Full Day Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir

This shore excursion from Izmir will take you to the most popular destinations and must-see places. Learn about the breathtaking history of Ephesus, visit incredible sights, and enjoy the local cuisine of the worldwide famous Aegean Region. This guided tour of Ephesus is ideal for history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a detailed cultural experience at a great price.

Begin your full-day guided private tour of Ephesus from Izmir with a comfortable 1 hour drive to the House of the Virgin Mary. Learn the sensational story behind this historic structure, which was discovered in the 19th century after visions were reported by a Catholic nun who had never seen the building. A book was published after her death, and her descriptions were followed up years later, leading to the discovery of the main site. The building has officially declared a sanctuary of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896 and has become a popular pilgrimage site, visited by several popes. Check out the Wishing Wall, a special place where pilgrims bound their wishes, dreams, and goals on paper or cloth on a picturesque wall.

From the House of the Virgin Mary, you'll proceed to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a remarkable history. Built in the 12th century BC, this ancient city is the most substantial collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Famous for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this destination offers a diversity of sights to please the eyes. Finally, you'll be mesmerized by the Library of Celsus, built-in 135 AD, and the third biggest library in the ancient world.

Another highlight is the Scholastica Baths, where citizens could bathe, meet and gossip! Besides that, the biggest attraction in Ephesus is the Grand Theater, a massive building with 25,000 seats. Moreover, this theater used to be used for concerts, plays, and religious, political, and philosophical meetings. This theater is also mentioned in the Bible. St. Paul preached to the people near the grand theater of Ephesus. Also, gladiator fights and animal fights were held here. Afterward, check out a few more significant highlights before enjoying a delicious local lunch included in your private Ephesus tour from Izmir.

The Basilica of St. John, a magnificent 6th-century AD church, is your next Ephesus day trip stop. It is believed that the evangelist John spent the last years of his life near Ephesus and was buried on a nearby hill. Three hundred years after his death, a small chapel was built over his tomb. A few hundred years later, Emperor Justinian converted this small chapel into a magnificent basilica.

Before we end this amazing Ephesus tour, the last stop will be Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It has been built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area that has over the centuries turned into a swamp. If you visit Ephesus today, you can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvelous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns' capitals and shafts. The most beautiful remains of this temple are today exhibited in the London British Museum.

Your private Ephesus tour ends with the return trip to your starting point. Book this fantastic shore excursion from Izmir for an unforgettable Turkey experience at an exclusively low price.