In the footsteps of the apostles – Paul, John and Mary in Ephesus

Hardly any city shaped early Christianity like Ephesus. Paul lived here for almost three years and wrote to the Corinthians from here, John spent his last years in the city according to tradition, and in 431 the Council declared Mary Mother of God in her church. We read the Acts of the Apostles where they happened – Bible in hand and marble underfoot.

Highlights

• Ephesus: Curetes Street, Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre of Acts 19
• Church of Mary – site of the Council of Ephesus in 431
• House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) on Bülbüldağı, a pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims
• Basilica of St John in Selçuk above the traditional tomb of the Evangelist
• Grotto of the Seven Sleepers – a legend of faith and persecution
• Bible passages for each place, a short devotion on request

Full description

We start up at the House of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition John brought the mother of Jesus to Ephesus; the small stone house in the mountains is today a quiet pilgrimage site where Christians and Muslims alike light candles and pin wishes to the prayer wall. Then we walk down through Ephesus, past the agora where Paul may have worked as a tentmaker, to the Great Theatre where the riot of the silversmiths around Demetrius raged: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

On the edge of the city lies the Church of Mary, where the third Ecumenical Council met in 431. After lunch we visit the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers and drive up to Selçuk to the Basilica of St John, which Emperor Justinian built above the apostle's tomb. From there the view reaches across the plain to the last column of the Temple of Artemis – two worlds that met in this city.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• 1 · House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)
  Chapel, holy spring and prayer wall on Nightingale Hill.
• 2 · Ephesus
  State Agora, Curetes Street, Library of Celsus, Commercial Agora and Great Theatre (Acts 19:23–40).
• 3 · Church of Mary
  Site of the Council of Ephesus in 431, baptistery.
• 4 · Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
  Early Christian burial site and the legend of the seven youths.
• 5 · Basilica of St John, Selçuk
  Tomb of the Evangelist, baptismal font, view of Ayasuluk and the Artemision.

Included

• 8 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Guided walk in Ephesus with biblical references, visits to all sites listed
• Transfer with vehicle and driver from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport (ADB), if booked

Not included

• Entrance fees (Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St John)
• Lunch and drinks
• Transfer, optional: €120 + €10 per person
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

With a booked transfer we pick you up at Kuşadası cruise port, Izmir cruise port or Izmir Airport (ADB) and bring you back there. Without transfer we meet at the upper gate (Magnesian Gate) of Ephesus.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Groups and parishes – We gladly shape the tour for church groups with readings and a short devotion at the sites – please mention when booking.
• Museum Pass Aegean – Can be added in the booking form; paid in full with the deposit and non-refundable. Children under 8 need no pass.
• Clothing – Shoulders and knees covered at the House of Mary; comfortable shoes and sun protection in Ephesus.
• Services – Mass is celebrated regularly at the House of Mary; times on request.
• Cruise guests – Please state ship and time in port; we plan the return to the ship with ample buffer.