Ephesus Private Tours from izmir hotels and izmir port or airport

Explore Ephesus and Key Sites with a Private, Fully Customizable Tour from Izmir

This private tour from Izmir offers a flexible way to experience some of Turkey’s most iconic historical sites. Priced at $150 per person, it features private transportation and an English-speaking guide, giving you the freedom to tailor your day based on your interests. The tour duration ranges from 6 to 10 hours, making it suitable for a full day of sightseeing, with the convenience of hotel, airport, or port pickup included.

The tour stands out for its personalized approach—it’s not a fixed itinerary but a chance to choose which sites to visit, whether you want to focus on ancient ruins or explore local culture. With admission fees for some sites included, it simplifies the experience. The only major extra cost is for lunch, which allows you to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine. This tour appeals most to visitors seeking a flexible, private experience led by knowledgeable guides who can adapt to your pace and interests.

Key Points

• Fully customizable private tour from Izmir with flexible site selection
• Includes private vehicle and English-speaking guide for personalized attention
• Tour duration of 6 to 10 hours, with morning or afternoon options
• Visit highlights such as Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, Artemis Temple, Isa Bey Mosque, and Saint John Church
• Optional admission fees for Terrace Houses, Virgin Mary’s House, and Saint John Church are available
• Ideal for cruise guests or travelers seeking a private, tailored experience with hotel, airport, or port pickup

Starting Point: Pickup from Izmir Hotels, Airport, or Port

This tour begins with pickup from your specified location in Izmir, whether that’s your hotel, Izmir airport, or the cruise port. The private driver and professional local guide then take you on a roughly one-hour journey to Selcuk, a town rich with historical sites. This flexible start allows for a relaxed and comfortable beginning to your day, avoiding crowded group pickups.

Exploring Selcuk and the Entrance to Ephesus

Arriving in Selcuk, the tour spends about one hour in this bustling town, which is home to several important sites. From here, the focus shifts to the Ancient City of Ephesus, a top highlight of the trip. The guide prefers to start at the upper gate of Ephesus, giving you ample time to walk along marble streets lined with ruins, including state and public buildings.

The visit to Ephesus typically lasts around two hours, with time also allocated for the Terrace Houses Museum. However, note that the Terrace Houses are not recommended for disabled guests or those with difficulty climbing stairs. Visitors get to see the famous ruins and learn about their historical significance through guided commentary.

Visiting Virgin Mary’s House and the Artemis Temple

The tour offers flexibility in scheduling. You can visit Meryemana (Virgin Mary’s House) either in the morning or afternoon, depending on your preference and crowd levels. The house is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last years and is a renowned pilgrimage site, especially for Catholic visitors.

Next, the Temple of Artemis, a symbol of ancient marble craftsmanship and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is a brief stop. Although only remnants remain, the site is still meaningful for its historical importance and impressive size.

Local Dining and Shopping in Selcuk

A key part of the experience involves a visit to local restaurants for a traditional Turkish organic lunch, costing about 10 euros per person in cash. During the stop, there’s also the chance to explore local shops, depending on your interest and budget, adding a cultural touch to the day.

Visiting Isa Bey Mosque and Saint John Church

The Isa Bey Mosque, built in 1375, is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and grandeur. It’s a quick stop but provides insight into the region’s Islamic history and architectural style.

Close by, the Church of Saint John is significant as the believed burial site of one of Jesus’s apostles. The church, which was built during Justinian’s time, holds historical and religious importance and offers a glimpse into the Christian history of Ephesus.

Ephesus Museum and Its Artifacts

The Ephesus Museum displays artifacts uncovered from the ruins, including statues of Artemis and other foundations from the ancient city. The recently restored museum offers a concise overview of the archaeological findings, making it a valuable addition for those interested in the deeper history of the site.

End of the Day: Return to Izmir

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour concludes with a one-hour drive back to your original pickup point in Izmir. This ensures a comfortable and stress-free end to the day, whether you’re heading to your hotel, airport, or port.

Practical Aspects: Guide, Vehicle, and Flexibility

The tour includes a private, air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and a professional private driver. The English-speaking guide offers expert commentary and helps customize the experience, ensuring your interests are prioritized.

While most site visits are admission fee-free, some attractions like the Terrace Houses (around 15 euros), Virgin Mary’s House (14 euros), and Saint John’s Church (6 euros) have optional entry fees. These are not included in the base price but are available to enhance your visit.

Things to Consider: Timing and Crowd Levels

Since cruise guests are encouraged to meet 30 to 45 minutes after port docking, planning your arrival time can help avoid crowds and heat. Morning visits tend to be quieter and cooler, especially at Ephesus, which is ideal for exploring comfortably.

The tour’s flexible schedule allows you to skip or add sites based on your interest, making it suitable for those who prefer a leisurely pace or want to focus on specific landmarks.

Overall Value and Suitability

This fully private, customizable tour provides excellent value for those who appreciate personalized attention and the ability to select sites of interest. The experienced guides and private transportation help streamline the day, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.

It’s especially well-suited for cruise passengers, as the timing and private setup ensure punctual return. The option to include optional site visits and dine at local eateries adds to the authentic and flexible nature of this tour.

Final Thoughts on the Ephesus Private Tour from Izmir

This tour effectively combines historical highlights with personalized service, making it ideal for those who want to explore at their own pace. The flexibility, professional guidance, and local flavor make it a memorable way to discover Turkey’s ancient sites.

While some attractions require additional admission fees, the overall value remains high, especially considering the private transport and customized itinerary. The tour’s positive review highlights how well it covers interesting sights and includes a pleasant lunch stop, adding to its appeal.

This private tour offers an enjoyable, hassle-free way to immerse in Ephesus’s history and local culture, tailored perfectly to your preferences and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and a private English-speaking guide. Some entrance fees for specific sites are optional and not included.

Can I customize the sites I visit?
Yes, this tour is fully customizable, allowing you to select which sites to visit based on your interests and preferences.

What are the major sites visited?
Highlights include the Ancient City of Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque, and Saint John Church.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration varies from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your chosen sites and pace.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the price; however, a Turkish organic lunch can be purchased for around 10 euros at a local restaurant.

Are the sites accessible for disabled visitors?
Terrace Houses are not recommended for disabled guests or those with difficulty climbing stairs. Other sites vary in accessibility.

What is the best time of day to take this tour?
Morning visits are preferred to avoid crowds and heat, especially for the Ephesus ruins. The tour can be scheduled flexibly based on your cruise or travel timings.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?
Absolutely. It’s designed with cruise guests in mind, offering timely pickup and return to your port, with recommendations to start early for the best experience.