Ephesus: Guided Ancient City Tour with Lunch & Private Car

Summary

Walk ancient Ephesus with a local guide and private driver

You’ll walk ancient streets in Ephesus with a local guide who brings Roman history alive, visit the peaceful House of Virgin Mary, explore mosaic-filled Terrace Houses, and pause at the Temple of Artemis. With private transport and lunch included, you’ll have time to soak up details most travelers miss.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at the House of the Virgin Mary was the smell — pine needles and something faintly sweet, maybe wildflowers? Our guide, Ayşe, handed me a little scrap of paper for the wishing wall. She joked that everyone’s wishes get tangled up together here. I didn’t expect to feel anything but it was oddly quiet, even with other travelers around. The stone house is smaller than I’d pictured — humble, really — but you can see why people keep coming back.

Driving down to Ephesus itself only took a few minutes. The air felt warmer there, dustier. Walking along Marble Street, Ayşe pointed out grooves in the stone where chariot wheels used to run (she made us guess what they were first — I was way off). There’s this moment when you look up and realize how big everything is: the Library of Celsus just appears around a corner, columns catching sunlight. It’s hard not to imagine crowds from two thousand years ago doing exactly what we were doing — wandering, talking, maybe getting lost. We ducked into the Terrace Houses too; mosaic floors everywhere and faded wall paintings that made me wish I could read ancient Greek.

Lunch was in a shady courtyard nearby — simple food but honestly perfect after all that walking. Someone at another table tried to order in Turkish and got a round of applause from the staff (I stuck to English after that). Last stop was the Temple of Artemis. There’s not much left standing except one column and some stones in tall grass, but Ayşe told us stories about what it used to be like. She shrugged and said “imagination helps.” I still think about that view — ruins against blue sky, storks nesting on top like they own the place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ephesus and nearby historic sites

• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Walk Marble Street in Ephesus
• See Parliament House and Temple of Domitian
• Explore Memmius Monument and Heracles Gate
• View mosaic pavements and bathhouses
• Visit public toilets and ancient shops
• Tour the Third Largest Ancient Library
• See Largest Theatre of Turkey
• Visit Terrace Houses for daily life insights
• Visit Temple of Artemis

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Ephesus tour?

Yes, private transportation is included for cruisers.

Does this tour visit the House of Virgin Mary?

Yes, it starts at the House of Virgin Mary before heading to Ephesus.

How long does it take to get from Mary’s House to Ephesus?

It’s about 6 km (3.7 miles), just a short drive away.

Are entry fees or lunch included in this day trip?

Lunch is included; entry fees are not specifically mentioned.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available.

Will we see the Temple of Artemis on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit the Temple of Artemis as your last stop.

Is there a local guide during the whole tour?

A licensed local guide accompanies you throughout the day.

How physically demanding is this Ephesus day trip?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup for cruisers, an experienced local guide throughout all sites, entry to key attractions like Ephesus and Terrace Houses, plus a traditional lunch before returning comfortably at the end.