Ephesus, Artemis & Sirince: Day Trip from Izmir with Wine Tasting

Summary

Walk ancient Ephesus, sip Sirince wine, visit Artemis & Mary's house

You’ll walk ancient marble streets at Ephesus with a local guide, light a candle at Mary’s house near Selçuk, wander Sirince’s winding lanes tasting fruit wine, and pause by what’s left of Artemis’ temple — all with hotel pickup and lunch included. Expect moments that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s holding out a little cup — not coffee, but this sharp cherry wine that smells like late summer. We’re in Şirince village, last stop on our Ephesus day trip from Izmir, and honestly I still taste that first sip. Our guide Cem cracked a joke about how the Greeks and Turks swapped houses here ages ago, but the recipes stayed behind. The street was all uneven stones, cats darting between legs, and those wooden balconies leaning out like they might whisper secrets if you waited long enough.

Earlier we’d stood in front of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus. Sun bouncing off marble so bright I squinted even behind sunglasses. Cem pointed out grooves in the stone — chariot marks? Maybe. There were schoolkids giggling near the Great Theater (I tried to imagine St Paul shouting over them centuries ago). The air smelled faintly dusty and sweet, like warm bread from a bakery somewhere nearby. I didn’t expect to feel small here, but you do — those columns are taller than you think.

The House of the Virgin Mary was quieter than I imagined; people lighting candles without saying much. It’s only a short drive from Selçuk after hotel pickup in Izmir (ours was right on time), but it feels far away somehow. There’s something about seeing people touch old stone walls that makes you realize how many stories have passed through this place — some whispered prayers, some just tourists trying to get a good photo before lunch.

I nearly missed the Temple of Artemis because I got distracted by storks nesting on top of one of the columns (Cem said they come back every year). Not much left standing except for that column and some scattered stones — but knowing it was one of the Seven Wonders is strange. You sort of fill in the gaps with your own imagination. Lunch was simple but good; lots of tomatoes and cheese, and someone at our table laughed so hard they nearly spilled their tea. That felt right for Turkey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, and Sirince

• Pick up from Izmir or Kusadasi
• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Drive to Temple of Artemis
• Explore Temple of Artemis and photo stop
• Tour ancient city of Ephesus
• Free time and wine tasting in Sirince

Top questions

How long does the Ephesus tour from Izmir take?

This is a full-day tour starting with morning pickup and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included as part of your day trip to Ephesus from Izmir.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees to sites like Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary are included.

Will we visit Sirince village?

Yes, there is free time for exploring Sirince village and tasting local fruit wines.

What languages do guides speak?

The tour may be operated by multilingual guides; English is always available.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel or airport?

Pickup is provided from hotels or Izmir airport; Kusadasi pickups are also possible.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels though there is some walking involved.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or airport pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to all main sites like Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary, a buffet lunch (vegetarian options possible), guided visits throughout including wine tasting in Şirince village, and drop-off back at your starting point by evening.