Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum
Traveler rating
3.5/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum worth booking?
Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum is a 13-hour experience in Bodrum, Turkey, from $45 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 3.5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Be whisked 2,000 years back in time with this captivating full-day trip to Ephesus from Bodrum. Travel by air-conditioned coach and leave the 21st century behind as you explore one of Ancient Rome’s greatest cities with
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Bus with Full A/C
- Ephesus entrance fee - If option selected !!
- Open Buffet Lunch
About this experience
Be whisked 2,000 years back in time with this captivating full-day trip to Ephesus from Bodrum. Travel by air-conditioned coach and leave the 21st century behind as you explore one of Ancient Rome’s greatest cities with a knowledgeable guide. See the majestic Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian and the Great Theatre, and imagine the long-gone noise and bustle as you walk the marble streets. With a stop for breakfast (own expense) and an included lunch, the tour is a must for anyone with even the faintest interest in history.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Bus with Full A/C
- Ephesus entrance fee - If option selected !!
- Open Buffet Lunch
Not included
- Breakfast
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Bodrum City
We pick you up from your hotel at approximately 06:30 in the morning and our Ephesus tour starts at our meeting point with our other passengers. We arrive at Ephesus in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
180 minutes here
Selcuk
Before entering the ruins of Ephesus, we will have a short visit to a jewelry store.
45 minutes here
Ephesus Ancient City
A comfortable bus will pick you up, and the road trip begins. To make it easier, few stops are included along the way, such as the one at Bafa Lake, where you can enjoy an energising breakfast. Another stop is scheduled to take place at a Turkish delight factory at Selchuk. Get to taste these yummy treats, and purchase some to take back home! The bus will then continue driving to Ephesus, so get ready for the ultimate sightseeing experience. As the tour is guided, a professional guide is about to explain important things about the ruins and the places of interest. Ephesus is about to revive your senses and excite you with its aesthetics. The most important structure, that no longer exists, is the temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. As you observe its ruins, the guide is about to inform you about the importance of this structure. In Ephesus, you will also observe the Census library, the ancient Odeon, the theatre, and a variety of other important ruins.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
The House of the Virgin Mary
After a detailed tour in this ancient site, the tour continues with a visit at the house of Virgin Mary. It is believed that this is the house where she spent her last days, and today this charming house forms one of the greatest sites for the Christian population. It is beautifully located in a peaceful landscape, where you can unwind and feel the positive energy that casts on you.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Selcuk
After lunch, we will host you for a short while at our famous Turkish Delight shop on our way back to Bodrum.
30 minutes here
Selcuk
One hour open buffet lunch break
60 minutes here
Bodrum City
After lunch, our journey begins towards your hotel in Bodrum, we arrive in Bodrum at approximately 20:30.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bodrum
Our meeting point from all other regions is in front of the Bodrum city center bus garage
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Our meeting point from all other regions is in front of the Bodrum city center bus garage
Options you can book
Entrance fee NOT include
Ephesus entrance fee: By this option is Ephesus Entrance NOT include Pickup included
Entrance Fee Include
Ephesus Entrance Fee: By this option is Entrance Fee to Ephesus Include. Pickup included
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
- Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Arbek Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Photo’s and CD’s are being sold by independent photographers. Please take their contact number as we are not in contact with them. Please also check the CD’s if they are the right one while you recieve.
- We serve breakfast and lunch at the road restaurants in accordance with our itinerary. All drinks, including water, are chargeable at lunch. Breakfast is not included in our tour price, but there is a break for breakfast. If you want, you can request a sandwich for the morning from your hotel (usually some hotels give this for free)
- A certain majority must be present in the group for the Virgin Mary's visit.
- In this tour, there are two 35-minute shopping breaks.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A wonderful tour with Emma the great ❤️👏👏
This tour was fantastic. From start to finish our tour guide Emma was such a strong ray of sunshine that made the sunny day even warmer for us all in Ephesus and all the lovely stops we made to and from. She brought the history to life and made it so interesting. Thank you Emma for such a lovely day. 🙏🕯️❤️
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your kind comment. We are glad if we could make you happy.
via Tripadvisor
Memorable Tour
Worth it, the guide was good keeping us connected to the tour throught the travel. It was 2 and half trip from Bodrum city to Ephesus.
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your kind comment. We are glad if we could make you happy.
via Viator
Good value but an unnecessarily long day
The guide meant well and put a lot of effort into the day, however, one of the guides interpreting was quite rude. If we’re honest it felt like you were picked up in the morning and held onto until the 12 hours were up with strategically planned stops that were very clearly designed for sales. Ephesus was amazing couldn’t recommend more and our guide was very knowledgeable. However being made to go somewhere for breakfast we had to pay for, an olive farm, a jewelry sales factory, lunch, a Turkish delight factory and forced to go to the nearest town while the rest of the group went to a new addition to the tour (Mary’s house) wasn’t what we imagined. We were advised we would only go to Mary’s house if the majority were in favour. Even though just four people out of around 20 wanted to, we went while the rest had to wait in a nearby town. It was very much pushed on us and obvious that we were going regardless (as it’s an extra 25 euro per person to go). The lunch was pretty poor. Every stop as listed previously included a detailed sales pitch to the group and the jewelry store sold jewelry for thousands of euros. It was quite uncomfortable to be pushed into and wait around in such an expensive store. While €50 per person for the bus to Ephesus and back with lunch was good value, we would have much preferred to just go to Ephesus and straight back. It’s a long enough day (2.5 hours one way) without all the additional stops we didn’t sign up for. Hotel pick up was handy but again without the excessive stop offs, we wouldn’t have to be picked up at 6am!! Would recommend if you’re looking for a good value return trip and knowledgeable guide of Ephesus but be warned that it’s a very long day, Mary’s house will be included (otherwise you’re waiting in a nearby town which wouldn’t have much on unless a Saturday with the Bazaar) and lots of sales pitch stops.
via Viator
Excellent tour of historical site of Ephesus
Our tour guide was great when she joined the tour. The first tour guide on the bus didn’t speak English and therefore there was not a lot of information provided. We made numerous stops after pick up to collect additional passengers but this was it apparent as we sat on the bus for long periods without knowing what was going on. However when the English speaking tour guide boarded she was very informative. Our first stop was for breakfast and this was terrific- the place also made olive oil which was exceptional and we bought some bottles to take home with us. The second stop was Gallata a jewellery factory, was interesting but not somewhere we would visit again. Getting out of the shop entailed walking through several vendor stores who were keen to sell their wares and very pushy. The time spent at Ephesus was wonderful and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative. The digital museum at the end is a must visit. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Last stop was Turkish delight factory again not something that I would bother with in future.
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your kind comment. We are glad if we could make you happy.
via Viator
Ephusis great!! House of Mary dissapointing.
Tour was very insightful and historically detailed, the lady spoke good English and had a nice sense of humour. Ephusis itself is a place of special heritage and blows your mind!!! Food was great. The Gold shop stop was pointless and very few seemed interested!! House of Mary is treated like a theme park rather than a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site, you are given little time to meditate on its significance. Its also pushed by Native Turks who are Muslim "as virgin Marys house" despite the Catholic Church never dogmatising this, it not being in Biblical scripture and earliest records from church Fathers alluding this are post 4th century. This isn't mentioned in the infancy gospel proevangelium of James and her dormition was supposedly in Israel. Explain how its 100% authentic please? Anyway, the views on mountain are worth the 25 Euros. Turkish people are milking this cow dry and if I'm honest 90% of Protestants wouldn't even bother!!!! If its sacred!! Treat it like its sacred!!! Not a Theme park!!!
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for your kind comment. We are glad if we could make you happy.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat
- Price range
- $45 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Arbek Travel, who run 123 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.3.
See everything Arbek Travel runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bodrum.
How much does Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bodrum usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Bodrum is not rushed.
Is Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.5/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bodrum, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum?
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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 Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum?
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Around 11 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum?
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On Outty we rank every Bodrum experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Boat Trip to the Turkish Maldives- Orak Island, Private Bodrum City Tour for Cruisers, Bodrum Orak Island (Turkish Maldives) Boat Trip. 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 Bodrum?
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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 Bodrum?
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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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