PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: Best Seller GUARANTEED ON-TIME RETURN PORT

based on 218 reviews

Duration:6 hours (approx.)
Location: Kusadasi, Turkish Riviera

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This private tour is ideal for those who want to explore the ancient city of Ephesus and its surroundings at their own pace.

Your personal guide will meet you at Kusadasi port, accompany you to the various sites, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

At Ephesus, you will see the impressive ruins of the ancient city, including the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Terrace Houses, also known as the "houses of the rich," are some of the most impressive structures in Ephesus, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite of ancient times. Finally, the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be the final resting place of Mary.

At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at Kusadasi port.

Stores to Visit:
Turkish Carpet Weaving Village
Ceramic Workshop
Leather Factory

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus, was the second largest city in the Roman Empire over 250.000 people in the 1st BC. Ranking only behind Rome it was the second largest city in the world. Ephesus was also a harbour city. And, this giant city was built only with marbel. Did you know Ephesus had a largest amphitheater in the ancient world over 25.000 seats? Also see Goddess Nike, Local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, Library of Celcius (the third largest library), Marbel Street and Harbour Street.
2. Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
The House of Virgin Mary, is a place where according to the beliefs of many people Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years of her life. She was supposed to arrive at Ephesus together with St. John and lived there in the years 37-45 CE until her Assumption or Dormition.
3. Ephesus Terrace Houses
Terraced Houses, are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called “the houses of rich”, they are important for the reason that they give us an idea about the family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other of right angles.
4. The Prytaneion
Behind the basilica is the Prytaneion, where religious ceremonies , official receptions and banquets were held. The sacred flame symbolizing the heart of Ephesus was kept constantly alight in the Prytaneion. The construction of the building dates to the 3rd century B.C, during the reign of Lysimachos, but the ruins of the complex dates to the Augustan age. The four-cornered pit in which the sacred fire is burned is a relic from the reign of Lysimachos. The front of the building is four columns, beyond the columns is a courtyard surrounded by a portico, and on the north is the center of the building, the ceremonial hall, and its side rooms. The eternal flame was here in the center of the ceremonial hall, the red color on the floor determined the location of the flame. The double columns on the corners of the hall held up the wooden roof. During excavations, archeologists found 2 artemis statues, which are now presented in Ephesus museum.
5. Fountain of Pollio
The water was brought to the fountains of Ephesus from three main sources through aqueducts and distributed from fountains by a branching system of baked clay pipes. The sources were Kencherios (42km) at Kuşadası, Çamlık village stream of Marnas (15km), and the Cayster River (20km).Water was free of charge by the city in the public fountains. Also they provided refreshment in hot summer days for the streets. It has a high arch facing the temple of Domitian. It is known to be decorated with a number of statues. One of these statues is the Head of Zeus which is on display in the Ephesus Museum today. Some of these statues were thought to be taken from the Isis Temple, probably after an earthquake, to repair the fountain. The statue group of Odysseus and Polyphemus , that once were on the basin, are now displayed also in Ephesus Museum.
6. Baths of Varius
The ruins to the east of the Basilica belong to the bath of Varius, dating to the Roman period. The construction dates to the 2nd century A.D and the mosaics in the 40 meters long corridor dates to the 5th century. It is built of cut blocks of marble. It has three sections, frigidarium (cold water), tepidarium (warm water) and caldarium (hot water). The excavations have not been completed yet.
7. The Temple of Artemis
Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek Temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was located in Ephesus and it was one of the seven wonders of the world.

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Posted By : 189rajivt
We had an excellent guided tour of Ephesus and Temple of Artemis. Our entire trip was awesome from beginning to end. Yesra, our guide was awesome person who guided us for the entire day. She is a well read guide who speaks fluent English. Thanks for making our day.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-31 08:41:42

Posted By : H4175XYlouism
Great overall every aspect, especially pottery shop at the end, guide was friendly and had great knowledge of the ancient ruins
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-31 08:39:38

Posted By : sophiamZ3834XS
Yesra was an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge about the area. She was extremely friendly and made the day very enjoyable. The whole family had a great time, thank you very much!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-31 08:39:11

Posted By : jimmydP47AO
We had a good guide for our trip to Epheses and Pamukkale. The guide has great knowledge and would give us a history of all the historic locations during the trip. Had a great time and learnt a lot of history during the trip
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-31 02:42:34

Posted By : Roving30422969930
We went to this Ephesus tour on our last leg of turkey trip on 23rd May. We were greeted nicely by our tour guide Mr Erdem (adam). Then he briefed about the tour itinerary. The way he described about the places was quite impressive. He is very dedicated to his work and keeps you involved with his witty humour. He is well known in the circle and one of the best guides. The tour was quite knowledgeable and a must visit in kusadasi/Izmir area. We had some amazing photos and memories with us. Last but not the least, Don’t forget to meet the famous cat of Ephesus, Garfield.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-31 00:15:47

Posted By : najimo619
That was very educational and a nice guide who also spoke Dutch. And we were almost free to take pictures. Definitely worth repeating.
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Posted On : 2024-05-30 16:39:34

Posted By : 157umuta
Very thankfull to operator and to guide yesra, made our day unforgetteable, recommend the company and yesra, thank you yesra
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-29 17:10:43

Posted By : jacqferns
Tour was vell organized. Guide knowledgeable. All in all very good. She spent a great deal of time enlightening us of all the tourist attractions
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-29 15:46:22

Posted By : richardsD3953IB
Yesra was good with information relating to history of places and its details. We had a wonderful time with her informative details. Wishing her best for the future
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-29 15:25:58

Posted By : 947jacintas
Good to learn something about the old historical places. Guide was knowledgeable about the history of the places shown. Very helpful person too. Went out of her way to help us locate our hotel. Thank you Yesra.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-29 15:16:31