Guided Tour from Icmeler to Ephesus & The House of Mary w/Lunch
Join us on an unforgettable journey from Icmeler to the ancient city of Ephesus, where history, culture, and stunning ruins await.
Overview
Embark on a captivating full-day journey from Marmaris to two of Turkey's most significant historical sites—Ephesus and the House of Mary. This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, renowned for its grand monuments, and the serene House of Mary, a revered pilgrimage site. Guided by our expert team, you'll uncover the fascinating history and cultural importance of these iconic landmarks.
Your adventure begins with a comfortable drive from Marmaris to **Ephesus**, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities. A former hub of the Greek and Roman empires, Ephesus is famous for its architectural marvels, including the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you walk through the ruins, you’ll be transported back in time, experiencing the grandeur and significance of this once-thriving city.
Next, the tour takes you to the House of Mary, located near Ephesus. According to tradition, this humble stone house is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her last years. Revered by both Christians and Muslims, the House of Mary is a place of peace and reflection, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. You’ll have time to explore the site, reflect in its tranquil surroundings, and light a candle in reverence if you wish.
After a day of exploring these extraordinary sites, you’ll enjoy a scenic return journey to Marmaris, filled with memories of the remarkable history and spiritual significance you’ve experienced. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a lover of Turkish culture, this tour offers an enriching experience of Turkey's profound heritage.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
We’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you on a comfy, one-hour drive to the destination, making sure your adventure starts off smooth and stress-free.
Duration: 30 Mins Optional
A delicious breakfast, packed in a convenient lunchbox, will be provided on the bus to ensure you're energized for the day ahead. Best of all, it’s included in the tour price!
Get ready for a scenic two-hour drive to Selçuk, where the incredible ancient city of Ephesus awaits to take you on a journey back in time!
Duration: 30 Mins
Once we arrive in Selçuk, we’ll pause at a local café where you can freshen up, use the restrooms (not available in Ephesus), sample local treats, and get ready to explore the ancient city.
Duration: 2 Hours , Extra Fee
The two-hour visit offers an in-depth exploration of one of humanity's most remarkable ancient civilizations, enriched by our guide's detailed commentary and engaging historical narratives.
Duration: 40 Mins Optional, Extra Fee
The final destination is the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered site believed to be her last residence, marking the end of the tour before commencing our return journey to Marmaris.
We'll arrive back in Marmaris around 19:00 and drop you off at your hotel, giving you the perfect chance to unwind and reflect on a day filled with amazing memories and experiences.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore the Library of Celsus, one of the most famous monuments of the ancient world.
- ● Discover the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- ● Learn about ancient Greek and Roman history from an expert guide.
- ● Experience the serenity of the House of Mary, a revered religious site.
- ● Travel comfortably from Marmaris with expert guidance throughout the day.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel
- Expert English-speaking guide
- 2 Hours Ephesus Guided Tour
- Breakfast (Box)
- Open Buffet Lunch
- Air-conditioned transportation
Not Included
- All Entrance Fees
- Drinks
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People over 70 years
- ●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
- ●The tour is generally suitable for all ages, but please keep in mind that there is a lot of walking involved. Young children or elderly guests with mobility issues may find it challenging.
- ●Dress appropriately to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, as modest attire is required.
- ●The weather in the region can be hot during summer months, so be prepared for the heat with water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing.
- ●Your children's passports are required for entrance tick
Know Before You Go
- ●Entry fees are not included, but your guide will provide skip-the-line tickets to bypass long queues.
- ●There will be rest breaks during the trip to ensure your comfort.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Anna Greenwood - United Kingdom
14 April
This tour was absolutely worth the early start. Ephesus is breathtaking — walking among the ancient ruins really takes you back in time. The guide was informative without overwhelming us with too much detail. The visit to the House of Mary was peaceful and moving. Lunch was delicious and freshly p...
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George Petrou - Greece
25 April
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Ephesus is a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and this tour made it simple and comfortable. The transportation was smooth, the guide was knowledgeable, and the historical sites were simply incredible. The House of Mary was calm and spiritually touching. I really appreciated the lunch stop — it...
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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
4.5/5
Based on 21 Reviews
4.7/5
4.7/5
4.7/5
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By Traveler Types
By star rating
14 April
This tour was absolutely worth the early start. Ephesus is breathtaking — walking among the ancient ruins really takes you back in time. The guide was informative without overwhelming us with too much detail. The visit to the House of Mary was peaceful and moving. Lunch was delicious and freshly prepared. A well-organized, memorable day from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
25 April
Ephesus is a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and this tour made it simple and comfortable. The transportation was smooth, the guide was knowledgeable, and the historical sites were simply incredible. The House of Mary was calm and spiritually touching. I really appreciated the lunch stop — it felt authentic and was a good break in the middle of the day.
Helpful? Yes
06 May
One of the best day trips I've ever taken. The tour was well-paced and informative. Ephesus is a must-see, and seeing it with a guide really helped bring the ruins to life. The House of Virgin Mary was a beautiful, quiet spot to reflect. Lunch was tasty and in a lovely local setting. Highly recommended for history lovers!
Helpful? Yes
19 May
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Excellent day trip! The bus was clean and air-conditioned, and the drive from Icmeler to Ephesus was comfortable. The guide was passionate and full of interesting facts. Walking through the ancient city felt surreal. The House of Mary was peaceful and beautifully maintained. Lunch was generous and flavorful. A great balance of learning, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Helpful? Yes
28 May
This tour was a highlight of our trip. Ephesus is a stunning archaeological site, and having a guide made all the difference. The House of Mary was serene, and it was special to see such a spiritual place. The lunch was simple but tasty, and everything ran on time. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone staying in Icmeler.
Helpful? Yes
03 June
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I was amazed by how much history we were able to experience in just one day. The ruins of Ephesus were larger and more impressive than I expected, and our guide brought it all to life with stories and context. The House of Mary was a beautiful, peaceful place. A very well-run tour with a nice lunch included.
Helpful? Yes
09 June
A brilliant tour from start to finish. Ephesus is full of incredible architecture and ancient roads — you can really feel the history. The House of Mary added a more personal and emotional layer to the day. Everything ran smoothly, and the lunch was fresh and tasty. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Helpful? Yes
17 June
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What a meaningful day! Seeing Ephesus with a professional guide helped us understand so much about the site and its past. The amphitheatre was especially breathtaking. I loved the calm atmosphere at the House of Virgin Mary. It felt like we experienced both history and spirituality in one day. Lunch was also very satisfying.
Helpful? Yes
25 June
This day trip had everything we were looking for — history, culture, and beautiful scenery. The journey from Icmeler was comfortable and not too long. Ephesus was more impressive than photos can show, and our guide was both friendly and professional. The lunch was tasty and in a great local spot. Highly recommended.
Helpful? Yes
03 July
Absolutely unforgettable. I didn’t expect to be so moved by the House of Mary — the peaceful energy there was something special. Ephesus, of course, was jaw-dropping. The guide answered every question and kept things interesting without rushing. Lunch was lovely, and the whole day was well-balanced and enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
10 July
Ephesus was absolutely stunning. It’s one thing to read about ancient cities, but walking through the streets and seeing the Library of Celsus up close is something else entirely. The House of Mary was peaceful and meaningful. The tour was well-paced, and the lunch was delicious. Everything was very professionally handled.
Helpful? Yes
14 July
From start to finish, this was a top-quality experience. The guide shared just the right amount of history, making it interesting without being overwhelming. The scenery during the drive was also beautiful. Visiting the House of Virgin Mary was a humbling moment. Great value for money considering everything included.
Helpful? Yes
21 July
This tour was an amazing way to explore one of the most important historical sites in Turkey. Ephesus was well preserved and absolutely fascinating. The visit to the House of Mary gave us a peaceful break in the middle of the day. Everything ran smoothly, and the staff was very kind.
Helpful? Yes
30 July
We loved every minute of this tour. Walking in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Ephesus was incredible, and the House of Mary was a quiet and emotional stop. The guide kept everything engaging, and lunch was surprisingly tasty. A full day, but definitely worth it.
Helpful? Yes
05 August
A must-do tour if you're in Icmeler. The transportation was comfortable, and the guide was helpful and polite. Ephesus was the star of the show, with massive ancient structures and fascinating stories. The House of Mary was peaceful and well maintained. Great organization and lovely lunch, too.
Helpful? Yes
11 August
This tour delivered on every level. The historical richness of Ephesus was overwhelming in the best way, and the guide explained everything with passion. The House of Virgin Mary was quiet and spiritual. The food was fresh and filling. The entire experience felt respectful, educational, and truly memorable.
Helpful? Yes
18 August
I really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot about the history of Ephesus. The ruins were impressive and our guide was very knowledgeable. However, the journey felt a bit long and tiring by the end of the day. Still, it was worth it for the unique experience and incredible sights.
Helpful? Yes
23 August
It was a well-organized tour with a passionate guide and a comfortable bus ride. Ephesus was absolutely stunning, and the House of Mary was peaceful. I’m giving it four stars because the weather was extremely hot, which made it difficult to enjoy fully. Bring a hat and lots of water!
Helpful? Yes
01 September
The historical sites were amazing, and I’m glad I got to see them. Ephesus is so rich in detail and beauty, and the House of Mary added a spiritual touch. The lunch was decent, but the stop was a little rushed. I would have loved more time to take in the views at each site.
Helpful? Yes
07 September
Great tour overall! The guide was friendly and full of interesting facts, and the destinations were incredible. I knocked off one star because it was a long day with a lot of walking in the heat. Not ideal for small kids or anyone with mobility issues. Still, highly recommended for history lovers.
Helpful? Yes
07 January
The historical sites themselves were impressive, and I’m glad I saw Ephesus. However, the tour felt a bit rushed in some parts and too slow in others. I would have liked more time to explore independently. The guide was knowledgeable, but the long hours on the road made it a tiring day. Not bad, but I expected a little more flexibility.
Helpful? Yes
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