Ephesus Day Tour from Selcuk, Kusadasi, or Izmir Hotels
Uncover the wonders of the ancient world on this Ephesus Day Tour, departing from Selçuk, Kuşadası, or İzmir hotels. Led by a licensed and experienced guide, this full-day tour takes you through one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world—Ephesus.
Walk in the footsteps of Romans along marble-paved streets, visit the iconic Library of Celsus, and marvel at the grandeur of the Great Theater. The tour also includes visits to the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), blending history, archaeology, and spirituality into a remarkable experience.
Whether you’re a history lover, a cultural traveler, or simply looking for an unforgettable day in Turkey, this tour offers a deep dive into the treasures of the ancient Aegean.
- Gain deeper appreciation for Ephesus’ Roman, biblical, and local significance.
- Expert Local Guide: Learn the rich history of Ephesus with insightful commentary.
- Small Group Feel: Enjoy a more intimate atmosphere while exploring ancient ruins.
- Ideal for All Ages: A balanced combination of history, culture, and stunning visuals.
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from Selçuk or Kuşadası hotels
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Licensed, English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to scheduled sites
- Lunch at a local restaurant
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks at lunch
Note: Guests staying at İzmir hotels incur an additional transfer fee. You can add it while booking the tour.
Pick-Up Times
- Selçuk / Kuşadası Hotels: Approx. 07:30–08:30
- İzmir Hotels (Extra Cost): Approx. 07:00–07:30
Exact pick-up times are confirmed upon booking based on your hotel location.
Tour Itinerary
- Drive to Ephesus: After meeting your licensed, English-speaking guide and fellow travelers, enjoy a comfortable journey through the verdant Aegean countryside to reach the celebrated ancient city of Ephesus.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Delve into the UNESCO-listed archaeological site, uncovering some of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins. Notable highlights include:
- Magnesia Gate: The fortress-like gate once formed a dramatic entrance for visitors and traders entering from the east.
- Odeon: A small theater used for civic meetings, concerts, and social events, showcasing the cultural vibrancy of ancient Ephesus.
- Prytaneion (Town Hall): The administrative heart, famous for its eternal flame symbolizing the city’s unbroken lineage.
- Curetes Street: A marble-paved avenue lined with statues, shops, and decorated columned arcades that were bustling with daily life.
- Fountain of Trajan: An ornate monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan, adorned with mythological and royal imagery.
- Temple of Hadrian: Renowned for its exquisite facade, this shrine honors Emperor Hadrian and depicts mythological scenes.
- Terrace Houses (Optional Visit): Exceptionally preserved homes of Ephesus’ elite, featuring intricate frescoes and mosaics.
- Library of Celsus: Marvel at the iconic two-story facade, once housing thousands of scrolls and serving as a grand tomb for Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus.
- Great Theater: Among the largest Roman theaters, known for hosting 25,000 spectators and associated with biblical references (St. Paul is said to have preached here).
- Arcadian Way: This once-stately boulevard led directly to the now-silted ancient harbor, reflecting Ephesus’ bustling trade past.
- Lunch Break: Pause midday for a local Turkish lunch, sampling regional specialties and engaging in conversations about Ephesus’ incredible heritage.
- House of the Virgin Mary: Journey to the serene site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, revered by both Christians and Muslims. Set amid peaceful greenery, it offers a moment of reflection and spiritual appreciation.
- Temple of Artemis: A brief stop at the vestiges of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few remnants stand today, the site remains a crucial testament to antiquity’s architectural grandeur.
16:00 ─ Return Transfer: Conclude your day by driving back to your hotel. Estimated arrival is late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and pick-up location.
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off Included: Available from Selçuk, Kuşadası. Transfers from Izmir hotels are extra, you can easily add it while booking the tour.
- If you want to start the tour from a different city, please let us know before your booking.
We're here to assist you!
I liked the library, marble street and the ruins around the marble street.
I found this company online while i was planning my Turkey trip. As we were staying in Izmir, we wanted to have hotel transfer for the tour. Mehmet has been very helpful and replying my emails immediately and arranged everything for us. When we arrived our hotel in Izmir, they have left us a message regarding the pick-up time as it has been changed from the original time. During the day of the tour, we were picked up at hotel and then we transferrd to another van that we were on for the whole trip. The van was also a highlight as it was very clean, comfy and the a/c works very well under such hot weather. Our guide was good too and explains very well for the historic sites. However, i found this tour has too many shopping stops. I guess it has to fill up the time to make it a day tour as Ephesus is not that big to take up the whole day. All in all, we enjoyed this tour a lot as Ephesus is something not to be missed when you're in Turkey.
We were on a cruise ship stopping over in kusadsi for around 9 hours and we found this tour online. In fact, the cruise ship itself had an offer for such a tour but we didnt want to be in a big bus with dozens of people. In this tour we were only 11 people and really enjoyed it. Walking on the marble street really takes you to the ancient world.Couldnt help admiring this amazing ancient world.We could also visit the st. John Basilica though it was not normally in the tour plan. Our guide gave us some time and we paid for our ticket to see it. Recommend everyone.
Other Top-Rated Turkey Tours
Loading similar tours...