Premium Full-Day Ephesus Experience from Izmir​ –  Ancient City, Terrace Houses, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Basilica of St. John 

Duration: Full Day
Starting Point: Izmir Port / Hotels
Tour Type: Private or Small Group

Main Attractions:

- Ancient City of Ephesus

- Terrace Houses
- House Of Virgin Mary

- Temple of Artemis
-  Basilica of St. John

Tour Overview:

Discover the rich layers of history on this full-day guided Ephesus tour from Izmir. Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, step inside the exqisitely preserved Terrace Houses to witness how the elite Romans once lived,  visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary, admire the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, and conclude the day with a visit to the Basilica of St. John — one of the most important pilgrimage sites of early Christianity.

Itinerary:

Your day begins with a comfortable pick-up from Izmir Port or your hotel, followed by a journey into the heart of ancient Anatolia. With your licensed English-speaking guide, you’ll explore four major historical sites:

Stop 1: Ancient City of Ephesus

Wander through one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Highlights include:

Itinerary:

Your journey begins with pick-up from Izmir Port or your hotel by a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your professional English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing rich insights into each site.

Stop 1: Ancient City of Ephesus

Step back in time as you explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Roman era. Discover major highlights including:

- Marble Street

- The Odeon (concert hall)

- Bouleuterion (council chamber)

- The Temple of Hadrian

- Trajan’s Fountain

- The Agora

- Roman Baths

- The Mosaic Street

- Ancient Homes

- The Great Theatre with 25,000 capacity

- Harbour Street

- And the famous Celsus Library, the third-largest library of the ancient world

Stop 2: Terrace Houses
Located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, the Terrace Houses provide a rare glimpse into the lives of Ephesus’ wealthy residents. These luxurius Roman homes feature intricate mosaics, frescoes, and advanced architecture – including underfloor heating and plumbing systems.

Stop 3: House of Virgin Mary

Located on Mt. Koressos, this peaceful site is believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. Surrounded by lush nature, it’s a serene place of prayer and reflection for many visitors and pilgrims.

Stop 4: Temple of Artemis

Visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Once a magnificent marble temple, only ruins remain today — yet its historical significance makes it a must-see landmark.

Stop 5: Basilica of St. John

Your final stop is the impressive Basilica of St. John, believed to be built over the burial site of John the Apostle. This 6th-century church was once one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world. Climb to the hilltop and enjoy a panoramic view of Selçuk and the Ayasuluk Fortress.

Important Note:

The order of the tour stops may be adjusted depending on crowd levels at the entrance of Ephesus and local weather conditions, to ensure the best possible experience for our guests.

Reserve your Full-Day Ephesus Tour now to experience the ancient wonders and spiritual sites of the region — all in one unforgettable journey.