Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis
Izmir, Turkey

Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis

Outty Ranking 53 5.0 · 6 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $511
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis worth booking?

Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis is a 6-hour experience in Izmir, Turkey, from $511 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
5/5 (6)
Duration
6 hours
From
$511 per person

When your cruise ship arrives in Izmir, make the most of your time with this private shore excursion to Ephesus, where you'll see some of most famous sights in Turkey. With your private tour guide, walk around the ancient city, a former center of the ancient world and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent the last days of her life, and try to imagine the beauty of the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What you get

    About this experience

    When your cruise ship arrives in Izmir, make the most of your time with this private shore excursion to Ephesus, where you'll see some of most famous sights in Turkey. With your private tour guide, walk around the ancient city, a former center of the ancient world and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent the last days of her life, and try to imagine the beauty of the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transport by private vehicle and professional driver
    • All taxes, fees and handling charges
    • Professional guide
    • Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks, unless specified

    What you'll see and do

    1. Ephesus Ancient City

      Arrival to Ephesus - Enter through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your route takes you past the Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. The theater had seating for 24,000, which was the site where it is believed St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, and is used today for a local spring festival.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. The House of the Virgin Mary

      House of the Virgin Mary - The Vatican has recognized this small house in the Solmissos Mountains as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found when the ruins of the house were first discovered.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Basilica of St. John

      Basilica of St.John - Built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Apostle, the Basilica, now in ruins, once rivaled St. Sophia in size. See the remaining graceful columns and mosaics of the Basilica as you take in the panorama of the rural Selcuk countryside and the ruins of The Temple of Artemis.

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. The Temple of Artemis

      The Temple of Artemis, which had been built at first during the Archaic period, today it's known one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World.

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    de, pt, en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Achtypis Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Not recommended for children aged 4 and under
    • Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
    • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participant. Please enter this into the special requirements field on booking
    • Please enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time
    • Children who do not occupy a seat are free of charge. Children who occupy a seat and are up to 11 years old, benefit from a discount

    Photos

    Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis, photo 2Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis, photo 3Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis, photo 4Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Usha_P · June 2015

    Really informative tour. The tour guide...

    <p>Really informative tour. The tour guide and the driver were very friendly and helpful.</p>

    via Viator

    Mary_G · June 2015

    We had a wonderful day! Emre was a...

    <p>We had a wonderful day! Emre was a fabulous tour guide! Thank you!</p>

    via Viator

    tomcalla · October 2014

    This was a wonderful excursion. Our...

    <p>This was a wonderful excursion. Our driver was informative and knowledgeable. We opted to stop at a rug showroom and enjoyed the experience. We were with another couple who were interested in getting a rug, if you are not interested in getting a rug, I would not recommend the rug tour. The town was fun to shop in and the people were very friendly.</p>

    via Viator

    jondude64 · November 2013

    When they say private..they mean...

    <p>When they say private..they mean private! It was me, my guide Inan and the driver in a Mercedes mini-van. I have to admit that I was blown away with the scenery on the drive friom the port to the Ephesus area. Reminded me of the Colorado Rockies in certain areas. First stop was to the House of the Virgin Mary to avoid the crowds. Very interesting place in a beautiful setting, Then we heading to the Ephesus site itself which is right down the road. Once you enter, it is a down hill walk through the area and the amazing thing is that only a small part has been excavated so far. I must have taken 300 photos in this site alone. It was also nice having Inan as my private guide getting a locals perspective of the area and the site. We also toured a turkish rug making factory and a pottery shop in which you can get some great deals. A full day of fun that is highly recommended</p>

    via Viator

    Dennis P · June 2013

    This tour got a 5 star rating due to...

    <p>This tour got a 5 star rating due to our guide, Oscar. He was very knowledgeable about what to see, how to tour away from the crowds but still see everything and gave us a history lesson we will never forget. We we asked where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see on our own time. He was patient with us and made sure we had plenty of time to see what we wanted to see. I would definitely recommend Oscar.</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Achtypis Tours, who run 18 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 42.1.

    See everything Achtypis Tours runs

    Why this scores 53

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)36
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)24
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis cost?

    +

    Prices start at $511 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 Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 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 Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Izmir, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis?

    +

    Around 2 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis 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 Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis?

    +

    Included: Transport by private vehicle and professional driver; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Professional guide; and Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 94 listed pickup locations in and around Izmir.

    What languages is Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, Portuguese, 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 Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis?

    +

    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.

    Is Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Izmir. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis?

    +

    Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis.

    Pick your date