Ephesus Tour from Izmir Hotels
Ancient ruins, sacred shrines, and living history — all in a single unforgettable day.
The Ephesus Tour from Izmir takes you through one of the ancient world's most remarkable cities, blending Greco-Roman grandeur with the spiritual heritage of early Christianity. This guided day tour departs directly from your Izmir hotel and returns you in comfort after a full day of discovery.
Ephesus was once a thriving port city and one of the most powerful trade centers of the ancient Greek and Roman Empires. Walking its marble streets today, you can sense the scale of daily life that once unfolded here — from open-air markets to monumental public baths and towering civic buildings.
Beyond the ancient city itself, this tour reaches two sites of significant religious importance: the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic pilgrimage shrine nestled on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Together, these stops offer a layered understanding of how faith, commerce, and culture converged in this corner of western Turkey.
A licensed local guide accompanies you throughout, providing historical context and directing you to the most photogenic vantage points across each site. An open-buffet lunch featuring traditional Turkish cuisine is included at a local restaurant in Selcuk, with vegetarian options available.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre.
Stand before the Celsus Library facade, one of the most iconic structures surviving from the Roman Empire.
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Catholic shrine and active pilgrimage site on Bulbul Mountain.
Admire the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Stroll the ancient Marble Street, tracing the same route once walked by merchants, citizens, and early Christian apostles.
Enjoy an open-buffet lunch of traditional Turkish food at a local restaurant in Selcuk, with vegetarian options included.
Benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable, licensed local guide throughout every stop on the itinerary.
Itinerary
Your guide or driver will collect you from your Izmir hotel at the scheduled time. The drive to the Selcuk district takes approximately one hour, offering views of the Aegean countryside along the way.
The tour begins at this Catholic shrine on Bulbul Mountain, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. Discovered through the documented visions of a German nun, it has since become a major pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide.
Explore the expansive ruins of Ephesus with your licensed guide. Key landmarks include the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, Roman Baths, Marble Street, and the Great Theatre — where the Apostle Paul once preached.
A buffet lunch featuring traditional Turkish dishes is served at a local restaurant in Selcuk. Vegetarian options are available, and the meal is included in the tour price.
The tour concludes with a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed around 550 BC. Although largely in ruins today, the remaining column and foundations give a sense of its original scale and significance.
After visiting the Temple of Artemis, the group returns to Izmir. Drop-off is at your hotel, completing the full-day circuit.
What Is Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Izmir
- Licensed local guide throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to Ephesus Ancient City
- Entrance fee to House of the Virgin Mary
- Visit to Temple of Artemis
- Open-buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Selcuk
- Air-conditioned transport
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Drinks at lunch
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot Today
This tour departs from your Izmir hotel and covers three of the most historically significant sites in western Turkey in a single day. Availability is limited, so early booking is advised — especially during peak travel months.
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