Ephesus & Virgin Mary's House Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Discover Ancient Ephesus and Sacred Sites in One Day

You’ll walk ancient streets in Ephesus, visit sacred sites like Virgin Mary’s House, see what remains of Artemis’ temple, and enjoy local flavors—all with an expert guide who brings every stop to life.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the minivan was the soft morning breeze—just enough to carry the scent of wild sage from the hills around Selçuk. Our guide, Mehmet, greeted us with a grin and a quick story about his grandmother’s olive grove nearby. We started at the House of the Virgin Mary, tucked away on a quiet slope. The air felt different up there—cooler, almost hushed. Candles flickered inside while visitors left handwritten notes by the spring outside. Mehmet explained how this spot draws both locals and travelers, especially on Sundays when you might hear distant church bells mixed with birdsong.

Next up: the Temple of Artemis. There’s not much left standing—just a single column and scattered stones—but hearing about its place among the Seven Wonders made it feel bigger than it looked. Mehmet pointed out where ancient markets once buzzed, right where we now stood snapping photos. Then came Ephesus itself. Walking down marble streets past the Library of Celsus and old mosaic floors, I could almost picture toga-clad crowds haggling over figs or gossiping in shaded corners. We stopped for lunch at a family-run spot near Isa Bey Mosque; their lentil soup hit the spot after all that walking.

Before heading back, we had time to wander Viaport Marina—a newer side of town with shops and sea views. Kids chased pigeons by the water while some of us grabbed strong Turkish coffee from a tiny kiosk called “Kahve Durağı.” The drive back was quiet; everyone seemed lost in thought or scrolling through photos. If you’re curious about history but want real stories (and maybe some good food), this tour covers all bases without feeling rushed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House Tour

• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• Explore Temple of Artemis
• Tour Ephesus ancient city
• Pass by Viaport Marina

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, families are welcome! You can bring strollers for little ones and there are spots to rest along the way.

How much walking is involved during the Ephesus visit?

You’ll be on your feet exploring ruins for about 1–2 hours. Wear comfy shoes—there are some uneven paths but plenty of breaks.

Are meals included in the price?

Lunch is included and usually features local Turkish dishes. Vegetarian options are available if you let us know ahead of time.

Will our guide speak English fluently?

Your guide is fluent in English and happy to answer questions or share extra stories along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned minivan, a knowledgeable local guide throughout all stops, plus lunch at a local restaurant. All ages are welcome—public transport is nearby if needed too!