top of page
Celsus library in Ephesus

Ephesus Tours

 

A Full-Day Ephesus Tour is ideal for travelers with limited time, including cruise passengers who want to experience the ancient wonders of Ephesus and its nearby historical sites in a single day. Discover the magnificence of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and explore its iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of Mother Mary, a serene and spiritual site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John, where St. John is said to have been buried.

Along the way, enjoy shopping at local stores offering leather jackets, ceramics, and handmade rugs, allowing you to bring home a piece of the region’s rich craftsmanship.

This private tour offers flexibility with a fully customizable 6-8 hour daily itinerary, guided by a knowledgeable local expert, and accompanied by private, air-conditioned transportation for comfort.

Private tour guide Ali engaging a group of American tourists with fascinating insights abo

DAY 1

Ephesus Highlights Tour

Private tour / Full day / 6-8 hrs / Tour by walk + Minivan
Available : Everyday

Guide : €250.00 per group, 1- 4 people
Minivan : €200.00 
Museum tickets : Fast track

  • Ephesus M. €20.00 pp, House of M. Mary €20.00pp, Basilica of St John €20.00pp

Lunch : Not included. Payment is to be made separately on-site if chosen.

Explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus on a day trip from Istanbul, with a full itinerary that takes you through some of Turkey’s most iconic historical sites. From grand ancient ruins to serene spiritual spots, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the past. Ephesus Ancient City : Step back in time as you explore the incredible ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Highlights include: The Library of Celsus, a grand architectural marvel that once housed over 12,000 scrolls. The Great Theatre, where ancient performances still echo, with a seating capacity of 24,000 people. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Odeon, Roman Baths, Curetes Street, and Temple of Hadrian, among other stunning structures. The House of Mother Mary : After exploring Ephesus, visit the House of Mother Mary, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. This peaceful and spiritual site is set in a tranquil location with breathtaking views and is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians. Lunch at a Local Turkish Restaurant : Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties and fresh ingredients. Basilica of St. John : In the afternoon, head to the Basilica of St. John, built over the tomb of St. John the Apostle. Explore the fascinating ruins and learn about the significance of this site in early Christianity. Shopping at Local Handicraft Shops : After a rich cultural and historical experience, enjoy some free time to shop at local stores offering unique leather jackets, ceramics, and handmade rugs. Bring home a piece of the region’s craftsmanship as a lasting souvenir. Return to the port or transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul, or to your hotel. ​ The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to match your preferences for a truly personalized experience.

Didyma Apollon temple ruins

DAY 2

Miletos-Didyma and Priene Tour

Private tour / Full day / 8 hrs / Tour by walk + Minivan

Available : Everyday

Guide : €250.00 per group, 1- 4 people
Minivan : €200.00 
Museum tickets : Fast track

  • Miletos M. €20.00 pp,  Didyma M. €20.00 pp Priene M. €20.00 pp

Lunch : Not included. Payment is to be made separately on-site if chosen.

On Day 2, explore the ancient ruins of Miletos, Didyma, and Priene, each offering unique insights into the region’s history and architecture. Miletos was home to philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, whose schools of thought laid the foundations for much of Western philosophy and influenced fields such as metaphysics, ethics, and natural sciences. Miletos:  Thales of Miletus: Often considered the first philosopher in Western history, Thales is best known for founding the Milesian school of natural philosophy. He believed that water was the fundamental substance of the universe and sought natural explanations for phenomena rather than mythological ones. Anaximander: A student of Thales, Anaximander was a pre-Socratic philosopher who proposed the concept of the "apeiron" (the boundless or infinite) as the source of all things. He also made significant contributions to astronomy and geography. Anaximenes: Another philosopher from Miletos, Anaximenes is famous for his belief that air (or mist) was the primary substance of the universe, a continuation of the Milesian tradition of explaining the world through a single element. Didyma : More renowned for its Temple of Apollo and its oracle rather than for any specific philosophers. However, it was a significant center for intellectual and religious life in ancient Ionia, and thinkers from around the Greek world likely visited the temple to seek divine insights on their philosophical inquiries. The temple itself was associated with divine wisdom and prophecies, and famous philosophers like Heraclitus (from Ephesus) may have visited it for consultation. Bias of Priene: One of the Seven Sages of Greece, Bias was known for his wisdom and moral teachings. He is often quoted for his sayings about ethics and justice. Bias is believed to have played a role in the early development of Greek thought, focusing on human values and ethics. ​The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to match your preferences for a truly personalized experience

What Makes This Tour Special?

  • Expert Guidance: Discover the wonders of Ephesus with a licensed guide who has 25+ years of experience leading cultural tours.

  • Historical Treasures: Walk through ancient ruins, explore early Christian landmarks, and experience the rich heritage of the region.

  • Flexible Itinerary: Customize the tour to match your interests and pace for a personalized experience.

  • Cultural Insights: Learn about Ephesus' Roman and early Christian history, architecture, and significance as a center of faith and commerce.

  • Shopping Opportunities: Visit local workshops to shop for handmade ceramics and authentic Turkish rugs with expert assistance.

 

Tour Highlights

  • Ephesus Ancient City: Explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, featuring highlights such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian.

  • House of the Virgin Mary: Visit this sacred site believed to be the final home of Mary, revered by Christians and Muslims alike.

  • Basilica of St. John: Discover the ruins of this 6th-century church, built over the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle.

  • Artemis Temple (Optional Stop): View the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

🍽️ Lunch Break

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional Aegean cuisine.

 

💼 Additional Perks:

Flexible Start Time: Begin at 9 AM or adjust to suit your schedule.

Rug and Ceramic Shopping Assistance:

Benefit from expert advice and trusted connections for high-quality, handmade purchases.

Customizable Experience:

Adapt the tour based on your preferences, ensuring a memorable visit.

📞 Ready to Book? Contact us today to reserve your spot and embark on an unforgettable journey through Ephesus' ancient marvels and cultural treasures!

Tour booking

Please take a moment to fill out the form.

Thanks for submitting!

Ephesus /Kuşadası Hotels

Kuşadası offers a range of hotels that cater to all types of travelers, from luxurious seaside resorts to charming boutique accommodations. Known for its stunning views of the Aegean Sea, many hotels in Kuşadası are located along the coastline, offering easy access to the beach, vibrant marina, and local attractions.

For those seeking luxury, resorts like Korumar Deluxe Hotel or Charisma De Luxe Hotel provide top-tier amenities, including infinity pools overlooking the sea, spa facilities, and gourmet dining. These hotels are perfect for relaxation and indulgence after a day of exploring nearby attractions like Ephesus, Pamukkale, or Dilek Peninsula National Park.

Boutique hotels and family-friendly accommodations are also abundant, offering a more intimate and cozy atmosphere.

bottom of page