Izmir to Ephesus: Private tour with guide & lunch

Summary

Walk ancient streets, share stories, and taste real Turkish flavors

You’ll walk ancient streets in Ephesus with a local guide who knows every story and shortcut, visit the peaceful House of Virgin Mary, stand where Artemis’ temple once towered, and share an authentic Turkish lunch along the way. With private transport from Izmir and plenty of time for questions or quiet moments, this is one day trip you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Ephesus before I realized how much I’d needed a day like this. Our guide, Emre, met us right outside the Izmir port — he held up a sign with my name but still managed to look relaxed about it. The drive out was longer than I expected (maybe 90 minutes?), but Emre kept us busy with stories about Turkey’s history and little details about daily life. At one point he pointed out a field of olive trees and told us his grandmother still makes her own oil. The air smelled faintly sweet through the van window — maybe wildflowers or just spring coming in early.

The House of Virgin Mary was quieter than I thought it would be. There’s something about the hush there — even with other visitors around, you kind of fall into step with the silence. Emre explained how pilgrims come here from all over, and I tried lighting a candle (awkwardly — my match broke). He laughed and showed me how locals do it without burning their fingers. After that we headed to the ruins of Ephesus itself. Walking those marble streets under the sun felt unreal; you can actually see grooves from ancient carts in some places. The Celsus Library is bigger than any photo makes it look — I stood there for a minute just listening to birds echoing off the stone.

I didn’t expect to care much about the Temple of Artemis since there’s not much left standing, but Emre made it feel alive somehow. He described what it would’ve looked like, all columns and moonlight rituals — I could almost picture it if I squinted hard enough. We passed through Selcuk town after that; kids waved at our van and an old man selling pomegranates grinned at us like he knew a secret. Lunch was at this family-run place where everything tasted like someone’s home kitchen (the lentil soup especially — still thinking about that flavor).

There was time for some local handicrafts too, if you’re into that sort of thing. I tried bargaining for a tile but gave up after two rounds; honestly, I’m terrible at haggling in any language. On the way back to Izmir, everyone got quiet for a while — maybe tired or just letting things sink in. It’s strange how walking through old stones can make you feel both small and connected at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ephesus and Surroundings Tour

• Meet at Cruise Port
• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Explore Ephesus Ruins
• See Temple of Artemis
• Pass by Selcuk Town
• Shop Local Handicrafts
• Return to Izmir

Top questions

How long does the private tour from Izmir to Ephesus take?

The drive each way is about 1 hour 30 minutes; total tour time depends on your pace but usually fills most of a day.

Is pickup included for hotels or cruise passengers in Izmir?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Izmir Cruise Port, centrally located hotels, or Izmir Airport.

What sites are visited on this day trip?

The tour includes Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Selcuk town views, and optional handicraft stops.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, an authentic Turkish lunch is included as part of your private day trip experience.

Can I customize which sites we visit?

Yes, since this is a private tour you can tailor stops based on your interests with your guide’s help.

Are entrance tickets provided?

Skip-the-line entrance tickets are included according to your booking option.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from Izmir hotels or port, comfortable transport with driver and licensed local guide throughout Ephesus Ancient City plus visits to the House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis; skip-the-line entry fees according to your booking; time for local handicrafts if you want; an authentic Turkish lunch before returning comfortably back to Izmir.