Step back in time and explore Turkey’s colorful history on this private full-day tour of Ephesus from Izmir. Visit the Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — with a private guide. Discover key Ephesus landmarks such as Celsus Library, the Grand Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the House of the Virgin Mary. On route, learn of Ephesus’ role in Turkish history. Enjoy a traditional lunch, then visit the Cave of Seven Sleepers before returning to Izmir.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
This was a Roman Temple which was built in 2nd century AD. to the name of Emperor Hadrian and it was rebuilt after the discovery.
Seven young Ephesians lived at this time and entered the history of Ephesus as the legendary seven sleepers.
After the death of St. John, according to his wishes, he was buried in the spot that now forms the center of the Church of St. John.
It is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. It is a World famous place of pilgrimage.
Terrace Houses of Ephesus were rich Roman homes where you can see the most beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
This was the third largest library of ancient world. The name comes from Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus and it is the master piece of Ephesus today.
It is one the Ancient Seven Wonders of World. It was the first temple of Ionian architecture.
Ephesus is one of the most visited archeological open air museum of Turkey in which you will explore the whole ancient city.
In front of Montro gate of Izmir International fair
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 354 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private Biblical Ephesus Full-Day Tour From Izmir lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.
Prices start at $450 per person for this Izmir experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. In front of Montro gate of Izmir International fair Pickup points include Adnan Menderes Airport.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Specialized infant seats are available Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Wheelchair accessible
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 5 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Ephesus Tours.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
We had a fabulous tour with Phyllis. She was so friendly, so knowledgeable, and so hospitable. Ephesus and surrounding historical, Biblical sights were incredible. We highly recommend this tour.
Thank you very much for your review. It is so great to have all about your experience in Ephesus. We would like to see you and your friends again in Epsesus, Turkey. Mrs. Phyllis is sending you her best wishes.
Our tour guide is very knowledgeable as he has a archaeology minor degree and works with archaeologists. I really enjoyed his sharing of new archaeological findings. The car is also clean and comfortable. This tour company also gave a nice brochure, very professional.
Thank you very much for your comment. We try to do the best for our valued guests. Your Ephesus Tour guide was Mr. Taner - Your driver was Mr. Nico. We would be happy to see you again in Turkey and provide you with tour services.
The whole experience from start to finish with Phyllis (guide) and Nico (driver) was so smooth. Phyllis greeted us at the Izmir airport and whisked us off to Ephesus. On the way, we stopped at a family-run ceramic store and demonstration of this millennial artwork. Then the Virgin Mary’s home, followed by historical Ephesus, lunch, St. John basilica and a good quality/price authentic leather store. I was with my mother and aunt and we were all impressed by Phyllis’ knowledge of biblical and Greco-Roman history. She quoted bible scripture so easily and could pin-point exact dates. She was also very friendly, patient and had good humour. Highly recommended.
Dear Farid, Thank you very much for choosing our company for your Biblical Ephesus Tour from Izmir. We would like to see you in Turkey again. Please get in touch with us before you plan to come back to Turkey again. Phyllis is sending you and your mom and to your aunt her greetings and her hugs. All the best...
We really enjoyed our full day tour with Phylliss. We arrived the night before to Izmir airport and stayed there overnight. Phyliss and our driver were right on time the next morning, waiting on us at the airport hotel. We had a short drive to Ephesus in a very nice, spacious and comfortable car. We were able to visit the House of Mary and the ancient city of Ephesus. We LOvED both places. Such an amazing history and it is so beautiful there. Phyliss’s knowledge is wonderful, she has so many facts and stories about both places. I think we spend about 2 hours in Ephesus but I think I would have spent even more. I wanted to learn every single bit about every stone 🤣, I know it would be impossible. I had two kids with me and they were getting a bit tired, so we had to sort of fly through the last several structures. We also had an amazing lunch, fresh and delicious. My mind wasn’t set for shopping but we had two opportunities to shop: we stopped at a ceramic store where we spend an hour if not more learning about how the family produces ceramics and kids got to do a bit of sculpting. And another opportunity was at the carpet place, where again we learn about how carpets are made and we were offered tons of carpets for sale. But again since I wasn’t planning on shopping, that was another stop I could have missed. At the end of the trip Phyliss wanted to show me one of the oldest Mosques which was amazing as well, I am so glad we made that stop. I have to mention that our driver was super careful and polite and wonderful. We had a great trip! Thank you!
Thank you very much Tatsiana for choosing us and for this great review. We also loved to serve you. If you come back, we would be glad to assist you again. Greetings from Turkey to your family.
We had just one day in Izmer and stayed at the TAV airport hotel due to an early flight (which was a great place to stay-very easy). We booked with Ounce Travel a full day tour to Ephesus (this was also listed under the name Ephesus Breeze when we searched the internet). Wonderful Mrs. Phyllis gave myself, husband, and 11-year-old son a wonderful private tour. She took us to all the major sites and gave us wonderful information! She also took us to a pottery store with amazing works of art and a Turkish rug school where we had a fantastic lunch. Both were great places and this is truly a part of Turkish culture as the employees serve wonderful Turkish tea and small snacks while presenting their work. I have to be honest, it is hard to say "no" after the places show off their beautiful work. Mrs. Phyllis was a walking encyclopedia and explained everything in great detail and was patient in answering all of our questions. Some of the Biblical information was a little off in regards to dates. Turkey has so much history and it is wonderful to be able to see the ruins in Ephesus...imagining Apostle Paul walking through the area preaching the Gospel. We thank Mrs. Phyllis for giving us such an amazing experience and giving us memories to last a lifetime.
Thank you very much for your review and for choosing ou company. We would like to see you again in Turkey. If you plan to come back, please get in touch with us. Take care and all the best...
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Biblical Ephesus Full-Day Tour From Izmir | 7 hours | 4.8 (5) | $450 | |
 Ephesus Biblical Tour House of the Virgin Mary and Ancient City | 5–6 hours | 5.0 (84) | $139 | View |
 Ephesus Tour From Izmir | 6–10 hours | 4.9 (1,205) | $113 | View |
 PRIVATE Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour (Skip-The-Line) | 4–6 hours | 4.9 (587) | $49 | View |
 Ephesus Tour with Virgin Mary From Izmir All Inclusive | 6–10 hours | 4.9 (574) | $132 | View |
 Ephesus Tour with Temple of Artemis and Sirince Village From Izmir | 8–9 hours | 4.8 (271) | $125 | View |
 Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir | 5–9 hours | 4.9 (193) | $155 | View |