Ephesus Tour from Izmir

Private Ephesus Tours and Excursions
​from Izmir Airport, Izmir Hotels and Izmir Cruise Port
​Izmir Ephesus Tours

Located on Turkey's Aegean coast, Izmir serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Ephesus tour from Izmir is an excellent choice.

Izmir is the 3rd largest city of Turkey having population over 3.5 million people. The largest export port of Turkey.  Known as Smyrna in the ancient times. First settlement dates back to 3000 BC. Since the modern settlement was made on top of the old one there is not much to see in down town Izmir. Highlight of the area is Ephesus. Ephesus is located 65 kilometers south of Izmir. Izmir to Ephesus takes approximately 1 hour by car from Izmir City Center. 

Day Trips from Izmir

On your day trip from Izmir, prepare to be fascinated by the ruins spread throughout the ancient city of Ephesus. Marvel at the Library of Celsus, Grand Theatre of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Imagine the bustling streets once filled with chariots and merchants from across the Roman Empire. There are Terrace Houses within the archaeological site of Ephesus. These well-preserved Roman Villas offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Roman wealthy. You will be amazed by the frescoes and mosaics decorating these luxurious houses. 
​
During our Ephesus tours from Izmir our guests wander the streets of Ephesus and their imagination take them back to Roman Times. So what are you waiting for? For an adventure of a lifetime and experience book your Ephesus private tour from Izmir today! To book a private Ephesus tour from Izmir, please contact us.
​
How much time do you need in Ephesus?
Ephesus is a very large archaeological site. A visit here can take from 2 to 4 hours. Generally we spent 2.5 hours in Ephesus during our day tours from Izmir.
​Below please find a documentary of Ephesus and the highlights:
Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir
​We offer Private Ephesus Tours from Izmir Airport, Izmir Hotels and Izmir Cruise Port with Best Ephesus Tour Guides.
Below please find  suggested Izmir to Ephesus day trip itineraries. If you would like to make a combination of the sites, just contact us
  • Izmir Tour No.1
Half Day Ephesus Tour from Izmir (5 hours)
​Your drive to Ephesus from Izmir takes just an hour. You'll be glad that you took the time to see this magnificent place. Your journey through time begins with a pleasant drive along the Aegean Coast. After an hour, you'll arrive at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited in 334 B.C. Your next stop is at Ephesus Ancient City, one of the most magnificent and best preserved ancient sites in the world. Historians originally believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now it's more commonly thought to have been the Hittite city of Apasa. The Virgin Mary is said to have visited the site between 38 and 47 A.D. Accompanied with your tour guide, you will be doing a walking tour of Ephesus. You'll see the Odeon, where the advisory council held its meetings, and the baths, as well as many other columns, monuments, and ruins, including the Celsus Library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. We'll also see the Grand Theater, with a seating capacity of 24,000 people. You'll be brought back to Izmir at the conclusion of this fascinating tour.
​
  • Izmir Tour No. 2
Ephesus Tour from Izmir with Lunch (6 hours)
After boarding your vehicle at your hotel in Izmir or Izmir Airport or Izmir Cruise Port, we'll head southward to Selcuk Town. Take in the incredible views as we pass cotton fields, vineyards, and pine woods while driving along the blue Aegean shores. Start out this wonderful tour with a visit to the Temple of Artemis. See the remains of one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient World. Afterwards stroll along the ancient marble streets of Ephesus, passing the Odeon and State Agora. See the ornate Hadrian Temple, the remains of Roman Terrace houses, the beautifully restored façade of the Celsus Library, the Thermal Baths of Scholastica, the Commercial Agora, the Grand theatre of Ephesus, and more. After Ephesus, we'll stop for a traditional Tukish lunch. Here, you'll get to witness a private presentation of the traditional carpet making process, from dying to spinning to weaving. After your tour, you will be brought back to Izmir.

  • Izmir Tour No.3
Full day Biblical Ephesus Tour from Izmir
Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Basilica of St. John (8 hours) 
Travel along the Aegean Coast, passing some of the region's fertile lands. As you reach the silted valley, time seems to come to a halt and then reverse. Begin this day with Basilica of St. John, built in the 6th century to house St. John's tomb, and view the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited  in 334 BC. Continue to Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved ancient sites in the world. Historians originally believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now it is more commonly thought to have been the Hittite city of Apasa. With your private tour guide, you will see the Odeion, where the advisory council held its meetings; the Basilica, Curetes Street, baths, Celsus Library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces; Marble Street, and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 24,000 people. Step into the rich history of Ephesus by indulging in an 18-minute audio show at the Ephesus Experience Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the intriguing tales of this ancient city. After this enlightening experience, your next stop will be the house where Mother Mary is believed to have spent her last years, a spiritually significant site, particularly revered by faithful Catholics. Next, we'll make a stop a tasty traditional Turkish lunch, followed by an interesting presentation about Turkish handicrafts. After lunch, travel back to Izmir, having enjoyed a truly enriching day in one of the world's most isolated and distinctive areas.

  • Izmir Tour No.4
Full day Ephesus Trip from Izmir 
Ephesus & Sirince Village (8hours)
​Meet with your guide in front of your hotel in Izmir or Izmir Airport or Izmir Cruise Port passenger terminal and depart for an one hour drive to the magnificent site of Ephesus. Ephesus, the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia, will come alive to you as you explore the ancient ruins of this magnificent site. You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed to its original form,as well as the Grand Theatre, the most spectacular building of Ephesus, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Terrace Houses, the impressive homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. After a visit to the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), you will arrive at Sirince Village. This old Orthodox village, located five miles from Kusadasi, was once named "Cirkince" (ugly). Indeed, its inhabitants chose this name to discourage foreigner visitors because they didn't want to share the beauty of their village. Still, after several years, visitors understood that it was not ugly and it was re-named "Sirince" (pretty). Today, the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture. At Sirince Village, you will experience local life and have the opportunity to purchase local souvenirs and handicrafts. 

​We also offer special interest tours to maximize your experience in Ephesus.
Important Notice:
There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend making your private tour from Izmir reservation at earliest possible.

For Private Tour from Izmir reservation, kindly advise us the following:
* Your Full Name
* Number of people in your party
* Date of Arrival 
* Name of the Cruise Ship/Hotel/Flight details
* Time to start the tour 
* Tour code or name 
​
* For travelers who will be staying at hotels in Izmir Basmane district, we recommend them to take the 7.10am train from Basmane train station which will arrive to Selcuk (Ephesus) at 8.34am. Our tour guide and vehicle can meet you at Selcuk train station. After the tour you will be dropped back to Selcuk train station for your return journey. Return train will leave Selcuk at 4.00pm and arrive at Izmir Basmane Train station at 5.30pm. For train schedules between Izmir and Ephesus (Selcuk), please visit: 
Izmir, Izmir Airport - Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedules
In 2024, Izmir Cruise Port is preparing to host a series of magnificent cruise ships. Izmir offers a blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Cruise passengers will have the opportunity to discover the ancient ruins such as the Ancient City of Ephesus or be immersed in the lively energy of the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar.  The following cruise ships are planned to call at Izmir Cruise Port in 2024.
  • Costa Deliziosa, Costa Fortuna of Costa Cruises
  • Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Splendor,  Seven Seas Navigator, 
    Seven Seas Grandeur of Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Crystal Symphony of Crystal Cruises
  • MSC Divina, MSC Sinfonia of MSC Cruises
  • Vista,  Riviera of Oceania Cruises
  • Seabourn Encore of Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Marella Discovery of Marella Cruises
  • Norwegian Getaway of NCL Cruise
  • Nieuw Statendam of Holland America Line

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it possible to include Aphrodisias in the one day tour to Ephesus? 
No, It is not possible. Aphrodisias is 2.5 hours drive from Ephesus (one way). Due to distance Aphrodisias can not be added to the tour program. Since you would like to visit Aphrodisias and Pamukkale besides Ephesus. We recommend you to stay in Kusadasi instead of Izmir. In this case in a two days tour program from Kusadasi, seeing the three sites is possible. For tour program details and cost please visit: 2 Days Western Turkey Tour
  • We will likely require this tour during the Hajj/ Eid holiday- will it be available and will the sites be open? 
Yes, it is available. But on the first day of the Eid, the sites open at 1pm instead of 9am.
  • Please advise on the Covid restrictions in place at the moment which could affect the tour. 
The sites are open to the tourisits. There is no restriction that can affect your tour.
Ephesus Tours from Izmir Airport
Ephesus Tours from Izmir Port
Private Ephesus Tour Costs
Izmir Ephesus Tour Discounts
for Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir bookings with English speaking tour guides on certain dates. To see these dates, please click.
Recommended hotels to stay in Izmir :
​(booking.com links)​​
  • Ibis Hotel Alsancak
Izmir Port Cruise Timetables
Izmir Cruise Port
Izmir Cruise Port Meeting Location
Booking.com

Ephesus Travel Guide by TransBalkan Tours is a fully licenced tour operator and a member of TURSAB. License: A 776.