Selcuk is a treasure trove of history and culture, but it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch. Unlike many tourist spots, Selcuk offers a variety of options—from hearty traditional Turkish meals included in guided tours to intimate village lunches and private, customizable experiences. We’re particularly fond of tours that combine rich history with authentic local cuisine, like the Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour with Lunch Included. Here, you’ll walk ancient marble streets, visit the Virgin Mary’s possible final residence, and then sit down to a delicious, hearty meal. It’s a balanced way to explore while satisfying your hunger with good, local food.
What makes Selcuk stand out for lunch experiences is the variety. You can opt for comprehensive guided trips that include stops at sacred sites and monuments, or choose private, customizable tours ideal for families or small groups. There are also special village visits, like the Şirince Village Tour, which combine authentic village life, local wine tastings, and a relaxed meal in a peaceful setting. Whatever your style, Selcuk offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and cuisine—each designed to give you a taste of authentic Turkey.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the best lunch experiences in Selcuk, carefully chosen for their unique mix of culture, value, and memorable eats. From full-day guided tours with included meals to private, tailored adventures—there’s something here for every taste and schedule.
1. Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour with Lunch Included
This highly-rated tour offers a full immersion into the heart of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary House. For around $125, you’ll spend about 7 hours exploring the well-preserved ruins and possibly the final resting place of Virgin Mary. The tour includes a visit to the grand Library of Celsus, and the majestic Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a morning of wandering among ancient marble streets, you’ll enjoy a hearty, traditional Turkish lunch in Selcuk. The guide shares engaging stories that bring the ruins to life, making this a top pick for history lovers who also want a good meal. Reviewers praise the guide Augusto for his explanations and the overall completeness of the experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive, well-organized day with included transport and meals that combine history and local flavors.
2. From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour from Izmir makes a perfect day trip for travelers staying in or near the city. For roughly $125, it packs in the House of Virgin Mary, the ruins of Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis, plus a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. The highlight is the seamless combination of walking through ancient streets and enjoying a generous meal—reviewers mention the homemade lunch as a standout. The guide, Nijam, stands out for his friendly attitude and deep knowledge, keeping the group engaged through the day. The tour includes visits to a silk weaving workshop and a carpet showroom, adding a cultural touch to your visit.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a full, culturally rich experience with a mix of history and local craftsmanship, all with convenient pick-up.
3. All inclusive VIP Customizable Ephesus with Lunch & Entrance
If you prefer a personalized experience, this private, all-inclusive tour is a winner. For $139 per person, it offers total flexibility—your family or friends choose the sites, and you set the schedule. It covers key highlights like Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, John Basilica, and Artemis Temple, plus a traditional Turkish lunch. Reviews are glowing, particularly praising the guide Tez for his professionalism and flexibility. The private nature makes this perfect for those who want to avoid crowds or have specific interests. The tour includes private pick-up and drop-off; it’s tailored to your pace and preferences.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a custom, intimate experience with complete control over what to see and eat.
4. House of Mary and Ephesus Tour with Lunch FROM KUSADASI HOTELS
This small-group tour is perfect for those staying in Kusadasi, combining a visit to Virgin Mary’s House, Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis with a delicious local lunch. For just $39, it offers a compact 5-6 hour experience, making it suitable for travelers with limited time. The guide is knowledgeable and friendly, providing in-depth insights into the ruins and history. The included lunch offers a hearty, traditional Turkish meal, perfect for recharging after walking through ancient sites. Guests appreciate the intimate atmosphere, with a max group size of 12, and the flexibility of hotel pickup.
Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious travelers looking for a well-organized, small-group experience with a good meal.
5. From Istanbul: Day Trip to Ephesus with Flight and Lunch
For those flying into Turkey, this 13-16 hour day trip from Istanbul includes a flight, guided Ephesus exploration, and a traditional Turkish lunch. Starting at around $335, it’s a longer, more immersive experience that covers Paul’s roads, the Library of Celsus, Virgin Mary’s house, and the Temple of Artemis. The tour is intensive but efficient, perfect for travelers with tight schedules who want to see the highlights with minimal fuss. The guide Efe is praised for his expertise, and the included lunch allows you to sample authentic Turkish cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day combining air travel and sightseeing.
6. Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour with Lunch for Cruisers
This private tour, costing around $79 per person, is tailored for cruise passengers wanting a flexible, personalized experience. Highlights include the Ephesus ruins, House of Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. It’s a half-day adventure, perfect if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful visit. The guide is local and attentive, ensuring you see the main sights comfortably. Guests report this tour offers excellent value, with a smooth, private transfer.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise travelers looking for a private, efficient tour with flexible timing.
7. From Kusadasi: Ephesus Guided Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
This 8-hour small-group tour costs about $93 and specializes in exploring Antique Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. The guide, Nizam, keeps the group lively with engaging commentary. Visitors love the mix of site visits and included lunch, making it a complete day. The small group size (max 14) ensures a personalized experience, with enough time to ask questions and absorb the history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a guided, intimate look at Ephesus, with a tasty local meal included.
8. From Kusadasi or Selcuk: Full-Day Ephesus Tour with Lunch
For just $90, this full-day tour from either Kusadasi or Selcuk covers the Ephesus ruins, Virgin Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The tour emphasizes comfort and convenience, making it especially suitable for those with limited mobility or tight schedules. Guests praise the well-organized nature and the chance to see all the main sites in one day, with a relaxing lunch in a local eatery.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a straightforward, all-in-one tour with good value.
9. Guided Icmeler Ephesus Tour w/ Breakfast & Lunch
This 13-hour day trip from Icmeler offers an incredible value at $43 per person. It includes hotel pickup, breakfast, guided tour of Ephesus, and lunch. The guide provides expert insights, sharing stories about the major ruins like the Celsus Library and the Great Theater. The tour also visits the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders—and includes a stop at a pottery place and Turkish delight shop. Reviewers love the friendly guide Nur and the overall organized experience.
Bottom Line: For budget travelers wanting a comprehensive, well-run day with multiple cultural stops.
10. Şirince Village Tour/ Traditional Lunch Fixed Price up to 15
This private tour costs $387 per group (up to 15 people) for a 4-hour escape into Şirince village. It features a relaxed walk through cobblestone streets, a visit to a weaving school, and a garden lunch. The experience emphasizes authentic village life, local crafts, and delicious homemade food. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a peaceful, personalized day out that connects them with local people and traditions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a private, cultural escape, with a focus on local lifestyle and a relaxed pace.
11. Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour with wine Tasting + Lunch
This 6-hour tour combines visits to Ephesus, Sirince Village, and local wine tastings for about $70-$100 depending on options. The highlight is walking along the ancient streets, then wandering Sirince’s colorful lanes, tasting the famous fruit wines. Reviewers mention the guide’s detailed explanations and relaxed pace, perfect for a laid-back day. The included lunch and wine tasting add a special touch, especially for lovers of local flavors.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers who enjoy history combined with wine and a casual village atmosphere.
12. Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour F/ Kusadasi with Lunch
This budget-friendly, 5-hour guided tour costs $40 and offers a compact experience of Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis. It includes a visit to the Ephesus Museum and a traditional Turkish lunch. Guests appreciate the smooth transfers and expert guides who share detailed insights into the ruins. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to see the main sights without a long day of walking.
Bottom Line: Best for cost-conscious visitors who still want a meaningful visit with good local food.
13. Ephesus Private Tour Lunch from Kusadasi. Turkish Bath opt
This customizable private tour at $69 per person offers a flexible schedule and includes Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, and a traditional Turkish lunch. It’s perfect for travelers who want to control their itinerary and add optional experiences like a Turkish bath. The guide shares detailed stories, and the private setting ensures personalized attention. Reviewers note the attentive guide and smooth logistics make for a stress-free day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a private, flexible, and immersive experience with optional add-ons.
14. Ephesus Tours Port Kusadasi lunch shopping Caravanserai
This private 6-hour experience from Kusadasi combines Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Caravanserai with a stop for shopping and a traditional lunch. It’s suited for travelers interested in a mix of ruins, local markets, and historic inns. The guide’s attention to detail and flexibility make it a favorite among those who want to customize their day. Reviewers mention the visit to the Caravanserai as a unique highlight, blending history with local commerce.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a varied day including shopping, history, and a relaxed lunch.
15. For Cruisers: Ephesus, Sirince, and Village Life with Lunch
This 6-hour tour offers cruisers a full experience of Ephesus, the hillside village of Sirince, and local village life. It features a homemade lunch in a carpet weaving village and wine tasting at Sirince. The tour emphasizes authentic local connections, with expert guides ensuring smooth logistics. Visitors love the intimate atmosphere and the chance to see local artisans at work. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with genuine cultural encounters.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise passengers who want a relaxed, authentic day combining ruins, village walks, and local food.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Selcuk
When selecting a tour, consider your schedule, budget, and interests. If you want a comprehensive day with included meals and historical sites, the Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour offers great value. For a more personalized, private experience, the All inclusive VIP Customizable Ephesus is hard to beat. Budget travelers can opt for shorter, small-group options like the House of Mary and Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi.
If your time is limited, the Kusadasi private tour provides a quick, private visit, perfect for cruise schedules. For those interested in village life and wine tasting, the Sirince Village Tour or the Ephesus & Sirince with Wine combine cultural charm with relaxed dining.
Practical tips? Book early in peak season, especially for private or full-day tours. Consider your walking ability—some tours involve steep or uneven terrain—and whether cultural activities like wine tasting or village visits interest you.
To sum it up, Selcuk offers a wide range of lunch experiences that blend historical discovery with authentic Turkish cuisine. Whether you prefer a full-day guided tour with included meals, a private customizable adventure, or a relaxed village lunch, the options cater to different interests and schedules. For travelers eager to experience both the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the flavors of Turkey, these tours provide memorable ways to enjoy your time in this remarkable region. Be sure to book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season, to secure your preferred experience and enjoy a truly satisfying midday break.