Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, Turkey
Selçuk, Turkey

Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup

Outty Ranking 69 4.9 · 181 traveler reviews7.3 hoursFrom $337
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 181 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup worth booking?

Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup is a 7.3-hour experience in Selçuk, Turkey, from $337 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 181 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (181)
Duration
7.3 hours
From
$337 per person

Take the privilege of this private tour to enjoy a memorable day seeing the historical sights in the ancient city of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary House and the Temple of Artemis. Have the chance to visit Ephesus Experience Museum which combines technology and archeology and brings the ancient world alive without boundaries. Admire the fantastic mosaics and wall paintings of Terrace Houses and imagine how it would be like to be a wealthy Roman living in Ephesus.

What you get

    About this experience

    Take the privilege of this private tour to enjoy a memorable day seeing the historical sights in the ancient city of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary House and the Temple of Artemis. Have the chance to visit Ephesus Experience Museum which combines technology and archeology and brings the ancient world alive without boundaries. Admire the fantastic mosaics and wall paintings of Terrace Houses and imagine how it would be like to be a wealthy Roman living in Ephesus.

    What's included

    Included

    • Port & Hotel pick up and drop off
    • Lunch
    • Entrance Fees to Ephesus Ancient Site, Ephesus Experience Museum, Terrace Houses, Virgin Mary House
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Parking fees
    • Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide in English or Spanish

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Personal Expenses
    • Drinks at the lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Kusadasi

      Take the privilege of this private tour to enjoy a memorable day seeing the historical sights in the ancient city of Ephesus. The Virgin Mary House and Temple of Artemis. Be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi or Kusadasi Cruise Port drive to Selcuk for about 25 minutes OR be picked up from your hotel in Selcuk and start visiting the sights.

      25 minutes here

    2. Ephesus Ancient City

      Start the day exploring Ephesus which was once one of the major powers of the ancient world. Take a journey to the past walking on the marble streets, visiting the upper Agora. Then continue to the Odeon theater. Head to Domitian Square and view the gorgeous columns at the Temple of Domitian. Pass by the Fountain of Pollio. See the Hercules Gate before moving to the temple and fountain of Trajan. Marvel the Temple of Hadrian. Stroll by the Roman baths, latrines (public toilets),marketplace and the ancient love house. See the stunning remains of the 3rd largest library in the Roman world at the Library of Celsus. See The Great Theater and imagine how it might be like watching a play in ancient times. Visit Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time, immersing yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. The daily life of the Roman Empire, the grandeur of the Temple of Artemis, and the magnificent atmosphere of the Celsus Library will surely captivate you.

      150 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Ephesus Terrace Houses

      Explore the Terrace Houses which were the houses of upper class people of Ephesus, imagine how the wealthy people of Ephesus lived and admire the gorgeous mosaics and wall paintings.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    4. The House of the Virgin Mary

      The next stop of the tour is the House of Virgin Mary, where she might spend the last days of her life. Indeed, she may have come in the area with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Paul VI was the first pope to visit this place in the 1960s. Later, in the 1980s, during his visit Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary as a pilgrimage place for Christians.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. The Temple of Artemis

      Artemis, the Greek goddess, daughter of Zeus & Leto and twin of Apollo, was the goddess of wild animals, the hunt and childbirth. She was widely worshiped in the Greek world, but her most famous cult site was the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed on July 21 356 BC in an act of arson committed by Herostratus. According to the story, that very same night, Alexander the Great was born. A noble Ephesian remarked that Artemis was too busy with Alexander's delivery to save her burning temple. Alexander later offered to pay for the Temple's rebuilding, but the Ephesians refused. Eventually, the temple was restored after Alexander's death in 323 BC. This reconstruction was itself destroyed during a raid by the Goths Then it was rebuilt but after thousands of years today not much left to see from the Artemision. Will pay a visit to imagine how magnificent the temple was once.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Selcuk

      After all the visits, lunch will be provided in a restaurant in Selcuk. During the tour, you will have a chance to explore local handicrafts of the Turkish tradition

      120 minutes here

    7. Kusadasi

      Drive back to Kusadasi for 25 minutes with unforgettable memories and be dropped off to your hotel or cruise port on time to catch your cruise ship.

      25 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Selçuk

    Located near the Basilica of ST john in Selcuk. The team of the office will meet you.

    Meeting point

    Selçuk

    Located on the waterfront of Kusadasi. The guide will come and check your name at the front of the hotel.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Located near the Basilica of ST john in Selcuk. The team of the office will meet you.

    Ends at

    Located on the waterfront of Kusadasi. The guide will come and check your name at the front of the hotel.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Crowded House Tours

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, photo 2Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, photo 3Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, photo 4Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, photo 5Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, photo 6Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup in Selçuk, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 180 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    180 verified traveler reviews for Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    171
    4 star
    8
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Compass65368915337 · September 2026

    Ephesus day tour

    Our guide Azer was informative, helpfull and very polite! Enjoyed tour very much, will recommend if coming to Ephesus

    via Tripadvisor

    juliegL6204JJ · September 2026

    Highly recommed this tour!

    We had an amazing tour of Ephesus, Virgin Marys house, and house of Artimes! Our tour guide, Cigdem, was extremely knowledgeable and answered all of our many questions. Our tour included a private driver and lunch which made it such a great experience. Highly recommend this tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    FAV21 · August 2026

    Awesome experience!

    Raphael is an awesome guide! Very good English and excellent historical preparation! Recommended!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review 😊

    via Tripadvisor

    OnmytravelsinNZ · July 2026

    Crowded House Tours

    Crowded House Tours are excellent professional guides

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review 😊

    via Tripadvisor

    Julie H · June 2026

    Perfect guide and tour

    Ender was the perfect guide for our 8 member, 3 generation family. There was a good balance of walking and riding that accommodated everyone's needs. Ender was very conscientious and considerate, so knowledgeable about the history and culture. After the tour of Ephesus, we visited a cooperative, a traditional village, and even saw his own house. It was a perfect day.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review 😊

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $337 to $450
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    63
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Crowded House Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Crowded House Tours runs

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)68
    Booking momentum (14% weight)63
    Value for money (12% weight)5
    Listing quality (10% weight)72
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Selçuk.

    How much does Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup cost?

    +

    Prices start at $337 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Selçuk usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup take?

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    Plan for about 7.3 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 Selçuk is not rushed.

    Is Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 181 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Selçuk, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup?

    +

    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 Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup?

    +

    Around 63 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 Selçuk 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?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Selçuk and add a light layer if any part of the 7.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Selçuk 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 Selçuk?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Selçuk experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line, FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return, PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus. 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 Selçuk?

    +

    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 Selçuk?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup?

    +

    Included: Port & Hotel pick up and drop off; Lunch; Entrance Fees to Ephesus Ancient Site, Ephesus Experience Museum, Terrace Houses, Virgin M; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Parking fees. Not included: Gratuities; Personal Expenses; and Drinks at the lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 58 listed pickup locations in and around Selçuk. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Private Tour with Lunch and Pickup?

    +

    Across 181 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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