- 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 the harbour city. 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, Harbour Street.
- 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.
- The Temple of Artemis - Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also know less pracisely as the Temple of Diana, was Greek Temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was located in Ephesus and it was seven wonders of the world.
- İ - The Isabey Mosque, constructed in 1374
- 1375, is one of the oldest and most impressive works of architectural art remaining from the Anatolian Beyliks. The mosque is stuated in outskirts of the Ayasuluk Hills at Selcuk
- Ephesus.
- State Agora - The agora on the southern part of the Basilica is the State Agora, and was built in the Roman Period in the first century B.C. This agora was used not for commerce but for business, it played an important role as a meeting place for the governmental discussions. During the excavations in the northeast corner of the Agora were found a great number of graves from the 7th-6th centuries B.C and a stone-paved road, and a archaic sarcophagus of terra cotta.
From this it is understood that in the archaic period this part of the Agora was used as the necropolis of Ephesus. There is a water reservoir at the corner of the Agora, which played an important role in Ephesus. Its water was brought to the city through the Pollio Aqueduct, the remains of the Pollio Aqueduct can be seen 5 kilometers away, along the Selçuk-Aydin highway.
- Temple of Domitian - Located to the south end of the Domitian Street, it is the first structure in Ephesus known to be dedicated to an emperor. It was built on a high and wide terrace set by 50x100 meters in size, on vaulted foundations. The northern size of the terrace seems to be two-stories high, reached by stairs. The stairs are still visible today.
The temple, built in pro-style plan, had eight columns on the short side and thirteen columns on the long side, and four additional columns in front of the cella. At the northern side there was an u-shaped altar, which is now displayed in Izmir museum.
It was in the reign of Domitian that an emperor gave permission to built an Emperor Temple; that is the permission to be the ‘neocoros’ for the first time, which was a great honor for a city.
- Hercules Gate - Hercules Gate located towards the end of the Curetes Street, it was called the Hercules gate because of the relief of Hercules on it. It was brought from another place in the fourth century AD to its current place, but the relief on it dates back to the second century AD.
Only the two side of the columns remain today and the other parts of it have not been found. The relief of the flying Nike in the Domitian Square is thought to also be a part of this gate.
The Heracles Gate narrowed the access to the street, preventing the passage of vehicles.We can understand that from the Fourth Century, the street had become a pedestrian area.
- Pick Up & Drop Off
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Insurance
- Lunch
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue
- Drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Admission Fees to Attractions
The Small Group Ephesus Excursion is an educational journey through the ancient city of Ephesus, a highly preserved historical town globally. Throughout the excursion, you’ll encounter distinctive landmarks and edifices contributing to Ephesus’ recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your adventure commences with a pickup from your accommodation in Kusadasi or Selcuk, followed by a picturesque journey to Ephesus. Upon arrival, your guide directs you across the primary roads, showcasing the commendable architectural designs of the ancient city. These include the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, and Hadrian’s Temple.
Included in the excursion is a trip to Virgin Mary’s House, a humble stone house perched on a hill beyond Ephesus. As per tradition, this house was the final residence of Jesus’ mother, Mary, and has since become a significant religious destination for Christians.
Upon the tour’s completion, transportation back to your hotel is provided. The tour is a small-group activity that allows meaningful interaction with your guide and fellow explorers.
- Ephesus entrance fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
- House of Virgin Mary entrance fee is 500 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.