Ephesus, Temple of Artemis & Virgin Mary: Private half-day tour

Three ancient sites in one morning, with a guide who knows which columns matter

A private half-day tour of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle and lunch included. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and covers the Celsus Library, the Grand Theater, the Odeion and Roman Baths, then moves to the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) before ending at a Byzantine church where Mary is believed to have lived. Entrance fees to Ephesus and the Virgin Mary House are paid separately. Drinks are not included with lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ephesus2h
2. Temple of Artemis30m
3. House of the Virgin Mary1h 30m

Visit House of Mary and Ephesus

• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Explore ancient city of Ephesus
• See Odeion and Roman Baths
• Visit Celsus Library and Grand Theater
• Visit Temple of Artemis
• Panoramic city tour
• Lunch at Turkish carpet center
• Learn about carpet art
• Return to starting location

The experience

The day starts at the House of the Virgin Mary, a small Byzantine church in the ruins where Christians believe Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived and died. From there the tour moves into Ephesus itself, the second largest city in the ancient world and the most important settlement in this region for three thousand years. Your guide walks you through the Odeion, where the advisory council held its meetings, the Roman Baths, and past columns and monuments that have survived millennia: the Celsus Library and the Grand Theater of Ephesus are the centerpieces most visitors come to see.

The Temple of Artemis comes next, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the site that shaped Ephesus's rise to power. On the way back, you get a panoramic view of the city from above before stopping at a Turkish carpet production center for lunch. You'll see how carpets are made, the intricacies of the craft itself, and eat a typical Turkish meal there. The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and the guide handles the route. You just follow along and ask questions when something catches your eye.

Pickup is included from your hotel or a meeting point you arrange beforehand. Entrance fees to Ephesus and the Virgin Mary House are paid on the day in Turkish lira or by card at the sites themselves. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the vehicle can accommodate strollers and specialized infant seats if you're traveling with small children.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• lunch at a Turkish carpet production center.
• parking fees and insurance.
• Wi-Fi on the vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day16 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (14 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 62

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Online Travel Turkey

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're traveling as a couple or small family and want to see three major ancient sites (Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary) without renting a car or navigating entry fees and timing on your own. The private vehicle and guide mean the day moves at one pace, and you don't wait for a group to assemble or move between stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly is the Temple of Artemis, and why does it matter?

The Temple of Artemis is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and took a central role in Ephesus's development as a major city. The ruins you see today show where one of the most important religious structures of antiquity once stood.

How long does the tour take, and what time does it start?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours. Pickup time depends on where you're staying. Your guide will confirm the exact start time when you book.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is included at a Turkish carpet production center where you eat a typical Turkish meal. Drinks are not included with lunch, so you'll order and pay for those separately.

Do I have to pay entrance fees upfront, or are they included?

Entrance fees to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary are paid separately on the day of the tour. You can pay in Turkish lira or by Visa or Mastercard at each site.

What is the House of the Virgin Mary, and why do people visit it?

The House of the Virgin Mary is a small Byzantine church in the ruins of ancient Ephesus where Christians believe Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived and died. It is a pilgrimage site where visitors seek healing, make offerings and pay respects.