Ephesus Tour from Izmir

The House of Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos

The first stop on the Ephesus tour is the House of Virgin Mary, a small stone chapel on the wooded slopes of Mount Koressos above the ancient city. Many Christians believe the Virgin Mary spent her last years here, and the site is also visited by Muslims, who honour her as Maryam. The quiet pine setting is a calm start before the busy ruins below.

Visitors light candles, tie written prayers on a wall and drink from a nearby spring said to have healing properties. Dress modestly and allow time to walk slowly. If you are asking whether the House of Virgin Mary is worth visiting, most travellers say yes for the atmosphere, regardless of belief.

Ephesus ancient city: the Odeon, Curetes Street and the Temple of Hadrian

Ephesus was one of the greatest cities of the Roman Mediterranean and one of the best preserved. Your guide opens the walk at the Odeon, a small, elegant theatre once used for council meetings and concerts, then leads you down Curetes Street, a sloping marble avenue where chariot grooves and old shopfronts are still visible.

Halfway along stands the Temple of Hadrian, a compact monument with finely carved columns, an arch and a relief of Medusa, a symbol of protection. Because the site is large, with long stretches of uneven marble, an Ephesus guided tour from Izmir helps you understand what you are seeing and avoids wasted time.

The Library of Celsus

No sight defines Ephesus more than the Library of Celsus. It was built in the second century as both a library and a monumental tomb for a Roman governor, and it once held thousands of scrolls. Its two-storey front, rebuilt from fragments, has niches with statues representing wisdom, knowledge, intellect and virtue.

Your group gathers here for the most photographed moment of the day, and the guide explains how the building was designed to withstand earthquakes and why the front looks so grand. The best light for photographs is usually in the morning, which is one reason this tour starts early.

The Great Theatre and Marble Street

The walk through the ruins ends at the Great Theatre, carved into the hillside above Marble Street with seating for roughly 25,000 people. It staged plays, public assemblies and, in later years, gladiator contests. The New Testament says the apostle Paul faced an angry crowd of silversmiths here.

From the upper tiers you look down the sweeping line of Marble Street toward the old harbour. If you are looking for tickets to the Great Theatre of Ephesus, entry is part of the ancient city visit. The steps are steep and uneven, so wear shoes with good grip and take your time.

The Temple of Artemis and lunch in Selcuk

After lunch at a Turkish restaurant in Selcuk, the group stops at the site of the Temple of Artemis, once ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only one reconstructed column stands in the marshy ground today, but the temple was about four times the size of the Parthenon. The pause lasts roughly 10 to 15 minutes, with time for photographs.

Selcuk is a pleasant town at the foot of Ephesus hill, with a Byzantine citadel and an old aqueduct, and lunch is a chance to sit down together. If you have dietary needs, tell our team in advance so the restaurant is ready before the group arrives.

St John Basilica and the craft demonstration

On roughly a third of departures, the tour also includes a stop at the Basilica of St John, built in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian over a site believed to hold the tomb of the apostle John. The ruined columns and foundations still show how large the church once was.

Before returning to Izmir, the group visits a demonstration stop where local artisans explain how leather, carpets and jewellery are made. Browsing is relaxed and there is no obligation to buy. It makes an easy break between ancient history and the drive back.