Selcuk is a treasure trove for history lovers and curious travelers alike. Its proximity to ancient ruins, religious sites, and charming villages makes it an ideal spot to combine sightseeing with a memorable lunch. We particularly enjoy tours that mix culture with delicious regional cuisine — like the Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour with Lunch Included. Not only does this tour offer a deep dive into the UNESCO-listed Ephesus ruins, but it also takes you to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final resting place. Plus, the included hearty Turkish lunch at a local restaurant makes this full-day experience especially appealing.
For travelers with a flexible schedule, the All inclusive VIP Customizable Ephesus with Lunch & Entrance offers a personalized touch, allowing you to choose the sites you visit and enjoy a private, tailored experience. Meanwhile, the From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour with Lunch is a great choice if you’re based in Izmir and want a comprehensive day trip with excellent reviews for its organization and guide expertise. Whether you’re after a group outing, a private tour, or a quick half-day experience, Selcuk’s array of options guarantees a delicious and educational lunch break.
Quick Overview
Selcuk’s lunch experiences vary from guided group excursions to private, customizable tours. Some include just the ruins and a traditional meal, while others combine visits to the Virgin Mary’s House, the Temple of Artemis, and even wine tastings in Sirince Village. Most tours highlight well-preserved ruins like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, with some offering unique extras such as Turkish baths or artisan visits. Check out the full list below for options suited to your schedule and interests.
1. Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour with Lunch Included
At number 1, this tour combines the must-see Ephesus ruins with a visit to the Virgin Mary House, believed to be where she spent her last days. For about $125, you get a full 7-hour experience that includes exploring the well-preserved Roman streets, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient Wonders of the World. The tour’s star is its balance—rich archaeological sights paired with a hearty regional lunch at a local restaurant, making it ideal for history buffs and food lovers. The reviews are stellar, with a perfect 5-star rating from 268 travelers praising the guide’s explanations and the comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom line: If you want a well-organized, all-in-one day exploring classical ruins and historical sites, this tour offers serious value and a memorable experience.
2. From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour with Lunch
Starting from Izmir, this 8-hour tour is perfect for travelers based in the city who want a full immersion into Ephesus. For $125 per person, it covers the House of Virgin Mary, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis, plus a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. The tour is highly rated with 447 reviews, with many praising the organized, smooth experience and the guide’s engaging knowledge. Visitors love that it includes visits to sites like Trajan’s Fountain and the Celsius Library, offering a true taste of Roman grandeur.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a comprehensive day trip from Izmir with excellent reviews and a personal touch.
3. All inclusive VIP Customizable Ephesus with Lunch & Entrance
If you’d prefer to tailor your experience, this private, all-inclusive tour gives you the freedom to choose which sites to see. For $139, you get a personalized day, including the Ephesus ruins, Virgin Mary’s House, St. John Basilica, and the Artemission temple. The guide will work with you to create a bespoke itinerary, making it ideal for families or groups with specific interests. Guests consistently praise the flexibility, private service, and quality of the included traditional Turkish lunch.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a customized experience and the comfort of a private guide.
4. House of Mary and Ephesus Tour with Lunch FROM KUSADASI HOTELS
For around $39, this tour offers a compact 5-6 hour experience ideal for cruise passengers or those with limited time. It combines a guided visit to the House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus ruins, along with a traditional Turkish lunch. Reviews highlight the friendly guide and well-organized itinerary, with many guests appreciating the opportunity to learn about the site’s spiritual significance and enjoy a delicious meal afterward.
Bottom line: Great for a short, meaningful visit that balances archaeological highlights with local cuisine.
5. From Istanbul: Day Trip to Ephesus with Flight and Lunch
For those with a busy schedule, this long day trip from Istanbul packs in a lot, including a short flight, guided visits to Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House, and a Turkish lunch. For about $335, you get approximately 13-16 hours of sightseeing. Reviews mention the smooth logistics and the guide’s extensive knowledge. It’s perfect if you want to combine city life with history and avoid the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers with limited time who want an all-in-one, hassle-free experience from Istanbul.
6. Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour with Lunch for Cruisers
This private tour from Kusadasi, at $79 per person, offers a 2-hour guided exploration of Ephesus, plus optional visits to Virgin Mary’s House and the Temple of Artemis. It’s ideal for cruise passengers wanting a flexible, personalized experience. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and smooth logistics, making it an easy way to see major sights without a large group.
Bottom line: Good for cruise travelers wanting a private, efficient visit with the flexibility to customize.
7. From Kusadasi: Ephesus Guided Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
This 8-hour tour is rated highly, with a focus on small group intimacy (max 14 people). For $93, you get in-depth visits to the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the House of Virgin Mary. Guides are recognized for their depth of knowledge and friendly demeanor. Many reviews note the enjoyable atmosphere and the delicious included lunch.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who prefer smaller groups and more personal guidance.
8. From Kusadasi or Selcuk: Full-Day Ephesus Tour with Lunch
This modestly priced, 8-hour tour with top reviews offers hotel pickup, visits to the ruins, Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis, and a local restaurant lunch. At only $90 per person, it’s a great value for those seeking a straightforward, full-day cultural experience. Reviewers appreciate the comfortable transportation and well-executed itinerary.
Bottom line: A dependable, budget-friendly choice for a comprehensive day of sightseeing.
9. Guided Icmeler Ephesus Tour w/ Breakfast & Lunch
This 13-hour day trip costs just $43 and includes hotel pickup, breakfast, guided tours of Ephesus, and lunch. It’s perfect for travelers staying in Icmeler or Mugla, eager to explore Ephesus with a local guide. Reviews praise the expert commentary, friendly guide Nur, and quality of the included meals. The tour’s full-day length makes it ideal for those wanting a long, educational day with minimal hassle.
Bottom line: Best for budget-conscious travelers who value a full-day experience with local guidance.
10. Şirince Village Tour / Traditional Lunch Fixed Price up to 15
This private tour offers a 4-hour escape from crowds, focusing on the authentic village life of Şirince. For just $387 per group (up to 15 people), it includes a garden lunch, visits to a weaving school, and a relaxed stroll through cobblestone streets. Many travelers love its personalized approach and the chance to connect with locals. It’s perfect for those seeking an intimate cultural experience in a scenic setting.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, leisurely day with authentic local encounters.
$387 per group up to 15
11. Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour w/wine tasting+LUNCH
For about $91, this 6-hour guided tour combines Ephesus’s archaeological sites with a visit to Sirince Village, famous for its fruit wines. Guests enjoy walking along ancient streets, sampling wines, and tasting traditional Turkish cuisine. Reviewers note the friendly guide Esra and the special wine tasting in Sirince as highlights. It’s well suited for those who want a mix of history, culture, and local flavors.
Bottom line: Great for wine enthusiasts and those wanting a more relaxed, scenic experience combined with ancient ruins.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Selcuk
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a comprehensive, guided day with all logistics handled, the Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour or the Full-Day Ephesus Tour from Izmir are excellent choices. If you prefer a private, personalized experience, the VIP Customizable Tour or Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi might suit you better.
For those on a tight schedule or cruise passengers, the shorter tours like the House of Mary and Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi or the guided tour with breakfast and lunch from Icmeler offer great value. If you want a cultural escape with a focus on local life, the Şirince Village Tour provides authentic village encounters plus regional cuisine.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private and customizable tours, to secure your preferred date and ensure smooth logistics. Always check for included meals and site entry fees, as prices and offerings vary.
Final Thoughts
Selcuk offers a range of lunch experiences, from comprehensive group tours to private, tailor-made adventures. For those seeking a deep dive into Ephesus’s archaeology, the all-inclusive VIP tour delivers a customizable approach, while budget travelers will appreciate shorter options like the Kusadasi tour. Wine lovers and culture seekers will enjoy the combination of Ephesus and Sirince Village, especially with tastings and artisan visits.
No matter your style or schedule, Selcuk’s tours promise a satisfying mix of history, authentic cuisine, and local charm. To make the most of your trip, consider booking early — these popular experiences fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Now all that’s left is to choose your ideal lunch adventure and get ready for a memorable day in this historic corner of Turkey.