Ephesus & Artemis: Private Tour from Kusadasi with Lunch

Summary

Ancient streets, Artemis temple ruins, Turkish lunch & carpet craft

You’ll walk ancient streets in Ephesus with a local guide who brings history alive, stand at what’s left of the Temple of Artemis (with storks overhead), wander Selçuk’s winding roads, and share lunch at a Turkish carpet center where you can watch real weaving up close. Expect small surprises — maybe figs from a market lady or laughter over your first try at tying knots.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping off the van in Ephesus was how the air felt — kind of dusty, but not in a bad way. Just old, like it’s been holding stories for thousands of years. Our guide, Ayşe, waved us over to a half-broken column and started telling us about the Odeion where politicians used to argue (I pictured them sweating in their togas). There were cats everywhere, sunning themselves on marble steps. I kept getting distracted by the Celsus Library — those columns are even bigger than they look in photos. We wandered through arches and past what used to be Roman baths; I touched the stone walls just to feel that weird sense of time.

After Ephesus, we drove maybe ten minutes to the Temple of Artemis. It’s mostly just a single lonely column now, storks nesting on top (which Ayşe said is lucky). Standing there, it’s hard to imagine it was once one of the wonders of the ancient world. I tried to picture crowds coming here for festivals or whatever people did back then. The place was quiet except for some birds and a couple of local women selling figs under an umbrella — I bought some out of curiosity, honestly they were good.

On the way back toward Kusadasi port we took a loop through Selçuk — you see the fortress up on the hill and little shops along narrow streets. Then lunch at this Turkish carpet center (I thought it’d be touristy but actually watching them weave was kind of hypnotic). The food was simple: grilled chicken, salad, bread that tasted slightly smoky from their oven. Someone tried to show me how to tie a knot in wool — mine looked like a mess but they laughed with me instead of at me. After that we just drifted back toward our van, full and sort of sleepy from all the sun and walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Ephesus and Temple of Artemis

• Visit ancient city of Ephesus
• See Odeion and Roman Baths
• Explore Celsus Library and Grand Theater
• Visit Temple of Artemis ruins
• Shopping at Turkish carpet center

Top questions

How long does the private tour from Kusadasi port take?

The tour covers Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Selçuk panoramic drive, lunch and carpet center visit; expect around 5-6 hours total.

Is lunch included in this Ephesus & Artemis tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a Turkish carpet production center; drinks are extra.

Are entrance fees covered for Ephesus?

If entrance fees aren’t prepaid, you can pay them directly in Turkish lira or by credit card at Ephesus.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and infants can use prams or strollers.

Do you get picked up from Kusadasi port?

Yes, pickup from Kusadasi port is included in your day trip booking.

Will there be a guide during the tour?

A local guide leads you throughout Ephesus and other stops on this private tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Kusadasi port in an air-conditioned vehicle with insurance and parking covered; guiding throughout Ephesus and Artemis; free Wi-Fi onboard; plus lunch at a Turkish carpet center before returning to your starting point.