Ephesus Private Day Tour: Ancient Ruins, Selcuk & Local Guide

Summary

Private Guided Ephesus Tour with Selcuk Sights & Terrace Houses

You’ll walk ancient streets in Ephesus, visit sacred sites like the House of Virgin Mary, explore hidden mosaics in Terrace Houses, and hear stories only locals know—all at your own pace with a private guide and driver.

What’s the experience like?

We started early, just as the morning haze was lifting off Izmir. Our driver pulled up right on time—no rushing, no waiting around. The road to Selcuk is lined with olive groves and the odd roadside stand selling figs. You get this sense that history is close by even before you see a single ruin.

The House of the Virgin Mary sits quietly on a hill above Ephesus. There’s a faint smell of incense in the air, and people pin little notes to the wishing wall outside. Our guide explained how both Christians and Muslims visit here—something I hadn’t realized before. It’s peaceful, almost hushed, except for birds darting between the trees.

Ephesus itself is something else. Walking past the Library of Celsus, you can almost hear voices echoing off those marble columns. The Terrace Houses are tucked away inside—our guide had us look closely at the mosaic floors; some tiles are so tiny you’d miss them if you weren’t paying attention. The air gets warm by midday, but there’s always a bit of shade near the old stone walls.

Lunch was at a small spot in town—I can’t remember the name, but they served fresh gözleme straight from the griddle and strong Turkish tea in tulip glasses. Afterward, we stopped at what remains of the Temple of Artemis. Only one column stands now, surrounded by wildflowers and storks nesting on top in springtime. Hard to picture it as one of the Seven Wonders until you see how wide those foundations stretch.

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers isn’t far—our guide told us stories about seven young men who slept for centuries to escape persecution. It’s cool inside, with a faint earthy smell and quiet except for our footsteps crunching on gravel.

Last stop was Isa Bey Mosque—a working mosque from 1375 with carved stonework and an open courtyard where locals still gather in the late afternoon. We lingered there for a bit before heading back to Izmir as dusk settled over the fields.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ephesus and Selcuk Highlights

• Transfer to Selcuk
• Visit Virgin Mary House
• Explore Ephesus Ancient City
• Visit Basilica and Tomb of St. John
• See Ephesus Terrace Houses
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Temple of Artemis
• Explore Cave of the Seven Sleepers
• Visit Isa Bey Mosque
• Return to Izmir and hotel drop-off

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The itinerary moves at your pace and works for all fitness levels. There are some uneven paths at Ephesus but nothing too challenging if you take your time.

Can we customize which sites we visit or how long we spend at each stop?

Absolutely—you have your own guide and driver so you can adjust timing or skip spots if you want more time somewhere else.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes are best; bring water and maybe a hat for sun protection (it gets warm midday). Modest clothing is needed for mosque visits.

What’s included

Your own private van with separate driver and licensed guide; hotel pickup and drop-off; all main site visits; flexibility to set your own pace throughout the day.