Ephesus Ancient City Tour: Full Day Journey from Kusadasi/Selcuk Hotels
5.0
3 Ratings
Selcuk
Embark on a full-day journey through the ancient city of Ephesus on this guided tour from Kusadasi/Selcuk hotels. Explore well-preserved archaeological sites, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, and visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary. Discover the history and culture of this fascinating city with a professional guide and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population of over 250,000 people in the 1st century BC. It was second only to Rome and was also a significant harbor city.

  • The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis, also known as Artemision or the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Located in Ephesus, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

  • Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years.

  • Isa Bey Mosque - Constructed between 1374 and 1375, the Isa Bey Mosque is one of the oldest and most impressive architectural works from the Anatolian Beyliks. It is situated on the outskirts of the Ayasuluk Hills in Selcuk, near Ephesus.

  • State Agora - Located on the southern part of the Basilica, the State Agora was built during the Roman Period in the first century BC. Unlike commercial agoras, it was used for governmental meetings and discussions. Excavations in the northeast corner of the Agora have uncovered numerous graves from the 7th-6th centuries BC, a stone-paved road, and an archaic terra cotta sarcophagus.

  • Hercules Gate - Situated towards the end of Curetes Street, the Hercules Gate is named after the relief of Hercules on it. Although it was relocated to its current position in the fourth century AD, the relief dates back to the second century AD.

  • Vedius Gymnasium - Easily visible when entering Ephesus from the south entrance, the Vedius Gymnasium was constructed around the second century AD, funded by Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife Flavia Papiana. They dedicated it to the goddess Artemis and Emperor Antoninus Pius. In Ephesus, gymnasiums served as schools for young people, offering lessons in art, sports, literature, drama, and speech. The Vedius Gymnasium was the most important and beautiful of these institutions. Its entrance is on the east, leading to a palaestra (courtyard) surrounded by columns. The hall of emperors, adorned with statues and mosaic floors, is also on the east side.

What's Included
  • Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Insurance
  • Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
  • Guide & Driver Tips - Gratitue
  • Drinks
Additional Information

Experience a trove of historical and cultural wonders with the Classic Ephesus Full Day Tour from Kusadasi/Selcuk Hotels. This guided excursion takes you back in time through the beautifully preserved ancient city of Ephesus, a top archaeological gem in Turkey.

Throughout the tour, you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, the Hadrian Temple, and a host of other captivating sites that speak volumes about the rich past of this city. One of the highlights is a visit to the sanctified House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Christian pilgrimage site.

Benefit from the expertise of a professional guide who will offer enlightening commentary about the historical and cultural contexts of the attractions. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs in Kusadasi or Selcuk.

Overall, this tour is the ideal package for history enthusiasts wanting a thorough exploration of ancient Ephesus and its cultural importance.

  • Isabey Mosque is under renovation until June 2024.
  • If you book this tour from Sirince, you have to pay 10 € charge for pick-up & drop off.
  • If you book this tour from Ozdere, you have to pay 20 € charge for pick-up & drop off.
  • If you book this tour from Davutlar or Guzelcamli, you have to pay 20 € charge for pick-up & drop off.
Location
Ancient City of Ephesus
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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7emanf
Sep 6, 2021
Highly recommend! History, culture, and scenery all in one! - This tour was amazing!!! Filiz was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. Highly recommend if you want to learn about the Roman history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danthelionnn
Dec 11, 2020
Baris was knowledgeable with some swagger! - Baris was our guide and he was very knowledgeable about the history, architecture, and current events going on in Turkey. He was super friendly and we’d love to tour with him again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaredc169
Sep 14, 2020
Day Tour with Umut Kurt - We enjoyed an excellent day tour with a very knowledgeable tour guide! Umut was awesome, it’s clear his profession is his passion. Based on experience with tours around the world, I would definitely recommend this tour as a great use of time not just to hit the highlights and grab some great pics around Kusadasi but to meaningfully delve into the rich history of the area. Two thumbs way up.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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