St John Basilica & Virgin Mary House + Lunch /OPT Turkish Bath

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Meeting at the Ege Port. Your guide will be waiting at the exit gate holding a board with your name on it.

   30 min

2. Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Walk through the Library of Celsus, explore the Great Theatre, and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our Ephesus tours from Kusadasi offer a unique chance to experience Roman history, biblical heritage, and the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for travelers looking for the best Ephesus excursions, day trips, and guided tours in Kusadasi.

   2 h

3. Step into a place of peace and reverence nestled in the scenic Aladağ Mountains, just 5 miles from Ephesus. Wander through the tranquil gardens and experience the serenity of the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site that has inspired pilgrims for centuries. Pause, reflect, and feel the profound atmosphere of this remarkable spiritual landmark—a truly unforgettable stop on your Ephesus journey.

   1 h

4. Explore the impressive ruins of the Byzantine Basilica of St. John, marking the site where St. John the Evangelist is believed to be buried. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora, the grand cruciform church once stood crowned with six massive domes. Visitors can still see the monograms of the imperial couple carved into the capitals of the nave. The site also features the Persecution Gate, adorned with reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the Greek hero Achilles, offering a fascinating glimpse into both history and legend.

   1 h

5. Our tours from Kusadasi include a complimentary lunch with authentic Turkish food, a highlight for many of our guests. Afterward, we visit a Turkish handicrafts cooperative, where you can explore local culture and crafts. Entrance is free, and there is no obligation to buy anything—just enjoy this unique cultural experience.

   1 h

6. Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish Bath in Kusadasi. Begin with a few minutes in the sauna, followed by a gentle body scrub with a bath glove (kese), and finish with a soothing foam massage. This complete treatment leaves your skin soft, refreshed, and renewed—truly a rejuvenating experience.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Kusadasi

• Its from-price is 63% below the median of the 1371 experiences we list in Kusadasi.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 614 of 1371.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Kusadasi

Kuşadası is a busy Aegean resort on Turkey's west coast, a short drive from Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.

The town curves around a bay with a busy cruise port, a marina and Pigeon Island, linked to the shore by a causeway and topped by a small stone fortress. The old town's streets climb behind the harbour with bazaars, cafés and restaurants, and beaches such as Ladies Beach and Long Beach stretch along the coast.

Top-ranked sights in Kusadasi: Kusadasi Castle, Kusadasi Caravanserai (Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai), Kusadasi Shopping Center (Kusadasi AVM).

See all 1371 experiences in Kusadasi