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Ephesus and Saint John with Basilica Tour – Explore the ancient capital city of Asia Minor with the Basilica of St. John during a Guided Ephesus Tour and Book Tours to Ephesus with Package Tour Turkey
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After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 08:30 am from the hotel to start the Ephesus Tour. Our Professional tour guide will be introducing the ancient sites of Ephesus.
We will drive to Virgin Mary’s House, upon the dream of German nun Anna Katherina Emerich, the Lazarist priests followed the descriptions and the signs and then discovered the house in 1891 CE. According to Catholic belief, Mary was taken here by St. John, and she spent the rest of her earthly life there. After the Virgin Mary’s House, we proceed to Ephesus Ancient City, the capital city of Asia Minor during the Roman era. According to myth, Ephesus was founded by the Greek commander Androculos around 1,000 BCE. Moreover, Alexander the Great, Lysimachus, Coressus, and Antiochus II either invaded or ruled in this city. While the excavations are still going on, you will see the ancient remains such as the State Agora (a marketplace and meeting point), Odeon (Bouleuterion) concert house and council, Town Hall and Artemis Sanctuary, Domitian Square, a complex consisting of temple fountain and a bath, Curetes Street colonnaded and monumental Street in Ephesus, The Hadrian Temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian dating to 200 BCE, Latrines the public toilets, Celsus Library proves us that how Ephesians were intellectual and dates back to 200 BCE with the library having had 12,000 scrolls, Forum a commercial center located by the port and finally The Great Theater the largest ancient theater with 25,000 capacity. After Ephesus ancient city, we drive to lunch at a local restaurant, and thereafter, the next stop is Isa Bey Mosque, built-in 1375 by the Anatolian Seljuks. Unlike Modern Ottoman architecture, it has a geometrical architecture roof and two minarets. The mosque is still functioning today for the five-time prayers. After Isa Bey Mosque, we drive to St. John Basilica; Emperor Justinian (527-565) built the Basilica of St John on the site of the saint’s fourth-century church and tomb. With a cruciform plan and six domes extending 110m. long, it was his grandest creation outside Constantinople. It conforms to a splendid architectural type first developed under Constantine I in the church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. Visit the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven ancient wonders of the World. After the Ephesus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel.
Note: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Departure & Return LocationÂ
Kusadasi or Selcuk/ Hotel or Port
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Price IncludesÂ
Professional tour guide at the tour
Air-conditioned vehicle for tours and transfers
Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
Lunch at the tour
Price ExcludesÂ
Gratuities to guide and driver
Personal expenses
Drinks at lunch
Reservation Request Form
Turkey’s St. John’s Basilica and the ancient Greek city of Ephesus are both must-see locations. They offer a distinctive experience for history aficionados and curious visitors alike and are renowned for their rich history and gorgeous architecture. This article will go through the intriguing history of Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica, the sights you may see on a guided tour, and useful advice to make the most of your trip. Let’s travel back in time to learn more about these marvels from long ago.
The 10th century BC saw the founding of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, which is now in modern-day Turkey. During the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras, it was a significant center of culture, religion, and commerce. The well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, which was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, draw many tourists each year.
Due to its advantageous location on the Aegean shore, Ephesus played a significant role in the ancient world. It connected the Mediterranean to the East and functioned as a crucial commerce route. The legendary Celsus Library, one of the biggest libraries in the ancient world, was located in the city, which was also a major center for study. Additionally, Ephesus served as a significant center for religion, housing many temples honoring gods such as Artemis, Apollo, and Serapis.
One of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ was St. John, also referred to as John the Apostle. He is thought to be the author of both the Book of Revelation and the Gospel of John. One of the most significant individuals in Christianity, St. John played a crucial role in the early Christian church.
After Jesus’ death, it is stated that St. John went to Ephesus and stayed there for the remainder of his life. It is said that he composed the Book of Revelation and his Gospel while he was a resident of Ephesus. The city was a significant early Christian hub, and St. John’s presence only served to emphasize this fact.
Emperor Justinian I erected St. John’s Basilica in the sixth century AD to commemorate the apostle’s life and contributions. The basilica, which was built over the alleged resting place of St. John, was a popular destination for early Christians. For tourists interested in the extensive history of Ephesus and early Christianity, the basilica is a must-visit location due to its stunning architecture and historical significance.
With guided tours of both the Basilica of St. John and the ancient city of Ephesus, the Ephesus, and St. John with Basilica tour provides tourists with an engaging experience. The tour gives guests an in-depth look at the significance and history of these locations, enabling them to appreciate their cultural and religious values.
Visitors will learn about many significant Ephesus landmarks on the Ephesus and St. John with a Basilica tour, including:
The Temple of Artemis was a significant religious institution and was formerly one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was devoted to the goddess Artemis.
The Celsus Library was one of the most important libraries in the ancient world since it once held thousands of scrolls.
The Great Theater, which had a capacity of about 25,000 people, hosted a range of cultural activities, such as plays, concerts, and gladiatorial contests.
The Terrace Houses offer a window into the wealthy citizens of ancient Ephesus’ daily lives because of their excellent preservation.
A stop at St. John’s Basilica, where visitors can see the remnants of the former beautiful church, will also be made on the tour. The tomb of St. John, the exquisite mosaic flooring, and the massive columns that previously supported the basilica’s ceiling are prominent elements to keep an eye out for.
Practical Information for Visitors
St. John’s Basilica and Ephesus are both close to Selçuk, a Turkish contemporary city. Flying into Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport, which is around 50 kilometers (31 miles) away, is the quickest method to get to the attractions. You can travel to Selçuk by train, bus, or taxi from the airport.
When the weather is nice and fewer people are visiting the sights, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the finest seasons to visit Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica. Due to the peak tourist season, the summer months can be extremely hot and congested in some locations.
For your trip to Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica, make sure you pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water. It’s also advised to bring a camera to record the beautiful scenery and spectacular architecture.
A trip to Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that provides a fascinating look at the ancient world and the roots of Christianity. You may truly appreciate the fascinating history and architectural marvels of these outstanding sites with a guided tour. Don’t pass up the chance to discover these historic wonders and make lifelong memories.
