Explore the Best of Ephesus and Beyond with This Private Tour from Bodrum

This all-inclusive private tour from Bodrum offers an enriching day that covers Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis for $349 per person. Lasting approximately 9 to 11 hours, it provides a comprehensive experience with private transportation, entrance fees, and a traditional Turkish lunch in a local restaurant—all included in the price. The tour is highly rated at 5.0 out of 5 based on 16 reviews, with 100% of participants recommending it.

What sets this tour apart is the personalized service: you choose the departure time, and with a dedicated licensed guide and air-conditioned transport, you have the flexibility to spend as much time as you wish at each site. Its full inclusion of entrance fees and taxes makes it a transparent, hassle-free way to explore these historic landmarks without hidden costs. This tour is perfect for those who value depth, comfort, and a rich cultural experience in a single day.

Key Points

Private, all-inclusive day trip from Bodrum with pickup and drop-off services
Visits to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most famous ancient cities, with 2.5 hours of exploration
Includes a visit to Mary’s House, a significant pilgrimage site, with 1 hour at the location
Stops at the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
Traditional Turkish lunch in a local restaurant included in the tour
Tour duration is approximately 9 to 11 hours, offering ample time to explore without feeling rushed

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Starting Point: Convenient Pickup at Your Bodrum Hotel

The tour begins with a pickup from your Bodrum hotel lobby. The guide, a licensed professional, greets you and accompanies you throughout the day in an air-conditioned vehicle. This setup ensures a smooth start without the need to worry about transportation logistics. The timing is flexible, allowing you to decide the departure time that best suits your schedule.

From Bodrum to Ephesus: Journey and Arrival

After a brief 15-minute stop in Bodrum City, your private guide leads you on a 2.5-hour drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. The scenic drive provides a chance to get acquainted with the Turkish countryside while preparing for the day ahead. The journey is comfortable, with a vehicle that maintains a cool environment, ensuring you arrive refreshed.

Discovering Ephesus: A Walk Through Ancient Greece and Rome

Ephesus is a highlight of this tour, offering marble streets lined with monumental public buildings. Your guide shares insights about the site’s history as part of the Ionian League, a Greek district, and its significance as a bustling port city involved in trade routes to Asia Minor.

Visitors are encouraged to explore landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century AD, and the Baths of Scholastica. The Grand Theatre, capable of holding 24,000 spectators, is a remarkable structure originally built in the 3rd century B.C. and expanded by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Optional Terrace Houses can be added to the visit by paying an entrance fee.

The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, helping visitors understand how these ruins once thrived as centers of commerce and culture. You have around 2 hours to explore at your own pace, with skip-the-line tickets pre-paid to avoid long waits.

Visiting Mary’s House: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Following the exploration of Ephesus, the tour proceeds to Mary’s House, located on the Aladag Mountains, approximately 5 miles from Ephesus. This site has been a place of pilgrimage since the late 19th century, after its discovery was announced. The Archbishop of Izmir declared it a sacred site in 1892, and it has hosted visitors including the Pope in 1967.

You spend about 1 hour at this revered location, where the peaceful atmosphere offers a moment of reflection. The site is included with an admission ticket, making the process smooth and straightforward. The guide provides context about the significance of Mary’s stay in Ephesus according to tradition.

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Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Lunch in a Local Restaurant

A major highlight of this tour is the included traditional Turkish lunch. The restaurant is selected to offer authentic regional cuisine, giving guests a taste of local flavors. The meal offers a break from sightseeing, energizing the group for the rest of the day’s discoveries.

The Temple of Artemis: A Brief but Famous Stop

On the way back to Bodrum, the tour makes a 15-minute stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Although only a few ruins remain today, the site’s historical importance makes it a worthwhile visit. Visitors can admire the remaining columns and imagine the grandeur of the original temple.

This stop is ideal for quick photos and to reflect on the ancient architectural feat that once stood here. It adds a finishing touch to the day’s historical journey before heading back.

Return to Bodrum with Free Time for Shopping or Leisure

The final phase involves a 2.5-hour drive back to Bodrum, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or Bodrum city center, providing a chance for last-minute shopping or relaxing in the vibrant local atmosphere. This relaxed ending allows travelers to process the day’s experiences at their own pace.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour includes all entrance fees, skip-the-line tickets, a private licensed guide, air-conditioned transport, and a traditional Turkish lunch, ensuring a seamless experience without hidden costs. Parking fees and taxes are taken care of, and pickup/drop-off services add convenience.

It’s important to note that the tour suits individuals with moderate physical fitness, as walking and exploring outdoor sites are involved. The flexibility to customize the time spent at each location is a key advantage, allowing for a personalized experience.

Reviews Highlight the Expert Guides and Cultural Insights

The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and passion, making the history come alive. Visitors appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to see rural crafts, such as Turkish rug weaving and silk thread pulling, during the cultural center visit. The lunch and the cultural stops are often cited as memorable highlights.

Why This Tour Stands Out from Others

Compared to cruise shore excursions or group tours, this private experience offers greater flexibility, more personalized service, and full transparency with costs included upfront. The professional guide ensures an engaging narrative, while the private vehicle guarantees comfort and convenience. The full-day format balances thorough exploration with relaxed pacing.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, or anyone seeking a comfortable, all-inclusive day exploring Ephesus and its surroundings without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a private experience with the ability to modify the itinerary slightly to suit their interests.

Final Thoughts on the Private Bodrum to Ephesus Tour

This all-inclusive private tour offers a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis from Bodrum. The knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and authentic lunch combine to create a memorable day. Its pre-paid entrance fees and flexible schedule provide good value and peace of mind.

While it’s a full-day commitment, the personalized service and rich historical insights make it a worthwhile option for travelers wanting a deep dive into Turkey’s ancient past. The tour’s high ratings and glowing reviews confirm its appeal to those seeking an immersive, well-organized experience.

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All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary’s House, Lunch Tour

5.0

(16 reviews)

88% 5-star

“Gem was an awesome tour guide. We had a great day a highlight for me was the lunch & cultural center where there were women weaving Turkish rugs an…”

— Calise G, Jun 2025