Private Ephesus Guided Tour from Kuşadası: House of the Virgin Mary, St. John & Temple of Artemis
Walk the marble streets of Ephesus with a local guide—explore the Library of Celsus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and a photo stop at the Temple of Artemis. This private, five-hour tour pairs archaeological context with a local farm lunch and time for shopping.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early
Morning tours beat the heat and crowds; marble reflects sun and midday can be harsh.
Comfortable footwear
Expect uneven ancient stone and short climbs—sturdy closed-toe shoes reduce fatigue.
Hydrate and snack
Bring a refillable water bottle—the tour provides bottled water, but having your own saves time.
Respect the site
Stay on marked paths and avoid climbing on ruins; photography is fine but don’t remove artifacts.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet viewpoint above the Great Theatre used by local photographers at golden hour
- •Şirince village—15 minutes inland, known for fruit wines and Ottoman-era houses
Wildlife
- •Rock agama and other lizards basking on ruins
- •Migratory seabirds and kestrels over the valley
Conservation Note
Ephesus is managed to limit wear on fragile structures—follow routes, avoid touching carved reliefs, and support local conservation by buying from licensed vendors.
Ephesus began as an Ionian Greek port city, flourished under Roman rule (notably the Library of Celsus), and hosted early Christian figures like St. John; the Temple of Artemis once drew pilgrims from across the region.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Closed-toe shoes with good grip for marble streets and uneven ground.
Sun protection (hat + sunscreen)Essential
Open sections of the site have minimal shade and Aegean sun is strong.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated during a five-hour walking tour is important; bottled water may be provided.
Light layers or windbreaker
Mornings can be cool, and shade or sea breeze may make a light layer useful.
Common Questions
Are entrance fees included?
Entry to Ephesus and associated historical sites is typically not included; confirm with the operator whether they can arrange skip-the-line tickets or if you should buy admission on arrival.
How long is the walking portion?
The tour lasts about five hours with multiple stops; expect 2–3 miles of walking on uneven marble and packed-earth paths.
Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?
The operator notes stroller access is possible, but many areas have steps and narrow paths—infant seats are available for vehicle transfers.
Can we shop locally during the tour?
Yes—there is scheduled free time for shopping at local craft and textile shops, often after the lunch stop.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
Selçuk, İzmir
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Basic walking fitness—able to stand and walk on uneven stone for several hours; not strenuous.
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