Private Ephesus Day Tour

After meeting your private guide at Kusadasi Port or your hotel, embark on a scenic 40-minute drive to the House of the Virgin Mary. Declared a pilgrimage site by Pope Paul VI in 1967, this sacred location is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years.

You’ll have approximately one hour to explore and reflect in this serene setting. A short 5-minute drive takes you to the upper gate of Ephesus, where your walking tour of the ancient city begins. Your private driver will meet you at the lower gate while you and your guide explore on foot.

The visit to Ephesus lasts about two hours, allowing you to walk its historic marble streets lined with remarkable ruins dating from the 1st to 7th centuries AD. Before entering the site, you will have a brief stop at the souvenir area near the upper entrance, with additional shopping opportunities at the lower exit.

As your guide leads you through Ephesus, highlights include: The Great Theatre (3rd century BC), where Saint Paul the Apostle once preached to the Ephesians. The State Agora, featuring commercial and government buildings, as well as the pillared Augustus Basilica. Monumental fountains, statues, and temples dedicated to Emperors Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian.

The Celsus Library, once the third-largest library of the ancient world, housing over 12,000 scrolls. The Hercules Gate, which marks the transition into the city’s more exclusive residential area. For those interested, an optional visit to the Terrace Houses is available within the Ephesus archaeological site. These luxurious Roman residences, located on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain, showcase intricate frescoes, mosaics, and an advanced heating system. Please note that a separate entry fee applies.

After exiting Ephesus, take a 15-minute drive to Sirince Village, a charming town known for its well-preserved Greek and Ottoman-era houses, vibrant market streets, and local wineries. Enjoy an hour exploring its picturesque surroundings. On the return journey to Kusadasi, stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Though only a few remnants of this grand 6th-century BC temple remain, its historical significance makes it a must-visit site. (30-minute visit) Your guide will also recommend a local restaurant for lunch and share insights into regional crafts and traditions. Depending on your interests, you may visit a weaving school or a ceramic art center, both offering a glimpse into Turkey’s rich artisanal heritage. The tour concludes with a return to Kusadasi.