No Hidden Fees: Ephesus, Mary's House, Private-mini Group Tours

We had an unforgettable day in Ephesus with Emrai our guide. Our private Ephesus and Virgin Mary tour was one the highlights of our time in Turkey. Emrai was top notch—knowledgeable, personable and made ancient history feel alive. The added stop at Lotus Ceramic Gardens, a UNESCO recognized family workshop was a perfect local touch. Informative, interesting and truly beautiful. So much so, we shipped a piece home. If you want to experience Ephesus beyond the crowds, book this tour and ask for Emrai. You won’t regret it!

What we appreciated: Prompt pick-up; excellent driving; the tour guide was very knowledgeable about history and folklore; we appreciated learning all we did about Ephesus in particular. What we did not appreciate: Despite stating multiple times that we did not want to go to a rug store we ended up at a rug store. We were also pushed pretty hard to go to a pottery store, which we did manage to avoid. The guide was also somewhat dismissive of our stop preferences which as a bit strange as we had agreed on our itinerary before booking the tour. We also did not like the guide's speech about the evils of undocumented immigrants. We originally booked with Ephesus Tours because of other reviews that praised them for not trying to make their guest buy rugs, pottery and textiles. Unfortunately our experience in this regard was disappointing.

We had a great experience on this tour. Everything was as planned. Do not book your tour through the cruise. This is much cheaper and they wait for you as you get of the cruise and no payment until the end of your tour. Excellent guide Pinar. Do not hesitate to contact them Thanks again

We visited Ephesus with Cengiz Lidir as an all party of six. Transport to and from the site was very comfortable. The whole experience was excellent, Cengiz was very knowledgeable and careful with the whole group ( footings can be a bit slippery), Unlike the cruise ship itinerary for Ephesus we were allowed access to the “Terraced Houses” which in fact was the highlight of the tour. First class guide and tour at a fraction of the cruise ship cost.

The experience was great! Tez was an awesome guide who created a really smooth, insightful, and enjoyable catered experience for us, even in the hot weather. We were so glad to have learnt so much from him and have the opportunity to see archaeological works in progress.

Our tour guide was knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see the sights we wanted at pace our whole group was happy with. Ephesus was bigger and more than we expected.

We were delighted with the guided tour lead by Ece, our talented, friendly and dedicated guide. The service perfectly matched our expectations: private pick up, transportation and guidance. This allowed us to spend as much time as we wanted at the most interesting sites and walk at our own (low) pace under the sun! Ece knew all the sites very well, answered all questions and let us chat among ourselves when necessary, since some of the participants weren’t fluent in English. Great tour and experience. This tour is probably the best solution for those who want to discover the Ephesus site and is priced well below similar tours (if anyy) proposed by the cruise companies.

Booking was extremely easy and organized with them. When we got off the boat and exited port security, Pinar was there waiting for us and directed us to the shuttle. Our family was the only group on this tour which was much more intimate than the cruise tour of Ephesus and Mary's house. This allowed us to personally know and interact with Pinar who was an awesome tour guide. Our visit was a little less than 4 hours and was the perfect amount of time to take in all of the highlights. Since we're on vacation, price wasn't that much of an issue but what we paid was definitely worth the costs. Can't complain about the tour except the little side trip to a local merchant. You don't have to buy anything but just be aware that this is part of the tour. We were extremely happy with the tour and would definitely recommend them to anyone who's looking to visit Kusadasi.

This was a fabulous experience! Our Tour Guide, Nejdet, was exceptional! His english was great. The love he has for his country and his profession was really evident. We learned so much! He was also very courteous and making sure we stayed out of the direct sun, had water, bathroom breaks, etc. I would book this tour again without hesitation!

We had Ephesus Shuttle recommended to us and were really glad we did! We had initially booked a "private, choice of the guest" tour through Viator - but when requesting our route (Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Mary's house, temple ruins with NO marketing stops), the operator said that even paying for a private tour of our choice, we would still be forced into visiting local craft and rug demonstrations AKA sales stops. With Ephesus Shuttle we did EXACTLY what we wanted with an informative and resourceful local guide, who managed to adapt the tour to suit the abilities of our family and what we wanted to see. Highly recommended if you want to learn all about these fascinating places with personal service and no pressure to buy anything.

We were great on time at the agreed location. We met our driver and off we went first to the last resting place of Mary. Which was very interesting and peaceful. Our guide was very knowledgeable not only about the sites that we visited but also about Turkey in general, history, customs and the people. We were never rushed, there were only 4 people in total on our tour. It was very relaxed and personal. We then drove on to the ancient site of Ephesus which was wonderful and again our guide provided us with us much knowledge as we wanted and with plenty of time to take photos at each stop. We then had time to visit the toilets and spend time at the shops before returning back to the minibus. We then took a short drive to the remains of the Temple of Artemus. To wandering around and take photos. Finally we visited a workshop to see how Turkish Rugs are made and had some refreshments. We were then driven back to our Cruise ship. In all a wonderful tour.

The tour of Ephesus was the highlight of our trip. Our tour guide Ozlem was great!

Amazing experience Pinar was so knowledgeable, she made it easy and fun for the kids

We had such a wonderful trip with Ephesus shuttle! Our tour guide Alex was so knowledge and wonderful - it was worth every penny. He made sure we got to house of Virgin Mary before the crowds showed up and was patient with our crying baby too. On top of that he went out of his way to ensure the person in our group with a dietary restriction (which was not disclosed earlier) was taken care of at lunch. We also had a person on the booking who got sick and can’t make it and the tour operator only charged us for the people who was on the tour. The whole experience was seamless - we even liked the rug school stop! Highly highly recommend Ephesus shuttle and Alex as the best guide!

This was a truly great experience. Our guide, Taz, was knowledgeable and helpful. We would absolutely use this guide and company again.

Our tour to Ephesus and Mary's House with Ephesus Shuttle was exceptional. They were quick to answer any emails, included very detailed information on what the tour would consist of, and provided updates as the date approached. Selda met us at the cruise port and was so full of excitement and information. She had so much patience for others in our group who constantly took time to have their pictures taken. She added surprise visits to a pottery place and a Turkish Candy Store. Both were fun and interesting. Never did we feel rushed, and Selda answered all questions. We would highly recommend Ephesus Shuttle for their tours.

This was such a fantastic experience. It was my favorite tour of my 14-day cruise. Adding the Terrace Houses was so with it. Not to be missed! Our tour guide (I really wish I remembered her name) was amazing. Our driver was awesome also. I want to point out that this was a small-group tour up to 10 people. It ended up just being me and my friend. I was so impressed by the fact that they didn't cancel the tour, considering it was only two of us. It speaks volumes for this company. I'm pretty sure most tour companies would have canceled with only two participants, but not this company. This company is solid and impressive, and I would tour with them again in a heartbeat. Thank you for my wonderful experience!

Our tour with Nejdet was AMAZING! The four of us were picked up at the cruise port and taken by an air-conditioned Mercedes van to The Virgin Mary's House and then onto Ephesus. Nejdet was so interesting and incredibly knowledgeable. Our driver was excellent. Don't hesitate for a moment - fabulous tour!! Highly recommend! AAA+++

Ozzie was a fabuous host! We learned so much about the area and adjusted the trip to accomodate what we wanted to see. We all agreed that a private tour was the way to go! Thank you Ozzie!

Cainkat was our personal tour guide, and he really helped bring the experience to life with his knowledge and stories shared. I highly recommend him and the tour.

We had a lovely day in Kusadasi and Ephesus! Our guide, Gokcha, treated us like long friends and gave an excellent tour of the ancient city. Along the way she told us lots of fascinating info about her home country of Turkey. We enjoyed it immensely!

We did a 1/2 day tour to Ephesus, Mary's house, and a stop for a view of the Temple of Artemis. Upon getting off the cruise ship, a short walk to a gathering place with my name displaced and picked up immediately. Our tour guide, Selenay, was amazing. She was very informative on the history and the area. The area we travelled through was beautiful. She never rush us during the whole time. We wanted to learn about rug making and she had the driver drove us to this shop partners with the government. After a quick demonstration, it was clear that it's a rug business. It's also a nice touch that you pay at the end of the tour. Overall, it was a good experience.

Our guide was very good and made us all very comfortable. Since there were only 5 of us we were able to choose what we wanted to do. We really enjoyed learning about pottery and rug making in Turkey. And lunch was delicious. Thank you for a great tour.

Overall we were pleased with the tour. We chose this tour because of its itinerary (especially the terrace houses) and it delivered. The tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable. The stop for lunch for an additional fee was not needed. We were not hungry so we spent 45 minutes wandering around a local convenience store while the others ate. The tour through Ephesus was very good but slow with many stops for talks on history which seems to be typical for tours like this. The talks added a lot of interest to the tour but sometimes went on too long. We would recommend this tour.

Excellent trip. Very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide Gürkan who explained many things to us but also let us some free space to do things on our own. Small group of only 4 people which made things go smoothly. Upon our request he skipped the usually included visit to a carpet workshop. PIck up and return absolutely on time. Very much recommended

We had an amazing tour with Melih from Curio Travel. He was so informative and kind. The history he gave us was so awesome!! Our group of 8 had a fantastic day with him. Thank you Melih for a wonderful tour!! Those memories will be with us forever! Highly recommend

Fantastic experience. Comfortable van and incredible guide. Knowledge and history was brought to life. Would recommend this highly.

Booking was super easy and confirmation received within a day to validate the request . We were met at the port/pier by our guide Gürkan as expected. Gürkan was fabulous! Personable, funny, very knowledgeable and was our favorite guide from our 10 day Med cruise with 9 stops. Thanks for a wonderful tour and we appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

An excellent tour with Selda. Comfortable air-conditioned van made the journey pleasurable. Ephesus is a must see and don't miss the terrace houses (it's an extra cost but totally worth it). Driver got us back to the cruise ship with plenty of time to spare.

Wonderful excursion whilst on our cruise. Exceptional value for money. All Comms before was spot on. Easy to find at port and Yavuz our guide was wonderful. So much history knowledge but also spoke to us honestly about life in Turkey. It's a small group tour and the transport is luxurious. We didn't want to stop at any shopping areas but other people did. So he dropped them off and then took us back to the town and recommended a great authentic restaurant as well as the best place for baklava. He went at our pace, gave us time for photos and gave really interesting commentary throughout. Don't waste your money on a cruise company trip for Ephesus. This was a great day ....huge thanks

All was very nice, the van, the driver very kind and the guide Inam, made this the perfect experience he knew very well all the history of the archeological places we went and took us to very nice places.

We cannot say enough about this tour. They provided excellent instruction on where to meet at the port, they were waiting for us when we got off the ship. It ended up being just 4 of us on the small group tour. Our guide Alex was terrific. So knowledgeable but not the kind that rambled on incessantly. He paced the tour to our needs. Great price for an amazing tour. I can recommend them wholeheartedly.

The tour was exceptional experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Turkey. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, informative, and stress-free. Thank you Melih for a memorable time.

Our tour guide, Füsun, was five star. She was very knowledgable, great personality, very good english and was lots of fun. The bus was very comfortable and clean. What we didn't like was being dropped off at multiple retail business and pressured into shopping for rugs, jewelry, and trinkets. Please skip the shopping and spend more time at the historic sites we traveled half way around the world to see.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed out recent tour of Ephesus. From the time we were picked up from our cruise ship, walking through the ruins of this once great city, and returned to our port, it was a first class tour and well worth it. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and a good communicator. She left us wanting for more, which means we will need to visit here again. Thank you so much!

Wonderful tour guide who was flexible with our schedule and the things we wanted to do. She had great suggestions and a full knowledge of the historical sights. The van was fairly new and easily accommodated the six of us. The only thing I would suggest is that you skip Mary’s house as it is a long wait and felt like a tourist trap rather than a religious site.

It was a great tour, perfectly organized and very memorable. The Ephesus and St. Mary's house visit is a must if you only have a chance, and this small group tour with very professional guide Nejdet was absolutely perfect. He were picked up in a cruise port, drove in a comfortable van to Ephesus. Our guide adjusted an order of sightseeing based on crowds and hot weather. He first shown us incredible Ephesus, walking through its historic marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, including Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theater, and Terrace Houses. Nejdet told us tons of exciting historic facts, was showing us the best places for pictures and was giving us plenty of breaks for a drink and rest. Then we stopped at Artemisian Temple, and later drove to House of Virgin Mary, located in the mountains, 5 miles away. All together experience never to forget!

This was a great small group tour with the amazingly knowledgeable Arzu tour guide. She shared many great insights about the history of her country and of every historic spot we visited.

Fantastic guide, Emre. He was so knowledgeable and friendly, and since we were the only ones who booked that day ,was able to personalize our day within the guidelines. We went to Mary's house first and so we're able to be alone there! So special. The tour of Ephesus was amazing with so much great history. I esp loved the terrace houses but be aware that the stairs are many. We were able to pick our shopping option and decided on the rug coop. Love watching the women making the rugs and how the silk is obtained. The rug demonstration was beautiful and we did end up buying but did not feel pressured. A great experience.

Our guide, Selenay, met us at the ship and into a beautiful Mercedes Limo Van minutes after walking off the ship. On the way she laid-out the itinerary and told us there were alternatives to timing and locations, based on what we wanted to do. She got us around the large crowds quickly so we could spend time seeing everything. She was very knowledgeable about the sites and history and happy to go into more detail on anything we asked about. Overall it was our favorite day of the whole trip - and Ephesus is a MUST-SEE!

Visited Ephesus with Pinar. She was lovely, helpful, and relaxed, checking what we wanted to see and clear explanations

This was our second tour of Ephesus and this one was far superior. Our guide Olgu was so knowledgeable and gave us the most interesting information. Would highly recommend.

We had a great tour of Ephasus with Aleyna! She was really knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. We enjoyed having the flexibility and personal touch of a private tour guide. It was well worth it and we'd highly recommend Aleyna and the company!

Gulsah was an excellent guide. Definitely the private car -private guide experience was far superior to a large ship excursion tour. She catered to our interests and physical needs meandering amongst the ruins of Ephesus. We walk with canes and have difficulty with long or large steps and we were able to see 80% of the ruins and House of Mary and the lower magnificent terraced houses. She described modern Turkish life to us as well as ancient history, knowing that I was a history teacher and adapting to my boyfriend’s lesser knowledge of the past. We had a coffee stop and were let off at the hamam spa we planned to go to afterwards in town.

We had Aleyna as our guide for the visit to the House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus and It was the best experience, she was knowledgable and entertaining. She proposed also a visit to a ceramics workshop on our way back that, even though initially we were not thrilled with the idea, resulted very interesting. Highly recommended.

Ephesus Shuttle with our guide Aleyna was wonderful. The were ready to go right when we came into port. Aleyna met us and got started right away. Aleyna was a wealth of knowledge about Turkey and its history which she told us as we traveled to Ephesus. She explained in great detail about the sights we were visiting Mary's House, Ephesus, the Terrace houses at Ephesus and the temple of Artemis. She knew all of the shady spots to help in the heat made sure we had all of our pictures before we moved on and always asked us what we wanted to do as the tour progressed. I would definitely recommend Ephesus Shuttle especially if Aleyna is the tour guide.

Firstly, when they say no extra charges they mean it. I was skeptical, but it was 100% true. Ephesus itself is amazing but you’ll get so much more out of it with a guide. Our guide Orge (spelling) or “Emma” as she went by, was fantastic. Relaxed, knowledgeable and evidently hugely experienced. She made the day really interesting, and also provided a sense of safety. If you’ve been to Türkiye before, you’ll know what I mean when I talk about street vendor culture. Our guide did a great job of keeping an eye out for our group of six and providing a sense of security, keeping us out of any situations which may have attracted undue attention. I can’t say in strong enough terms how valuable that was. An opportunity was given to go shopping at the end, but there was zero pressure. We were provided recommendations of where and where not to venture and were delivered back to the port with bags of time to spare. Transport was modern, and well driven… again, not to be taken for granted! Refreshingly honest for a tour of this sort. It was clear from looking around busy Ephesus that not all tours were as lucky as we were! Thank you!!

We had an amazing tour with Emre. He was well versed on all the history and pertinent info for the entire tour. He tailored the experience to our families needs and with our 6 year old. He was so professional, kind and warm. Would definitely book a tour with Emre again.

Our guide Erden did a wonderful job on this tour! We got in early to see the sights and avoided many of the crowds. We had a wonderful lunch