Full-Day Historic Ephesus Tour including Private Guide

Delve into history on this full-day historic Ephesus tour, including a private guide. Enjoy the day with your knowledgeable tour guide in a comfortable 14-seat van. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of Mother Mary, the Archeology Museum, St. John’s Basilica, and the Isa Bey Mosque. Enjoy lunch on your own schedule and round-trip transportation from your Selcuk or Kusadasi hotel or port.

Important notice: Tour service starts in between 8:00 and 10:00am and finishes in between 4:00pm and 5:00pm.

Meet your experienced guide at your hotel or port, then ride through the verdant and picturesque countryside on the way to your first stop, the House of Virgin Mary. In accordance with Christian tradition, the Apostle John brought her to Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ, and she lived out her final resting days there. With short, roughly 10-minute drives between stops, you can explore the sites stress-free and at your leisure.

Head to the ancient city of Ephesus, and walk through one of the world’s most magnificent excavations. See the Odeon, The Fountain of Trajan, the stream baths of Scholastic, the Temple of Hadrian, and the impressive library of Ephesus, adorned with stately columns and statues. Marvel at the Grand Theatre, with capacity of 24,000 seats. Return through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Take a flexible 1-hour lunch break.

Continue to your next stop, the Temple of Artemis, built in honor of the Greek Goddess of hunting, wild nature, and fertility. Your guide will offer historical context about the tension between the Romans and Christians that arose in the area over the centuries. Its significance earned its distinction as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Next, drive to Sirince, formerly a Greek Village and famous for its wine houses, olive oils, organic vegetables, and fruits. Enjoy free time to sample local cuisine, shop, and discover the village at your own pace. Take a brief stop for an educational presentation about Turkish carpets before returning to your departure point.