Ephesus Small Group Day Tour from Izmir

Summary

Your tour begins with an early morning pick-up from your central Izmir hotel by air-conditioned coach. As you drive south to Ephesus, listen as your guide fills you in on the history of the ancient city, which was once the Roman capital of Asia Minor and at its peak between 1 AD and 2 AD. On arrival, follow your guide and small-group of no more than 15 people around the UNESCO-listed ruins, pausing to admire archeological wonders such as the Temple Of Hadrian, the magnificent Celsus Library, and the Great Theatre, which seats up to 24,000 people. Learn more about life in ancient Roman times as you peek into the Public Latrines and Roman Baths, stroll around the Agora, and walk down the grand marble-paved Arcadian Way. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, perched atop the Bulbul Mountain, where Mary is alleged to have spent the final years of her life. Head inside to see the shrine of the Virgin Mary, and perhaps drink from the spring, said to possess healing qualities. Pause for lunch (included) at a local restaurant and tuck into some delicious Turkish cuisine, before continuing to nearby Selçuk to admire the Isabey Mosque, an exquisite example of Seljukian architecture. There’s just time for one more stop before the return journey – to the site of the Temple of Artemis, which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a full day uncovering Turkey’s ancient past, return to Izmir, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.

Tour info

Duration
11 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Today you will be marveled by the amazing sites and ruins in and around the Selcuk area, an area which is so rich in history and important artifacts. This day tour from Izmir will take you into Selcuk to visit the sites of Ephesus Ruins, Temple of Artemis, Isabey Mosque and House of the Virgin Mary. Your professional local guide will take you through each site giving you a thorough run down of the history whilst you admire the amazing ruins right in front of you. The day will end with your return transfer back to Izmir.

What’s included?

  • Lunch

  • Professional guide

  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Entry/Admission - Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

  • Entry/Admission - Ancient City of Ephesus

  • Entry/Admission - The Odeion

  • Entry/Admission - Bibliothèque de Celsus

  • Entry/Admission - Temple of Hadrian

  • Entry/Admission - Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu

  • Entry/Admission - Isa Bey Mosque

  • Entry/Admission - The Temple of Artemis

  • Drinks

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 11h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Alaturka - Ephesus Small Group Tours

About operator:

We Know & Love Ephesus! Life experiences and travel are our passion at AlaTurka Turkey, and we realise how much travelling enriches us on many levels. Here at AlaTurka, we all have a passion for Turkey and have been sharing our knowledge of this sensational country with travellers from all corners of the world for many years…It’s what we love! Alaturka Private Tours specialises in tours of the local Ephesus & Selcuk area. Our aim is to give you a unique experience like no other. We have local guides who have grown up in the area & know it better than no one around. We also specilaise in tours to Pamukkale & other near by attractions. When you join an AlaTurka tour we hope it will allow you to enjoy this beautiful country as much as we do. We want you to have the ultimate ‘experience’ rather than being rushed through ancient sites, or crammed on to buses with no legroom. Our tours are all about providing an exclusive and authentic journey throughout Turkey.

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