Private Ephesus and Virgin Marys House tour

If you’re looking to explore some of Turkey’s most iconic sights with a personal touch, the Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House tour offers an engaging experience for around $89 per person. This private tour guarantees that only your group participates, allowing for a more flexible and intimate journey through history. The tour typically lasts from 4 to 7 hours, making it suitable for a full morning or afternoon, with pickup options available from Izmir hotels, the airport, cruise ports, or Kuadasi.

What truly sets this tour apart is the inclusion of visits to Ephesus’ best-preserved ruins, the House of Virgin Mary, and passing by the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The expert English-speaking guide enriches the experience with detailed explanations, ensuring you learn about the ancient city’s significance. While entrance fees to Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s house cost $60 USD per person, the tour’s overall value is enhanced by the convenience of hotel and airport transfers, skip-the-line service, and a local lunch.

Key Points

• Private and personalized tour experience with only your group present
• Visits include Ephesus’ ancient ruins, Virgin Mary’s house, Temple of Artemis
• Guided tour with an English-speaking expert guide
• All transportation and parking fees included, with lunch provided
• Entrance fees to Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s house are not included and cost $60 USD per person
• Tour duration varies from 4 to 7 hours, offering flexibility

Meet Your Guide at Izmir or Kuadasi for a Custom Tour

This tour begins with a pickup from Izmir hotels, the airport, Kuadasi cruise port, or local hotels. The process is straightforward, with the guide ready to meet you at your chosen location, ensuring a smooth start. The guide, fluent in English (or Spanish with an extra fee), leads you through each stop, sharing insights about the sites’ historical and cultural relevance.

The private nature of this tour means your group enjoys a relaxed pace and personalized attention, allowing for questions and flexibility during stops. The pickup and drop-off service ensures maximum convenience, avoiding the hassle of arranging separate transport.

Exploring the House of Virgin Mary and Its Significance

The first stop is Meryemana (The House of Virgin Mary), where you can pray, reflect, and drink holy water at the site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. This stop lasts approximately one hour, and although admission tickets are not included, it remains a poignant highlight of the tour. Visitors often appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the spiritual significance attached to this site.

This visit offers a chance to connect with religious history and enjoy a moment of quiet amid the tour’s more active sightseeing.

Marvel at the Ephesus Terrace Houses

Next, the tour includes a visit to the Ephesus Terrace Houses, considered the highlight of the ancient city for many. These well-preserved roman residences showcase frescoes, mosaics, Roman baths, and heating systems. The site provides a detailed glimpse into the luxury and sophistication of Roman life in Ephesus.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes, and while admission fees are not included, the opportunity to see these fascinating ancient dwellings makes it well worth considering. The Terrace Houses often impress visitors with their frescoes and mosaics, illustrating daily life centuries ago.

Discover the Heart of Ancient Ephesus

The main attraction is the ancient city of Ephesus itself. With 250,000 residents during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it was an important Roman capital of Asia Minor. The guide takes you through Celsus Library, The Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, and the public toilets.

This segment lasts around two hours, giving ample time to explore the ruins at a comfortable pace. The skip-the-line service helps avoid long queues, especially during peak times. The entry fees are not included but are well worth the cost to walk through this well-preserved archaeological site and imagine its bustling past.

Optional Stops in Selcuk: Leather, Ceramics, or Lunch

In the nearby town of Selcuk, the tour offers optional visits to leather factories or ceramic workshops, providing insight into Turkish craftsmanship. Alternatively, your guide can recommend local restaurants for a typical Turkish lunch.

This part of the tour lasts about an hour, and participation is flexible. It’s an excellent chance to browse local artisan shops or simply enjoy some authentic Turkish cuisine before continuing your exploration.

Passing by the Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is a passing sight during the tour. You won’t spend extensive time here, but the guide will narrate its history as you pass by. It’s a quick, scenic stop that highlights the grandeur of ancient architecture and the importance of Artemis worship in antiquity.

Since the viewing is passing, no additional fee is required, and it offers a good photo opportunity of this once-magnificent temple.

End of the Tour: Convenient Drop-Off in Izmir or Kuadasi

The tour concludes with drop-off services at your hotel, the airport, or Kuadasi cruise port. This seamless transfer ensures your day ends with minimal hassle, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of your trip without worrying about logistics.

The flexible end-point means you can maximize your time in the region, whether you’re heading to a cruise, hotel, or further exploring Izmir.

Practical Details and Important Considerations

This private tour requires moderate physical activity, mainly walking on uneven surfaces at archaeological sites. It is suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level. The admission tickets to Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s house cost $60 USD per person, which is not included in the $89 fee but can be purchased separately.

The tour operates daily between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with bookings typically made about 28 days in advance. The service animals are allowed, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Final Thoughts on the Ephesus and Virgin Mary Private Tour

This tour offers an excellent combination of historical grandeur and spiritual significance, delivered with the flexibility of a private experience. The expert guide enhances the visit with detailed explanations, making each site come alive. The inclusion of local lunch and hotel or port transfers adds value, streamlining the entire day.

While the entrance fees are separate, the overall experience provides a comprehensive look at Ephesus’ archaeological treasures and Virgin Mary’s sacred site. This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a personalized, in-depth exploration without the crowds, especially those interested in history and religious heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but it is recommended for those with a moderate physical fitness level due to walking on uneven surfaces at archaeological sites.

Are entrance fees included?
No, admission tickets to Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s house cost $60 USD per person and are paid separately.

Can I customize the stops?
As a private tour, there is flexibility to discuss optional stops like leather factories or ceramics, or to adjust the time spent at each site.

What is the typical length of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 7 hours, depending on your interests and the optional activities selected.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked about 28 days in advance and operates daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a typical local lunch is included in the tour price.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides can speak Spanish for an additional $50 USD.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Where does the tour end?
The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel, airport, or Kuadasi cruise port, making it convenient to continue your journey.

What makes this tour stand out?
The private format, experienced guide, and the opportunity to visit Ephesus’ ruins, Virgin Mary’s house, and pass by the Temple of Artemis makes this a comprehensive and personalized experience worth considering.