Where to Go: the 15 Best Temple Tours in Turkey

1.Ephesus Temple of Artemis and House of Mary Private Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $15Our pick

Meet your private guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a 4 to 5 hour visit to Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and Mary’s House. Guides such as Mel, Seyhan, Füsun, and Bugra tailor the pace, explain the sites in clear English, and include lunch plus a Turkish carpet demonstration.

“This is a must do tour and I would highly recommend Mel as a guide. We had a fantastic afternoon with Mel catering to our needs and wants and ensuring that we had a comfortable tour. Her knowledge of the area and great sense of humour really made the day. We were picked up from the terminal on time, found our minivan and headed off. We did everything we wanted including a special quick detour to see the beautiful sunset. Ephesus is an absolute must-see; don’t miss it! So glad we had Mel as a tour guide; she has a wonderfully warm and fun personality.”

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2.Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Private Tour from Kusadasi Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $14Best value

Meet your private guide at Kusadasi cruise port for Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and a Turkish lunch. Guides such as Fatih, Seyhan, Eren, Alp, and Bihter tailor the visit well for families, history fans, and cruise passengers. Allow for shopping and craft demonstrations along the way.

“We had an excellent tour with Seyhan. He was extremely knowledgeable and shared what he knew with enthusiasm for his country. We certainly got more than we expected for the price to see the Ephesus ruins and the Temple of Artemis, learn about rug making and have a lovely Turkish lunch. Highly recommend this service”

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3.Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater and City of Side Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 644 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $42

Spend about 10 hours exploring Perge, Aspendos, and Side from Antalya with a guide such as Ibrahim, Oğuzhan, Ozzy, or Gamze. Expect Roman ruins, a superb ancient theater, Apollo’s seaside columns, lunch, hotel pickup, and a small group of up to 15. Some departures also include Manavgat Waterfall.

“The history of some impressive ancient Roman sites explained in some detail - and with a deep knowledge from the tour leader. She brought it to life, making it a richer experience.”

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4.Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 449 reviews · from $27

Meet your guide outside Kusadasi cruise terminal for a 3.5-hour visit to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Expect Roman streets, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and a small-group ride back to port. Guides such as Esra, Aysel, Mesta, and Ahmet have earned praise for clear, lively explanations.

“The tour was fantastic! The bus was large and air conditioned. The stops were good. We were able to get in all we wanted and then some more! The driver got us to where we needed safely and the tour guide was so knowledgeable. We stopped at the Heirloom Carpet Centre where we watched women make carpets and had a great lunch. Would recommend this tour 100 times!!”

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5.3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet your licensed guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port and explore Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis in a private air-conditioned van. Guides such as Bilal, Umut, Utku, and Taylan are praised for clear explanations and flexible pacing. Countryside lunch and craft demonstrations may be included.

“Our experience is one of the best tours we’ve ever been. Our tour guide Bilal was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with my 89 year old mother.. Ergin our driver was polite and always had the vehicle cool.. I highly recommend this tour!!!”

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6.Ephesus Tour with Temple of Artemis and Sirince Village From Izmir

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 239 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $145

Travel from Izmir to Mary’s House, Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and Sirince Village on an 8 to 9-hour guided day. Expect hotel, airport, or port pickup, buffet lunch, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Nizam, Melike, and Mehmet are especially praised.

“The best part of this tour is Mehmet , our host. He is a teacher as well I believe, so sorted, so warm and spoke only when it’s required, no overload of info. The day was damn hot and he walked with us to every single place/spot. anybody thinking of visiting Turkey in July, pls think again. Never requested for a review or anything else for that matter. Very professional. It’s a great historical tour, Ephesus is great, house of Mary Yes. I didn’t find anything interesting in temple of Artemis or syringe village. But you need to spend a day.”

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7.Alanya to Aspendos, Kursunlu Waterfalls and City of Side Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 59 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $54

Travel from Alanya to Side, Aspendos and Kursunlu Waterfalls with an English-speaking guide, lunch, and hotel pickup. You’ll see the Temple of Apollo, ancient ruins, Aspendos Bridge and a Roman theatre. Guides such as Necati have earned praise, but language and transport arrangements can vary.

“Excursion quasi uniquement en russe alors qu’on avait demandé de l’anglais. Excursion beaucoup trop rapide, nous courrions derrière le guide afin de tenter de la rattraper (avec deux enfants…) Et un changement de car inexpliqué et insensé en fin de journée qui nous a fait perdre à tous plus d’une heure. Fort dommage car joli site.”

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8.From Izmir: Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 36 reviews · 6 hours · from $95

Spend about six hours visiting Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis from Izmir Port or selected hotels. Walk the Marble Road, Great Theatre, and Library of Celsus with an English guide, then enjoy lunch and a Turkish carpet-making demonstration. Guides may include Ozz, Funda, Melisa S, or Ogun.

“We get out of our hotel at 8am and we arrive at 6pm, it was really tiring. Our guide, Funda, was amazing. She was really kind and explained everything slowly and with details. The lunch was good also. To be honest, I think 100€ (60€ tour plus 40€ to enter in Ephesus) is a lot, but each one with their opinion.”

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9.Manavgat Waterfalls, Temple of Apollo and Aspendos Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 25 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $60

From Alanya, spend about nine hours visiting Lower Duden Waterfalls, Side’s Temple of Apollo and ancient theater, and Aspendos. An English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup, and lunch are included. Expect a busy day, one optional €15 theater fee, and shopping stops.

“This picture was not of the waterfall we saw. We booked because of this photo thinking we would see this waterfall...instead they took us to a small man made waterfall only 2 meters tall. Also, the bus broke down and while we understand things can happen they took us and dropped us off at amphitheater site and just had us walk around ourselves without a guide. Why did we pay for a guided service? This wouldn’t have been so bad but the waterfall misleading photo at the end of the trip after a long day was ridiculous. Would not recommend unless you understand the waterfall at the end is a…”

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10.Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, and Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 22 reviews · 8 hours · from $77

Travel from Kusadasi or the cruise port to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis with an English-speaking guide. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, eat a traditional Turkish lunch, and learn about the region’s ancient and religious past. Entrance fees are extra.

“Me dijeron q la casa de Maria era opcional pero a todos nos hicieron bajar. A la guía le falta mucho carisma. Realmente le daba igual si entendíamos o no. Ya en Éfesos sentí que estaba corriendo, no nos daba tiempo de ver bien con calma o tomar fotos. Paramos en tiendas que son de gana y mejor se podría aprovechar en éfesos. El buffet estuvo regular. Regresamos a Kusadasi a las 2pm tranquilamente puede ser 3 o 4 aprovechando en Éfesos y Artemisa.”

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11.Less Walking Private Ephesus, Virgin Mary, Temple Skip Lines

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 4 hours · from $96

You’ll visit the House of Virgin Mary, selected sights in Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis with a private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle. The route limits walking in Ephesus to about 30 minutes. Guides may include Simon, Eran, or Fusun.

“Zowel de gids als de chauffeur hebben wij als uitstekend ervaren! De gids heeft met heel veel kennis ons een fantastische dag bezorgd. De chauffeur heeft ons veilig en op een rustige wijze naar alle bezienswaardigheden gebracht en had oog voor de medische problemen van met name een persoon van het gezelschap. Wij hebben van de excursie met volle teugen genoten. Een punt voor verbetering: Maak de excursie inclusief de entree kaarten.”

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12.Bodrum: Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, and Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 18 reviews · 14 hours · from $71

Travel from Bodrum to Ephesus by air-conditioned vehicle, stopping at Bafa Lake, the Temple of Artemis, the House of Virgin Mary, and Roman ruins. Guides speak English or Russian. Expect a very long day, extra entrance fees, and possible shopping stops that can reduce time at Ephesus.

“We had a lovely day. Departing from Bodrum, we stopped at a jewelry factory, but it was a quick one. Ephesus with Eme, who explained everything to us in a friendly and professional manner. The lunch was good value for money. A visit to the House of the Virgin was optional, with an alternative stroll through the Selcuk market. The transportation was well organized, and the driver was very helpful. Overall, the entire staff was very kind and helpful. Recommended.”

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13.Istanbul Ancient Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 14 reviews · 8 hours · from $561

Spend eight hours exploring Byzantine Istanbul with an English-speaking guide such as Dogus Cosar, Ludwig, or Diana. Walk from church ruins and cisterns to Chora’s mosaics and Tekfur Palace, with admissions, public transport, lunch, and hotel pickup included.

“Had a really great experience. The guide, Diana, was friendly and knowledgeable. She is also passionate about the historical importance and significance of the different places we were brought to. Additionally, she was very conversant and we had many good exchanges and conversations. Her insights also brought a lot of new understanding and depth to each place. She was also highly helpful from the very beginning and really thank her from the bottom of our hearts!”

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14.KUSADASI PORT: House of Mary, Ephesus and Atemis Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 5 hours · from $166

From Kusadasi Port, your private driver and guide take you to the House of Mary, Ephesus, Selcuk, and Artemis Temple. Expect a flexible five-hour visit, air-conditioned transport, skip-the-line access, and guiding in English, Spanish, or Russian. Entrance fees and meals are extra.

“Tudo correu como previsto!!! O guia ajudou imenso nas explicações transmitidas. Recomendo a experiência proporcionada.”

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15.Cappadocia: Green Tour Explore Valleys & Rock Monasteries

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 7 hours · from $41

You’ll explore Cappadocia by minibus with an English or Turkish guide, visiting Pigeon Valley, Kaymaklı Underground City, and possibly Selime Monastery and Ihlara Valley. The advertised route also names Zelve and Paşabağ, so confirm the exact schedule before booking. Hotel pickup, transport, and guide are included.

“NOSSO guia foi perfeito e o motorista também. Conhecemos tudo com calma, pontualidade e organização.”

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