Had a wonderful and memorable day with Emre. Very knowledgeable and interesting. Highly recommended.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Private tour guiding service
- Set menu of beef meatballs and chicken with Turkish appetizers at the farm.
Excludes
- Gratuities will be appreciated for your personal tour guide and driver
- Premium dry wines and local beers (5,00Euro for a glass)
- Mary's House
- Ephesus
- Terrace Houses
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Roman city with a large harbour.
Large Roman residences with multiple rooms in Ephesus.
There will be an authentic lunch in Turkish style at this farm&handicraft center. You'll have a chance to meet locals, ladies weaving famous Turkish rugs at the looms. There will be Turkish coffee & baklava session after lunch.
A religious site of a Roman dwelling house and an active church. It's believed where Virgin Mary spend her last years.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Emre was absolutely incredible. We had an amazing tour, Emre had so much knowledge and provided us with both historical and religious context to understand everything we saw. The driver was safe, bus was comfortable and they provided a car seat for the baby. The food at the farm was absoutely delicious. We loved this tour.
Went with Emre for a day touring the ancient sites of Ephesus. So, here’s the deal. Ephesus is a cruise ship tour destination. The town itself (Ephesus) isn’t much at all. The sites, however, are important. They get CROWDED with group tours. Here’s where Emre shines. We saw nearly everything in one day, and with one exception, avoided all the crowds. He was excellent. First: professionalism. He Communicated well directly with me about where we were staying, our schedule, assisting with transfers, etc. You really can’t get excellent help like this often. Also, he was on time, tickets in advance, and an excellent plan. Second: knowledge. He’s a history nut. He knows everything. I challenged him on some facts, and he was ready for it. What an amazingly intellectual person! I learned a lot from him. Third: Stories. I don’t like guides that point and say look at that. Emre had stories. Lots of stories. Ancient, contemporary, you name it. He made this stop our favorite of Turkey (and that’s saying a lot.). I wish he did Istanbul….
My fiance and I had the best time in turkey because of this tour. If you are unsure who to choose or what tour to choose look no further cause you found the best one. We were on a Celebrity cruise and it was very easy and stress free. He met us at the port with a private driver who drove an Extremely nice spacious van which made it comfortable and easy to see everything. He also returned us back to the port with plenty of time so there was no need to worry. Emre was great we got to see whichever historical sites we wanted to see and it was customized to us, enjoy lunch immersed with the locals, see traditional rug making, learn how they make silk (from worms), try fresh fig straight from the tree and best of all when I told him that all I wanted to do was try the best baklava he drove my fiance and I into the city and we enjoyed traditional Turkish baklava and ice cream and ended the tour with seeing one more historical site then traditional Turkish coffee. Emre really made our Turkish experience magical. We learned so much about their culture, history, site seeing, food, and more!! Emre really went the extra mile!! If you want to see Turkey and you are in a large or small group, like my fiance and I, this tour is worth every penny!!!
We had an incredible experience on our Ephesus tour and couldn’t recommend it more highly! Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and brought the history of Ephesus to life with fascinating stories and insights. We never felt rushed at any point—instead, we had plenty of time to explore, ask questions, and truly enjoy each stop. What really made this tour stand out was that our guide took us to additional places of interest that weren’t part of the standard itinerary, making the experience feel much more personal and memorable. Transportation was excellent as well. The van was modern, spotless, and fully air-conditioned, which was a lifesaver in the summer heat. Complimentary cold water and drinks on board were a thoughtful touch and made the day even more comfortable. The delicious farm lunch was another highlight of the day. We also had the opportunity to see how silk is made, learn about the traditional silk-making process, and even try weaving a Turkish rug ourselves, which was such a unique and memorable cultural experience. From start to finish, everything was organized, relaxed, and enjoyable. If you’re visiting Ephesus, this is absolutely the tour to book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Day with Nesrin in Ephesus! Our family had an absolutely amazing experience with Nesrin on our private Ephesus tour from the Kusadasi cruise port. From the moment she met us, she was warm, organized, and made us feel like honored guests rather than tourists. Nesrin is incredibly knowledgeable, and her passion for the history of Ephesus made the ancient city come alive. She shared fascinating stories, answered all of our questions, and paced the tour perfectly so everyone in our group could enjoy it. Communication before the tour was excellent, and she was very flexible in tailoring the day to our family’s interests. We especially appreciated that we were able to leave our beach bags in the van while exploring and later stop at the beach before returning to the ship. Those thoughtful touches made the day even more enjoyable. The comfortable transportation, delicious lunch, cold bottled water, and personal attention throughout the day made this one of the highlights of our Mediterranean cruise. We never felt rushed, and everything was seamless from start to finish. If you’re visiting Ephesus from a cruise, don’t hesitate to book with Nesrin. She truly goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience. We would choose her again without hesitation and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, caring, and exceptional guide in Turkey!
**Amazing Private Ephesus Tour with Emre – A Must Do!** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We did a private tour of Ephesus with our guide Emre while our cruise was docked in Kusadasi, and it was hands down one of the best experiences of our whole trip. Emre's knowledge of the site was incredible. He didn't just walk us past the ruins rattling off dates — he really brought the place to life, describing what daily life would have looked like when Ephesus was a thriving city. Walking through the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses while he told these stories made the whole visit feel so much more meaningful than a typical guided walk. We were also traveling with an infant, which can complicate touring ancient sites with lots of walking and uneven ground. Emre was so patient and flexible with us the whole time, adjusting the pace as needed and never making us feel rushed or like we were holding anyone back. If you're headed to Ephesus from Kusadasi, book Emre. Great for families, history buffs, or anyone who wants a guide who actually makes the past feel real.
Nesrin was extremely knowledgeable, flexible, and a pleasure to spend the day with. She answered all of our questions about Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the history behind the site in a way that made it easy to understand and appreciate. When we decided our original afternoon plans weren't exactly what we were looking for, she quickly offered several alternatives and helped us choose one that fit our interests. She also shared practical tips for bargaining with local merchants, which we found very helpful. We never felt rushed, and her recommendations made for a wonderful day. We highly recommend Nesrin to anyone visiting Ephesus.
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Nesrin went above & beyond to provide us with an unforgettable day :) She was so knowledgeable at Ephesus, and then took us to a Turkish farm for an amazing, authentic lunch experience. We were also able to learn about Turkish culture; participating in a carpet weaving experience and learning about Turkish rugs as well as other Turkish arts. We had such an incredible day with Nesrin and all of the local Turkish people we encountered, and we dream of coming back again to spend more time with Nesrin, learning about and experiencing her Turkish culture. Thank you SO MUCH Nesrin :))
This excursion was amazing. Nesrin made sure the pace was suitable for all of us, regardless of the time. She also took great precautionto get us back to the ship with ample time. Her knowledge regarding the history was amazing. The ruins and Mary's House was a definite highlight. The cost per person was economical and we were able to tailor the tour. I highly recommend booking with Nesrin Ozkara
This is a fantastic tour. Nesrin was our guide and she was incredible. Well worth the money for a private tour.
My family and I toured Ephesus with Nesrin, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. She is incredibly knowledgeable and gave us one of the most engaging and informative tours I've ever experienced. We had lots of questions, and she answered every one with depth and enthusiasm. Beyond her expertise, she's also warm, personable, and a pleasure to spend time with. I couldn't recommend her more highly!
We had the most wonderful day in Turkey! Ephasus was beyond our wildest dreams! Co-owner, Nesrin was so friendly and so knowledgeable! We enjoyed our time with her immensely and learned so much about Turkish culture and history! Lunch at the farm and the winery sat on a picturesque hilltop was fabulous! Communication and transportation was top-of-the-line! Highly recommend!
We had a wonderful private tour to Ephesus. Our guide Nesrin was exceptionally knowledgable about the history, sharing fascinating insights that truly brought the ancient city to life. She was friendly, attentive and tailored the day perfectly to what we wanted to see. The tour was well paced, allowing us to explore and asl questions. Having a private driver for the whole day made everything convenient and comfortable. It was a seamless and highly memorable experience. Thank you Nesrin!
We had an excellent tour in Kuşadası with Emre. From the beginning, he was prompt, professional, and communicated clearly. His English is outstanding, which made the entire experience enjoyable and easy to follow. What really set this tour apart were the unique and authentic experiences Emre included. We had the opportunity to watch silk being extracted from cocoons, observe skilled artisans doing glass blowing, and learn about traditional pottery making. These were fascinating experiences that gave us a deeper appreciation of Turkish culture and craftsmanship. The highlight was Emre’s in-depth tour of Ephesus. His knowledge of the site’s history and significance brought the ancient city to life, and he took the time to answer all of our questions. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and engaging guide in Kuşadası, I highly recommend Emre. He made our visit memorable and provided experiences we would never have discovered on our own.
Emory (our tour guide, not sure if I'm spelling it right) was amazing! He was so passionate about his culture and answering all our questions. They were very professional. They had a classy van that picked us up at our port and drove us to our beginning bike destination. They also accommodate us water for our tour making sure we felt accommodated and safe throughout the tour. We felt like travelers not tourists!!! We felt like family along the way and it was truly the best tour I've ever done. Thank you so much for making us feel like home, in a place so foreign to us.
Emre was such a fantastic tour guide! He was so fun and personable from the get go. We were a group of 4 young ladies and he fit our vibe so well and made us feel safe despite the many heckling salesmen in Turkey lol. He was so knowledgeable about the rich history of Turkey and Ephesus. We loved the way he explained things in such a fun way that was easy for us to understand, sprinkling in little funny facts to help us remember what we saw. We can’t thank you enough for such a great day! You are always in good hands with Emre!
We had a fabulous day touring Ephesus and the surrounding area with Nesrin! We have had many guides through the years with our travels and she was undoubtedly on of the best!! Her warmth, enthusiasm and knowledge made my husband’s “bucket list” tour truly memorable!
Emre gave us a unique experience as we were not interested in the typical tourist attractions. The two that left an impression was the food and the Turkish rug demonstration. Erme was very knowledgeable and a great guide.
An outstanding experience, Nesrin was charming, knowledgeable and energetic in showing us the wonders of this magnificent ancient city. A real delight.
Emre was a great find. He has over 20 years experience and knows the people and places inside out. It was a great experience learning about the past of Ephesus and meeting the people living in the area today. You won’t find a better person to share the area. Highly recommended.
Nesrin is great as a guide and in emergencies! My wife broke her arm the night before our trip to Ephesus and needed to go back to the hospital the next day to see an orthopedist and neurologist. Nesrin was a godsend for dealing with the bureaucracy of the hospital! She easily cut hours off our visit, and more importantly radically reduced our stress levels. After my wife was fully patched up and arrangements were made by another person to get emergency surgery in Istanbul, we had enough time to visit Ephesus. She made the town come alive! I could picture life in the Roman days, and she answered all my questions about the city. Unfortunately, my wife got tired partway, but Nesrin found a beautiful spot where my wife was happy to relax and enjoy the view. We left Ephesus due to its closing, so we stopped in a really cool town whose name escapes me. It has an art coop. I was not excited about this at all, but my wife wanted to visit. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed seeing the local craftmanship and the town in general.
Tour was by Phoenicia Travel. Nesrin, our guide very knowledgeable and explained the many sights of Ephesus. She made sure we saw all the important places and ensured we found the best spots for photos. After Ephesus, she took us to a small farm co-op. For a delicious lunch. The farm also housed a school that taught traditional rug weaving. We saw a demonstration of weaving on a loom. How sulk cocoon were u traveled to make silk thread. And hundreds of beautiful hand made carpets. Recommend this tour to everyone.
Our day in Turkey was absolutely unforgettable! From the moment we met our guide, Nesrin, we knew we were in excellent hands. She was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and attentive—going above and beyond to make sure every part of the day was seamless and personalized. She walked us through the incredible history and beauty of Ephesus with such depth and passion that it truly brought the past to life. Afterward, she took us to a local co-op where we enjoyed a delicious, freshly prepared lunch that accommodated everyone’s dietary needs. We also loved seeing the animals on the farm, learning about the silkworm process, and watching the talented women loom rugs by hand—a mesmerizing and authentic Turkish experience. From start to finish, it was a perfect day filled with culture, learning, and heartwarming hospitality. Our entire family—from kids to adults—was captivated. We can’t wait to return to Turkey and reconnect with Nesrin to explore even more of this beautiful country. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Five stars isn’t enough!) Read more about - Customized Private Ephesus Tour & Farm Lunch - https://www.viator.com/tours/Kusadasi/Half-Day-Private-Ephesus-Tour-by-van/d582-193373P1?mcid=56757
Our day in Turkey was absolutely unforgettable! From the moment we met our guide, Nesrin, we knew we were in excellent hands. She was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and attentive—going above and beyond to make sure every part of the day was seamless and personalized. She walked us through the incredible history and beauty of Ephesus with such depth and passion that it truly brought the past to life. Afterward, she took us to a local co-op where we enjoyed a delicious, freshly prepared lunch that accommodated everyone’s dietary needs. We also loved seeing the animals on the farm, learning about the silkworm process, and watching the talented women loom rugs by hand—a mesmerizing and authentic Turkish experience. From start to finish, it was a perfect day filled with culture, learning, and heartwarming hospitality. Our entire family—from kids to adults—was captivated. We can’t wait to return to Turkey and reconnect with Nesrin to explore even more of this beautiful country. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Five stars isn’t enough!)
Customized private tour with Emre was excellent. We when to Sirince an small town lost in time with an excellent restaurant up on a hill where all food was homemade. Strongly recommended this hidden gem
We had a wonderful day exploring Ephesus with Nesrin as our guide. From the moment we met her, she made us all feel completely at ease friendly, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable. We were a small group and she tailored everything beautifully to our pace and interests. she brought the ancient city to life with stories and details that you’d never get from a guidebook. Her passion for the history, the architecture, and the people of this region shone through. We especially appreciated how she made the experience feel personal and relaxed — not rushed at all, just perfectly balanced between learning, exploring, and enjoying the atmosphere. She even gave us great local tips for lunch afterwards. We all came away saying how lucky we were to have had her as our guide. If you’re visiting Ephesus, don’t hesitate to book with Nesrin — she’s exceptional.
Nesrine our guide was fantastic. She guided us at Ephesus and we had an excellent day. I wouldn’t hesitate to choose her as a guide in future.
We really enjoyed our day with Nesrine, a most knowledgeable and engaging guide. We learned a lot and had fun. Would highly recommend .
This was my favorite event of our trip!!! Nesrin was so knowledgeable about Ephesus, and really excited to share!!! The lunch was amazing, the wines delicious...and the fun made it great!
We have done many Viator tours but, this one was especially great! Nesrin was very knowledgeable and very friendly! We felt pampered from the moment we entered the fancy limo. The tour was tailored to what we wanted to see. We highly recommend this tour with Nesrin to anyone visiting Ephesus.
Nisrin led us on a wonderful tour of Ephesus (don’t miss the Terrace Houses!) and an archeological museum in Selçuk. She was personable, very knowledgeable, and kind. We were a group of five and my husband walks with a cane. She was very accommodating to his needs while making sure the rest of us could see and do whatever we wanted. Her selection of our lunch spot was perfect. This was a fantastic experience!
Emre and Nesrin were fantastic guides to the sites we visited. They have wonderfully planned itineraries and they are so knowledgeable. We discovered so much. But they also always wanted to know what were particularly interested in leaning more about.
We had the most wonderful day with Emre We felt very comfortable from the moment we met him. He is extremely knowledgeable and we learned so much from him. He is flexible and extremely accommodating, giving us options of what to do. Our lunch together was so delicious. A traditional Turkish lunch cooked with fresh ingredients right from the farm. We couldn’t have asked for anywhere better. It truly was a memorable day! We were so very lucky to have chosen Emre as our guide and hope to come back to tour with him again. Thank you Emre
Emre was a fabulous guide. He catered the tour to meet the needs of our family of 11. In particular, he focused on our five grandchildren to ensure they were having a great time. We loved our trip to Ephesus.
Emra was our tour guide and we absolutely enjoyed our time with him. We had 5 kiddos with us. Emra was extremely patient with us and stayed within our timeline. We enjoyed all the stops and got to see some cool places. Highly recommend this company. You won’t be disappointed
Our guide Mithat went over and above our expectations to create a perfect experience. We were off a cruise and he took us to Epehesus and a farm lunch as planned but offered a number of other options after at no extra cost. Mithat was very knowledgeable of the history of the site but also of his country and the geography. He is an excellent storyteller and kept us engaged from start to finish. The minivan offered was top quality and the driver very efficient and safe.
We booked our family trip to Cappadocia and Izmir through this tour agency, and it was one of the best travel decisions we’ve made! The team was extremely accommodating, always quick to respond to our questions and flexible with our requests—even with last-minute changes. The communication was prompt and clear, which made planning stress-free. Their prices were reasonable, especially considering the quality of service, comfortable transport, and well-planned itinerary. We were also very impressed by the experienced and knowledgeable tour guides in both Cappadocia and Izmir. They shared interesting historical insights and local tips that made each stop more meaningful, and they handled everything smoothly so we could focus on enjoying our time together as a family. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey and want a reliable, family-friendly agency, I’d highly recommend this one!
If you are looking for an amazing tour in Ephesus, look no more. You can stop searching. This experience was everything we hoped for and more — perfectly planned, well-paced, and packed with meaningful, memorable moments. The day included a visit to the peaceful House of Mary, the breathtaking ruins of Ephesus, a carpet-making demonstration, Murano-style glassmaking, a fun leather fashion show, and a delicious farmhouse lunch with amazing wine and beer. Every stop was thoughtfully timed — we never felt rushed, but still got to do it all. What made the experience even more special was the attention to detail. Emre, our guide, reached out to us via WhatsApp before the tour with clear instructions on our meeting time and location — which, as cruise travelers, was incredibly reassuring. He even checked in after the tour to make sure we had made it safely back onboard. And here’s what really left a lasting impression: I casually mentioned I had been craving baklava, and Emre went out of his way to call ahead and make sure it would be ready for me at lunch. That small gesture made me feel so seen and cared for — it was such a sweet moment (literally!). This wasn’t just a tour — it was an experience filled with warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable moments. If you’re visiting Ephesus, don’t hesitate. Book this tour. You won’t regret it.
Had a wonderful solo adventure from Izmir to Selcuk to see Ephesus. Emre was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and accommodating and I felt like a queen the whole time. From the pick up in a lux van, to being treated to lunch, to the umbrellas keeping the hot sun away I felt like the whole day was made for comfort. I even wanted to see something extra and he made it work immediately. This was a wonderful experience!
Our tour was AMAZING! We customized our tour for my mom's 60th birthday group of 19. We started with port pickup, a leather factory fashion show (where you can buy designer apparel and bags), a tour of Ephesus/shopping outside the attraction, and a farmhouse lunch. Due to timing, we couldn't make it to the winery for the wine tasting but I wish we would have - our entire group loves wine! We even stopped to taste fresh olive oil - it tastes so much better than in the states. Our guide, Ahu, was incredibly energetic, knowledgeable, and accommodating. My father was in an electric scooter and the bus driver was great with assisting and unloading. The restaurant made a custom banana cake for my mother's 60th birthday and it was so fresh, moist, and delicious. Communication with the staff via email and WhatsApp was great. Sorry for the lack of photos - we took a million but they are on various phones. I would 10000% do this tour again! Book it now!!!
Our experience with Nesrin was top-notch! From pickup to drop off, the entire experience was well planned and well executed. We loved the day in Ephesus where she gave us an in depth overview of the ancient city and its people. She is extremely knowledgeable in all areas from history to art to architecture and we truly enjoyed learning from her. We had a wonderful lunch filled with laughter and conversation. Thank you Nesrin! You are truly a gem!
Nesrin was the best tour guide my family has ever had - and we've had a lot! We were immediately welcomed by her and greeted with so much warmth. Nesrin understood part of our family had mobility issues and guided us throughout our day to accommodate - without ever making it seem like a burden. She expertly knew to tour certain sites early due to the heat, and because of that, we were able to see so much more than we anticipated. She was so knowledgeable about the sites we went to (Ephesus, St. John's Basilica, Mary's House, etc.), and shared all the fun facts with us, keeping us interested throughout. There was never a moment we didn't feel informed, and there was never a moment we were bored. It was a perfect day! You can tell she really knows her craft. She structured the tour so amazingly well, but also so effortlessly. Any extenuating factor she took and pivoted in stride, making us all feel well taken care of. She brought us to the loveliest ceramics shop and gave us the most glorious lunch we could've ever asked for. She fit right into our family's dynamic, sharing with us pieces of her life while also listening to ours. It was so nice to meet her and spend time with such a kind human. Thank you, Nesrin. You are truly one of a kind! If you are reading this to the end, please know you will not be disappointed choosing Nesrin for your tour--we sure weren't!
We thoroughly enjoyed our private tour today around Euphesus. Our guide, Gökçe was very professional and knowledgeable. She was more than willing to answer all of our questions and we learnt so much about the history of Euphesus, as well as Turkish traditions. The included farm lunch was absolutely delicious and we also enjoyed the presentation by Taner at the carpet school. The minivan was air conditioned and very comfortable. We highly recommend this tour.
I took a tour with Nesrin of Ephesus and the Terrace Houses and it was an amazing day!! Nesrin is a very kind person and kindness goes a long way. She is very knowledgeable and honest. She was interested in knowing about me and willing to share information about herself. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and I asked her to order and she ordered great mezzis and kebabs. After lunch she took me to Mother Mary’s house which wasn’t supposed to be on the tour!! A bonus. Her driver was great too. On the way back the highway was blocked due to a fire. He took another route and they got me back to the cruise ship in plenty of time. Overall a great day. Go with Nesrin, you won’t regret it!!
Great trip and guide. Customized to what we wanted to do. The lines are really long at attractions so good to have driver etc
Nesrin was our tour guide for the day. She picked us up with a driver in a Mercedes van that was super nice. We had bottled water and she told us all about Ephesus and the area on the way. We spent about 3 hours seeing all there was to see at Ephesus and Nesrin was so knowledgeable. We then left there and stopped at a local Turkish place for lunch. It was my parents and my 18 year old daughter who had just graduated from high school. We went to a local glass blowing place and they let my daughter and I both help make a necklace! It was very cool and all the people were so nice. We ended with a stop at a beach for about an hour before we headed back to the boat. It was the perfect day and Nesrin was fantastic! Definitely highly recommend and they will customize your day however you want!
This was our second tour of Ephesus, the last one being 10 years ago. By far, Nesrin was the most fantastic. She has a wealth of knowledge of this area and is very pleasant and personable. She also took us to a local restaurant as we wanted to eat authentic Greek food, and also to a rug making experience. I was somewhat skeptical about the rug experience, but it was very informative and incredibly interesting. I would highly recommend Nesrin and I cannot give her enough stars!
Nesrin was the best guide!! She was so friendly, informative, fun, and accommodating! This was the highlight of our trip. She made us feel like family and gave us an experience we will never forget. I will contact her next time I am in Turkey!
This is the perfect day trip from Kusadasi! Nesrin provided clear communication upfront so we knew exactly when and where to meet and what our options were. She knew so much about Ephesus, could answer all our questions and kept us away from the huge crowds and tours. It would not have been the same without her. She arranged an incredible lunch of local, classic dishes and introduced us to craft makers in the area so we could shop or engage with local artists. We felt like part of her family!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email
