trip to Pamukkale to experience the natural wonders of the travertine terraces and thermal springs.
Visit the Ephesus Museum to learn more about the ancient city and its rich history, with a collection of artifacts that includes sculptures, mosaics, and coins.