Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir Hotels
Day Trip to Ancient Ephesus and Virgin Mary House from Izmir Hotels
Ephesus day tour from Izmir with hotel pick-up, guide, lunch, transport, and visits to Ephesus Ancient City, Virgin Mary House, and Temple of Artemis.
Tour Overview
Whether you’re in Izmir for business or leisure, and you happen to have a free day — this tour is exactly what you need. Within just a 1-hour ride, you’ll arrive at the legendary Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Let ToursCE take care of all the details while you immerse yourself in thousands of years of history.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Izmir are pre-arranged for your comfort.
- Explore every fascinating corner of Ephesus Ancient City with a licensed and knowledgeable local guide.
- Visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary and the legendary Temple of Artemis.
- Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.
- All land transportation, entrance fees, and guiding services are included in the package price.
Tour Itinerary
07:00 – Your tour begins with hotel pick-up in Izmir. You’ll pass by the airport area and meet with other participants before heading toward the magnificent Ephesus Ancient City by comfortable tour vehicle.
(Please note that pick-up time may vary depending on your hotel location. Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Izmir city center is subject to an extra fee.)
Meet your professional, licensed local guide and begin your full-day guided Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour, including lunch.
Today’s highlights include:
- Ephesus Ancient City — Walk through this incredibly preserved Greco-Roman city. Marvel at:
- Celsus Library – The iconic façade of the ancient world’s third-largest library.
- Marble Streets – Once bustling trade and processional paths lined with columns and shops.
- Trajan Fountain – A beautifully restored imperial fountain honoring Emperor Trajan.
- Temple of Hadrian – A richly decorated temple dedicated to the Roman emperor.
- Public Latrines – A surprising example of Roman hygiene and engineering.
- Odeon (Bouleuterion) – A small theater used for concerts and council meetings.
- The Agora – The city’s ancient marketplace and social center.
- The Great Theater – Ephesus’ largest structure, seating up to 24,000 people; where Saint Paul once preached.
- Harbor Street (Arcadian Way) – The ancient road once connecting Ephesus to the Aegean Sea.
- Lunch Break — Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
- Carpet Cooperative — Witness how famous Turkish carpets are handwoven using traditional techniques.
- House of Virgin Mary — Located on Mt. Koressos, this peaceful sanctuary is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. A revered pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims.
- Temple of Artemis — Visit the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain today, the scale and significance of the site still impress.
17:00 – The guided tour ends and you will be transferred back to your hotel in Izmir.
What's Included
Included
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off in Izmir Hotels (Hotels would be in Basmane, Alsancak or Kordon)
- Transportations in the tour
- English Speaking Local Tour Guide
- Lunch
- Parking and road tolls
- Local Taxes
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at the lunch
- Entrance fees to the visiting sights
- Optional day tours to Pamukkale, Didyma, Priene, Miletos & Pergamon
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- Pick-up and drop-off service is available from most central hotels in Izmir.
- The tour includes transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
- You will be accompanied by a professional, English-speaking local guide.
- Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Drinks are extra.
- The tour operates year-round and is suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.
More Details
Your journey starts with a smooth hotel pick-up in Izmir. As the city fades behind you, the Aegean countryside opens up, leading you to one of Turkey’s most iconic heritage sites: Ephesus.
Once a powerful Roman city, Ephesus now invites you to walk its ancient marble streets, admire the grand Library of Celsus, and stand in the shadows of the Great Theater. Your guide brings the ruins to life, revealing stories hidden in every column and carving.
You then continue to the peaceful House of Virgin Mary, a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, the final stop is the remains of the magnificent Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
After a day of timeless discovery, you’ll return to your hotel with memories of a place where history never stopped speaking.
We had an excellent tour of Ephesus, led by Aygul. When I booked Tuna replied immediately, making it easy to set up the time and place for my pickup. Aygul was very knowledgeable about ancient Ephesus and the House of Mary. She tailored the day trip to our specific needs. We highly recommend this tour company in Turkey.
My wife, my son, and I had a phenomenal day visiting Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Sirince Village. We enjoyed a fine day with guide Ozan and the driver was very good. Hotel pickup/dropoff in Izmir worked well. Ozan was extremely knowledgeable and was one of the best tour guides we have ever had. he gave us "free time" at all the sites so we could look around at our leisure. All in all a phenomenal experience in Ephesus ancient city! we will come back very soon and would book through this agency again.
hotel pick-up time is on time, the tour was awesome and great. Remzi knows very well the historical places and the stories behind it. he's very nice, and approachable. We learned a lot from him. We had lunch in one of the local restaurants as part of the tour and it was appetizing. Highly recommended.
Been in izmir for a conference. And ofcourse did myself a favor and stayed an extra day. There was many options. I choose Ephesus tour. On internet and in the city there was too many travel agencies. agencies. But this guys were very friendly and has good communication skills. Also prices are very reasonable. In the morning was raining but when we arrive selcuk ephesus it was perfect summer day. Very quality tour guide and delicious food. So they deserved every cent they get.
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