Ephesus Private Day in Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey

Ephesus Private Day

Outty Ranking 73 5.0 · 19 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $394
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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

    1. Izmir

      Take all guests from their hotel and continue to Selcuk for visit.

      15 minutes here

    2. The House of the Virgin Mary

      Visiting the Virgin Mary House

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Ephesus Ancient City

      Visiting Ephesus Ancient City

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Basilica of St. John

      Visiting Basilica of and Tomb of St. Jean

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. 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

    6. Selcuk

      Take our lunch at the place at the local restaurant

      60 minutes here

    7. 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

    8. 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

    9. 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

    10. 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

    Ephesus Private Day in Izmir, photo 2Ephesus Private Day in Izmir, photo 3Ephesus, Ephesus Private Day in IzmirEphesus Private Day in Izmir, photo 5Ephesus Private Day in Izmir, photo 6Ephesus Private Day in Izmir, photo 7

    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 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    3 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The 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.

    5 star
    19
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    K2374DEvirginiap · September 2026

    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

    488pieterw · June 2026

    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

    seanz557 · May 2026

    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

    669bobbya · April 2026

    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

    rodrigocZ5778JC · December 2024

    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 runs

    Why this scores 73

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)48
    Value for money (12% weight)57
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private Day?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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