Based near the western shores of modern-day Turkey, Ephesus is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. It was an ancient city that is still well-preserved from its ruins and was once considered the hub of trade in the Mediterranean region. Along with history, foreign invaders have attacked the city many times. As a result, its reins were in the hands of multiple conquerors at different times.
The city was the centre of early Christian evangelism and is an important archaeological site. The Temple of Artemis, which is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, attracted pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean region. The House of the Virgin Mary located 7 kilometres from Ephesus became a place of Christian pilgrimage.
Being near to the sea, the city boasts of harbours and hence is also called a port city. It is a perfect example of a Roman port city. Because of its rich cultural and historical heritage, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides Artemis, there is the Basilica of St. John, the Library of Celsus, House of Virgin Mary, Isabey Mosque, Luxurious Hotels and Spas, and many more.
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Ephesus Tour Plan
In the morning at about 5 am, the driver will pick you up from the hotel at Pamukkale. After that, you will have your transfer to Denizli Train station, where you will get train tickets. At 6 am, you will depart from Denizli to reach Selcuk. It takes about 3 hours to reach Selcuk. So, you can expect to reach Selcuk by 9 am. At Selcuk, the tour guide will meet you, and your wonderful Ephesus Tour will start from there.
This tour will surely make you fall in love with this place. It will be an experience for life to remember. The location is teeming with scenic beauty and riddled with ancient monuments and historical structures that will mystify you. Your guide will brief you about all those places and structures in-depth, which will help you gain knowledge and give you a mystifying experience while walking past the city.
What the Tour Includes?
- The professional tour guide who speaks English.
- All entry fees to the sites.
- It has an air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Lunch.
- Free Hotel Transfer.
What the Tour Does Not Include?
- Drinks.
- Personal Expenses.
Ephesus – The Ancient City
Your fabulous Ephesus tour starts with a stroll inside the Ephesus Ancient City. Our guide will carefully take you through the ancient city briefing you about each detail. You will witness the old city with all the beautiful and majestic structures everywhere. The town is also of historical and archaeological importance. If you love history, then you will find this tour fascinating. You will witness the signs of Roman grandeur among the various structures and monuments in the city.
Celsus Library
Among the ruins of the Ephesus Ancient City, you will find the Celsus Library. It is one of the most beautiful structures in the city. Celsus got dedicated to Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, who was Governor of the province of Asia. The library has two stories and has columns that resemble the Corinthian style on the ground floor. It also consists of three entrances to the building. This library was the 3rd largest in ancient times after Alexandra and Pergamum. You will be in awe to see this magnificent structure. Don’t forget to click beautiful photos as you pass through these structures.
Temple of Hadrian
After witnessing the beautiful library, you will visit the Hadrian Temple which stands tall on Curetes Street. The temple is of great religious importance and is one of the most impressive structures of the city. The temple has four columns resembling the Corinthian style supporting an arch. In the middle of the arch, you will see a relief of Tyche, goddess of Victory. The structures will amaze you, and that is why it is a perfect place for photography so that you can capture your experiences.
Trajan Fountain
Next, in the Ephesus Tour, the guide will take you to this fountain, which came into existence in honour of King Trajan. The pool has statues and columns all around it and also had the statue of Trajan overlooking the lake.
Great Theater
You will then see The Great Theater, where St Paul once preached. Though the theatre was destroyed in an earthquake, it remains one of the beautiful structures of the city. It was one of the most imposing structures during Roman times and could host 25000 people.
Lunch
After that, you will continue with Lunch. An open buffet loaded with mouth-watering food will be waiting for you. You will get a well-deserved break to relax and rest.
Virgin Mary near Ephesus
In the afternoon after a well-deserved lunch break, you will see the House of the Virgin Mary. The house is present at Selcuk, on the Bulbul Mountains. Once you arrive in the city, you will be in awe of the natural beauty surrounding the place. Virgin Mary spent her last days in this house so; the house is of immense religious importance for Christians.
Temple Of Artemis
You will now move on to watch the remains of the Temple of Artemis. This monument is one of the seven wonders of the world and is dedicated to the Goddess Artemis. The temple is of enormous historical and religious importance and a must-see site.
Isabey Mosque
Finally, we will wrap up your tour with a stop at the Isabey Mosque. This monument is of immense religious importance with striking features resembling the Seljukian architectural style. You will be bound to be in a state of awe after watching the mosque’s interior. The design is truly magnificent, which makes the tourists wonderstruck.
