Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Day Trip with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Ephesus marble streets virgin mary house temple artemis lunch

You’ll walk ancient marble streets in Ephesus with a local guide, visit the peaceful House of Virgin Mary above town, and pause at what remains of the Temple of Artemis. Lunch is included along with hotel pickup — expect honest food and real stories that linger after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet when we reached the House of the Virgin Mary. Our guide, Ayşe, just let us stand there for a bit — no rush, just this soft pine smell in the air and a few women lighting candles by the stone wall. I tried to picture what it must have been like for Mary up here, tucked away above Ephesus. The place is small, but you can sense why people make pilgrimages. I’m not religious, but I felt something — maybe just the hush of everyone else being thoughtful too.

After that we drove down into Ephesus itself. The sun was already hot enough to bounce off those old marble streets (bring water, really). Walking where Romans actually walked is wild — you can see grooves from their carts still worn into the stone. Ayşe pointed out little details I’d never have noticed: faded carvings on pillars, a stray cat curled up in the shade of the Library of Celsus (which is massive, by the way). She told us how it used to be the third biggest library in Roman times; hard to imagine all those scrolls piled up inside.

Lunch was in Selcuk — nothing fancy, but honestly after all that walking it tasted pretty great. I still remember how fresh the tomatoes were. At some point someone at our table tried to pronounce “Ephesus” in Turkish and got everyone laughing (even our driver joined in). Afterward we went to see what’s left of the Temple of Artemis. There’s not much standing now except one column with a stork’s nest on top — kind of poetic if you think about it. Hard to believe it was once one of the Seven Wonders.

The day ended back at our hotel around four-thirty or so. My feet were tired but my head was full — old stones, stories, pine trees, laughter over lunch. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Ephesus from Kusadasi or Selcuk… well, I’d say go for it. Some moments stick with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ephesus and Virgin Mary House

• Pick up from Kusadasi hotel or port
• Drive to Selcuk and meet group
• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Explore ancient city of Ephesus
• See Library of Celsus and Great Theater
• Visit Temple of Artemis ruins
• Enjoy lunch in Selcuk restaurant
• Explore local Turkish handicrafts
• Return to pick up location

Top questions

How long does the Ephesus & Virgin Mary House tour last?

The tour starts around 10:00 am and returns by 16:00–16:30.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from centrally located hotels in Kusadasi or Kusadasi Cruise Port is included.

What sites are visited during this tour?

The tour visits Ephesus ancient city, House of Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis.

Is lunch provided on this Ephesus day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a restaurant in Selcuk after visiting Ephesus.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entrance fees for both Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary are included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though there is some walking involved.

Can infants join this tour?

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

Are local guides part of this experience?

A local guide leads your group through each site and shares historical context throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise port pickup from Kusadasi or Selcuk, entry fees for both Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary, a traditional lunch stop in Selcuk after exploring ancient ruins, and comfortable transport back to your original location before evening sets in.