Ephesus: Private Biblical Tour with Lunch & No Hidden Fees

Summary

Walk Ephesus’ marble streets, hear stories of St. John, taste Turkish mezes

You’ll walk through Ephesus’ ancient streets with a Bible-oriented local guide, stand quietly inside the House of Virgin Mary, taste homemade Turkish mezes over lunch, and see where St. John is believed to rest—all without worrying about hidden fees or waiting for big groups.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right at Kusadasi port—he was holding a sign with my name (kind of surreal seeing it there). The van had AC, which honestly felt like a blessing after the salty breeze outside. On the drive to Ephesus, our guide started weaving in stories about Paul and John, but not in that heavy-handed way—more like sharing family memories. I could smell wild sage when we rolled down the window near the ruins, and for a second it felt like time folded in on itself.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing on those marble streets, grooves from chariot wheels still there. Our guide pointed out where the Great Theatre once echoed with crowds—he even read a bit from Acts right there, which made it hit different. There were moments when the sun bounced off the Library of Celsus just right and I thought, this is what they mean by “living history.” We stopped at the Chapel of the Virgin Mary too—I tried to picture those ancient councils arguing theology under these same stones.

Lunch was at this local spot near Ephesus (not touristy at all). Four kinds of mezes showed up before I could even sit down properly—one tasted like dill and lemon, another was smoky eggplant. The main plate was chicken and these little meatballs; I probably ate more than I should have but hey, vacation rules. Our guide laughed when I tried to pronounce “Meryem Ana Evi” for the House of Virgin Mary—my Turkish needs work. That place felt quiet in a way that sticks with you. Even now I remember the cool air inside after so much sun outside.

The Basilica of St. John was last before heading back—a few stray cats lounged on ancient bricks while our guide explained how John might have spent his last days here. We ended at what’s left of the Temple of Artemis; not much stands now but you can almost see its outline if you squint against the sky. The ride back was sleepy and slow; I kept replaying bits in my head—especially that moment in front of the theatre when everything went silent for just a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Biblical Ephesus private full day tour

• Meet guide at Kusadasi Port
• Drive 20 minutes to Ephesus
• Explore Ephesus ancient city
• Visit Chapel of the Virgin Mary
• Tour House of Virgin Mary
• Enjoy included lunch with Turkish mezes
• Visit Basilica of St. John
• Stop at Temple of Artemis
• Drive back to Kusadasi port

Top questions

Is lunch included on this private Biblical Ephesus tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant near Ephesus is included in your tour price.

Does this day trip to Ephesus from Kusadasi include entrance fees?

All entrance fees are included—your guide has pre-paid tickets so you can skip lines.

How long does it take to drive from Kusadasi port to Ephesus?

The drive from Kusadasi port to Ephesus takes about 20 minutes.

What sites are visited on this Biblical Ephesus tour?

You’ll visit Ephesus ruins, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis.

Is hotel or port pickup provided?

Yes, private pickup from your hotel or Kusadasi port is included.

Can we customize how long we spend at each site?

You have flexibility to spend as much time as you want at each stop—it’s your private tour.

Are there any hidden costs or extra charges?

No hidden costs—rates include entrance fees and lunch as stated.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from your hotel or Kusadasi port, all entry fees covered ahead by your guide (so no waiting in ticket lines), an unhurried walk through Ephesus’ biblical sites with stories along the way, plus a traditional Turkish lunch before returning comfortably by private vehicle in time for your ship or evening plans.