Private tour

From Kusadasi or Izmir: Ephesus Private Tour

4.9 / 5

10 reviews

Activity provider: OTTI Travel - Ephesus Tours
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    Private tour

    From Kusadasi or Izmir: Ephesus Private Tour

    Activity provider: OTTI Travel - Ephesus Tours
    Save up to 30%

    From US$ 90 US$ 63.00 per person

    Travel back in time and visit the ruins of Ephesus on a full-day private tour from Izmir or Kusadasi. Enjoy skip-the-line tickets and a delicious lunch.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Duration 3.5 - 7 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Skip the ticket line
    Live tour guide
    English, Spanish
    Pickup included
    If you're staying at a hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby.
    Wheelchair accessible
    Private group

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Stroll down marble streets that date back more than 2,000 years
    • Follow in the footsteps of the Romans and Ionians of Ephesus and admire their temples and art
    • Visit the house where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final days
    • Admire the columns and statues of the Celcius Library
    • See the Greek Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
    Full description

    Explore the stunning ruins of Ephesus on this full-day sightseeing tour from Izmir or Kusadasi, also available as a half-day option from Kusadasi for those short of time. As it is a private tour you can start at any time you like. You will also visit the small House of the Virgin Mary, where it is thought she spent her final days after St. John brought her to Ephesus following the death of Jesus. Located on Mount Bulbuldagi (Koressos), it’s a popular pilgrim site for Christians and Muslims and boasts a captivating, spiritual atmosphere. Once inside the grounds of Ephesus, wander among the ruins with your guide to see sites such as the Odeon Theatre, which could seat up to 1,400 spectators in its day. Admire the beautiful Roman statues and decorations carved into marble slabs at the Pollio Fountain. Other highlights include the Celcius Library, completed by the Romans in 117AD. The building has the most awe-inspiring façade, with columns, statues, and intact windows. Finally, explore the Greek Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and go to the Basilica of St John (Kusadasi departures only), constructed by Justinian I over the burial site of the Apostle John.

    Includes
    • Tour guide
    • Local lunch
    • Transportation by A/C Luxury Mercedes Vito
    • Private driver
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Parking fees
    • Entrance Fees (25$ per person)
    • Tips and personal expenses
    • Drinks at lunch
    Not suitable for
    • Pregnant women
    • Wheelchair users
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Important information

    Not allowed

    • Tripods

    Know before you go

    • Please note that the attractions at Ephesus open at 08:00
    •  This tour requires a minimum of 2 hours walking. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sun cream, and bring an umbrella (for sun or rain depending on the season)
    • Bring your camera, but please note that tripods are not allowed at Ephesus
    •  There is no obligation to cover your head or shoulders in Ephesus. You may wear shorts and T-shirts in summer. For the House of the Virgin Mary a pashmina will be adequate cover
    • Discounts are available for children under 8 years old. Please bring their passports or ID card to show upon entering the museum and attractions. If you don’t have ID, they may be charged full adult price.
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.9 /5

    based on 10 reviews

    Review summary

    • Value for money
      5/5
    • Safety
      5/5
    • Service
      5/5
    • Organization
      5/5

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    Star rating:

    This was the ideal way to your Ephesus with a knowledgeable, professional and attentive guide. It was a great opportunity to develop an understanding of the history of the region and it's people as well as seeing the wonderful UNESCO heritage site. It was certainly the highlight of the holiday

    July 30, 2022

    M
    Melinda – United Kingdom Verified booking

    Helpful?

    It is wise to hire a private tour, avoiding overcrowding of massive excursions. We agreed on the itinerary with our guide who spoke perfect Spanish, avoiding places we did not want to visit (House of the Virgin Mary), replacing it with a mosque. We visited Ephesus first to avoid the heat, we were offered courtesy umbrellas. Food included very good, native place. We visit stores and factories without pressure to buy. 100% recommendable.

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    July 12, 2022

    G
    GetYourGuide traveler – Spain Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Tuba was our guide and she was wonderful! Very knowledgeable of the country and what she showed us and we had a great lunch with her. It was so nice to have the private tour and I would highly recommend it! We had Ali as a driver and he was great navigating through the traffic and made sure to get us back at the port in time. I rated this as good because I had asked if we could get tickets to see the Terrace Houses at Ephesus and was told that we could customize it together when we got picked up that day. We did not see the Terrace Houses like we had hoped we would, and I heard from others that it's definitely worth seeing.

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    June 30, 2022

    G
    GetYourGuide traveler – United States Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Product ID: 38279