All-Inclusive Private Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary & Museum Tour
Description
Experience the surreal, dream-like landscapes of Cappadocia and breeze past the long tourist lines at UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Gerome Open Air Museum on this full-day guided tour. Enjoy a unique dining experience with lunch at a cave restaurant in Avanos, and learn about local kick-wheel pottery before heading to Uchisar Castle Region for elevated, panoramic views.
Tour Options
Itinerary
If you have selected the "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option, your journey to Ephesus and its surroundings begins with a comfortable airport transfer. Your driver will meet you at your hotel reception or your Airbnb (subject to accessible parking) and take you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. This option includes round-trip airport transfers in Istanbul as well as round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Izmir. Upon your arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, your tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, you will be transferred to begin your in-depth exploration of Ephesus and its surrounding attractions.
If you have booked the "Round-Trip from Izmir" or "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Izmir city center or from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. From there, you will be driven to the Ephesus region to begin your private day tour.
If you have booked the "Round-Trip from Bodrum" option, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Bodrum or from Bodrum Cruise Port. From there, you will be driven to the Ephesus region to begin your private day tour.
If you have booked the "Round-Trip from Kusadasi" option, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kusadasi or Kusadasi Cruise Port. From there, you will be driven to the Ephesus region to begin your private day tour.
Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.
Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With innovative approach of this amazing museum, we offer an entirely mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory.
The next visit of your tour will be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Once you arrive there you will be thrilled by the natural beauty that surrounds the monument. The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.
Following your included lunch at a local restaurant in Selçuk, enjoy a brief cultural presentation on the ancient art of Turkish carpet weaving. Learn how skilled artisans transform natural materials into exquisite handmade carpets, preserving a tradition passed down through generations.
At this charming and well-organised museum, there are not only findings from the ongoing excavations at Ephesus archeological site, but also the artifacts from the Cukurici Mound, the basilica of St John, and the Temple of Artemis.
Another visit of your tour is Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus ancient city.
At the end of your tour, you will be dropped off at the same location where your journey began, according to the option you selected at the time of booking.
If you have booked the "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option, you will be transferred to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel. Please note that these return airport transfers and domestic flights are included only with the "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up and drop-off services are available from centrally located hotels and Airbnb properties in Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, and Kusadasi. Airport pick-up and drop-off services are available at Istanbul Airport and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Cruise port pick-up and drop-off are available at Kusadasi and Bodrum Cruise Ports. Hotels are listed in the search box above; however, some properties may not appear due to updates in the address system. If your hotel is not listed, please specify it in the "Special Requests" section when booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Round-trip Izmir/Ephesus flight tickets from Istanbul, along with round-trip airport transfers in both Istanbul and Izmir/Ephesus, are included only for bookings that select the "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option. If this option was not selected at the time of booking, these services are not included in your reservation.
- The supplier may request certain passport details to arrange your domestic flight tickets. Please provide the requested information promptly. If these details are not received, your domestic flight tickets cannot be issued, and your booking may be affected.
- The supplier will send your domestic flight e-tickets one day before your tour date. There is no need to print your e-tickets. For airport check-in, simply present your passport and the reservation (PNR) number shown on your ticket. Please note that online check-in is not completed by the supplier, as seat selection and other check-in preferences vary from guest to guest. Guests are responsible for completing their own check-in.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the supplier can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
Reviews(1)
We did this tour as part of a 12 day Turkey trip which we booked and plan on our own. We saw beautiful sights and people of Cappadocia and enjoyed the small group and lovely meal. We will be back with our children!
