Ephesus: Small Group Day Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Ancient streets, living stories and lunch near Ephesus

You’ll walk ancient marble streets in Ephesus with a small group and local guide, stand inside the Library of Celsus, visit the peaceful House of Virgin Mary, and see what’s left of the Temple of Artemis. Includes hotel pickup from Kusadasi or Selcuk and a simple Turkish lunch—expect moments that stay with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the marble to feel so cool under my hand, even with the sun out. We’d just stepped through the old gates of Ephesus after our guide, Ayşe, picked us up from our Selcuk hotel (she was exactly on time, which made my partner happy). The city is huge—way bigger than I pictured. Walking along Marble Street, you can still see grooves from ancient cart wheels. Ayşe pointed out faded carvings of Nike on a slab—she joked that it’s where Nike got their logo, which I’d never heard before. There’s something about hearing these stories while actually standing there that makes them stick.

We stopped at the Library of Celsus and tried to imagine 250,000 people living here once—it’s wild. The amphitheater is enormous; I sort of wanted to test the acoustics but chickened out. After wandering through the ruins (and dodging a few selfie sticks), we drove up to the House of the Virgin Mary. The air changed up there—pine trees and incense mixed together, and everything felt quieter somehow. People were tying ribbons on a wall for wishes; I wrote one too, though I’m not sure what language it ended up in. Lunch was at a small place nearby—rice pilaf and grilled chicken, nothing fancy but good after all that walking.

The Temple of Artemis was just a single column left standing over a marshy patch—honestly, it surprised me how little remains for something called one of the seven wonders. Still, seeing storks nesting right on top made it feel alive in its own way. On our way back we stopped by a carpet weaving village; watching the women knotting silk threads was hypnotic—I tried it for maybe two seconds before realizing how hard it is. My hands still smelled faintly like wool when we got back in the van. So yeah, if you’re thinking about an Ephesus small group tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk hotels… I’d say go for it if you want history that feels close-up and real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ephesus and nearby sites

• Visit ancient city of Ephesus
• See House of Virgin Mary
• Explore Temple of Artemis ruins
• Visit Isabey Mosque in Selcuk

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ephesus small group tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Kusadasi or Selcuk hotels.

What attractions are visited during this day trip?

The tour visits Ephesus ruins, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Isabey Mosque, and a carpet weaving village.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No, entrance fees for Ephesus (40 €) and House of Virgin Mary (500 TRY) are paid directly to your guide for skip-the-line tickets.

How big is the group size on this tour?

This is a small group tour for a more personal experience.

Does this tour operate from both Kusadasi and Selcuk hotels?

Yes, pickup is available from both Kusadasi and Selcuk hotels.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Kusadasi or Selcuk hotels in an air-conditioned private vehicle with insurance coverage throughout; you’ll have a professional local guide leading your group through each site plus enjoy a Turkish lunch before heading back at day’s end.