Ephesus & Virgin Mary's House Tour from Izmir
Description
Why travelers love this experience: All-in-One Logistics: Skip the stress of planning; we handle the transport from your hotel, port, or airport so you can just enjoy the ride. Expert Storytelling: You won't just see ruins; you'll explore with a licensed professional who brings the ancient world to life with fascinating stories and local secrets. The Perfect Shot: We know the best angles! Your guide will point out the most iconic photo spots at the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre for your memories. A Spiritual Journey: From the peace of the House of the Virgin Mary to the legend of the Temple of Artemis, we bridge the gap between ancient faiths and modern wonders. Authentic Flavors: Enjoy a real taste of the region during a relaxed lunch break featuring fresh, local ingredients and traditional Aegean hospitality. Top-Tier Guidance: Our team consists of highly experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly local experts dedicated to making your day truly unforgettable.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will meet you at your hotel, port, airport, or the agreed meeting point around 08:00 am, then drive to Selcuk, where you will meet your tour group.
Next, we head to the serene House of the Virgin Mary. Visited by Popes and millions of pilgrims, this site offers an incredible sense of peace. We’ll walk through the shrine, visit the holy springs, and experience the quiet devotion of this sacred spot together. It’s an essential part of the Ephesus story that you simply can't miss
Step into the magnificent world of ancient Ephesus. We’ll explore the world-famous Celsus Library, the grand 25,000-seat theatre, and the beautiful marble pathways where history comes to life. It’s an unforgettable experience to walk where emperors once did. Join us as we uncover the highlights of this legendary Roman city together!
Next up is the 'VIP' section of Ephesus: the Terrace Houses. Tucked away under a protective roof, these houses feature some of the most beautiful ancient art you’ll ever see. We’ll wander through private courtyards and admire the intricate floor mosaics that have survived for centuries. It’s a vivid, colorful side of history that most people only see in movies!
After exploring the marble streets, we’ll step into the Ephesus Experience Museum to see the city’s heart beat once again. This isn't your typical museum—it’s a digital masterpiece. You’ll be surrounded by vibrant visuals that recreate the golden age of Ephesus, making you feel like a local in the ancient world. It’s the perfect 'final piece' of the puzzle that brings all the stories we’ve shared today to life.
Let’s refuel with the real flavors of Turkey! We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes in an open-market style. It’s the perfect chance to try different local mezes, seasonal vegetables, and classic Turkish favorites. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of fresh, healthy, and authentic bites to keep you going.
Next, we visit a true legend: the Temple of Artemis. It’s a surreal feeling to stand on the grounds of what was once one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Though the temple has faced the test of time, being here allows us to connect with the ancient stories of Ephesus and the goddess Diana. It’s a short but essential stop for every history lover to see where one of the greatest structures in human history once stood.
At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel or and agreed drop off point, Izmir port or Izmir airport.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Free pick up from Hotels in Izmir & Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport & Izmir Cruise Port. Please send us your hotel, cruise, or flight information, and we will contact you with your pick-up details, including the contact number of your driver or guide.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(20)
It was a lovely experience and incredibly immersive! Our guide Hugo was very accommodating, flexible, and considerate. It was a hot day, he always looked for shade… he also gave us advice on what to get at the shops!
Dear Traveler, Thank you for this lovely review! We are so glad that Hugo's flexible and considerate guiding kept you comfortable in the shade and that his local shopping tips added to your immersive experience. It was a true pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back to Turkey for more incredible travel routes in the future! Warm regards, Puerto Travel Team
It was very good, the price is good and the experience was lovely, the tour guide was very professional and friendly.
Dear guest, thank you for sharing your experience. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed both the quality and the friendly guidance on your trip. We hope to see you again! Puerto Travel Team
It was fantastic tour! Would recommend Güfte as a tour guide again. If we come back we will definitely book a trip with her again.
Dear Bryan, thank you for sharing your experience. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed a flexible, customized day with Güfte. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future! We hope to see you again! Puerto Travel Team
Great information ... best consultant !!!
Glad you loved the tour! We hope to see you again! Puerto Travel Team
Overall good experience! It was fun!
Thanks for joining us! We hope to see you again! Puerto Travel Team
Fantastic tour, thank you Güfte for guiding us through the most amazing city of Ephesus. Truly a wonderful experience. Oh and lunch was delicious too.
Thank you for sharing! It is wonderful that Güfte helped make your time in this stunning ancient city so special. We hope to see you again!
A magical trip back in time and a wonderful day out! We had a fantastic, fun and informative guide in Gufte and a friendly, careful driver in Ogun. Stopping off for lunch on the way home was a real treat, the other guests were great company and the coach was clean, cool and comfortable. 5 stars from my husband and me - highly recommended!
Thank you for your kind words, Angela! We are thrilled that you enjoyed the mix of fascinating history, a comfortable ride, and a relaxing lunch with great company. We hope to see you again! Puerto Travel Team
Excellent tour, 100% recommended. Punctual and very complete. Transport on time and in a modern and comfortable vehicle. The guide, Hector, luxurious, very attentive and knowledgeable.
Estimado Juan Carlos, ¡Muchas gracias por su excelente reseña! Nos alegra saber que disfrutó de la comodidad del transporte y que Héctor fue un guía "de lujo" para usted. Le transmitiremos sus amables palabras inmediatamente. Saludos cordiales, El equipo de Puerto Travel
It was very good, Hugo was an experienced guide, picked us up in a timely manner and gave us the best information. We appreciate your willingness towards us
Estimado Jorge, Muchas gracias por su reseña. Nos alegra mucho que su experiencia haya sido muy positiva y que nuestro equipo le haya brindado la mejor información de manera puntual. ¡Esperamos verle pronto! Atentamente, Puerto Travel Team
I highly recommend Puerto Travel for tours in Turkey. We were a family from Australia with a tight time line and communications with Ayfer was excellent. She sorted out an excellent driver and guide for a day in Ephesus from Izmir Hotel. We were given complete flexibility in timing and how the day would run. Our guide Nico was fantastic and informative while adding a trip to see some pottery and get a delicious authentic Turkish lunch. The whole day was wonderful and I ended up using Puerto to book accommodation and a transfer for later in our trip. Very professional group to deal with. Thankyou!
Dear guest, Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. We’re so happy to hear everything worked smoothly and that you enjoyed your day in Ephesus. It’s wonderful that the flexibility, guiding, and local touches made the experience special for your family. We truly appreciate your trust in Puerto Travel and hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Turkey! Warm regards, Ayfer & Puerto Travel Team
