Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch worth booking?
Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch is a 5-hour experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, from $30 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (20)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $30 per person
What makes this tour unique? Experience the best of Turkey’s rich history and culture on a private Ephesus tour tailored just for you. Wander through the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical citi
What you get
About this experience
What makes this tour unique? Experience the best of Turkey’s rich history and culture on a private Ephesus tour tailored just for you. Wander through the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world, and marvel at landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Stand in awe before the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This tour isn’t just about sightseeing—enjoy a taste of local culture with a delicious lunch and a carpet and rug presentation, where you’ll discover centuries-old weaving traditions. Stop at a historic Caravanserai in Kusadasi and imagine the merchants and travelers who once passed through. With a private guide and personalized itinerary, you’ll skip the crowds, enjoy flexible timing, and get insider stories that bring every site to life. This is more than a tour—it’s an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and Turkish heritage.
What's included
Included
- Parking fees & Taxes
- GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE BOAT
- Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide(He/She will be with you till end of the tour)
- A delicious Turkish Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- SKIP THE LINE ENTRANCE TICKETS (OPTIONAL) if you are interested , please let us know.
Not included
- Entrance Fee of Ephesus
- Drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Located in the heart of Kuşadası, the historic Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai was built in 1618 during the Ottoman period. Commissioned by Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmed Pasha, this impressive stone structure once served as a secure stop for merchants and travelers along important trade routes. Designed around a large central courtyard, the caravanserai features thick fortress-like walls, arched galleries, and traditional Ottoman architectural details. In the past, traders would rest here with their camels and goods, making it an important commercial hub of the region. Today, the building stands as one of Kuşadası’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can explore the courtyard, admire its historic atmosphere, and take memorable photos while learning about the area’s rich maritime and trade history. Its central location on Atatürk Boulevard makes it an easy and meaningful stop during a city tour.
Pass by without stopping
Ephesus Ancient City
Step into the extraordinary world of the Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving Roman metropolis and major trading hub, Ephesus offers visitors an unforgettable journey through history. Walk along marble streets once used by emperors and merchants, and admire iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre with seating for 25,000 spectators, ancient temples, fountains, and well-preserved terraces. As your guide brings the ruins to life, you’ll gain insight into daily life, architecture, religion, and commerce during the height of the Roman Empire. With its grand monuments, impressive archaeological remains, and immersive atmosphere, Ephesus is a must-see destination for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and cruise travelers visiting the region.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
The Temple of Artemis
Visit the legendary Temple of Artemis, once recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Located near Selçuk, this monumental temple was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fertility and the hunt, and stood as a powerful symbol of wealth and devotion in the ancient city of Ephesus. Although only a single column and scattered foundations remain today, the site holds immense historical significance. At its peak, the Temple of Artemis was four times larger than the Parthenon and attracted pilgrims and traders from across the Mediterranean. During your visit, you’ll learn about the temple’s fascinating history, its destruction and reconstruction over centuries, and its importance in the ancient world. This brief yet meaningful stop offers a unique opportunity to stand at the site of one of antiquity’s greatest architectural achievements.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Selcuk
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a reputable carpet wholesaler, offering a comfortable and authentic setting to relax during your day. Savor freshly prepared local dishes featuring regional flavors of the Aegean cuisine. After lunch, experience an engaging carpet presentation where skilled artisans demonstrate the centuries-old art of Turkish rug weaving. Learn about the differences between silk, wool, and cotton carpets, natural dye techniques, and the intricate hand-knotting process that makes each piece unique. This cultural stop provides insight into one of Türkiye’s most treasured handicrafts while giving you time to browse beautifully handcrafted carpets at your own pace.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kusadasi
As you exit the arrival gate, our guide will be waiting to welcome you, holding a sign with your name on it.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
As you exit the arrival gate, our guide will be waiting to welcome you, holding a sign with your name on it.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Samyeli Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Private tour to emphasis and delightful lunch
We were met promptly at the port and whisked away in a super modern, comfortable van. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, pointing out places of interest along the way and giving us great insight into the local history and culture. We stopped briefly at the Temple of Artemis before continuing on to Ephesus, which was absolutely incredible. Our guide did a fantastic job showing us around the site and explaining its fascinating history in an engaging way. Afterwards, we visited what seems to be the mandatory carpet demonstration, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable experience. We were treated to a delightful lunch, and everyone we met could not have been more welcoming and friendly. In the end, we did buy a beautiful rug that we absolutely loved. Before long, we were comfortably driven back to the port. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day, well organised from start to finish, and we would highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day with us from start to finish. It’s great to know that our guide’s knowledge and hospitality helped make your visit to Ephesus even more memorable. We’re also happy that you enjoyed the carpet demonstration and lunch experience, and that you found a rug you truly loved — a beautiful memory to take home from Türkiye! Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future!
via Viator
Port day trip
Very accommodating, informative, and fun due to some surprises. I highly recommend for squeezing a LOT into your day! Ibrahim was great!
Response from the operator: thank you very much for joining our "Ephesus tours kusadasl turkey", you are always welcome ephesus tours cruise port kusadasi turkiye-samyeli travel
via Tripadvisor
SCAMMED IN KUSADASI PORT (Ephesus Turkey)
We were scammed by YAKI LEATHER shop. We bought 2 jackets and paid $8700.00. When shopping a few days later in Greece, we found the identical womens jacket for $380.00. The mans jacket was $400.00. From this same unscrupoulous merchant, we bought earrings for $5750.00. They broke in 1 day so I took them to our Viking jewelry shop on board. They valued the earrings at $2300.00. The credit card company cannot do anything because it is out of the country. YAKI LEATHER SHOP gave us no paperwork, only a small receipt from a hand held machine. They told us they were a Viking certified shop, but Viking said that they lied. Therefore Viking could not help us. Beware of these shops, they stand outside their shop and tempt you to come in. Once you are in, they seclude you and ply you with wine and lies. Buyer Beware!!!!!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour and tour guide. Spoke perfect English
This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide was extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. He was also very flexible! We were with two little ones with short attention spend, he kept them engaged. He also facilitated needed breaks to include a Turkish ice cream break, ice cream was made out of goat milk, my son enjoyed it tremendously. Overall great experience!’nnn
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for joining our Ephesus tour, you are always welcome ephesus tours cruise port kusadasi turkiye-samyeli travel
via Viator
Excellent, affordable tour
We really enjoyed the personalized tour and information from our guide. We loved the Turkish bath. What an experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for joining our Ephesus tour, you are always welcome ephesus tours cruise port kusadasi turkiye-samyeli travel
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $30 to $64
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kusadasi.
How much does Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kusadasi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kusadasi is not rushed.
Is Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kusadasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kusadasi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kusadasi and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ancient Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kusadasi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kusadasi?
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On Outty we rank every Kusadasi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour with ENTRY TICKET+LUNCH, Ephesus Temple of Artemis and House of Mary Private Half Day Tour, Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Private Tour from Kusadasi Port. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kusadasi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kusadasi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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