Turkey · Archaeology

Full-Day Max 10 pax MINI -Group Tour to Ephesus from Izmir

8 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in İzmir. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the House of Virgin Mary on the Aladag Mountains
  • 02 Explore the ancient marble streets and landmarks of Ephesus
  • 03 See the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and Grand Theater
  • 04 Stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient wonders
  • 05 Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch during the tour
  • 06 Travel in a small group for a more personal experience

Discover two of Turkey’s most significant heritage sites on this full-day small-group tour from Izmir. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site, then explore the ancient city of Ephesus, where marble streets, monumental ruins, and remarkable Roman-era buildings bring the past to life.

Along the way, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and continue to the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With entrance fees, guiding, and transportation included, this tour offers a convenient and enriching way to experience the highlights of Ephesus in one day.

Discover two of Turkey’s most significant heritage sites on this full-day small-group tour from Izmir.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Izmir, Ephesus
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Izmir

Pick up from your hotel in Izmir or cruise terminal.

House of Virgin Mary

Drive to 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

Ancient City of Ephesus

We will start visiting one of the main highlights in Turkey, Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionian League (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor) is located near Izmir. As a port city it was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor.

Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus; it was built in the beginning of the 2nd century A.D. by Gaius Julius Aquila to be a memorial to his father Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus, the proconsul of Province of Asia. , the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater are two of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Grand theatre was built in 3rd century B.C and it was later expanded to 24.000 spectators by the Romans in the 1st century A.D.

Temple of Artemis

Lunch will be served in a the garden of local Handcraft center.After Lunch our last stop is Artemis Temple where used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world as our last stop before drive back to Izmir.

Clock Tower

Drive back to your hotel through famous Clock Tower in Izmir. Drop off to pick up point. ( Your Hotel or Cruise Terminal )

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in İzmir. 2 cities · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Entrance Fees ( Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line )
  • Professional Licenced Tour guide
  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

What's Not Included

  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Meals

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Shoes must be removed to enter mosques. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Shoes must be removed to enter mosques. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • Pick up from Your Hotel and Izmir Cruise Terminal for cruise guests. Suggested pick up time will be given on your confirmation message.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in İzmir.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in İzmir.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in İzmir..

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