The Archaeological Ephesus Tour from Izmir is specially designed for archaeology enthusiasts. This tour offers an in-depth exploration of the archaeology of Ephesus, providing wide information about important archaeological sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and especially the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, where significant artifacts such as the Great Artemis and the Beautiful Artemis statues found during excavations in Ephesus are displayed.
Offered as a fully private tour, “Archaeological Ephesus Tour” offers you the opportunity to customize your tour program according to your preferences and time limitations. While the tour typically includes visits to the region’s main attractions listed above, you have the flexibility to tailor your tour program and add attractions such as the Terrace Houses in Ephesus, and the Basilica of St John. Your private guide will help to tailor the tour to your specific time availability.
If you’re arriving via cruise ship, our tour guide will meet you just outside the customs/passport control area, holding a sign with your name. If you are a hotel guest, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the lobby of the hotel at the appointed time. Our guests arriving at the airport will be greeted at the exit gate with a sign with their name on it.
The tour from Izmir begins with an approximately 50-minute drive by private VIP vehicle to the Ancient City of Ephesus. On the way to Ephesus, you will have time for your tour guide’s briefing on Turkey, the historical and archaeological importance of the region, and the details of your program.
After visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, you drive to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, (approx 15 min) which is believed to be her final home. You’ll have the opportunity to see the gifts presented by three popes, pray, express a wish by purchasing a candle, and experience the holy water in the House of the Virgin Mary.
Then you drive to the center of Selcuk (about 15-20 minutes) to visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, where the artifacts unearthed during the Ephesus excavations are exhibited. Many artifacts such as The Beautiful Artemis, The Great Artemis Statues, and original friezes from the Temple of Hadrian are among the highlights of the museum.
After the House of the Virgin Mary, you will drive to the Temple of Artemis (approx 15-20 min). The Temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Since the ruins of the temple were recycled by later civilizations for the construction of new religious centers, today few remains stand on it.
Following your tour, you will transferred back to the Izmir Cruise Port, your Hotel, or the Airport. End of the service.
Please remember this is your private guided tour, you can ask your guide for possible sights around to discover according to your time allowance. Or if you are willing to share some time for your shopping you can easily ask your guide to manage the timing of visits accordingly. Please check below the possible attractions you may like to visit.
One of the main destinations of our private Ephesus tours is the ancient city of Ephesus. Known as the third largest city in the Roman Empire, Ephesus had a population of around 250,000 during the Roman era. It served as both the capital and commercial center of the Roman Empire’s Asia Minor. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore significant landmarks such as Hadrian’s Temple, ancient toilets known as latrines, Celsus’ Library, known as the third largest library in the ancient world, the Great Theatre of Ephesus, the largest theatre in Anatolia with a capacity of 25,000, and more.
Often referred to as the ‘houses of the rich’, the Terrace Houses are located in the ancient city of Ephesus. This complex of six luxurious villas provides an invaluable insight into Roman family life. The oldest of these residences, dating back to the 1st century BC, have their own heating systems and are decorated with stunning Roman mosaics and frescoes.
In his last moments during the crucifixion, Jesus Christ entrusted his mother, the Virgin Mary, to his apostle John, considering Jerusalem unsafe for her. John chose Mount Bülbül, near the city of Ephesus, as a safe place for Mary. According to tradition, it was here that the Virgin Mary spent the last few years of her life. Today, the House of the Virgin Mary is recognized as an official pilgrimage site. It was further sanctified by the visits of Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was originally built in the 6th century BC and reached its final architectural wonder in the 2nd century BC. At the time, it was the most important center of pagan worship and was famous for the magnificence of its architecture. Today only the foundations, a solitary column, and sparse ruins remain, but it is still worth a visit to experience the aura of the site.
After building a house for the Virgin Mary on Mount Bulbul, St John the Evangelist stayed in Ephesus to care for her and spread Christianity. After Christianity was declared the official religion of Rome in the 4th century, the Basilica of St John was built in his honor by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. The church is also the site of the final resting place of St John.
A visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, located in the heart of Selcuk, will enrich your tour of the ancient city of Ephesus. The Great Artemis, the Beautiful Artemis, and the statue of Emperor Domitianus are just some of the must-see finds from Ephesus. Exploring the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, where historical artifacts are displayed in chronological order, promises to be a fascinating exploration of Ephesus’ storied past.
Tour Highlights : Ephesus Ancient City, House of the Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis.
Duration : Approx. 5-7 Hours
Tour Standard: Private
Tour Highlights : Ephesus Ancient City, Pamukkale (Hierapolis).
Duration : Approx. 9-10 Hours
Tour Standard: Private