Virgin Mary House and St John Basilica Tour with Lunch opt Bath
Description
Discover the spiritual and historical heart of the region on this House of Virgin Mary & Basilica of St. John Tour with a traditional Turkish lunch. Visit the peaceful holy site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage and prayer for millions. Continue to the Basilica of St. John, where the beloved apostle is said to be buried, and admire the impressive ruins overlooking Selçuk. Enjoy a delicious local lunch during your journey, and for a perfect end to the day, you may add an optional Turkish Bath experience to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in a unique cultural tradition.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meeting at the Ege Port. Your guide will be waiting at the exit gate holding a board with your name on it.
Located in the Aladağ Mountains, just 5 miles from Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a significant pilgrimage site. According to tradition, Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. The site was recognized as a place of pilgrimage by the Archbishop of Kusadasi in 1892, following the discovery of the house. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed at this sacred location, cementing its importance for visitors from around the world.
Located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, the Basilica of St. John was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian over the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle. Once a grand domed structure rivaling the Hagia Sophia, the basilica was a major pilgrimage destination in the Byzantine era. Today, visitors can explore its remains — including elegant arches, column fragments, and the symbolic tomb of St. John — all set against panoramic views of Selçuk and the surrounding countryside. The site offers a powerful glimpse into early Christian history and the region’s spiritual legacy.
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.
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.
We will drive you back to port.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You must leave the cruise according to your pick-up timing (We suggest you to leave as early as possible so that you can have longer time for the tour). Your guide will be waiting for you holding a board with your name on at the exit gate.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(3)
this was an amazing experience Rengin was great and very informative. She kept in tune with how sites were with lines etc and modified course a bit so we essentially avoided crowds and had plenty time. Lunch was amazing with so much good food. The stop at carpet factory was very informative but they were very high pressure to try and make a sale. over all great tour through a great company. we would use them again to take tour.
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Sea Drop Travel during your visit to Kusadasi. We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience and that Rengin helped make your day both enjoyable and stress-free. One of our priorities is ensuring that our guests get the most out of their visit, and we are pleased that her careful planning helped you avoid crowds and enjoy more time at the sites. We are also happy that you enjoyed the lunch and the overall experience. Turkish hospitality and local cuisine are important parts of every tour, and we love sharing them with our guests. Thank you as well for your feedback regarding the carpet demonstration. Traditional Turkish carpet weaving is an important part of our cultural heritage, and while many guests enjoy learning about this centuries-old craft, we always want our visitors to feel comfortable and free to make their own decisions. We appreciate your honest comments and will continue working to provide the best possible experience. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your Ephesus Tour and your time exploring one of the world's most remarkable ancient cities. Whether guests choose a Private Ephesus Tour, a House of Virgin Mary Tour, or other Kusadasi Shore Excursions, our goal is always to create memorable experiences with knowledgeable guides and exceptional service. We hope to welcome you back again in the future for another Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port, a visit to the Temple of Artemis, a relaxing Turkish Bath Kusadasi experience, or one of our customized Kusadasi Private Tours. Thank you once again for your kind recommendation and for trusting Sea Drop Travel with your vacation in Türkiye. Warm regards, Salman Kurt Sea Drop Travel Team Kusadasi, Türkiye
Our Tour of the Mother House of Mary and St. John's Basilica with SeaDrop Travel was amazing. It was worth seeing two major religious and historical sites together. Thanks to our guide’s knowledge and narration, the basilica with St. John’s tomb and the peaceful atmosphere of the Mother House of Mary were truly realized. Lunch was a delicious and relaxing break. The organization was impeccable. Would highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in history and faith tourism!
Thank you very much for joining our tour! Whether you enjoyed the Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port, experienced a Private Ephesus Tour, visited Ephesus & the Virgin Mary House, or joined one of our Half-Day or Full-Day Ephesus Tours, we truly appreciate your trust in us. At Sea Drop Travel Kusadasi – Turkey, we are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences at Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and all the historical treasures of our region. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit. Warm regards, Sea Drop Travel Kusadasi – Türkiye Ephesus Tours • Virgin Mary House Tours • Private Guided Tours
Excellent experience, everything thoughtful and very comfortable with transportation, our guide was very knowledgeable. thanks
Thank you very much for joining our tour! Whether you enjoyed the Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port, experienced a Private Ephesus Tour, visited Ephesus & the Virgin Mary House, or joined one of our Half-Day or Full-Day Ephesus Tours, we truly appreciate your trust in us. At Sea Drop Travel Kusadasi – Turkey, we are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences at Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and all the historical treasures of our region. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit. Warm regards, Sea Drop Travel Kusadasi – Türkiye Ephesus Tours • Virgin Mary House Tours • Private Guided Tours
