Private Ephesus, Virgin Mary House and Şirince Tour

This private day tour joins three of the area's best-loved stops in a single, unhurried programme: the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary on the wooded hill above it, and the village of Şirince, with its whitewashed houses, fruit wine and olive oil. A driver and guide take only your party, so you set the pace, spend longer where you want and skip what you have seen. The mix is deliberate. Ephesus supplies the grand history, the Virgin Mary house offers a quiet moment and Şirince finishes the day with lunch, a stroll and a taste of village life. It is a good fit for couples, families and small groups who want a complete day without logistics, and who are happy to pay for comfort and flexibility.

A day that flows. Many travellers find that a shared tour feels rushed in Şirince, where the pleasure is in lingering. A private tour lets you stay for a long lunch in a village restaurant, taste fruit wines slowly and wander the lanes. Equally, if you prefer more time in the ruins, the guide can adapt the schedule.

The vehicle is often a comfortable minibus or car with air conditioning, which matters on hot days.What is included. Details vary, so check the inclusions carefully. Luxury or all-inclusive programmes commonly include a driver, a licensed guide, bottled water and sometimes entrance fees and lunch, but they may not cover the Terrace Houses or tips.

Ask whether wine tasting is part of the village stop and whether the program has a shopping stop, which you can decline. Because the day is private, you can also ask for a different route, for example starting at the Virgin Mary house before the crowds.Practical advice. Dress modestly at the House of the Virgin Mary and village mosques, and wear comfortable shoes for the marble and cobbles. Bring sun protection, a hat and water, and carry a little cash for purchases in the village.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, and weekdays are quieter than weekends in Şirince. If you are on a tight cruise schedule, confirm the return time and the buffer. This tour works well for visitors who want to see the main sights and have time to savour the village. If your budget is tighter, the shared Sirince and Ephesus tours in this guide offer a similar route in a group.To get the most from a long private day, set an early start so that you reach Ephesus before the groups and the heat.

Keep the afternoon for Şirince, where the late light on the hillside is beautiful. Ask your guide to introduce you to a family-run restaurant rather than the busiest place on the main lane, and taste a few fruit wines before you buy a bottle. Bring a light bag for purchases, and allow for the winding drive back at the end of the day.

If you are staying in Selçuk, ask whether the driver can drop you at your hotel rather than at the port. Confirm the pickup time the evening before, and keep the guide's phone number handy for any change of plan.