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Private Ephesus Tour from Bodrum Port / Hotels

Bodrum, Turkey

Ephesus - Ancient Greek city of Asia Minor, near the mouth of the Menderes River, in what is today West Turkey, South of Smyrna (now Izmir). One of the greatest of the Ionian cities, it became the leading seaport of the region.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 8h 30m

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

English, Spanish

Group size

2–15 travelers

Full description

Your unforgettable tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or Bodrum Cruise Port. Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ephesus, the ancient Greek city near the Menderes River, once a thriving Ionian seaport and cultural hub in Western Turkey.

Explore Ephesus' remarkable ruins, from its grand theater to the Celsus Library. Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her final years. After a delicious lunch, marvel at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

After the tour, relax on your return drive to Bodrum, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel or cruise port, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Itinerary

Bodrum is Departure City of this tour

Selcuk. Our First city to stop for lunch

Ancient City of Ephesus. Ephesus, on the south-west coast of modern Turkey, embodied a peculiarly fertile synthesis of architecture and culture. In 356BC the Greeks built the Artemesium (a colossal Ionic temple dedicated to Artemis the fertility goddess) which was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. During the 2nd century BC, Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire, famous for its Artemesium, the Library of Celsus and its medical school..

Mother Mary's house. The house of Virgin Mary is a typical Roman architectural example, entirely made of stones. In the 4th century AD, a church, combining her house and grave, has been built. The original two-stored house, which consisted of an anteroom (where today candles are proposed), bedroom and praying room (Christian church area) and a room with fireplace (chapel for Muslims). A front kitchen fell into ruins and has been restored in 1940's. Today, only the central part and a room on the right of the altar are open to visitors. From there one can understand that this building looks more like a church than a house. Another interesting place is the "Water of Mary", a source to be found at the exit of the church area and where a rather salt water, with curative properties, can be drunk by all.

The Temple of Artemis. The new Artemis has been rebuilt in the 2nd century BC. Located on top of the previous one, it had tremendous dimensions: 127 columns of each 17,5 meters high. Unfortunately this one has also been destroyed by fire, reconstructed and again demolished by earthquakes, rebuilt and at last looted by Goths one year later. The statue of many-breasted Artemis was the symbol of the temple but also of abundance, hunting and wild life. The genuine statue of Artemis, removed during the fire, is today exhibited in the Ephesus Museum. Many copies of this statue found during the latest excavations date back from the Roman period.

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Meals: 1
  • Transfer
  • Private Tour Experience: Enjoy a personalized and exclusive tour tailored to your preferences.
  • Professional Licensed Local Guide Led by an expert authorized by the Ministry ofTourism and Culture.
  • Countryside Lunch: Savor authentic flavors in a peaceful rural setting.
  • Private Transportation: Travel in an air-conditioned, non-smoking van with a dedicated driver.
  • Parking Fees Included: All parking fees are covered for your convenience.
  • Guaranteed On-Time Return: Cruise passengers can explore with confidence, assured of timely return.
  • Convenient Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Service from your hotel or cruise port, as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Skip Ticket Lines: Ask your guide for tickets for faster access (fees payable directly in cash).

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites
  • Beverages during lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Ephesus
  • House of Virgin Mary

Important information

Meeting point

Bodrum, Turkey

Don’t forget

Infants must not sit on laps Not suitable for pets Wheelchair accessible Optimize Your Cruise Tour Experience – Meet Your Guide at the Perfect Time! For CRUISE GUEST, we recommend meeting your guide at the port promptly for a seamless and enjoyable tour. If your ship arrives before 7:00 AM, plan to meet at 7:45 AM. For later arrivals, aim to meet 30–45 minutes after docking. This ideal timing helps you avoid crowds from other cruise ships, escape the midday heat, and enjoy your tour comfortably, as much of it takes place in open areas. Start your Tour stress-free and make the most of your visit! After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. MEETING POINT: Bodrum Cruise Terminal for cruise passengers and hotel lobbies for hotel guests. ---------------------------------- EXLUSIVE PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY - NO SHARING WITH OTHER GROUPS! ---------------------------------- Enjoy a personalized journey tailored to your party. Want to make it even more enjoyable? Invite friends or cruise travelers to join and explore Ephesus together on your terms with flexibility and comfort. ---------------------------------- FOR CRUISE GUEST! ---------------------------------- We highly recommend meeting at the port approximately 30 minutes after your ship docks to avoid crowds, and the afternoon heat. Meeting early ensures a more enjoyable and relaxed tour of Ephesus. ---------------------------------- WE GUARANTEE ON-TIME RETURN TO YOUR SHIP. ---------------------------------- ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE TOURS OVER GROUP OR BUS TOURS ---------------------------------- A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPURTUNITY: Your visit to Ephesus may be a unique experience. A private tour allows you to make the most of it with a personalized itinerary. ---------------------------------- FLEXIBLE AND PERSONALIZED SCHEDULE: Unlike group tours, private tours give you full control over what to see, when to start, and when to conclude. You set the pace, ensuring a tour tailored to your interests. ---------------------------------- DEDICATED ATTENTION: In private tours, the guide focuses entirely on you and your group, ensuring you don’t miss any fascinating details or key highlights. ---------------------------------- NO WAITING OR DELAYS: You won’t have to wait for large groups to gather or stop for unforeseen situations. Private tours keep the experience seamless and efficient. ---------------------------------- EXCLUSIVE COMFORT: Enjoy your own Van and expert local tour guide without the need to share with others. ---------------------------------- HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE: Your guide will handle tickets and entry arrangements, saving you time and effort while you focus on enjoying the ruins and museums. ---------------------------------- OPTIMAL LEARNING AND INTERACTION: Private tours provide better opportunities to ask questions, hear the guide clearly, and engage deeply with the history and culture of Ephesus. Comfortable Shoes Sun Hat Camera

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation if cancelled more than 24 hours before start. 100% charge if cancelled within 24 hours of start.

Your host

VE

Verified Local Host

With GetExperience since 2026

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