From Izmir: Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour With Lunch

Exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the revered House of the Virgin Mary is a must-do experience for visitors to Turkey. This tour from Izmir offers an immersive glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Priced at $120.15 per person, the 11-hour excursion takes travelers on a guided journey through iconic sites, complemented by a delicious traditional lunch and optional wine tasting. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover the unique charm of this region, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Lunch Experiences In Izmir.

Key Points

• This comprehensive 11-hour tour from Izmir provides a guided exploration of the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.
• The tour package includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, entry fees, lunch, and drinks.
• Highlights include visiting iconic landmarks in Ephesus, an optional tour of the Terrace Houses, and exploring the Temple of Artemis and Church of St. John.
• The tour is suitable for adults and infants, with flexible booking options for date, language, and group size.
• The tour is highly rated for its knowledgeable guides, authentic Turkish lunch, and value for money, though some feedback suggests more time for historical explanations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour from Izmir to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary is priced from $120.15 per person and lasts approximately 11 hours, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can choose to reserve their spot now and pay later. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, entry fees, lunch, and drinks.

Visitors will have the chance to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, and discover the charming village of Sirince, known for its traditional architecture and fruit-flavored wines.

The tour is suitable for adults and infants, with guests able to select their preferred date and language upon booking.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Izmir, followed by a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where visitors can spend approximately 1 hour exploring this historic site.

Next, the group will venture into the ancient city of Ephesus, where they’ll walk along the marble streets and witness iconic landmarks like the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, and Domination Temple.

Visitors can also opt to explore the Terrace Houses for an additional fee. During the 2-hour stay, a lunch break will be provided.

The tour then moves on to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Church of St. John and Mosque of Isa Bey.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an English- or Spanish-speaking tour guide, all entry fees, a lunch during the 2-hour stay, and drinks.

Plus, optional wine tasting is available in the charming village of Sirince.

Guests can explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the marble streets, Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, and Domination Temple.

They’ll also visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Participant Information

The tour is suitable for adults aged 7 to 99 as well as infants 6 and younger, allowing participants of all ages to explore the historical wonders. When booking, visitors can select the desired date, language (English or Spanish), and number of participants. This flexibility ensures the tour caters to diverse preferences and needs. The group size is not specified, but the experience is designed to provide an intimate and personalized exploration of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. Whether you’re a history buff, cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking an immersive day trip, this tour offers an opportunity for all to discover the rich heritage of this remarkable region.

Participant Age	Suitable
7-99	✓
6 and younger	✓

Booking Options	Available
Date	✓
Language	English, Spanish
Participants	✓

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have given the tour a robust overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 22 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the knowledgeable guides and authentic Turkish lunch.

The transportation received a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating, while the value for money was highly praised at 4.8 out of 5.

However, some reviewers noted that more time could have been dedicated to historical explanations rather than stops at shops.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

This tour offers an impressive 11-hour duration, providing ample time to thoroughly explore the historical wonders of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Plus, the tour boasts a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund – a reassuring option for those with unpredictable schedules.

The tour’s generous timeframe allows visitors to:

1. Wander the marble streets of the ancient city of Ephesus, marveling at iconic landmarks like the Odeon, State Agora, and Domination Temple.

2. Spend an hour at the revered House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site with deep religious and historical significance.

3. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break during the 2-hour stay in Ephesus.

4. Explore the charming village of Sirince, known for its traditional architecture and fruit-flavored wines.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in this tour, providing convenient transportation throughout the day’s excursion.

Guests are picked up from their hotels in Izmir and then transported by air-conditioned vehicles to the various sites on the itinerary, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the charming village of Sirince.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share insights and historical background during the journey.

At the end of the day, guests are returned to their Izmir hotels, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

This comprehensive tour package offers a convenient way to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Optional Activities

In an article titled ‘From Izmir: Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour With Lunch’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Optional Activities’.

While the core tour package includes admission to the major historical sites, travelers can also opt for additional activities to further enrich their Ephesus experience.

These optional activities include:

1. Visiting the Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Ephesus’ elite.

2. Enjoying a wine tasting in the charming village of Sirince, known for its traditional houses and fruit-flavored wines.

3. Exploring the Church of St. John and the Mosque of Isa Bey, which showcase the region’s rich religious heritage.

4. Discovering the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at the Historical Sites?

Photography is generally permitted at most historical sites. However, visitors should check specific site rules, as some may restrict photography in certain areas or have additional guidelines. Respectful photography practices are encouraged to preserve the integrity of these significant cultural landmarks.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Clothing Allowed?

There are generally no strict dress code requirements at historical sites in Turkey. However, visitors are advised to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, out of respect for the cultural and religious significance of the sites.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Inclement Weather?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. If the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather, customers can opt for a full refund or reschedule the tour for another date.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops, though this may incur an extra fee. Customers should speak with the tour provider to discuss their interests and preferences for a personalized itinerary.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour’s included lunch can accommodate various dietary restrictions. Travelers can notify the tour operator of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, during the booking process to ensure the lunch matches their requirements.

Recap

The ‘From Izmir: Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour With Lunch’ offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Priced at $120.15 per person, the 11-hour tour includes iconic sites like Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis, along with a traditional lunch and optional wine tasting.

With knowledgeable guides, air-conditioned transport, and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides an immersive and memorable experience for visitors to Turkey.

You can check if your dates are available here: