Private Biblical Ephesus Shore Excursions

The ancient city of Ephesus, located near the modern-day town of Selçuk in Turkey, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region and is an essential destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.It was the beginning and the end of King Road. (One of the three ancient trade routes, the others being the silk and spice roads) of the World. You will have a chance to see the beautiful temples, a library (which was the third-largest in Ancient World), and the buildings that were built in the Roman period.

The House of the Virgin Mary, also known as Meryemana in Turkish, is a religious and pilgrimage site located near Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. According to Catholic and Orthodox tradition, it is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her final years in this house after the death of Jesus Christ. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the existence of the House of Mary in Ephesus, some religious scholars point to biblical passages suggesting that Mary lived with the Apostle John in Ephesus. The site gained prominence in the 19th century after the visions of a German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, who described the location of Mary’s house in Ephesus. This led to the discovery of a small stone house in the area, which was later identified as the House of the Virgin Mary.

The Basilica of St. John, also known as the Church of St. John, is a significant historical and religious site located in Selçuk, Turkey, near the ancient city of Ephesus. The Basilica of St. John was constructed by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD, on the supposed burial site of St. John the Apostle. The basilica was dedicated to St. John, who is believed to have lived in Ephesus during the later years of his life and composed the Gospel of John. The original basilica suffered destruction over the centuries, particularly due to earthquakes. The building standing today is a reconstruction of the original basilica.

The Terrace Houses of Ephesus, also known as the “Houses of the Rich,” are a remarkable archaeological site within the ancient city of Ephesus. The Terrace Houses were luxurious residences inhabited by affluent Ephesians during the Roman period, dating back to the 1st century BCE and continuing through the 7th century CE. These houses belonged to the elite of Ephesus and were adorned with lavish decorations, intricate mosaics, frescoes, and advanced amenities, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of their inhabitants.