Private Tour: Ephesus
Private Tour: Ephesus
Private Tour: Ephesus
Private Tour: Ephesus
Private Tour: Ephesus
Sample itinerariesPrivate Tour: Ephesus
Duration
1 – 3 Days
Departure
Everyday
Best time for tour
Year round
Guiding in
English
Tour Type
Private tour with dedicated tour guide
Private touring vehicles in service
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Sample itinerariesPrivate Ephesus Tours
Located near the modern town of Selçuk in Turkey’s Aegean region, Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. Once a bustling port city and a major center of trade, culture, and religion, Ephesus is now an open-air museum that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. Ephesus is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Must-see highlights of Ephesus area:
– Ephesus,
– Terrace Houses of Ephesus,
– House of Virgin Mary,
– Temple of Artemis
– Museum of Ephesus (a small museum with a fine collection of findings from Ephesus).
There are frequent one hour domestic flights from Istanbul to Izmir and Izmir Airport is appx. one hour drive away from Ephesus. So, with an early departure from Istanbul, the main highlights of Ephesus area can be covered in a day, yet, if guests have more time, the area is rich with many more historic sites and places to visit.
Ephesus is always a major stop for Mediterranean cruise ships.
There are two major ports in the area:
– Kusadasi (an Aegean resort town, appx 15 minutes drive away from Ephesus)
– Izmir (a major city of Western Turkey, appx one hour drive away from Ephesus)
Once you have visited the main highlights of Ephesus, on a second day, you may also explore the following sites in the area:
– Miletus (Greco-roman settlement with well preserved theatre)
– Didyma (Greek settlement with Temple of Apollon, built to compete with the one in Delphi)
– Sirince (Originally settled by the Greek, this quaint town was deserted for centuries before being revived by a burgeoning fruit wine making practice and local artisans)
These 3 locations are appx 1 hour driving distance from Kusadasi.
If you have even more time, switching to a hotel in Izmir for a third and final night would allow you to visit:
– Pergamon (one of the oldest Greek settlements in Asia minor, and where one of the 7 Churches of Revelation is located)
– Sardis (another one of the 7 Churches of Revelation, a gorgeous gymnasium, and one of the oldest synagogues in Asia minor can be visited here).
– City tour in Izmir (largest city on the Turkish Aegean coast)
Please get in touch for alternating routes and further details.
Tour Overview
Ephesus
Terrace Houses of Ephesus
House of Virgin Mary
Temple of Artemis
Museum of Ephesus
Miletus
Didyma
Şirince
Pergamon
Sardes
City Tour In Izmir
Itinerary in detail
Every single KSG trip is tailored to the personal preferences and interests of our guests.
Below you will find details about the places to be visited during this tour.
With long walks, this day is designed for happy walkers. Once you make it to the end, you will get a very good feel of the historical and archaeological heritage of this region.
The Library of Celsus
- The Library of Celsus: One of the most iconic structures in Ephesus, this ancient library was built in 117 AD and once held over 12,000 scrolls. Its beautifully restored façade is a favorite spot for photos.
The Great Theatre
The Great Theatre: With a seating capacity of 25,000, this massive amphitheater was used for gladiator fights, theatrical performances, and public meetings. It is still used for concerts and events today.
Terrace Houses
Terrace Houses: These well-preserved houses belonged to the wealthy citizens of Ephesus and feature intricate mosaics, frescoes, and heating systems. They offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient elite.
Curetes Street
Curetes Street: This marble-paved street was one of the main thoroughfares of Ephesus, lined with shops, statues, and public buildings.
Temple of Hadrian
Temple of Hadrian: This small but elegant temple is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian and features beautiful reliefs and decorations.
House of Virgin Mary
A significant pilgrimage site, this is where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years.
Didyma
Didyma was an important ancient sanctuary famous for the Temple of Apollo, one of the largest temples of the ancient Greek world. Visitors today can walk among its towering columns and imagine pilgrims who once traveled here to receive prophecies from the oracle.
Need more inspiration?
Istanbul
Walks
01
Cappadocia
02
Istanbul
The Old City
03
