Bodrum Ephesus Tour With Lunch & Hotel Transfer
Embark on a guided tour from Bodrum to discover the ancient wonders of Ephesus. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Artemis, the Celsus Library, and more. A day rich in history and culture awaits!
Overview
If you're looking for fascinating sightseeing and an unforgettable journey through history, our Bodrum Ephesus Tour is exactly what you need. Immerse yourself in the past of one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.
Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Bafa Lake. You may bring your own breakfast box, or choose to purchase a meal at the restaurant. After breakfast, we’ll continue our scenic drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. During this two-hour ride, our professional guide will share fascinating insights about the day's itinerary and the historical significance of the destinations we’ll be visiting.
We’ll make a stop in the quaint town of Selçuk, famous for its Turkish delight factory. Here, you’ll have the chance to shop for authentic Turkish sweets, including crunchy and juicy lokma, flavorful peanut-coated sambali cake, sweet and sticky şekerpare, and much more.
The tour continues with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This magnificent temple was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of chastity, virginity, hunting, the moon, and nature. It is an awe-inspiring testament to ancient architecture and spirituality. Next, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus. Historical records suggest that St. John brought her to Ephesus after the death of Christ. A small house was built for her on Bulbuldagi Mountain, and it is now a major Christian pilgrimage site, recognized by the Pope.
You will also explore the impressive ruins of Ephesus, including the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Domitian Square, Hercules Gate, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, the Curetes Street, Celsus Library, The Gymnasium, The Grand Theatre, The Arcadian Way, and much more. These well-preserved monuments are a testament to the rich history of this ancient city and a beacon of Christianity.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
After your hotel pickup, enjoy a comfortable one-hour drive to the destination, ensuring a smooth and relaxing start to your journey.
Duration: 30 Min. Optional, Extra Fee
The first stop, takes place to a restaurant close to Bafa Lake. There, you can have a tasty and energizing breakfast while admiring the natural beauty.
Travel to Ephesus in the comfort of our well-equipped vehicles, accompanied by professional guides who provide you with comprehensive historical and cultural insights throughout the journey.
Duration: 2 Hours. , Extra Fee
The visit will last for two hours, offering a walk through the history of one of humanity's greatest ancient civilizations, enriched by captivating stories and historical insights from our guide.
Duration: 45 Min.
The excursion includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, where participants can savor freshly prepared local dishes, offering a relaxing interlude to enjoy between sightseeing activities.
Duration: 20 Min.
The Temple of Artemis, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, celebrated for its grandeur, design, and historical significance. Visitors today can explore its captivating ruins.
Duration: 45 Min. Optional, Extra Fee
The final stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be her final residence, before we journey back to İzmir.
We expect to return to İzmir around 20:00, with drop-off at your hotel for a relaxing and restful conclusion to your day.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore Ephesus on a full-day tour from Bodrum, including the Virgin Mary’s House.
- ● Discover iconic ruins such as the Celsus Library and Great Theater.
- ● See the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- ● Benefit from the in-depth knowledge and engaging stories shared by your expert guide.
- ● Visit the charming town of Selçuk and enjoy local Turkish delights.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Free Hotel Transfer
- Professional Guiding Service
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
- Delicious Lunch Included
Not Included
- House of the Virgin Mary Entrance Fee
- Ephesus Entrance Fee
- Personal Expenses
- Breakfast
- Drinks
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
- ●Smoking in the vehicle
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●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.
- ●Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets for Ephesus, so you will skip long ticket lines).
- ●Free entry for children 8 yearsold and below.
Know Before You Go
- ●The tour involves walking on uneven terrain; wear suitable footwear.
- ●Dress modestly if you plan to enter the House of the Virgin Mary.
- ●The drive to Ephesus is approximately three hours each way.
- ●Rest stops are included during the journey for your comfort.
- ●Bring an appetite for history and culture—this tour is a feast for the soul!
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Halima Khan - India
19 June
Our day trip to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary from Bodrum was exceptional. The ancient city's grandeur left us in awe, especially the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. Visiting the House of Virgin Mary was a serene and spiritual experience. The tour was well-organized, with comfortable tr...
Read More
Liam Wilson - United Kingdom
27 June
As a family of four, we thoroughly enjoyed our excursion to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. The kids were fascinated by the ancient ruins, and our guide made the history come alive with engaging stories. The visit to the House of Virgin Mary was peaceful and inspiring. The tour was well-paced,...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.0/5
Based on 5 Reviews
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19 June
Our day trip to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary from Bodrum was exceptional. The ancient city's grandeur left us in awe, especially the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. Visiting the House of Virgin Mary was a serene and spiritual experience. The tour was well-organized, with comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide who enriched our understanding of the sites. We highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in history and culture.
Helpful? Yes
27 June
As a family of four, we thoroughly enjoyed our excursion to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. The kids were fascinated by the ancient ruins, and our guide made the history come alive with engaging stories. The visit to the House of Virgin Mary was peaceful and inspiring. The tour was well-paced, allowing us to explore without feeling rushed. It was a memorable experience that we would recommend to other families.
Helpful? Yes
27 June
This tour exceeded our expectations. Ephesus is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, and walking through its streets felt like stepping back in time. The House of Virgin Mary provided a contemplative atmosphere. Our guide was passionate and informative, answering all our questions. The logistics were seamless, with timely pickups and a comfortable ride. We left with a deeper appreciation for Turkey's rich history.
Helpful? Yes
03 July
Our family had an unforgettable day exploring Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. The ancient city's ruins were impressive, and our guide's insights made the experience educational for our teenagers. The House of Virgin Mary was a highlight, offering a moment of reflection. The tour was well-organized, and the provided lunch was delicious. We highly recommend this tour for families seeking a blend of history and culture.
Helpful? Yes
07 August
Ephesus is truly a must-see destination, and its historical significance is impressive. However, there were some issues with the tour as advertised on TripAdvisor. Upon boarding the bus, we were asked to pay €30 per person for the Ephesus entrance fee, even though the listing mentioned €12. It appears the government raised the price, but this was not communicated properly. Paying in Turkish lira is advisable, as euro payments didn’t provide change The itinerary included an unexpected visit to a jewelry store, instead of the ceramics shop mentioned, which felt more like a sales stop. At Ephesus, our guide struggled with English, making it difficult to follow along. Another sales stop at a candy store delayed lunch until around 3 p.m., leaving us quite hungry. Although we visited the House of the Virgin Mary, many skipped it due to fatigue. We were also disappointed that the promised Temple of Artemis was omitted, so we chose to explore it on our own, which I highly recommend. Overall, the sites themselves were amazing, but the tour management left much to be desired.
Helpful? Yes
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