Ephesus Day Tour with Museum, Virgin Mary’s House, Artemis Temple
- 7–16 hours
- Skip the line
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
Highlights
⭐ Explore Ephesus Ancient City and see the legendary Temple of Artemis ⭐ Discover priceless artifacts at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum ⭐ Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and experience the immersive Ephesus Experience Museum Step deeper into the story of Ephesus on a comprehensive cultural journey that brings together its most important archaeological and historical sites. Explore the magnificent ruins of Ephesus Ancient City, then discover artifacts uncovered from the region at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and experience the ancient world through the immersive Ephesus Experience Museum. Continue to the revered House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. All entrance fees and lunch are included, with departures available from Izmir, Kusadasi, Bodrum, or Istanbul. The Istanbul option also includes round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Izmir and airport transfers in Istanbul for a seamless day trip to Ephesus.
Inclusions
What's included
- Fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles
- Hotel / Airport pick-up & drop-off services
- Round-trip flight tickets between Istanbul and Izmir (Valid for "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option)
- Entrance fee - All entrance fees for museums and ruins listed in itinerary
- Professional tour guide who licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- You will take your lunch at a local restaurant
What's not
- Drinks
Itinerary
This carefully crafted tour offers departure options from Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, and Kusadasi, making it easy to experience the ancient wonders of Ephesus from multiple destinations. The Istanbul departure option includes round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Izmir, as well as airport transfers, providing a seamless and convenient experience from start to finish.
Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.
Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With innovative approach of this amazing museum, we offer an entirely mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory.
At this charming and well-organised museum, there are not only findings from the ongoing excavations at Ephesus archeological site, but also the artifacts from the Cukurici Mound, the basilica of St John, and the Temple of Artemis.
Your lunch is included in the tour. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring some of the finest examples of Turkish cuisine before visiting one of the local cooperatives in the region. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover the centuries-old tradition of Turkish carpet weaving, an art form deeply rooted in Türkiye’s cultural heritage and renowned around the world for its intricate craftsmanship, distinctive designs, and vibrant symbolism. Learn how these beautiful handmade carpets are traditionally woven and gain insight into the artistry, cultural stories, and techniques passed down through generations.
The next visit of your tour will be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Once you arrive there you will be thrilled by the natural beauty that surrounds the monument. The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.
Another visit of your tour is Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus ancient city.
At the end of tour, you will be comfortably returned to your hotel in the departure city selected when booking. For guests departing from Izmir, Bodrum, or Kusadasi, a private transfer will take you directly back to your hotel. Guests who choose the Istanbul departure option will first be transferred to Izmir Airport for their return domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a separate driver will meet you at the airport and provide a comfortable transfer back to your hotel in Istanbul, completing your journey seamlessly.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Travel Experts
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Round-trip Izmir/Ephesus flight tickets from Istanbul, along with round-trip airport transfers in both Istanbul and Izmir/Ephesus, are included only for bookings that select the "Round-Trip from Istanbul" option. If this option was not selected at the time of booking, these services are not included in your reservation.
- The supplier may request certain passport details to arrange your domestic flight tickets. Please provide the requested information promptly. If these details are not received, your domestic flight tickets cannot be issued, and your booking may be affected.
How it compares in Istanbul
- Its from-price is 60% above the median of the 346 day trips we list in Istanbul.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Istanbul
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.
The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.
Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).
Special offers in Istanbul
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
