6 Ancient Ruins Tours in Ephesus, Weighed Up

1.All Included: Ephesus Ruins, Mary’s House Tour incl Entry Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,670 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

This 4 to 5 hour Kusadasi shore tour combines Ephesus, Mary’s House, the Temple of Artemis, and an optional Turkish lunch. Choose a shared group or private outing, with guides such as Fatima, Josh, Deniz, Canan, and Ozzy often praised for clear explanations and good port timing. Ask in advance about shopping stops and how much time you will have at Ephesus.

“We arrived in Kusadasi in the afternoon but still managed to see many important sights in just 4–5 hours. We were lucky to have Burga as our tour guide—he was fun and engaging from the moment we met him. Our group included a 13-year-old boy, and Burga made sure he stayed interested and entertained throughout the tour. There wasn’t much to see at the House of Mary, but the Ephesus ruins were absolutely amazing—so vast and full of history. Be prepared for a lot of walking! We ended the day with a visit to a rug factory, which was interesting to see, though I personally would have preferred to spend…”

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2.From Izmir: Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 205 reviews · 9 hours · from $117

Spend nine hours exploring Ephesus from Izmir in an air-conditioned minivan with a guide such as Alpi or Erman. See the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Roman Baths, Temple of Artemis, and optional House of the Virgin Mary. Lunch is included, while artisan workshops and bazaar stops add shopping time.

“It was a great trip! Really recommend the tour guide. We saw a lot of places, the guide told very well about all of them. I truly recommend!”

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3.Full-Day Tour of Ancient Ruins in Ephesus from Izmir

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 8 hours · from $155

Travel from Izmir to Selçuk in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide and a group of up to 14. Walk through Ephesus, see the Library of Celsus and Great Theater, visit the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary, and stop for lunch. Guides such as Zafer, Ebru, Erman, and Güray have earned strong praise for their personal touch and clear explanations.

“Güray our guide made it an informative and engaging day, he was brilliant and full of information. Ephesus itself was incredible, I was slightly overwhelmed by how incredible actually! For a buffet, tourist lunch, the food was very good too. The only thing that tainted the day a little was being taken to a leather shop without any prior explanation and being forced to sit through a hilariously cringy fashion show of leather jackets. Completely surreal experience, and as a vegetarian who doesn’t wear leather I really did not want to be there. The rest of the day was amazing though so I’d still say 5 stars.”

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4.Journey to Ancient Wonders: Explore Ephesus with a Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend about six hours touring Ephesus from Kusadasi with a private vehicle, licensed English-speaking guide, port pickup, and return. See the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Roman baths, Terrace Houses, Temple of Artemis, and optional Virgin Mary’s House. Guide Husnu Celebi is especially praised for clear history and calm organization.

“The tour was well planned. We did a land tour in Turkey and our tour guide was excellent.”

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5.Ephesus Ancient City Highlight Tour For Cruisers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 35 reviews · 4 - 4.5 hours · from $22Best value

Meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a 4 to 4.5-hour tour of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, Saint John’s Basilica, and Artemis Temple. Guides such as Kaya, Memo, and Tijen Oral are available in several languages. Transport is included, while entrance fees, lunch, and drinks are extra.

“Great guide, Kaya, he was very knowledgeable and adapted our tour to suit our interests - I would highly recommend this tour.”

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6.1 Day Ancient City Ephesus and House Virgin Mary Trip from Bodrum

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $70

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Bodrum to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary with an English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup, open-buffet lunch, insurance, and return transfer are included. Allow for a 5 a.m. start, a group of up to 45, a €40 Ephesus entry fee, and several shopping stops.

“I was collected from my hotel and they were on time. The bus service to bodrum was great. Then we had to swapped to another bus which will take us to Ephesus. The guide was attentive. The tour felt rush and they take you to expensive markets on the way really shame as people said there are more local bazaar where they can direct you to have a better experience. The tour was all day (I was picked up at 6 am and returned to my hotel at 8 pm) Ephesus is a beautiful place. But definitely check if you can go by your own as you will have to…”

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