Private Biblical Ephesus

On the Kusadasi pier, you will meet your professionally qualified guide and begin your private shore tour to Ephesus. Ephesus is the only ancient city that finds reference in both the New Testament and the Book of Revelation that St. Paul visited. Skip-the-line tickets are included for sites to ensure a seamless experience.

Just before we journey to ancient Ephesus, you will ascend a gorgeous seaside route. Upon arriving at Ephesus, proceed through the Magnesia Gate as instructed by your guide to enter the historic site. Explore many landmarks, such as the Great Theatre, which was rebuilt in the Roman era after being created in the Greek era and is still renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the Odeon, the Library of Celsius, and the Thermal Baths of Scholastica.

The Tomb of St. Luke is located close to the north gate. It's believed to be the base of an old temple that was subsequently transformed into a church. There is a theory that this was the tomb of St. Luke because of a bull's head carved in the doorjamb, which was an old sign for the saint. He may not have physically visited Ephesus, but his influence undoubtedly did. You will go to the former harbor area before departing the city. You can view the ruins of the old Christian cathedral known as the Church of Mary, which was devoted to the Virgin Mary.

Following your exploration of all the intriguing Biblical monuments, your private shore trip to Ephesus includes lunch at a local restaurant where you may savor a variety of local specialties. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood from 550 B.C. to 401 A.D., and all that is left of it is a single pillar that you will pass after lunch.

After lunch, you will pass the one lone pillar that is all that remains of the Temple of Artemis (550 B. C. - 401 A. D.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The final stop is at the Basilica of St. John. It is generally agreed that he died in the area of Ephesus of natural causes around 100 A.D. and was buried on Ayasuluk Hill under a simple marker. In the 4th century, a modest Christian church was built over the grave. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian had an impressive domed basilica built to replace the earlier church. The church, known as the Church of St. John the Theologian, was one of the most sacred sites in the Middle Ages, and thousands made the pilgrimage there. With the decline in the importance of Ephesus and the destruction from Arab raids in the 11th century, the basilica fell into ruins and was even converted into a mosque around 1330 A. D. After further destruction, the building became a source of building materials until restoration began in the last century. If the cathedral could be rebuilt, it would be the seventh-largest in the world.

The Basilica of St. John serves as the last destination. He was buried atop Ayasuluk hill beneath a plain monument, and it is generally agreed that he passed away in the Ephesus region about 100 A.D. from natural causes. Over the tomb, a small Christian church was constructed in the fourth century. Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of an imposing basilica with a dome in the sixth century to replace the previous church. Thousands of people came to this church, also known as the Church of St. John the Theologian, since it was one of the most revered locations throughout the Middle Ages.

You will pass what appears to be the hillside prison where Paul may have been imprisoned during the theater riots as you make the journey back to town. When the group returns to the town of Kusadasi, if time permits, they can choose to conclude their trip in the shopping district, where they can either attend a shopping and explanation about Turkish carpets, or they can browse the stores that sell jewelry, carpets, leather products, and copper items, or both. Turkish retailers anticipate haggling, and you can frequently negotiate a 10%-15% price reduction. If guests decide not to partake in the optional carpet shopping, they will be returned straight to the dock upon informing their guide.