
Ephesus Private Day
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ephesus Private Day worth booking?
Ephesus Private Day is a 8-hour experience in Izmir, Turkey, from $394 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (19)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $394 per person
Enjoy a private and thoughtfully paced exploration of Ephesus and Selçuk with a dedicated vehicle, professional driver, and licensed guide reserved exclusively for your group. The flexible itinerary allows you to focus on the places that interest you most while experiencing the region in comfort. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, walk through the marble streets of Ephesus, and admire the beautifully preserved Terrace Houses near the Library of Celsus. Continue to the Basilica of St. John, the Temple of Artemis, the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, and the historic İsa Bey Mosque, each representing a different chapter of the region’s classical, Christian, and Islamic heritage. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant in Selçuk before continuing your journey. With personalized guidance, separate driver and guide, and the freedom to explore at an unhurried pace, this private tour offers a deeper and more refined experience of the wider Ephesus area.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a private and thoughtfully paced exploration of Ephesus and Selçuk with a dedicated vehicle, professional driver, and licensed guide reserved exclusively for your group. The flexible itinerary allows you to focus on the places that interest you most while experiencing the region in comfort. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, walk through the marble streets of Ephesus, and admire the beautifully preserved Terrace Houses near the Library of Celsus. Continue to the Basilica of St. John, the Temple of Artemis, the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, and the historic İsa Bey Mosque, each representing a different chapter of the region’s classical, Christian, and Islamic heritage. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant in Selçuk before continuing your journey. With personalized guidance, separate driver and guide, and the freedom to explore at an unhurried pace, this private tour offers a deeper and more refined experience of the wider Ephesus area.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off
- Tour Guide
- Private Transport
- Private driver (your guide and driver are two separate individuals)
Not included
- Lunch and Drinks
- Ephesus Entry Fee
- Virgin Mary House entry fee
- Tips
- Terrace House Entry Fee
- St. Jean Basilic entry fee
- Tempel of Artemis
- Ephesus Museum entry fee
What you'll see and do
Izmir
Take all guests from their hotel and continue to Selcuk for visit.
15 minutes here
The House of the Virgin Mary
Visiting the Virgin Mary House
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Ephesus Ancient City
Visiting Ephesus Ancient City
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica of St. John
Visiting Basilica of and Tomb of St. Jean
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Ephesus Terrace Houses
This is a location within the ancient city of Ephesus. Adjacent to the library of Celsus, this marvelous elite houses are very well preserved.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Selcuk
Take our lunch at the place at the local restaurant
60 minutes here
The Temple of Artemis
Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Ephesus’ Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the goddess of the hunt. Only the foundation and one column remain of this temple which once measured 425 feet long, 220 feet long.
20 minutes here
Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
It is both a Christian and Muslim legend. Seven young people, denying the Pagan ways and loyal to One God belief, escaped from Pagan King and sleep for a few centuries.
20 minutes here
Isa Bey Mosque
The Isabey Mosque, constructed in 1374 – 1375, is one of the oldest and most impressive works of architectural art remaining from the Anatolian Beyliks.
30 minutes here
Izmir
Come back to Izmir, and take off all guests to their hotel.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Full day option
Pickup included
Full day with Minibus Flexible Departure pickup
Minibus Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gezenthi Travel Agency
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Ephesus Private Day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best experience so far in Turkey
It was the greatest experience I’ve had in Turkey, Alperen the tour guy was SUPERB, he exceeded my expectations, nice, clear English, and very well knowledgeable of all the information regarding the tour. I’m really happy, it made our experience a memorable one. Great company, I really recommend them.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a lovely review of your time in Turkey — we're delighted the tour exceeded your expectations and made for such a memorable experience. We'd love the chance to welcome you back on another journey with Gezenthi Travel Agency soon.
via Tripadvisor
Overall great!
Great friendly guide! Knowledgeable and passionate! Perfect English.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your kind feedback. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed your experience and appreciated the professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the tour. We look forward to welcoming you again on another memorable journey with Gezenthi Travel Agency.
via Tripadvisor
Ekim is Best Guide in Ephesus
We spent the day with Ekim (and a driver with an immaculate Mercedes van) and explored Ephesus, the House of Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Amazing. The historic and cultural significance of these sites is almost overwhelming but Ekim shared stories, facts, and anecdotes that made what we saw relatable and very memorable. We weren’t rushed. We had a hundred questions and he answered them all. We could take it all in and we ended the day truly inspired. Ekim is a professional. He’s courteous, friendly, very knowledgeable, and a great photographer too! Ask for Ekim to show you Ephesus!
Response from the operator: We are truly delighted to hear that your visit to Ephesus and the surrounding historical sites was such an inspiring and memorable experience. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the comfortable journey, the atmosphere of the tour, and the overall organization throughout the day. Your kind feedback is greatly appreciated by Gezenthi Travel Agency, and we look forward to welcoming you again on another unforgettable experience in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour guide in Ephesus
We had a wonderful day touring with Erman Uslu. We have been lucky enough to have traveled widely and the good tour guides like Erman always stick out. He is very personable and his knowledge of all the places we visited was extensive. His deep touring experiences showed in everything we did. We were able to move at the pace that suited us best and could pause for detailed explanation where needed. His lunch location choice was excellent. We would highly recommend Erman for tours of any size in Turkey.
Response from the operator: We are truly pleased to hear that you had such a memorable and personalized touring experience. Your kind feedback and recommendation are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming you again with Gezenthi Travel Agency for future journeys.
via Tripadvisor
Alphie was a great tour guide
Amazing tour and Alphie was a great tour guide! He made sure we were able to visit all the historical sites and take the best pictures. Totally recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We are so glad to hear that you had a wonderful tour and that Alperen made your experience unforgettable. It is always our goal to ensure that you visit all the important historical sites and capture the most beautiful moments. Your advice means the world to us and we hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gezenthi Travel Agency, who run 33 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.0 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Gezenthi Travel Agency runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ephesus Private Day: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Izmir.
How much does Ephesus Private Day cost?
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Prices start at $394 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Izmir usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ephesus Private Day take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Izmir is not rushed.
Is Ephesus Private Day worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Izmir, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ephesus Private Day?
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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 Private Day suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ephesus Private Day?
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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 Izmir 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 Izmir and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ephesus Private Day 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 Izmir 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 Izmir?
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On Outty we rank every Izmir experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pamukkale Tour from Izmir, Ephesus Tour with Virgin Mary From Izmir All Inclusive, Ephesus Tour From Izmir. 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 Izmir?
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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 Izmir?
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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.
What is included in Ephesus Private Day?
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Included: Pickup and drop-off; Tour Guide; Private Transport; and Private driver (your guide and driver are two separate individuals). Not included: Lunch and Drinks; Ephesus Entry Fee; Virgin Mary House entry fee; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ephesus Private Day include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 249 listed pickup locations in and around Izmir. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ephesus Private Day offered in?
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It is offered in English, French 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 Private Day?
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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 Private Day if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Izmir. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ephesus Private Day?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Ephesus Private Day?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Full day option, Full day with Minibus Flexible Departure pickup. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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