Izmir

Entry Tickets

Founded by the Greeks and conquered by the Romans, Ephesus was once a city of proverbial wealth. It was a bustling port which over time developed into an important center for Christianity. On this self-guided tour, benefit from skip-the-line entry then explore using your smartphone to travel back in time to the city’s former life. The tour is the perfect way to experience the site in a fun and insightful way, and gain valuable insight into one of the most popular places in Turkey. The first stop of the day is to the State Agora, which was once the political heart of the city boasting a lavish square. Continue on to Bouleuterion, and discover the meeting point of the city council which perhaps was also a space for artistic performances. As you stroll around the colonnades, stoas, and other buildings, listen to fascinating stories about what life was like here for locals. Arrive at the Temple of Domitian and find out the rather unusual architectural layout of the U-shaped altar. Next, wander down the Curetes which connected the political and commercial hearts of Ephesus. Uncover the legend of the emperor’s fountain, then explore the large complex of baths at the Scolastica including the lavish marble latrines. Head to the grave of the Egyptian princess Arsinoe, then marvel at the mesmerizing Celsus Library, which is probably the most famous landmark of Ephesus. From here the road leads you to the gate of Mazeus and Mithridates, and onto at the Grand Theatre where performances and gladiatorial games took place. Last but not least, walk through the crossroads of the Arcadiane and follow a small path that leads you to the spectacular ruins of the enormous Church of Mary.

Begin your half-day tour at your residence in either Kusadasi or Izmir, and enjoy a comfortable drive in air-conditioned luxury vehicle to the ancient city of Ephesus. Considered to be one of the most spectacular open-air museums in Turkey, Ephesus is a must-see on any visit to Turkey. Walk through its ancient marble streets and admire the stunning facade of the Library of Celsus. Walk past the Temple of Hadrian and the Temple of Artemis, as well as the Vedius and Scholastic Baths, and the Fountains of Trajan and Polio. Admire the staggering size of the Great Theatre, whose capacity exceeds 24,000 spectators, and then begin to make your way back to Kusadasi or Izmir to end the tour.

You’ll meet your professional guide and head out on the drive to Ephesus-Selcuk. Ephesus is considered one of the most spectacular open-air museums in the world, and certainly a highlight of any visit to Turkey. During this guided full-day tour, the ancient city will come alive as you walk through the 2,000-year-old marble streets. Admire the Library of Celsius, Hadrian's Temple, the Fountains of Trajan, the temples of Hadrian and Domitian, and more. See the great theater that had a seating capacity of 24,000 spectators. Visit the terrace houses, located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, opposite the Hadrian Temple. The terrace houses were residences of the wealthy, and featured beautiful frescoes and mosaics in their interiors. After visiting the Ephesus ruins, you’ll continue on to the House of the Virgin Mary. The Vatican has recognized this small house in the Solmissos Mountains as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found when the ruins of the house were first discovered. Your final visit will be to the Basilica of St. John, built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Apostle. The basilica, now in ruins, once rivaled St. Sophia in Istanbul in size.

Arrive in Kusadasi meet your professional guide at Kusadasi port or hotel. Drive to Ephesus-Selcuk. Discover some of the Biblical sites of Ephesus where it is believed that the gospel of John was written. Be guided through the beautiful landscape learning about the religious history of the area along the way.The first place you will visit will be House of the Virgin Mary, the sacred place where it is believed she spent her last days before she died. Continue to Ephesus city where you will see the Church of Mary and the Grand Theater where St. Paul used to preach, spreading Christianity. The next sight will be Seven Sleepers cave. The legend of the cave tells of seven young Christians who hid in this cave when Christianity was forbidden. They fell asleep, awaking 100 years later to discover Christianity flourishing.After a break for a delicious lunch you will continue to the Basilica of St John, who wrote the book of Revelation. This is located over his burial place. At the end of the day you will return to Kusadasi Port or hotel. 

Enjoy a relaxing drive to the stunning ancient city of Ephesus, considered to be one of the most spectacular open-air museums in Turkey and the entire world, and a sight not to be missed on any visit to Turkey. Embark on a tour of the archeological site, and stroll down the ancient 2,000 year-old marble streets to admire the fantastic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the stately Temple of Hadrian, and the beautiful decay of the Fountains of Trajan and Polio. Visit the famed Temple of Domitian, and hear the fascinating story of its fallen emperor, and then continue to the ancient social gathering place of The Baths of Scholastica. End your tour of Ephesus with a visit to the spectacular Ephesus Odeion Theater, whose capacity of 24,000 spectators keeps it as one of the largest amphitheatres of the ancient world. End the tour with a visit to the stunning and luxurious terrace houses on the slopes of the Bulbul Mountain, formerly the homes of the Ephesus' wealthy, filled with stunning frescoes and mosaics.

Explore the most iconic archaeological sites in Turkey on a private day trip. Learn about the history of Aphrodisias and Hierapolis from an expert guide. Enjoy the natural hot springs and unique landscape at Pamukkale. Meet your guide and drive to Aphrodisias, one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey, dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. See the now well-preserved and partially restored Temple of Aphrodite and imagine its ancient splendor. At Aphrodisias, explore other sites like ruins of a large theatre, a stadium, and an on-site museum displaying artifacts. Next, be whisked away to the fascinating site of Pamukkale. Considered to be the earliest spa on earth with the water of the hot springs carrying healing powers, Pamukkale is a UNESCO world heritage site. See the cotton-colored White Travertines formed by warm spring water. Visit the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis where you can see the Necropolis, Roman Bath, St. Philipe Martyrum, and Apollo Temple. Take a dip in the Sacred Pool with shallow thermal waters rippling over Roman ruins. Take photos from the nicest corners of Pamukkale. Stop at a traditional Turkish restaurant for a complimentary lunch.

Journey through Turkey's history on a day trip from Izmir to Pergamon and the Asclepion. Pergamon is a UNESCO site that bears traces of the Ionian, Hellenic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. After pickup, drive to Pergamum Acropolis. Bergama, with its historical and cultural richness, is one of the most special cities in Turkey with 3,000 years of history. Bergama witnessed many civilizations and continues to share the traces and manuscripts of this background. Arrive in Pergamon and get on a cable car for Acropolis (about a 5-minute ride). See the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Demeter, and the Great Library, containing 200,000 bundles of books. Continue to see the theater, gymnasium, royal palaces, the Temple of Trojan, aqueducts, fountains, cisterns, and arsenals, some of the most important structures constructed in Pergamum Acropolis. Drive for about 10 minutes to the Pergamon Asclepion, one of the first hospitals in history. Ancient historians said this is ”the place where death is forbidden to enter and testaments are not opened.” The Asclepion is accessible from the Sacred Way and is a 1-km-long street. The Asclepion is the largest medical center of the period, including the serpentine column which became the symbol of modern medicine and pharmacies and was named after Asclepios, the god of healing and medicine. Findings reveal that surgical operations were also performed in Asclepion in addition to diets, hot and cold baths, and physical exercises as the three basic components. Patients were treated in this center with medicines, herbs, music, mud and sunbaths, and psychotherapy. Later, make an optional visit to the Pergamum Carpet Weaving School. Pergamum is also an important city for the carpet business. Pergamum carpets are among the most advanced crafts of the city and have an ethnographic value.