Ephesus Sightseeing: Half Day Tour From Kusadasi / Selcuk
5.0
4 Ratings
Selcuk
Explore the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus on this half-day tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk. Discover the fascinating history and visit iconic sites like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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 also a harbour city. And, 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 and Harbour Street.
  • The Temple of Artemis - Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek Temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was located in Ephesus and it was one of the seven wonders of the world.
  • The Prytaneion - Behind the basilica is the Prytaneion, where religious ceremonies , official receptions and banquets were held. The sacred flame symbolizing the heart of Ephesus was kept constantly alight in the Prytaneion. The construction of the building dates to the 3rd century B.C, during the reign of Lysimachos, but the ruins of the complex dates to the Augustan age.

The four-cornered pit in which the sacred fire is burned is a relic from the reign of Lysimachos. The front of the building is four columns, beyond the columns is a courtyard surrounded by a portico, and on the north is the center of the building, the ceremonial hall, and its side rooms. The eternal flame was here in the center of the ceremonial hall, the red color on the floor determined the location of the flame. Towards the back, there was a large area with wooden roof, the base of an altar is still recognizable today.

  • Baths of Varius - The ruins to the east of the Basilica belong to the bath of Varius, dating to the Roman period. The construction dates to the 2nd century A.D and the mosaics in the 40 meters long corridor dates to the 5th century.

It is built of cut blocks of marble. It has three sections, frigidarium (cold water), tepidarium (warm water) and caldarium (hot water). The excavations have not been completed yet.

  • Fountain of Pollio - The Pollio Fountain was located to the south of the State Agora, across the Odeon. It was built in 97 A.D by the rich Ephesian C.S.Pollio and his family.

The water was brought to the fountains of Ephesus from three main sources through aqueducts and distributed from fountains by a branching system of baked clay pipes. The sources were Kencherios (42km) at Kuşadası, Çamlık village stream of Marnas (15km), and the Cayster River (20km).Water was free of charge by the city in the public fountains. Also they provided refreshment in hot summer days for the streets.

What's Included
  • Pick Up & Drop Off
  • Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
  • Insurance
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Meals & Beverages
  • Personal Expenses
  • Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue
  • Entrance Fees
Additional Information

Embark on a half-day excursion to Ephesus, among the best-maintained historical cities globally.

Your trip sets off with a pickup service from your accommodation in Kusadasi or Selcuk, followed by a brief drive to Ephesus.

Upon reaching the historical city, your expertised guide will steer you around the remarkably conserved ruins, highlighting notable landmarks such as the Celsus Library, the Hadrian Temple, and the Grand Theatre. You’ll gain insight into the compelling past of this historical city, inclusive of its significant contributions to the Roman Rule.

Lastly, your itinerary features a visit to the Temple of Artemis, credited as one of the Seven Wonders of the pre-existing world.

The tour wraps up by commuting you back to your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk.

  • Ephesus entrance fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
  • GUARANTEED RETURN ON TIME TO CRUISE
  • If you are staying in Ozdere hotels, you should pay 20 euro per person for transfer both way.
  • If you are staying in Guzelcamli hotels, you should pay 25 euro per person for transfer both way.
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
(4 Ratings)
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Elaine
Nov 29, 2021
Erdem is the best tour guide! Guarantee! - I had erdem as my tour guide and he is the best! Well knowledgable with the city and the history. He summarised the history of Istanbul for me and I really appreciate it. Everything is well organised. My Istanbul has been lovely thanks to erdem. Perfect gentleman. Helped me and answered my questions. This tour is worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andyandy96
Sep 11, 2020
Excellent - Thank you for an excellent trip! Was very easy to arrange over WhatsApp after contacting Turkey Tours Company on their website. Pickup from our hotel was exactly at the time they said it would be. Erdem was a great tour guide - funny and knowledgeable, a good pace with just the right amount of information. He clearly knew his stuff and was passionate about the history - and really liked the cats too! Our tour group was small, much smaller than other groups in Ephesus, which was another positive. Highly recommend Ephesus and definitely with Turkey Tours Company - thanks again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jasminemanning
Feb 13, 2020
Excellent - This company was not advertising at our hotel but one of the other guests recommended them and their prices were the most competitive. So I called them and said I just need to see the main historical parts in half a day as my child will loose interest in a whole day excursion. They organised a great little package to Ephesus with a lunch and a trip past the ruins of Artemis temple, the house of Our Lady and a little market shopping. Rep was really personable, knowledgable, multi lingual and had great cultural understanding. I have no hesitation in recommending this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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