Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus and Virgin Mary House from Marmaris

Exploring the Ancient City of Ephesus from Marmaris at an Affordable Price

This day trip from Marmaris to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus costs around $40.72 per person and offers a comprehensive experience packed into approximately 13 hours. The tour features hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation hassle-free for visitors staying in Marmaris or Çamlıbel. It’s a well-organized excursion designed for those eager to explore Turkey’s legendary ancient ruins, with a friendly price point and ample time to absorb the site’s grandeur.

What makes this tour stand out is the guided exploration of Ephesus, including admission to either the Ephesus Museum or House of the Virgin Mary—a choice that allows for some personal interest. The day also includes breakfast and lunch, providing good value, especially as the journey covers nearly 8 hours of driving round-trip. Though long, the schedule is paced to maximize sightseeing while offering comfort with hotel pickup and comfortable transportation.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day trip from Marmaris costing $40.72 per person
• Guided tour of the historic Ancient City of Ephesus, with 2 hours inside the ruins
• Admission included to either the Ephesus Museum or House of Virgin Mary
• Breakfast and lunch are provided, enhancing the value of the trip
• Pickup and drop-off from hotels in Marmaris and Çamlıbel included
• Trip duration is approximately 13 hours, with long drive times but comfortable transport

From Marmaris to the Ruins of Ephesus in Selcuk

The tour begins early with hotel pickup in Marmaris and Çamlıbel, ensuring convenience for participants. After a roughly 3-hour drive, travelers arrive in Selcuk, where a breakfast (lunch box) is served en route, setting a good start for the day. The drive passes through scenic landscapes, and the stop at Selcuk is an opportunity to relax before heading into the ancient city.

In Selcuk, travelers can explore the remains of Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological sites. The guided tour lasts 2 hours, during which the guide explains key features such as the Great Theater—noted for its impressive size—and the public library. Although the admission to Ephesus itself is not included in the ticket price, the experience of walking through well-preserved ruins makes this a highlight.

Visiting the Iconic Ruins of Ephesus

Once inside Ephesus, visitors encounter centuries-old structures that showcase the height of ancient Roman urban planning. The Great Theater of Ephesus, which dominates the site, offers excellent photo opportunities and insights into the city’s cultural life. The guides are known for their knowledgeable commentary, enriching the visit with historical details about temples, public baths, and the agora.

Because it’s a guided exploration, the 2 hours spent in Ephesus provide a thorough look at the site’s most famous features. The admission ticket for Ephesus is not included, so visitors should prepare for an additional fee if they wish to enter. The focus remains on appreciating the vastness, architecture, and history of this ancient city.

A Relaxing Lunch in Selcuk

Following the ruins, the tour makes a stop at a local restaurant in Selcuk for an open buffet lunch. This meal offers a break from sightseeing and an opportunity to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. The lunch included in the tour provides good value, allowing travelers to refuel before further exploration.

The lunch stop lasts about an hour, giving enough time to relax and discuss the morning’s discoveries. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, and the buffet format ensures everyone finds something to enjoy. This pause also helps pace the day comfortably.

Choosing Between Virgin Mary House and the Archaeological Museum

Post-lunch, travelers have a choice: visit the House of Virgin Mary or the Archaeological Museum in Selcuk. The guide offers both options, and participants select based on their interests. The Virgin Mary House is a revered pilgrimage site, believed to be the last residence of Mary, Mother of Jesus. It offers a spiritual, reflective experience.

Alternatively, the Archaeological Museum showcases artifacts from Ephesus and surrounding sites, providing a broader historical perspective. The admission fee for Virgin Mary House is not included in the tour price, so participants should be aware of additional costs if they choose this option.

The one-hour visit allows for enough time to explore the chosen site thoroughly, with the guide providing context and answering questions. This flexibility enhances the tour’s appeal for varied interests.

Exploring the Selcuk Ephesus Kent Bellegi-History Museum

Following the Virgin Mary House or museum visit, the tour continues with a stop at the Selcuk Efes Kent Bellegi-History Museum. Like the previous site, visitors can choose to explore this museum, which offers insights into the city’s history and archaeology.

This one-hour visit is an opportunity to see exhibits and artifacts that provide a deeper understanding of Ephesus’s historical significance. Since the admission is not included, travelers should check additional fees if they wish to enter. The museum enriches the overall experience with its curated displays.

The Return Journey to Marmaris

After a full day of sightseeing and exploration, the tour departs Selcuk for the 3-hour drive back to Marmaris. Comfort is prioritized with hotel/port pickup and drop-off, ensuring convenient logistics for all travelers.

The return trip wraps up the 13-hour itinerary, leaving participants with plenty of memorable sights and experiences. The long drive is balanced by the rich content of the day, making it suitable for those interested in history and archaeology.

The Experience and Value of This Ephesus Day Trip

The tour offers excellent value with meals included, guided commentary, and transportation. The price point of $40.72 makes it accessible for many budgets, and the full-day schedule ensures a comprehensive visit to Ephesus and nearby sites.

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the overall organization. The long drive could be a consideration for those less tolerant of extended coach trips, but the comfort and clarity of the schedule help manage expectations. This trip suits travelers eager to explore Turkey’s archaeological treasures with minimal hassle and maximum learning.

Visiting Ephesus and Virgin Mary House with Arbek Travel

Operated by Arbek Travel, this tour emphasizes professional guidance and well-planned logistics. The group size is capped at 45, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. Confirmations are received instantly upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip.

Additional perks include pickup from major hotels and drop-off at designated locations, plus the chance to enjoy Turkish breakfast and a hearty lunch. For anyone interested in Turkey’s ancient sites and religious landmarks, this tour provides a balanced, straightforward experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $40.72 per person, which includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch.

What are the main stops included?
Stops include Selcuk (for Ephesus ruins), lunch in Selcuk, House of Virgin Mary or Archaeological Museum, and Selcuk Efes Kent Bellegi-History Museum.

Is the entrance fee to Ephesus included?
No, the admission to Ephesus is not included in the tour price, but the guided visit covers the site comprehensively.

How long is the drive from Marmaris to Selcuk?
It’s approximately 3 hours each way, with comfortable transportation provided.

What meals are included?
Breakfast is served during the drive, and an open buffet lunch is enjoyed in Selcuk. Drinks are not included.

Can I visit the Virgin Mary House?
Yes, but only one of the two sites (Virgin Mary House or the Archaeological Museum) is included in the tour; entrance fees for Virgin Mary House are additional.

What is the duration of the entire trip?
The whole experience lasts about 13 hours, from early morning pickup to evening return.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the long coach ride may be tiring for some. The tour is designed to be accessible and well-organized.

Are there any cancellation policies?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date, allowing flexibility for planning.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Arbek Travel, known for professional service and organized excursions in the region.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at SeaTepe, Marmaris, and ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

This Ephesus and Virgin Mary House day trip combines a rich historical itinerary with comfort and good value, making it an appealing choice for those eager to uncover Turkey’s ancient landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.