Explore the stunning ruins of Ephesus on this full-day sightseeing tour from Izmir or Kusadasi, also available as a half-day option from Kusadasi for those short of time. As it is a private tour you can start at any time you like. You will also visit the small House of the Virgin Mary, where it is thought she spent her final days after St. John brought her to Ephesus following the death of Jesus. Located on Mount Bulbuldagi (Koressos), it’s a popular pilgrim site for Christians and Muslims and boasts a captivating, spiritual atmosphere. Once inside the grounds of Ephesus, wander among the ruins with your guide to see sites such as the Odeon Theatre, which could seat up to 1,400 spectators in its day. Admire the beautiful Roman statues and decorations carved into marble slabs at the Pollio Fountain. Other highlights include the Celcius Library, completed by the Romans in 117AD. The building has the most awe-inspiring façade, with columns, statues, and intact windows. Finally, explore the Greek Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and go to the Basilica of St John (Kusadasi departures only), constructed by Justinian I over the burial site of the Apostle John.

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.

In Airports: Your driver will be waiting with a board with ‘’YOUR NAME’’  on it in front of the exit gate. You will be escorted to your vehicle and your driver will drop you off to any address in Kusadasi or any specific area. In Hotels ; Upon your reservation request the supplier will reply to you as fast as possible and send your confirmation. Your driver will be waiting in front of your hotel for your transfer service to any specific area such as Izmir airport,. The supplier offers you a 24 hour, 7 day, 365 day per year service to and from Izmir airport. All of the vehicles are air conditioned, clean, and fully insured for your protection. They offer 1st Class professional and reliable service with no fuss, no hassle, and no waiting time charges, just the first-class service you expect and deserve. The supplier is constantly monitoring flight times so please don't worry if your flight is early or delayed, your driver will be waiting for you on arrival. At Kusadasi transfer your safety is of paramount importance and they offer baby car and booster seats to ensure your family travels comfortably and safely, please let them know your number when making your booking.

With this portable Wi-Fi rental service, you won't need to buy a high-cost data package in advance or change your sim card. Simply select the rental option you would like, provide your delivery address, and your phone number with country code, then make the most of this unlimited data package. Avoid expensive data roaming charges or the need to connect to unsecured public internet points during your travels. Save yourself the time you would usually spend looking for free Wi-Fi and relax with a live support (English, Arabic, Turkish). This is an unlimited package at truly 4G/LTE speed - no speed limitations at any level of data usage. Watch movies, play games, make online calls, stream your playlists, share your memories, use live navigation, and more. Please note that connection speed may be affected depending on mobile coverage.

Arrive on the outskirts of Bulbul Mountain at the gates of the ancient city of Ephesus. Discover the daily life of Ephesians and visit the most important pagan and Christian heritage sites. Enjoy an included lunch, and take some time to shop afterward before returning back to Izmir. Enjoy pick-up from your hotel and learn the important history and mythology on your one hour drive to Selcuk. Find yourself at the gates of the city, important for its place in the Hellenic world and Roman era. Imagine yourself an Ephesian, and see the most important attractions. Begin at the Governmental Agora, see the Road of Curates, and the Gate of Magnesia. Find the Gate of Hercules, the Traianus Fountain, the Temple of Hadrianus, and checkout how ancient bathrooms worked. Wonder at the Roman Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsius, and the Grand Theatre of Ephesus. Leave the city gates and take the option to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her final days in peace and mourning. Marvel at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. View St. John Basilica, an architectural wonder of the Christian world. Light a candle for the Virgin Mary if you like, and experience lunch and shopping before the drive back to your hotel.

After a one hour drive, arrive in Ephesus, which was the Roman capital of Asia Minor, and home to over a quarter of a million people —from slave traders to saints— at its peak between 1 AD and 2 AD. 150 years of excavations at Ephesus have revealed the most complete Greco-Roman classical city on Earth. There are terraced Houses, containing handsome frescoes from the 2nd century CE, which extend up the hill. They once housed the wealthier and more prominent families of the city, who lavished the interiors with superbly preserved frescoes and mosaics. The decor and furnishings of the houses have provided some interesting informations about the life style of the Ephesian elite during the Roman and early Byzantine periods. Inevitably, the houses have been compared with similar buildings found in the parts of the Roman Empire, particularly with the 1C villas of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The consensus is that the Ephesians houses are in no way inferior to these. The next stop will be the Ephesus Archeology Museum. A large part of the museum’s excavations at Ephesus, St. Jean Church, Artemision, and Belevi Grave Memorial  consists of works brought from other nearby ruins. The House of Mother Mary is where Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ and lived out her final resting days here in accordance to the Predominant Christian belief. This is based mainly on the traditional belief that John came to Ephesus combined with the biblical statement that Jesus consigned her to John’s care (John 19:26-27). Discover the Temple of Artemis (Diana), an outstanding temple built in honor of the Greek Goddess of hunting, wild nature, and fertility, deemed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Hear about its significance and the tension between the Romans and Christians that settled in the area over the centuries from your private guide.

Depart from Izmir for a site and history-filled day in Ephesus with a private guide and vehicle. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and the Ephesus ruins. Get a real feel for this unique area and its history. Get picked up at the Izmir Harbor, Izmir airport, or your hotel in Izmir and head off to Ephesus on an approximately 1 hour and 20-minute drive. En route, hear about the locations you'll visit. Arrive at the House Of Virgin Mary and tour the fascinating and spiritual location. Head on to the next destination which will be the Ancient City of Ephesus. Take a walking tour through one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the world. Marvel at the Odeon, The Fountain of Trajan, Scholastica Baths, the Temple of Hadrian, and of course the very impressive library of Ephesus. Return to the van through the Arcadian Way where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. After your 2-hour exploration around Ephesus, take an hour for lunch. Continue to the next stop, the Temple of Artemis (Diana), built in honor of the Greek Goddess and deemed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your guide will describe the significance of this massive structure, which was the largest marble temple in the Ancient Greek world and of which today little remains. After your full-day private tour of Ephesus, relax on a comfortable drive back to your preferred drop-off location in Izmir.

Tour Description: Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey and is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. On this tour, you'll get to explore the ancient city of Ephesus with a knowledgeable guide who will provide historical and cultural context. Tour Duration: A typical Ephesus Daily Tour lasts around 6-8 hours, depending on the itinerary and pace of the group. Tour Itinerary: The tour itinerary can vary depending on the tour operator, but here is a sample itinerary: Pick-up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in the morning Drive to Ephesus Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a holy site for Christians Explore the ancient city of Ephesus and see the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, and other ancient structures Visit the Terrace Houses, where wealthy Ephesians used to live Stop at a local carpet weaving center (optional) Have lunch at a local restaurant ( Extra ) Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (optional) Return to your hotel or meeting point in the late afternoon