About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, most agencies will try to sell you on the "magic" of Ephesus while burying the lead regarding how bloated the local tour market has become. We see high occupancy rates every summer, but honestly, half those tours feel like a rushed herd of cattle. That's why I'm actually putting this specific Izmir departure on your radar. It doesn’t just tick the boxes of the Celsus Library and the Theater; it gives you the breathing room that most corporate itineraries strip away for the sake of margins. If you're tired of the "standard" loop that ignores the soul of the region, this one actually balances the heavy-hitting ruins with the laid-back vibe of Şirince. It’s professional, sure, but it feels like it was designed by someone who actually likes travel, not just someone looking at a RevPAR spreadsheet.
About the Tour
This comprehensive journey departs directly from Izmir, offering a seamless transition from the modern city to the heart of Ionian history. Whether you are staying at a central hotel or arriving at the airport, your day begins with a private or group pickup, heading straight toward the Solmissos Mountains.
The Sacred and the Ancient
The tour begins at the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene site of pilgrimage tucked away in the greenery. Following this, a short 10-minute drive brings you to the gates of Ephesus. You won't just be wandering aimlessly; your guide will lead you through the marble-paved streets to uncover:
- Political & Social Hubs: The Odeon, State Agora, and the Prytaneion.
- Monuments & Temples: The Memmius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, and the iconic Temple of Hadrian.
- Daily Life: The Hercules Gate, the Latrines, and the bustling Curetes Street.
Editor’s Tip: If you want to see how the "1%" lived back then, pay the extra fee for the Terrace Houses. The mosaics are incredible, and it’s one of the few places where the history feels three-dimensional.
Beyond the Marble Streets
After marveling at the Celsus Library and the Great Theater (which still has better acoustics than most modern stadiums), the pace slows down. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a quaint local restaurant—no stale buffet food here.
The afternoon covers the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, once a Wonder of the Ancient World, and a photo stop at the 14th-century İsa Bey Mosque.
A Taste of Şirince
To wrap up the day, you'll head to the old Greek village of Şirince. High in the hills and famous for its traditional white-washed houses, it is the center of fruit-flavored wine production in Turkey. You will have free time to explore the narrow alleys, browse local handicrafts, and partake in some wine tasting before your return transfer to Izmir.
Highlights
- Enjoy a full-day tour of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary from Izmir
- Explore the House of the Virgin Mary
- Wander the historic city of Ephesus
- See the the Trajan’s Fountain and the Agora and the Celsius Library, among other sites
- Feast on a delicious lunch
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
4 pickup location options:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Konak, İzmir, Gaziemir
Van
(1 hour)
House of Virgin Mary
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (1 hour)
Ephesus
Visit, Guided tour, Walk (2.5 hours)
Selcuk
Lunch (1 hour)
Temple of Artemis
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour (30 minutes)
Van
(15 minutes)
Şirince
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (1 hour)
Van
(1 hour)
4 drop-off locations:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, İzmir, Gaziemir, Konak