Biblical Ephesus Tour

Tour overview

What makes this tour special

Few places on earth let you read the New Testament with your feet. Paul lived and preached in Ephesus for three years; the Gospel of John is tied by tradition to this city; Mary, entrusted to John at the cross, is believed to have spent her last years in the hills above it; and the church of Ephesus received both a Pauline letter and the first of the seven letters of Revelation.

Your day moves through that whole story. In the Grand Theater you will stand where the crowd chanted "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for two hours against Paul (Acts 19). At the House of Virgin Mary — authenticated by the visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich and honored by three papal visits — the noise gives way to pine forest and prayer.

The final chapter is the Basilica of Saint John on Ayasuluk Hill, built by Emperor Justinian over the tomb the early church venerated as the Evangelist's. Guests who wish to are welcome to read the relevant passages aloud at each site — many tell us it is the moment the trip becomes a pilgrimage.

Highlights

• The Grand Theater of the Acts 19 riot, live and in marble
• Ephesus through Paul's eyes: the agora he walked, the streets he knew
• The House of Virgin Mary — chapel, spring and wishing wall
• The Basilica and tomb of Saint John the Evangelist
• A guide equally at home in scripture and archaeology