All Inclusive Private Ephesus, Village Tour and Traditional Lunch

Explore the Highlights of Kusadasi with a Private All-Inclusive Tour

This private tour from Kusadasi offers a full day of sightseeing, covering Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and the charming Sirince village. Priced at $109 per person, it includes skip-the-line tickets, a delicious traditional Turkish lunch, private transportation, and a professional licensed guide. The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, making it ideal for those who want a comprehensive yet flexible experience.

What sets this tour apart is its customizable schedule—you choose when to depart and how long to spend at each stop. Its private nature ensures personalized attention, while the guaranteed on-time return offers peace of mind. The tour departs from both Kusadasi hotels and the cruise terminal, with group discounts available. It’s especially suitable for visitors who prefer avoiding large crowds and desire a more intimate, flexible exploration of Turkey’s famous sites.

Key Points

• All-inclusive private tour for a personalized experience in Kusadasi
• Price of $109 per person, including skip-the-line tickets and lunch
• Duration of 7 to 8 hours, flexible departure times within 30 minutes
• Visits to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis
• Stops at Sirince village, known for its wine, crafts, and mountain views
• Private transfers from hotels or the cruise port ensure convenience and comfort

Meet Your Guide and Enjoy Flexible Pickups in Kusadasi

The tour begins with a private pickup at your Kusadasi hotel or cruise port. A professional licensed guide greets you holding a sign with your name and accompanies you throughout the day. The private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, makes traveling between stops smooth and comfortable. Because this is a private tour, you can modify the pace and choose how much time to spend at each site, making it ideal for travelers with specific interests or limited time.

The pickup is scheduled at your convenience, with a wide range of departure times available, accurate to within 30 minutes. This flexibility helps avoid unnecessary waiting and maximizes your time at each destination.

Visiting Ege Ports and the House of Virgin Mary

Your day starts with a 15-minute transfer from Kusadasi port or hotel to the House of Virgin Mary. This site, located on the Aladag Mountains, is a significant pilgrimage spot where Mary is believed to have lived after visiting Ephesus with St. John. The archbishop of Izmir declared it a pilgrimage site in 1892, and Pope Paul VI visited in 1967.

The 45-minute visit includes pre-paid tickets, allowing you to skip the lines. The site features a small stone house, revered by many as the place where Mary spent her last days. Its spiritual atmosphere and scenic mountain backdrop make it a memorable stop, especially for those interested in religious history.

Discovering the Ancient City of Ephesus

After visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, you travel 10 minutes to the ancient city of Ephesus. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once a bustling port city and an important center in the Ionian League. The well-preserved ruins include notable public buildings like the Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century A.D., the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theater, which could seat up to 24,000 spectators.

Your guide takes you through the marble streets while sharing insights about Ephesus’s history as a trade hub and its significance in Roman and Greek times. The 1 hour 30-minute visit includes access to these iconic structures with skip-the-line tickets. The site’s expansive ruins offer plenty to explore, with impressive columns, ancient mosaics, and evocative theater spaces.

Tasting Local Flavors with a Traditional Turkish Lunch

Following the archaeological exploration, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute traditional Turkish lunch at Bizim Ev Hanmeli Restaurant. The meal features Turkish dishes prepared in a local style, providing a delicious taste of regional cuisine. The lunch is included in the tour price and is served in a comfortable setting, giving you a chance to rest and reflect on the morning’s discoveries.

The restaurant’s ambiance complements the authentic experience, offering a variety of flavors that showcase Turkey’s culinary richness. This meal provides the energy needed for the afternoon part of the tour and is a highlight for those who appreciate local food.

Exploring Sirince Village’s Unique Charm

Post-lunch, the tour heads up the mountain to Sirince village, a picturesque Turkish-Orthodox community famous for its wine yards, peach trees, and narrow cobblestone streets. This synthesis of Turkish and Greek culture makes Sirince an intriguing stop, where you’ll find handcrafts, olive oils, and local wines.

The 1 hour 30-minute visit allows ample time to stroll through the village, visit local shops, and enjoy the scenic views. You can explore the mosque and Orthodox church, reflecting the diverse heritage of the area. The small cafés in Sirince offer tastings of the village’s renowned wines, adding a flavorful touch to your experience.

Visiting the Temple of Artemis, One of the Seven Wonders

The last historical stop is the Temple of Artemis, an iconic ruin once considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This 15-minute visit offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture. Although only a few columns remain today, the site’s significance and mythological importance make it a worthwhile stop.

After exploring the temple, the tour driver takes you back toward Kusadasi, passing through the town center and arriving at the port or your hotel. This efficient route ensures you return on time, completing your day filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Why Choose This Tour for a Personalized and Complete Experience

The private nature of this tour permits a flexible schedule, so you can spend more time at sites that interest you most. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets means less waiting and more exploring, while the traditional Turkish lunch adds an authentic flavor to your day.

Because the tour is designed exclusively for your group, guides can customize the commentary, focusing on topics that interest you—whether it’s ancient history, religious significance, or local culture. The air-conditioned private vehicle and professional guide ensure comfort and informative narration throughout.

Suitable for Visitors with Moderate Physical Fitness

While the tour involves walking through ancient ruins and some uneven surfaces, it is manageable for those with moderate physical fitness. The tour includes some uphill walks in Sirince and at the various archaeological sites, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The private transportation and short walking distances between stops help keep the experience enjoyable without unnecessary fatigue.

Overall Value and Booking Tips

At $109 per person, this all-inclusive private tour offers excellent value, especially considering that entrance fees, lunch, and skip-the-line tickets are included. The flexible departure times and personalized attention make it an attractive choice for visitors who prioritize comfort and customization.

Bookings tend to be made 97 days in advance on average, so planning ahead ensures you secure your preferred schedule. The free cancellation policy provides flexibility if plans change unexpectedly.

The Sum Up: A Well-Balanced Day of History, Culture, and Taste

This all-inclusive private tour from Kusadasi delivers a comprehensive experience of Turkey’s most famous sites, blending archaeology, religious significance, and local culture. The skip-the-line tickets and private guide enable an efficient and personalized visit, making it particularly appealing for those who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy flexibility.

The traditional Turkish lunch and wine tasting in Sirince add authentic local flavor, elevating this tour beyond standard day trips. Its reasonable price and thoughtful itinerary make it a solid choice for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a personalized and hassle-free way to explore the region.

With carefully curated stops and positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics, this tour stands out as a reliable and enjoyable way to discover the highlights of Kusadasi and its surroundings. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and authentic experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, all entrance fees are included, with the guide holding pre-paid tickets to skip lines at each site.

Can I customize the schedule?
Yes, as a private tour, you can choose when to depart and how long to spend at each stop, making it flexible to your interests.

What is the meal like?
You enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch served at a local restaurant, featuring dishes typical of the region, included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness; some walking on uneven surfaces is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended.