Ephesus Private Tour from Izmir: Temple & Celsus Library

Walk through seven ancient wonders in a single day with your own guide

A private full-day tour of Ephesus departing from Izmir with a licensed English-speaking guide covers the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Library of Celsus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian, the Basilica of St. John, the Terrace Houses and the Cave of Seven Sleepers. Hotel, airport or cruise port pickup is included. A traditional lunch breaks the day midway. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus10m · entry included
2. Cave of the Seven Sleepers30m
3. Basilica of St. John30m
4. House of the Virgin Mary1h
5. Ephesus Terrace Houses30m
6. Library of Celsus20m · entry included
7. Temple of Artemis20m
8. Ephesus2h

Explore Ephesus and nearby landmarks

• Visit Temple of Artemis
• Explore Ephesus ancient city
• See Library of Celsus
• Tour Ephesus Terrace Houses
• Visit Temple of Hadrian
• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• Enjoy traditional lunch
• Visit Cave of the Seven Sleepers
• See Basilica of St. John
• Return to Izmir

The experience

You're picked up from your Izmir hotel, the airport or the cruise port in a private air-conditioned vehicle and driven to Ephesus, where your guide meets you at the site. The day moves through eight major stops across the ancient city and its surroundings. The Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the first temple of Ionian architecture) anchors the morning. From there, the route takes in the Library of Celsus, the third largest library of the ancient world and now the masterpiece of Ephesus; the Grand Theatre; the Temple of Hadrian, a 2nd-century Roman temple rebuilt after its discovery; and the Terrace Houses, where rich Roman homes still show their original mosaics and frescoes.

Midway through, you stop for a traditional lunch. The afternoon continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last home and now a world-famous pilgrimage site, then to the Basilica of St. John, where the apostle was buried after his death. The Cave of Seven Sleepers, tied to the legend of seven young Ephesians who entered history, closes the day before the return drive to Izmir. Your guide speaks English throughout and can arrange a vegetarian meal if you request it at booking. The full day runs roughly seven hours on the road and at the sites, though exact timing depends on traffic and the time of day you depart.

Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the return aligns with your departure. Infants can travel in a specialized seat or stroller. Service animals are welcome. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all fitness levels, though the day involves walking between stops and through open-air archaeological sites.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• round-trip pickup from your Izmir hotel, Adnan Menderes Airport or cruise port.
• professional English-speaking licensed guide.
• traditional lunch.
• entry to all eight sites (Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, Grand Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Cave of Seven Sleepers).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Ephesus Tours

Is this one for you?The tour runs seven hours with walking between stops and through open-air sites, so it suits travelers with a full day free and comfortable pace. If you're arriving by cruise ship, provide your ship details at booking to ensure the return timing works with your departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6).

What 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 the first temple built in the Ionian architectural style. It stands as one of the major stops on the tour and anchors the morning itinerary.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving at Adnan Menderes Airport?

Yes. Airport pickup is included in the tour price, and your guide will meet you at the terminal. You'll be driven directly to Ephesus to begin the day.

Is lunch included, and can I request vegetarian food?

A traditional lunch is included midway through the day. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when you book the tour.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs approximately seven hours from pickup to return, covering eight major sites across Ephesus and its surroundings. Exact timing depends on traffic and your departure time.

What is the House of the Virgin Mary?

The House of the Virgin Mary is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary and is now a world-famous pilgrimage site. It is one of the key stops on the afternoon portion of the tour.

Do I need to bring anything or meet any requirements?

A minimum of two people per booking is required. If you're a cruise ship passenger, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the return is timed correctly. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the day involves moving between stops and walking through open-air archaeological sites.