ephesus tour travel

Legendary Ephesus Tour (from $67)

Welcome to the ultimate Ephesus experience with Ephesus Insider! Our Legendary Ephesus Tour is designed for the curious traveler who seeks a deep understanding of the ancient world. Led by our expert local guides, you'll embark on a full-day journey to discover the hidden treasures of one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities.

Unlike group tours that rush you through crowded sites, our private tour allows you to explore Ephesus at your own pace, with personalized attention from our professional licensed tour guides. Our high-model luxury private vehicles ensure a comfortable and stress-free ride between sites, so you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking sights and sounds of Ephesus.

From the stunning Library of Celsus to the impressive Great Theater, you'll witness the remarkable achievements of ancient engineering and architecture. But our Legendary Ephesus Tour doesn't stop there. We'll take you off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known gems of Ephesus, such as the charming House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final resting place of the mother of Jesus.

And to complete your journey, we'll treat you to a delicious local food experience, where you'll savor the flavors of the Aegean region.

Book your Legendary Ephesus Tour with Ephesus Insider today. We will provide you with a professional licensed tour guide and a high model luxury private vehicle to ensure you have the best possible experience. Our skip-the-line tickets will also allow you to avoid the long queues and save time. We also offer local food as part of our tour so you can experience the taste of Ephesus. And the best part is that there is no pre-payment needed, you can pay after the tour. Your satisfaction is our top priority, so we guarantee 100% satisfaction.

Ephesus Ancient City - House of Virgin Mary - St. John Basilica - Temple of Artemis

• Meet and Greet

Our professional guide will meet you at the Kusadasi Port, holding a sign with your name on it. If you are staying in a hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby. Then you'll start a short drive to Selcuk town, where all of the sights are located.

• House of Virgin Mary

After 20 minutes drive from Kusadasi you will arrive at the House of Virgin Mary , a holy place located on the top of a hill, about 9 km (5.5 miles) away from Ephesus. According to tradition, this is the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It is believed that after the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary was brought to Ephesus by St. John, where she lived in this house until her death. Visitors can see the small room where Mary is believed to have lived, as well as a kitchen and a prayer room. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic views of the surrounding hills. Many visitors leave messages and prayers on the walls of the chapel, which has become a tradition.

• Ancient City of Ephesus

Upon arriving at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, we will start with the State Agora, the center of the city where the commercial, administrative, and political activities took place. Next, we will visit the Odeon, a small theater for music performances and public assemblies also located near the entrance of Ephesus.

Next, you will walk through Curetes Street, one of the most impressive streets in Ephesus, lined with marble columns and leading to the Library of Celsus. It was named after the priests of Cybele, who were responsible for the cult of the goddess. 

On the way, you will see The Domitian Temple, dedicated to the emperor Domitian, which was one of the most important religious buildings in Ephesus. It was built in the 1st century AD and had a large podium with a Corinthian-style facade. You will also see a famous Hellenistic sculpture depicting the Greek goddess Nike (Victory) standing on the prow of a ship with her wings outstretched, as if she is descending from the heavens to bless the sailors on the ship. On the way to Celsus Library, you'll visit the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved temple dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Built-in the 2nd century AD, the temple features intricate carvings and decorations that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Roman architecture. Once you reached the Celsus Library , you will have free time in one of the most impressive structures in the ancient world. The library was built in the 2nd century AD and was the third-largest library in the Roman Empire. It housed over 12,000 scrolls and was dedicated to the memory of Celsus, the governor of Asia Minor.

Next, you'll visit the Great Theater, which had a seating capacity of 25,000 people and was used for various events including gladiator fights, theater performances, and political assemblies. It was built in the 3rd century BC and is considered one of the largest and most impressive theaters of the ancient world. After the theater, you'll end the tour and meet with your vehicle again to visit other sites included in the itinerary.

• Basilica of St. John

After our delicious lunch break, we will have a short drive to The Basilica of St. John , also known as the St. John's Church, is located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk town. It was built by the emperor Justinian I in the 6th century over the believed burial site of St. John, who is said to have spent his last years in Ephesus. The basilica was constructed in the shape of a cross and it was one of the largest churches in the Byzantine Empire. Although the basilica was damaged by earthquakes and attacks over the centuries, some of its impressive features still remain, such as the intricate marble floors, the baptismal font, the frescoes, and the tombs of several saints. The interior of the basilica is adorned with mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. 

• Temple of Artemis

Finally, we will drive to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This magnificent temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis and was said to have been the largest temple ever built.

At the end of the tour, our guide will drop you off at Kusadasi Port, ensuring that you're back in plenty of time for your cruise departure. If you started the tour from a hotel, drop off will be at your hotel again.

Don't miss this chance to experience the best of Ephesus with this highly detailed full-day tour. Contact us today to book your "Legendary Ephesus" full-day tour and start planning your unforgettable adventure in Ephesus ancient city!

$80 /per person

$70 /per person, $60 /per person, $50 /per person,  price includes                          .

• Professional English Speaking Guide
• Private A/C Mercedes Van
• Pick Up and Drop Off
• Parking Fees and All Taxes

 Price Excludes

• Entrance Fees (Tickets are pre-purchased 40$)
• A Delicious Local Lunch (Set Menu 10$)
• Beverages at Lunch
• Pick up from Izmir Port and Izmir Hotels. 

Online reservation

Book your private tour right now we will confirm your reservation via email. no pre-payment needed..

What we offer in all our private tours?

Professional licensed tour guides.

Our expert guides are licensed and have extensive knowledge about the history and culture of Ephesus. They are fluent in multiple languages and will provide you with an unforgettable private tour experience.

Luxury Transportation

Our luxury vehicles provide you with the comfort and safety you need during your tour. We have a range of vehicles to choose from, 4 seater Mercedes Vito up to 14 seater Mercedes Sprinter.

Skip-the-line Tickets

With our skip the line tickets, you won't have to wait in long queues to enter the attractions. We will provide you with priority access, so you can maximize your time and enjoy your tour to the fullest. 

Delicious Local Food

We offer the opportunity to try delicious local food in our tours. Our guides know the best places to eat in Ephesus, and they will take you to taste the most traditional and delicious food in the area.

No Pre-Payment

We believe in providing our customers with a hassle-free experience, which is why we don't require any pre-payment. You can pay after your tour and only if you're completely satisfied with our services.

%100 Satisfaction

We are committed to providing you with a high-quality private tour experience. If you're not satisfied with our services, we'll do everything we can to make it right and ensure your complete satisfaction.

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Our Tour Programs

Highlights of ephesus tour, highlights of ephesus & shopping tour, biblical ephesus tour, ephesus & sirince village tour, archaeological ephesus tour, best of istanbul tour.

TOURS FROM KUSADASI PORT and HOTELS, IZMIR AIRPORT and HOTELS, SELCUK HOTELS. We are one the first local companies in Ephesus / Kusadasi and have been giving Ephesus Shore Excursions for many years with best local guides in Ephesus. All of our tour guides in Ephesus are officially licensed by Ministry of Culture and tourism. Since we are based in Kusadasi, we give the tours from Kusadasi Port to Ephesus Ancient City. We give Kusadasi Shore Excursions that are specialized up to our guests' time, interests and of course their budget. Our aim is to accept the people who join our customized Ephesus tours as our guest, try to give our best service in Ephesus Tours to make them happy during their trip in our lovely country. Read More

• Our Ephesus Tour prices are more reasonable than cruise shore excursions. • We do not ask any deposit before Ephesus Tour booking. You can pay all amount at the end of the your guided tour in Ephesus to your Ephesus tour guide. • We work with Best Local Tour Guides in Ephesus who are officially licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism • You can decide when you want to start and conclude your tour. Because this is your own customized private tour to Ephesus. Read More

• A local tour guide in Ephesus provides insight that only locals know. • A local tour guide helps you use your time wisely, see all the sites around Ephesus, learn things you would never learn on your own and get you back to your ship on time. • A private tour guide makes the Ancient City of Ephesus come alive, explaining the meaning of columns, statues, and buildings. Read More

Ephesus Tours

Tour 1 (Half Day)

Ephesus Tour Packages

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Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour

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Our Tailored Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Port & Kusadasi Hotels

Half Day Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Antique City & The Temple of Artemis

• Private Tour
• Prices varies by group sizes

Full Day Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Ruins, Virgin Mary’s House & Temple of Artemis

Biblical Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Ruins, Virgin Mary’s House & St. John Basilica 

Archaeological Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Ruins, Temple of Artemis & Ephesus Museum

Kusadasi Food Walk

Get to know Kusadasi’s diverse street eats with your local guide

Ephesus Sirince Village Tour

Ephesus Antique Ruins & Selcuk Sirince Village

Priene Doganbey Karina Tour

Priene Ruins, Doganbey Old Houses & Karina Bay

Create Your Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Tour with your preferences and choices 

• Full Day or Half Day

Private Ephesus Tours From Kusadasi Port

Welcome to Go Ephesus Tours, your gateway to an extraordinary journey through time and culture. As a premier travel agency, we specialize in crafting immersive experiences to the ancient marvel of Ephesus, a city steeped in history and brimming with archaeological wonders.

Private Ephesus Tours from Selcuk, Kusadasi port and Kusadasi hotels, where your exploration of this ancient marvel is tailored to your preferences and pace. Our exclusive private Ephesus shore excursions offer a personalized and immersive experience, allowing you to delve into the wonders of Ephesus at your own rhythm.

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Unique Ephesus Tours

Experience the beauty of Turkiye like never before with private tours of Unique Ephesus Tours.Our personalized tours are tailored to your interests and budget, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. With our experienced and knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover the hidden gems and cultural treasures of Turkey that other tourists may miss. Our private tours include transportation, admission to sites, and English-speaking guides. Book your private tour today and let us show you the best of Turkey!

Unique Ephesus Tour is a professional tourism agency offering private, daily, and package tours in the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkiye. With local experts, tailored tours, exceptional service, unique experiences, and stress-free travel, we provide an unforgettable, immersive experience in the rich history and culture of the region. Contact us to book the trip of a lifetime.

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Thanks to Mr Furkan Karagun for guiding us and making the tour of Ephesus and other places while we were on a one day stop in your cruise in Kusadaci....

Very informative and interesting guide, Kaya was brilliant. I would certainly recommend him to anyone. Ephesus, although hot, was fascinating, and Kay...

We loved the tour, the service was amazing and we had a great time in Ephesus. The food was also really good. Our guide was furkan karagün. Very atten...

Very knowledgeable and flexible with plans. Amazing experience and highly recommended. Knew all the short cuts and high points. He was fantastic!!!

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See Ephesus with the best guides!

Proudly offers you the most unique way of visiting ephesus ancient city since 1998 each of our tours are created by local and professional tourist guides by considering suggestions and personal interests of our valued guests. all of our tours are private and special for you., best seller private ephesus tours;.

Hotels by Ephesus

hotel options for overnight tours

The hotel has largest SPA facility, health club and A'la carte fish restaurant.

This hotel is located in the area with the highest rating in Kusadasi.

One of the best hotel in Kusadasi. Rating for excellent location: 9.2

Benefits of Private Tours

By contacting our travel planner via WhatsApp or e-mail, you can get a professional help to arrange your trip step by step.

Instead of trying to figure out how to get from one sight to another, you have your own private vehicle and driver.

Private tours give you complete control and freedom over your time and how you use it. You choose where to go and what to do.

You have full and undivided attention of your guide. A knowledgeable tour guide can make your trip unforgettable.

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UNESCO Heritage

What an amazing experience! We would recommend for anyone. Our tour guide Ali was definitely a positive part of our day. He was very informative and knowledgeable. Great personality! A couple of us also had some mobility issues which slowed us down. Ali was patient and understanding and made u me feel comfortable the whole day. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic tour for a great price! We had a very informative and helpful tour guide. The whole trip was very memorable and enjoyable. A private tour with a local guide is very useful when you have limited time and would like to see it all at once. Great itenary; I would recommend anyone who would like to visit the Ephesus area.

I was travelling alone and it was finding it difficult to book a tour for one person. I found Ephesus Tailor Made Tours and everything was easy after that! I appreciated that I could book last minute (the evening before) and choose which sites I wanted to see. I really enjoyed walking around with Begum. She really understood the history and was really well informed of some of the details that some of the other guides we passed didn't know

Our guide, bus ride, and lunch were all great. Enjoyed the lunch at the rug making school as well. We were on a cruise and to reduce the cost we opened it up for others to join us from the ship. We did this by posting it on the Cruise Critic forum. We enjoyed getting to know…

My wife and son (7) and daughter (9) booked from Ephesus Tours for a full day tour of Ephesus, The museum, and St. John's Basilica, whatever we wanted to see. I was given her name on the highest recommendation of a patient of mine in the United States. She speaks excellent…

Guide was a perfect local guide. Besides her vast knowledge and love of Turkey, she most most gracious for our requests. We loved her and this was one of our favorite tours during our recent Mediterranean Cruise.

I enjoyed visiting Ephesus so much. Our dear tour leader, Ali, explained about this place so completely. If you want to enjoy this place more, choose him as your tour leader.

Recently my friend and I booked this tour. Ali was our guide. I can not say enough good things about him and the tour he provided. We are 75 years old and Ali was so patient and kind guiding us through Ephesus which was not an easy task. He was always mindful watching our steps to make sure we didn’t slip. He is so knowledgeable about the area and all its history and very proud of his country. He explained about all the Turkish foods we had and we found out he doesn’t like salad. He even gave us a box of Turkish Delight candy.

Ercan was exceptional!! He was very knowledgeable about his home, passionate about his subject matter, attuned to our desired to take in all the area has to offer. He took us everywhere we wanted to go, answered all of our questions, the van he picked us up in was total luxury with a wonderful responsive driver who was never far away. Don’t see Ephesus any other way!

Ali was a 10 plus. He made this day the best day of our 14 days in Greece for our group of 8. He is a walking history book. Not only did he show us the incredible sights but he lined up an amazing Greek lunch, scheduled a demonstration on weaving rugs and spent the whole day with us. He is the best guide I have ever had. He is so passionate about his country and his energy is contagious. If you are visiting Ephesus this is the only way to do it. Ali started as our guide but ended as our friend. I hope our paths cross again.

As soon as we got of our cruise ship our tour guide Aysin was there to meet us with a sign, it was so easy and nice! it was a private tour with just the 4 of us making it so personal and Aysin could not have been more wonderful. We had a great time on our tour and lunch was so delicious.

Our guide Banu was waiting for us right outside the cruise ship terminal. We were a group of 7. Banu was extremely knowledgeable and very pleasant. She told us the history of Ephesus and went along at an excellent pace for my mom who has mobility issues. After Ephesus we stopped at the temple of Artemis and then we visited the Museum of Ephesus, where again she talked about the history and explained what we were looking at. We stopped for a photo overlooking our ship and we were back at the cruise ship terminal in plenty of time. Make sure to visit the Terrace Houses when you visit Ephesus! Highly recommend this company!

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Our tours include: - Professional licensed tour guide in your own language - Comfortable transportation by air-conditioned deluxe vehicles. - All entrance fees. - Delicious lunch. - Ephesus guidebook.

When you book one of our V.I.P. Ephesus tours, surely you will get all the possibilities that we offer you! * If you are not satisfied with the professionalism of your guide, comfort of your car or quality of your transportation * If you are not given detailed information about the ruins * If you are not given enough time to visit all destinations and to take photo

OTTI Travel has a Certificate of Excellence 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 from Trip Advisor! Thanks to all our guests who shared their reviews about our Ephesus Tours ! Since 2001 we’ve had beautiful memories with our guests. Majority was happy with what we offered and most shared their experiences with others and recommended us to their families and friends. We appreciate all negative and positive comments which are very important for our company to grow and improve. Each year we’ve had new establishments and we all know that there’s always something new to learn and share with our guests. We are eager to work harder to achieve more success.

In 2011 we became a member of BBB, Better Business Bureau . We will never stop improving and learning. There'll be more stars to be added in next years!

The Ancient city of Ephesus which attracts 3 million visitors each year has been added to Unesco.

Starting from 1869, the excavations have brought out an amazing ancient city, Ephesus. In 2015 Ephesus ancient city is added in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although the excavations and restorations still continue, there is a marvelous city covering nearly 1600 hectares in Selcuk town, having millions of visitors each year from all around the world.

World Heritage List after 22 years of efforts. It is now officially on the World Heritage List along with 18 other sites in Turkey.

Sea Spirit Travel

Ephesus Tours

Come, Visit and Discover the ancient city of Ephesus  

Tour the ancient Greco - Roman city of Ephesus your way.

Private or small group tours of Ephesus 

Tour the ancient city of Ephesus your way

Welcome to Kusadasi Port

Gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey

Tour Ephesus your way.

Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. Our exclusive tours will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the sites that most interest you according to your preferences, time, interests and budget. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attenti on of your driver and English-speaking tour guide, you will have flexibility and independence. See the iconic sites this region has to offer, enjoy tasting the famous Turkish cuisine at one of the many local restaurants nearby and take back with you some wonderful memories of this beautiful country.

Ephesus Tour Options Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, your way, with Sea Spirit Travel! We are dedicated to providing visitors to Kusadasi with an unforgettable experience, tailored to your interests and preferences. Our expert guides will take you on a journey through history, culture, and tradition, showing you the very best of this remarkable destination. From the stunning landscapes to the rich history and unique architecture, we have everything you need to make your trip to Ephesus an unforgettable one. Book your tour today and let us take care of the rest!

Ephesus Shore Excursion - Private Tour

Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port. Discover the capital city of ...

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Private Half Day Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port.

3 hr 30 min

Ephesus Shore Excursion - Group Tour

Small-Group Half Day Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port.

Small-Group Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port.

Ephesus Tour Reviews

Sea spirit travel - kusadasi, ephesus tours.

Wonderful Private Ephesus tour with Sea Spirit Travel On a recent cruise we had a wonderful experience in Kusadasi visting Ephesus with Sea Spirit Travel guide "Mete" on a private tour. All communication was handled over the internet and confirmed ahead of time. The pick-up was on time and the tour was very interesting.

We especially enjoyed the visit to the Terrace Houses, which we had not seen before, and going to the museum. Metes English was exceptional. I would highly recommend this company and guide. FYI -This company has the ability to take larger groups. We were met by an airconditioned van that could carry 10 people comfortably.

Ephesus News

Kusadasi, Aydin, Turkey 

Ephesus Daily News

Ephesus gladiator graves tell a different story about the ancient warriors

First cruise ship of 2023 arrives in Kusadası, Ephesus

Five cruise ships with 6,700 passengers tour Kusadası, Ephesus in a day.

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Best Known for the Library of Celsus

Built 10th century BCE

Civilization Ionian, Greek, Roman

Suggested Duration 2 hrs

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to walk down the streets of Rome at the height of its glory?

Have you ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of great Biblical heroes and brilliant Greek philosophers?

What if we told you there’s a place where you could live the majesty of ancient Greece once more?

Today, Ephesus contains some of the best-preserved ruins on Earth. If you want to experience this ancient city for yourself, we do offer several private Ephesus tours that highlight the best places.

Read on to learn more about this city and the beauty it holds for even modern visitors.

Planning a trip to Ephesus soon? Answer this trip planner and get your FREE quotation within 24 hours.

Brief History

Before arrival, what to eat, tips & etiquette, what is ephesus.

Ephesus is an ancient city considered second only to Pompeii in regional importance. If you grew up in the Christian church, you might be familiar with this city through the Bible book Ephesians, which is Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus. But this name is well-known around the Mediterranean for its rich history and power.

Ephesus was once one of the most significant commercial seaports in the entire Western world, and it remains some of the best-preserved ruins of its time. It was founded in the eleventh century BCE. and today is recognized as a World Heritage site. It’s also one of the few remaining places in the world where you can get a feel for what life was like during the golden ages of Greece, Malta, and Rome.

History of the City

Legend says that Ephesus was founded around 1100 BCE by an Ionian prince named Androclos. According to the story, the oracle at Delphi told Androclos that a boar and a fish would show him the location for a new Greek settlement. One day, as the prince was frying a fish, the fish flopped out of the pan and landed in the nearby bushes, igniting the bushes and startling a wild boar out, completing the prophecy.

Another story credits the legendary Amazon warriors with founding the city. The tribe of female warriors from Anatolia supposedly named the great city after their queen, Ephesia. Regardless of its origins, within four centuries, Ephesus would be a thriving city.

In the fifth century BCE, the Ephesians built their Temple of Artemis, which has become one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was captured by the Persian Empire around this time, and they held it until Alexander the Great took the city back in 334 BCE. Around the first century BCE, Ephesus came under Roman rule, the time when it would hold the most wealth and power.

In its heyday, Ephesus was believed to be home to nearly 250,000 people. This set it as the fourth-largest city of its day, behind only Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.

During the first century CE, Ephesus became vital in the spread of Christianity, and today, the tomb believed to belong to the Virgin Mary is in Ephesus. In 262, the Goths destroyed the Temple of Artemis, marking the beginning of the end for Ephesus. A massive earthquake and the decline of the harbor in the sixth and seventh centuries continued the decline. By the time the Ottoman Empire took control of the city in the fifteenth century, Ephesus was all but abandoned to the ages.

About the Area

Ephesus was built on a river bend back in its day, but the continual depositing of silt has moved the coastline further and further west. Today the coast is about five miles away from the ruins of Ephesus. It’s a little less than two miles outside a city called Selcuk and about 500 miles from Istanbul, the capital of modern-day Turkey.

Ephesus is about fifty miles south of Izmir and sits just off the Icarian Coast. This sea also contains Patmos, the prison island from which the apostle John is said to have written the Revelation. The surrounding area is filled with coastal national parks and breathtaking mountain peaks dotted with astonishing historical sites.

One of the larger cities near Ephesus in Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey’s west coast. There are some great hotels and restaurants there, and you can enjoy a thriving nightlife after spending the day in Ephesus. There are several attractions to see around Kusadasi as well.

Just off the coast of the city and connected by a causeway, you’ll find Pigeon Island, a walled Byzantine castle that once guarded the town. You can also visit the ruins of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma, Hellenistic cities just outside Kusadasi. If you’d like to see some living towns, check out Kirazli, a quaint town with some great restaurants and an amazing farmer’s market.

What to Pack

When you’re exploring Ephesus, you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. So you need to make sure you bring comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and lots of sunscreens. This is especially important if you’re visiting in the summer, when you may also want a hat to protect you from the scorching midday sun.

You may also want to take some snacks with you for your trip to Ephesus. There are no restaurants, stalls, or shops inside the ruins, and you may be there for a while. Just make sure you take everything you carry in back out with you – littering would be nothing less than sacrilege at this ancient site.

Getting There

There are two primary ways to get to Ephesus. The first is to travel to Izmir and by plane or a private car (if you are driving down from Istanbul or Troy) then take the roads south to Selcuk or to Ephesus itself. This drive will take about an hour, and some public buses also run from Izmir daily.

You can also get to Ephesus via Kusadasi, a coastal city about twelve miles southwest of the historical site. From there you can drive up to Ephesus, about a half-hour trip. This can be a great option if you’ve come to Turkey by sea, either on a cruise or on a sailboat.

How Many Days to Spend Around Selcuk

How many days you spend around Selcuk will depend on how thoroughly you want to explore Ephesus and what else you want to do in the area. In general, most people find they can see everything they want to in Ephesus in a day or two. But you may want to give yourself three days to go back and explore every wondrous site in the city and enjoy the culture of Selcuk or include more sites nearby.

Getting Around

One of the easiest ways to get around Ephesus is to travel with a guided tour that will ease your navigation to the city and around the area if you are especially on a tight schedule and visiting Turkey for a short time. So, all you have to do is show up on time at the hotel lobby, get picked up, and enjoy the day to its most. But if you prefer to use public transport and do your own touring, there are some buses and taxis from surrounding cities that you can take into Ephesus.

Once you’re in the city, you’ll need to walk most of the time which should be avoided especially during summer months. If possible, try to get your driver to drop you off at the Upper Gate on the southeast side of the city. It’s a much more pleasant walk downhill through the city than hiking up from the northwest Lower Gate.

Where to Go

Once you’re in Ephesus, you’ll have difficulty deciding which attractions you want to see most. The Gymnasium of Vedius and the Stadium are both glorious, well-preserved structures. The Church of the Virgin Mary is where the Third Ecumenical Council is believed to have met in 431. And the Square of Verulanus and the Great Baths are more than worth the trip.

The Arcadian is an amazing stone-paved street lined with columns and remnants of buildings. The Great Theater is one of Ephesus’s most impressive structures, both for its architecture and its claim that the apostle Paul once preached here. And, of course, you’ll want to see the site where the magnificent Temple of Artemis once stood.

The Terrace Houses of Ephesus are also some of the city’s most breathtaking remaining structures. The oldest of these six houses were built as early as the first century BCE and was in use for more than six centuries. Today two of the houses are restored and available for you to visit.

You won’t want to miss Hadrian’s Gate, located at the junction of Curetes Street and the Marble Road. The gatehouse was three stories tall, and it remains some of the most impressive ruins in Ephesus.

The Celsus Library is also shockingly well-preserved, featuring a stunning two-storied columned facade. It was first built as a tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. In time, it became the third-richest library in the ancient world, bested only by the libraries at Alexandria and Pergamum.

Where to Stay

Many people who visit Ephesus stay in nearby Selcuk, an adorable small town with cobblestone alleys and traditional whitewashed houses. Its proximity to Ephesus means that visitors staying there can walk to the ruins when they like, a convenience that the larger cities don’t offer. There is a range of hotels in Selcuk that can suit any budget and style preference.

However, Kusadasi is also within easy reach of the ancient city. If you’re looking for higher class experience, you may want to stick to Izmir. This can also give you greater access to some of the other amazing sites spread throughout the region.

If this is not your only sea-view accommodation in Turkey; then we will recommend Sirince Village in the first place which is a gorgeous town in the mountains with fresh air and away from tourist crowds, especially after the tour buses leave.

If you’re from a colder part of the world, you’ll be fine going to Ephesus almost any time of year. January and February are the coldest months, but even then, the temperatures bottom out around 5°C (41°F). However, around July and August, the temperature can soar to as high as 40°C (104°F) in the middle of the day.

In general, spring and fall are the best times to visit Ephesus. April, May, October, and November are the best from a weather standpoint when the temperature is neither hot nor cold. If you’re worried about rain, go towards the beginning or end of summer; it hardly rains in the summertime.

Turkish food benefits from a long history filled with diverse cultures and an imperial influence. This makes it one of the finest cuisines in the world, and you should take the opportunity to enjoy it while you’re visiting Ephesus. It’s a beautiful fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and Balkan cuisines.

Many Turkish meals will center around vegetables, rice, and bread. Lamb is a common staple, and many meals start with soups or a cold dish of vegetables cooked in olive oil. You’ll find rich breakfasts and glorious use of spices in the food you eat around Ephesus and don’t miss the fresh fish either at a seaside restaurant around Kusadasi or Kordon in Izmir.

When you’re visiting Ephesus, knowing a few pro tips can make your trip safer and more enjoyable. First of all, make sure you carry plenty of bottled water with you. The summers in Turkey are hot, and there are no places in Ephesus to get water.

As we mentioned, you should start your tour from the Upper Gate in the city. If you get tired, take a break at the beautiful Terrace Houses opposite the Hadrian Temple. It’s also best to start your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid both the heat and the cruise ship crowds.

Staying safe in Turkey is mostly a matter of being smart and taking standard precautions. Use all the usual safety measures you would when traveling anywhere else in the world, including hiding money and essential documents in an inside pocket of a jacket. Walk confidently and try to get a hotel in an area of town near restaurants and stores that are open late at night.

In general, Turkey is a relatively safe area of the world. So long as you keep your wits about you and take the usual safety precautions, you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Discover the Best of Ephesus Tours

Ephesus was an amazing town, and today its ruins are one of the most incredible legacies of the Greek and Roman empires. You can see where the Temple of Artemis stood, walk the streets that the Virgin Mary once trod, and stand in the theater where the apostle Paul once preached. You can also see the ruins of one of the most incredible cities that ever existed on the coast of the Icarian Sea.

If you’d like to see Ephesus for yourself, check out the rest of our site at Made in Turkey Tours. We can show you the best of Troy, Pamukkale, Istanbul, Cappadocia, and more. Check out our Ephesus tours and start experiencing the ancient world for yourself today.

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Priene, Miletus, and Didyma Tour

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Aphrodisias & Magnesia Tour

Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Laodicea Tour

The Ancient Stratonikeia Tour from Kusadasi or Bodrum

Where to go next.

When you get done in the area around Ephesus, you may be wondering where you should go next. Bodrum on the southern coast of Turkey features another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Pergamon and Assos are amazing cities with incredibly rich histories. Troy is another amazing option further north up the west coast.

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