Ephesus & Virgin Mary Day Trip from Izmir with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Walk ancient Ephesus streets, visit Virgin Mary’s house, taste Selçuk flavors

You’ll walk Ephesus’ ancient streets alongside a local guide who brings its stories alive, pause at the peaceful House of Virgin Mary with time for quiet reflection, enjoy Turkish lunch in bustling Selçuk, and travel easily thanks to included pickup and entry fees. Expect moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Izmir just after breakfast — I was still clutching my coffee when our guide, Ayşe, greeted us with that kind of warmth you can’t fake. The drive out to Ephesus was quiet at first, but then the landscape started shifting: olive groves everywhere, sun coming through the window in stripes. I didn’t expect the air to smell so much like wild herbs. When we reached the House of the Virgin Mary, it was hushed except for a few birds and a group lighting candles. Ayşe told us some pilgrims leave handwritten notes on the “wishing wall.” I tried reading one — my Turkish is hopeless — but there was something touching about all those hopes pinned up side by side.

Ephesus itself felt bigger than I’d pictured. We wandered through marble streets where you could still see grooves from ancient cart wheels (Ayşe pointed them out — she said she never gets tired of that detail). The main theater is massive; you stand at the top and it’s easy to imagine crowds filling every seat. At one point, a breeze kicked up and carried this dusty-sweet smell from the valley below. There were a lot of people around but somehow it didn’t feel crowded — maybe because everyone seemed sort of awed or just quietly taking it in. The Temple of Artemis was more of a quick stop — panoramic view only — but honestly, after all those ruins my brain needed a break anyway.

Lunch in Selçuk hit just right: open-buffet style, with eggplant stew and something called mercimek köftesi (Ayşe laughed when I tried to pronounce it). The restaurant was busy with locals on their lunch break; there was this cheerful chaos to it all. On the ride back to Izmir I kept thinking about those old stones and how people still come here hoping for something — blessing, history, maybe just a good story to tell later. It’s funny what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ephesus and Virgin Mary House tour

• Tour starts at 8:30 am
• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Explore Ephesus Ancient City
• Lunch in Selcuk local restaurant
• Return to Izmir and drop off guests

Top questions

How long does the Ephesus & Virgin Mary tour from Izmir take?

The full day trip lasts approximately 8-9 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ephesus day trip?

Yes, hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off in Izmir are included.

What sites are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi), and see the Temple of Artemis panoramically.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, an open-buffet Turkish lunch in Selçuk is included.

Are entry fees covered?

Entry fees for both Ephesus Ancient City and House of Virgin Mary are included.

How far is Ephesus from Izmir?

The drive takes about 1 hour each way depending on traffic.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

The tour suits all fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

Can I join if my English isn’t fluent?

The tour operates mainly in English unless there’s enough demand for other languages.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel or airport pickup in Izmir, entrance tickets for both Ephesus Ancient City and the House of Virgin Mary, guidance throughout by a local expert, transport by air-conditioned vehicle depending on group size, an open-buffet Turkish lunch in Selçuk town, plus return drop-off when you’re ready to head back.