Step into the ancient world on a day trip to Ephesus from Marmaris! This unforgettable journey takes you to one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities, offering a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking sights.
Ephesus stands as one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, providing a genuine glimpse into Roman times amidst the modern world. As you walk along its marble-paved streets, you'll encounter remarkable structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre, which once seated 25,000 spectators. Each monument narrates tales of a bygone era, immersing visitors in the grandeur of ancient civilization.
A visit to the Experience Museum in Ephesus adds a modern twist to your journey through history. This innovative museum brings the ancient city to life with interactive exhibits and immersive displays. You’ll see detailed recreations of Roman daily life, from bustling marketplaces to artisan workshops, allowing you to connect more deeply with the stories of those who once thrived here. The museum’s blend of authentic artifacts and cutting-edge technology creates a captivating experience, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and families seeking an educational and engaging visit.
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is another unmissable stop on this tour. Though only fragments of this majestic structure remain, the site’s historical significance is undeniable. Once a sprawling temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, it symbolized the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture and religious devotion. Standing amidst the ruins, you can imagine the scale and beauty of this wonder in its prime, offering a poignant reminder of the impermanence of even the most extraordinary creations. The Temple of Artemis is a highlight that deepens your appreciation for the rich heritage of Ephesus.
Perched atop Mt. Koressos, the House of the Virgin Mary is believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus. This modest stone house holds profound spiritual significance for both Christians and Muslims, attracting pilgrims worldwide. The serene atmosphere and historical reverence of this site offer a unique opportunity for reflection and connection to early Christian history.
The excursion from Marmaris to Ephesus offers stunning views of nature as you travel across the countryside. The approximately three-hour journey allows you to witness the diverse landscapes of Turkey, enhancing the overall experience with picturesque vistas that complement the historical exploration awaiting you in Ephesus.
Our tours are conducted by professional, friendly, and English-speaking guides who provide exhaustive information about the tour programs. They are always ready to answer your queries on-site, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the sites visited. Travel in fully air-conditioned buses designed for your comfort, with hotel pickup and drop-off services included. The tour also provides breakfast and lunch, allowing you to focus entirely on the enriching experiences without any logistical concerns.
After your hotel pickup, enjoy a comfortable one-hour drive to the destination, ensuring a smooth and relaxing start to your journey.
A delightful breakfast, served as a lunchbox on the bus, has been arranged for your convenience and is included in the tour price.
We will embark on a two-hour drive to Selçuk, home to the remarkable remains of the ancient city of Ephesus.
Upon arriving in Selçuk, we will take a short break at a local café, where you can use the restrooms (not available inside Ephesus), try local delicacies, and prepare for exploring the ancient city.
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.
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.
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.
The final stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be her final residence, before we journey back to Marmaris.
We expect to return to Marmaris around 19:00, with drop-off at your hotel for a relaxing and restful conclusion to your day.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Jade Wilson - Australia
01 August
The tour led by Sultan was excellent. She provided clear and knowledgeable commentary throughout. I would definitely suggest this tour to others. It’s unfortunate that the terraced houses aren’t part of the visit, as that would be worth coming back for.
John J. - United Kingdom
21 May
Nur was a fantastic guide friendly and full of useful information. I would definitely recommend Hektor for day trips; this is actually our second tour with them this week. The food was great, and the bus had air conditioning, which was a big plus.
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.4/5
Based on 48 Reviews
4.8/5
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4.5/5
The tour led by Sultan was excellent. She provided clear and knowledgeable commentary throughout. I would definitely suggest this tour to others. It’s unfortunate that the terraced houses aren’t part of the visit, as that would be worth coming back for.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was a fantastic guide friendly and full of useful information. I would definitely recommend Hektor for day trips; this is actually our second tour with them this week. The food was great, and the bus had air conditioning, which was a big plus.
Helpful? Yes
Must visit!! I had a fantastic experience visiting Ephesus. Nur, our guide, was excellent very knowledgeable and made the whole trip truly worthwhile. The ruins themselves are incredible, and the digital museum was a perfect finishing touch. Definitely a place worth visiting.
Helpful? Yes
We had a fantastic day out with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and Sultan as a wonderful host. She was very knowledgeable throughout the trip. I would highly recommend this experience.
Helpful? Yes
I booked this tour just the night before through GetYourGuide. After reserving, I reached out via WhatsApp and received clear details about the pick-up time and other info. Communication was smooth from start to finish. The tour is quite full and begins early from Marmaris, but if you’re interested in ancient history and have the time, it’s definitely worth it. Our guide, Nur, was excellent—very engaging, knowledgeable, and spoke English clearly. The package included breakfast, which was basic but sufficient, and lunch was an open buffet that was pretty good. Our day started with a stop at a ceramics shop, followed by a guided tour of Ephesus with Nur. After that, we enjoyed lunch, visited the Virgin Mary shrine, and ended with a stop at a Turkish Delight store. The coach was comfortable, offering plenty of legroom and effective air conditioning. Overall, it was a great tour, and a big thanks to Nur for making it so enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
Ephesus was absolutely incredible, and Beste did a fantastic job leading us through the site while sharing its history. I would definitely recommend this tour to others.
Helpful? Yes
We had a wonderful day with some truly fascinating visits. Beste was a very friendly and engaging guide. The weather was extremely hot, so I made sure to stay well hydrated!
Helpful? Yes
We enjoyed a fantastic trip to Ephesus. Our guide, Beste, was truly outstanding, and we’re especially grateful for her. From start to finish, we felt warmly welcomed and well cared for. She was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the region and the ruins. Although it was a full-day tour, we never felt rushed. Many thanks to the entire team for such a wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
We had an incredible day. The entire experience was wonderful. Beste, our tour guide, took great care of us, and we truly valued all the historical insights she shared during the trip. I would definitely recommend this tour to others.
Helpful? Yes
Beste was wonderful and provided excellent historical details. The food was delicious as well. It was truly a great day out.
Helpful? Yes
The trip was fantastic, and our guide Beste was extremely helpful, sharing lots of valuable insights. The stops at shops on the way to Ephesus enhanced the experience, giving us a better sense of the local culture.
Helpful? Yes
We had a wonderful trip to Ephesus, exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying a fantastic buffet lunch. Our guide, Nur, was charming and knowledgeable, and the entire day was very well organized, including the pickup and drop-off. I highly recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary were truly stunning. I highly recommend visiting these incredible ancient sites. Nur was an excellent guide—friendly, informative, and eager to answer all our questions throughout the day. She was very helpful and made the whole experience even better. Overall, it was a fantastic day, definitely 10 out of 10!
Helpful? Yes
I booked this trip last minute the night before and didn’t have high expectations, but I was completely wrong. We had an early hotel pickup followed by a three hour drive to Ephesus, with a quick breakfast break along the way. Ephesus itself was breathtaking, and our guide Nur made it even better she was always available to explain everything and showed great passion and knowledge about her country’s history. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant and made a brief visit to the House of the Virgin Mary before heading back to Marmaris. This tour surpassed all my expectations, offering fantastic value for money. I highly recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
My guide today was Nur, who was professional, courteous, and above all, very knowledgeable about Ephesus. The trip was both fascinating and enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was an incredibly warm and friendly guide. Her tour through Ephesus was truly engaging, and she was able to answer every question we had. Additionally, she offered great advice for how to spend our free time. Many thanks to her!
Helpful? Yes
I can’t recommend this enough. The excursion was incredibly informative and the sights were truly breathtaking. The workshop we visited before reaching the main ruins was stunning—I was captivated the entire time. The ruins at Ephesus themselves were amazing, and Nur, our guide, shared detailed stories and history about the site. I’ve now been on two tours in Turkey with Nur through Hektor, and she’s been fantastic each time—engaging, warm, and professional with a wonderful personality. She’s very approachable, always willing to answer questions, and highly knowledgeable.
Helpful? Yes
Incredible easy and well planned day out. Could not recommend more. We booked this trip through the website, and from beginning to end, the entire experience was smooth and well organized. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a day trip to the amazing Ephesus. Our guide, Beste, was exceptional she ensured everything went perfectly and gave us a thorough tour of the ruins. Make sure to visit the digital museum while you’re there; it’s an incredible experience! Lunch was included, which was a nice bonus.
Helpful? Yes
Everything was very well organized, and our wonderful English-speaking guide, Beste, was both helpful and knowledgeable. We truly enjoyed the trip and would love to return someday to discover more of what this incredible place has to offer.
Helpful? Yes
The excursion was thoughtfully organized and well planned. We visited the main highlights of Ephesus and even had time to explore the museum. The pace was relaxed, allowing us to fully take everything in. Our guide, Beste, was very knowledgeable and friendly throughout. Breakfast and lunch were also included. I’d highly recommend this trip to anyone planning to visit.
Helpful? Yes
We took the tour with the wonderful Nur. Her expertise, kindness, and enthusiasm made the experience even better. I really enjoyed Ephesus it’s full of stunning sights and fantastic photo opportunities.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was an excellent guide, clearly very knowledgeable and experienced. The tour began with a stop at a pottery workshop, where we saw some stunning handmade pieces, followed by visits to St. Mary’s house and the ancient city of Ephesus. After that, we enjoyed lunch and finished the day at a Turkish delight shop. Ephesus itself is a remarkable destination, perfect for anyone with an interest in ancient history. The site is packed with fascinating stories, and the museum concluded with an engaging interactive performance. The only downside was that our tour provider didn’t mention in advance that there would be additional fees for entrance to Ephesus and St. Mary’s, so I’d suggest asking about all the extra costs before booking. That said, the overall experience was fantastic and it didn’t take away from an otherwise memorable day.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was an excellent guide—extremely well-informed and engaging throughout the tour. I’d absolutely suggest this trip to anyone considering it. Be sure to bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes, as there's a fair bit of walking. The Turkish delight tasting was a highlight—so many varieties to try, and all of them were delicious. Both breakfast and lunch were enjoyable, with a good selection to suit different tastes.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was an amazing tour guide, very knowledgeable and passionate about all the sights we got to see today, the tour was great.
Helpful? Yes
Nur gave us a thorough and comprehensive tour. She has a deep passion for Ephesus, and she was so friendly and looked after us, making sure we had sun cream and water and that we were following her. Transfer was not great. Really enjoyed the tour and will do again!
Helpful? Yes
Nur did a fantastic job as our guide—she shared a wealth of information and clearly knew the history well. I would absolutely recommend joining the Ephesus tour. The only downside was the amount of walking, which could be a bit much for those with mobility issues. The food was decent, nothing special but perfectly fine for the day.
Helpful? Yes
Nur provided a detailed and insightful tour. Her enthusiasm for Ephesus was clear, and she was incredibly warm and attentive—reminding us to stay hydrated and apply sunblock, while also ensuring we kept up with the group. I truly enjoyed the experience and would gladly join the tour again!
Helpful? Yes
We had been eagerly anticipating this trip since making the booking. Although our guide, Ocar, was personable and conversational, we found his insight into Ephesus lacking. His English was limited, which made it difficult to follow the storyline he was trying to convey. In fact, we gained more understanding from the informational signs and overhearing other guides. It wasn’t until we watched the video at the experience theatre at the end of the tour that everything truly came together. The “breakfast box” was also not as described. It only included small portions of jam, cheese, chocolate, butter, and a sweet bun. A bread roll was picked up during the drive, but the stop for breakfast was located in an industrial area surrounded by fertiliser plants, which made it unpleasant due to the strong odour. Another discrepancy was with the post-lunch itinerary. The website advertised a choice between visiting the museum or the church, but instead, we were given the option of visiting the church or waiting at a dilapidated café to be collected later. While we were glad to visit Ephesus and experience its atmosphere, the tour overall didn’t match the high praise we had seen in reviews—particularly in terms of the guide’s knowledge and storytelling. Based on our experience, I’d be hesitant to recommend this trip as it stands. On a positive note, many of us felt that watching the video at the start of the tour would have provided a much clearer picture and better context for what we were about to explore.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was good overall. However, the additional visits to the ceramics studio and the House of the Virgin Mary were not part of the original programme, nor were we consulted about including them. Our guide, Nur, was fine—she gave us the freedom to look around at our own pace, which we appreciated.
Helpful? Yes
All three stars in this review are thanks to our guide, Kadir. He was fantastic—extremely knowledgeable, approachable, and clearly passionate about sharing the history of Ephesus. His insights during the tour made the visit incredibly engaging. However, there were two additional stops we hadn't been informed about: one at a ceramics workshop and another at a market selling items like Turkish delight, olive oil, and perfumes. While the ceramics place was quite charming, the bazaar felt like a pure sales pitch and made the day feel unnecessarily long. Lunch was unfortunately very disappointing, though breakfast earlier in the day was actually quite enjoyable. The return journey was chaotic. After a stop where part of the group continued on for a second day, Kadir left, and we were told we’d be driven back to our hotels. That didn’t happen. The driver was clearly unwilling and instead dropped us off at an unfamiliar location in Marmaris, saying a small van would take us to İçmeler. When the van came, it was already dealing with guests who had been brought to the wrong hotel. We were dropped off across a busy road from our hotel, and the driver, instead of helping, simply waved us away and left—despite having to drive back past the hotel anyway. In summary: Ephesus and Kadir were the highlights, but the rest of the experience was disappointing and poorly organized.
Helpful? Yes
An unforgettable experience—Nur and Ozkan were excellent guides who kept the whole group engaged and entertained throughout the day. The views were absolutely stunning, and the memories we made will stay with us forever. We also had the chance to meet some fantastic people along the way. I’d definitely recommend this trip to anyone considering it.
Helpful? Yes
Fantastic guides and delicious food made this trip truly enjoyable. The scenery was beautiful throughout, and visiting Ephesus was a truly memorable experience. I would absolutely recommend this excursion to others.
Helpful? Yes
Oscar and the entire team were excellent—we really enjoyed the trip. It was a fantastic day, and we’d absolutely choose to book with them again. Thanks to everyone involved for making it so enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
Ozkan had a great depth of knowledge about the places we visited and even shared insights that connected the history to present-day life. He kept us updated on each stop along the way and responded to any questions with clear and helpful answers. I also appreciated that he made an extra effort to ensure I could hear him clearly, as I have a hearing impairment.
Helpful? Yes
We had a wonderful time exploring Ephesus on this day trip. Our guide, Nur, was fantastic and provided us with an informative overview of the site’s rich history. The entry to Ephesus was €40 per person, which we paid on-site. Visiting the House of the Virgin Mary cost 500 lira. The group consisted of around 10 to 15 people, and we moved together throughout the tour, so the pace can feel a bit fast—something to keep in mind. Breakfast was simple, with a bagel and a small muffin. The buffet lunch was enjoyable, and we also stopped by a pottery workshop and a Turkish delight store, which added a nice touch to the experience. I’d recommend bringing plenty of water, comfortable footwear, a hat, and sunglasses. All in all, it was a lovely and memorable outing.
Helpful? Yes
I had a good time overall. It was a long and eventful day, and Ephesus was truly fascinating. If the weather hadn’t been so hot, we would have spent more time exploring the site. Nur shared plenty of engaging and informative details with us throughout the tour.
Helpful? Yes
A Day in Ephesus We took part in the Ephesus day trip with Nur as our guide. She was excellent—very well-informed and guided us through the historical sites with great expertise. The early morning was absolutely worth it for the experience. Hektor offered a simple breakfast and a buffet lunch, and the day included several additional stops besides Ephesus itself. It’s a full day out that we’d gladly recommend to others.
Helpful? Yes
Absolutely worth it Had a fantastic day trip. Nur, our tour guide, was both engaging and well-informed about the history of Ephesus. She really helped make the long day feel enjoyable from start to finish. I’d happily book this tour again.
Helpful? Yes
This tour was excellent—we had the chance to visit some incredible locations. Nur was a fantastic guide, sharing lots of interesting facts throughout the day. I’d definitely recommend this trip to others.
Helpful? Yes
A truly packed day with a fascinating tour of Ephesus. Our guide, Nur, shared so much historical insight and made the experience unforgettable. She was outstanding, and I wouldn’t hesitate to join another tour with her in the future.
Helpful? Yes
A kind and approachable guide who shared very interesting historical details. Everything was well organized. It might have been even better with a slightly slower walking pace. It was a challenge for us. Overall, good work!
Helpful? Yes
Had a wonderful day exploring Ephesus. Our guide, Nur, was exceptional—very knowledgeable and informative throughout. Highly recommend this tour for great value and an unforgettable experience.
Helpful? Yes
Our visit to Ephesus with Oscar was exceptional — the site itself is extensive and incredibly fascinating. The experience museum featuring the reconstructed city was the best we've ever seen, offering a clear insight into daily life during that era. Oscar and the driver were very warm and attentive, making sure we were well looked after throughout. We also made a few stops to break up the journey. Both breakfast and lunch were included, and the overall cost of the trip was very reasonable. We’re definitely planning to return, especially to see it by night.
Helpful? Yes
Ozkan was a wonderful guide during our day at Ephesus. He demonstrated great knowledge about the site and added a touch of humor throughout the tour. He truly made our visit to Ephesus an enjoyable and memorable experience. Many thanks to Ozkan!
Helpful? Yes
We had a warm and engaging tour with Hektor, led by Nur, who guided us through the region’s rich history. The day started with a hotel pickup, and the driver thoughtfully kept the lights off so we could rest during the first two hours before the breakfast stop. A visit to a traditional pottery studio was an unexpected highlight—watching the potter shape the clay, artists decorating the pieces, and a clever demonstration (which I won’t spoil) made it especially memorable. At Ephesus, we moved from shaded spot to shaded spot, with Nur sharing interesting details about each location before giving us a chance to explore on our own—just be sure to stay with the group. The new Digital Experience offered a unique and modern view of the site, complete with welcome air conditioning. After a buffet-style lunch, we opted to walk around Selçuk, managing to see the Castle, the Basilica, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis in a quick loop before rejoining the coach as it returned from the optional visit to the House of the Virgin Mary.
Helpful? Yes
If you have an interest in history and appreciate a friendly, informative guide with a bit of cheekiness, I highly recommend this tour! Nur was an outstanding host and guide, and the overall cost of the day was very reasonable. The coach was comfortable—definitely a plus for such a long journey—and the meals provided were tasty and suitable for vegetarians. Ephesus itself is surprisingly vast and impressive, and the “Ephesus Experience” museum at the end added an enjoyable finishing touch. We asked Nur plenty of questions, all of which she answered with great knowledge and a sense of humor. Her personality really helped make the day entertaining.
Helpful? Yes
Fantastic tour overall! Nur was incredible and made the experience truly memorable. The food provided was also excellent. If you’re planning to visit Ephesus, I highly recommend booking with this team. You won’t regret it.
Helpful? Yes
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