Discover Ephesus and Top Destinations in Western Turkey with an expert tour guide and a TripAdvisor Winner for 12 consecutive years.
Ephesus Tour DiscountsEphesus is a world-famous historical attraction. Ancient City of Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea is one of the most popular travel destinations of Turkey, welcomes millions of visitors every year. Ephesus houses a large number of Christian heritage sites. Discover exciting shore excursions, day trips to Ephesus and Ephesus Walking Tour. High value tours. Browse our collection of Ephesus private tours. We are offering %20 discounts for Private Ephesus Tours with English speaking tour guides and Private Ephesus Tour Guide Services with English-speaking tour guides at the following dates: For more information please do not hesitate to contact us. Book early and save more! * There is no deposit payment required for the private tour and tour guide bookings. * Pay during the tour. * For cruise passengers, there is no cancellation fee if your ship does not call to the port for any reason.
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Guided Private Tour of Ephesus with Lunch and Wine TastingUncover the hidden wonders of Ephesus and indulge in the exquisite flavors of local wine at a local winery. This meticulously crafted day tour offers a serene pace, allowing you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing ruins of Ephesus at your own rhythm. As you traverse through the breathtaking landscapes punctuated by olive and pine trees, you will be led to a secluded local winery, a haven of tranquility. Winemaking flourished throughout the Aegean during the peak time of Ephesus in the 1st and 2nd century AD. As a major trade center, Ephesus imported and exported wines. Romans almost always diluted their wine with water. The ratio could vary depending on the situation, but sometimes they would even use equal parts water and wine. This made the drink safer (unrefrigerated wine could be quite strong), more refreshing, and a better accompaniment to food. Romans saw diluting wine with water as a civilized practice. Undiluted strong wine consumption was considered as barbaric. Wine was a staple beverage, consumed by all classes in ancient Roman Empire. Even slaves received a daily ration of wine. Join us for an unforgettable journey through fertile landscapes of Ephesus. Indulge in the local wines of this exquisite country by joining our meticulously curated Ephesus wine tour. Designed for wine enthusiasts. Our expert Ephesus tour guide will lead you on a captivating exploration of Greek and Roman history and will connect you with passionate a winemaker who will share the rich insights and stories of the local wines. Join us in celebrating the history and culture of winemaking as you savor the unforgettable flavors and aromas that make each sip a truly remarkable experience. Cheers to an extraordinary adventure filled with wine, and history. Ephesus Wine Tasting Tour ItineraryAs you meet with your tour guide embark on an extraordinary journey filled with historical wonders. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient World. Afterwards immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Ancient City of Ephesus as you stroll through its colonnaded streets, guided by the wealth of Greek and Roman history. Transport yourself back in time to the enchanting city of Ephesus, gaining insight into the daily lives and magnificence of past civilizations. Amidst picturesque olive orchards and pine trees, relish a traditional Turkish lunch before indulging in local handicrafts. After this memorable visit to Ephesus, a panoramic drive through the countryside to Camlik Village where you'll discover a serene local vineyard called 7 Bilgeler. Amid lavender gardens, vineyards and lush hills, delight your senses with the essence of local wines, swirling the flavors and inhaling the aromas that echo the divine pleasure once enjoyed by the Greek Gods themselves. Learn about winemaking industry of Ephesus, which dates back more than 6,000 years, from an expert. You will be escorted on a tour of the facility and the cellar where the French oak barrels are stored. Sample the local wines with an assortment of local Turkish cheeses.
For more information, please contact us. 2 Days Pamukkale and Ephesus Private Tour from IzmirExplore three of Turkey’s highlights which are listed in the UNESCO world heritage list. 2 Days Private Tour from Izmir. First day, depart for Ephesus to explore the Greco-Roman ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale. On the second day visit Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Laodicea. Pamukkale is known with the white travertine terraces and pools that are formed by calcium carbonate. Walk on the terraces and visit the ruins of ancient city of Hierapolis. Includes excellent English speaking tour guide, lunches, luxury transport, 2 Day Tour Ephesus Pamukkale from IzmirTour program and private tour cost are as follows: Day 1 - Private Tour of Ephesus starting from Izmir and ending in Pamukkale. Meet your licensed tour guide and air-conditioned vehicle at your hotel in Izmir or Izmir Airport. Depart for Ephesus, Drive approximately 1.5 hours to see the remains of what was once ancient Rome’s capital in Asia Minor. Your first stop will be the ancient city of Ephesus which was the home to over 200,000 people. The peak time of the city was between the 1st and 2nd century AD. Modern-day excavations have revealed an incredible collection of ruins. See the highlights of the ancient city and visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy lunch at see the traditional local handicrafts, and make a final stop at the ruined Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Afterwards, drive to Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale. Day 2 - Private Tour of Pamukkale and Laodicea starting from Pamukkale and ending at Izmir Airport After breakfast, Drive to Pamukkale, a natural and historical site listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, formed by natural hot springs that has high calcium carbonate. Visit the ruins of ancient city of Hierapolis. After lunch at a local restaurant, a visit to Laodicea is a fascinating glimpse into the ancient city that held significance during the Roman Empire. Referred to as the Luke Warm city in the Book of Revelation, Laodicea's historical importance is undeniable. Noteworthy figures like Emperor Hadrian, who chose the city for a summer retreat, and the renowned Roman statesman Cicero, who served as governor, have left their mark on its legacy. Exploring the ruins and landmarks of Laodicea provides a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history and culture of this once-thriving Roman metropolis. Afterwards we will transfer you to Izmir Airport. Private Tour Cost: 550 Euro (Total to be paid for a group 1-6 people) Rates Cover:
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There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private tour reservation at earliest possible. Payment Terms: Payment can be made in Euro, Turkish Liras or US Dollar cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking. * If requested we can pick you or drop you to Izmir airport. There is no surcharge for these services. * If requested guests can be transported to Denizli Cardak Airport at the end of Day 2. There is a surcharge of 50 Euros for this private transfer service. Cancellation Policy You can cancel a tour 72 hours in advance of your tour departure without any charges. If you would like to cancel a tour, simply send us an email and we will be happy to assist you. Once you are within the 24 hour tour departure window, the tour becomes non-refundable. This is because our guide and vehicle have set aside space to accommodate your request and will often not be able to fill that space with another customer so close to departure. For more information, contact us. Frequently Asked Questions :Q1 - I understand that we would be responsible for our overnight accommodation in Pamukkale. > We do not make hotel bookings. You make your hotel booking directly. We recommend the following hotels: (booking.com links) Q2 - How long will we have free for swimming in Pamukkale? > You will have approximately one hour for swimming in Pamukkale antique pool. Q3 - We would anticipate being dropped off at the Izmir Airport for our flight. > In the second day you will be dropped off to Izmir airport approximately at 7.00pm. Q4 - So we would be safe booking a flight departing Izmir at 10:00 PM if we are expected to arrive at 7:30PM? The guide will ensure we stay on schedule? > Yes, no problem. Q6 - How do we book our trip with you? How does payment work? > For the booking, all we need is both of your names and the pick up address. Payment can be made in Euros, Turkish Liras, British Pounds and US Dollars cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking. Private Ephesus Tours from Selcuk Hotels and Selcuk Train Station
Embarking on an Ephesus tour from Selcuk is truly an adventure that will transport you back in time and unveil the extraordinary history of this ancient city. Ephesus, undeniably a must-visit destination, enchants its visitors with its impressive archaeological monuments and captivating stories of the past. As you wander through the remains of what was once the capital of the Asia province in the Roman Empire, a knowledgeable Ephesus tour guide will be your trusty companion, weaving together fascinating stories and providing insightful information about this remarkable place. Brace yourself to be spellbound by the captivating tales and hidden gems that Ephesus has to offer, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. The friendly tone and warmth of your tour guide will make this journey an experience filled with both education and entertainment, making your exploration of the ancient city all the more memorable.
During our Ephesus Tours from Selcuk, our guests tour among the well-preserved ruins. They visit this ancient metropolis that was once full of theatres, agoras, shops, wide marble streets and temples. They marvel at the world-famous Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece that still impress visitors today.
Selcuk is the nearest town to the ancient city of Ephesus. Selcuk is the modern name of Ephesus. A small agricultural town, having a population of 35000 people. Due to the proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus, some travelers prefer to stay in Selcuk town. Selcuk has many small hotels. For travelers who will stay overnight in Selcuk town, we recommend visiting the farmers market on Saturdays. Ephesus Ancient City is the highlight of the area. Ephesus is an incredible place and worth visiting, an Ancient Greco-Roman city. A person can easily spend half a day here just wandering around the ancient streets. Ephesus is a remarkably preserved UNESCO world heritage site. Izmir to Selcuk and Izmir Airport to Selcuk is accessible by trains. There are trains from Izmir or Denizli (Pamukkale). Modern trains are operating between İzmir – Izmir Airport – Selcuk – Denizli. It is a comfortable and cheap way to travel on this route. Train Izmir to Selcuk takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. For more information about the trains schedules to Selcuk, please visit the following link: Izmir, Izmir Airport - Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedules How do you get from Selcuk to Ephesus? Ephesus is 4 km walking distance from Selcuk. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from Selcuk to Ephesus Ancient City. We recommend entering from the North gate and exit from the south gate. Walking back would be tough therefore the best is to take a taxi back to Selcuk town. For the travelers who are interested we offer private Selcuk Ephesus Walking Tours. Can I tour Ephesus on my own? Yes, you can tour Ephesus on your own. Kindly note that there is very little information in Ephesus describing what you are looking at. If you want to know more about what you see, you really need a tour guide or an audio guide. Is Selcuk worth visiting? Selcuk is one of the most beautiful, perhaps world-renowned towns of Izmir. Of course, the fact that it is home to the Ancient City of Ephesus has a big share in this. But not only that, Selcuk is the place to visit and its beauties. Many historical attractions nearby can be visited in day tours from Selcuk,
We also offer special interest tours to maximize your experience in Ephesus:
Recommended hotels to stay in Selcuk (booking.com links) :
For travelers who stay in Selcuk town or travel to Selcuk by train, we offer private airport transfers from Izmir airport and private Ephesus tours and private Selcuk Ephesus walking tours. For travelers who travel with rent a car, we also provide tour guide only services where our tour guide meets you in your hotel in Selcuk or in front of Basilica of St. John or Selcuk Bus Station or Selcuk Train Station.
For Ephesus tour guide only services, please visit: Ephesus Tour Guide Only On certain dates we offer %20 discount. To see these dates please visit: Discounted Ephesus Tours * If you do not have a rental car and staying in Selcuk or coming to Selcuk with train. We offer private walking tours of Ephesus, including visits to Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis and Ancient City of Ephesus. For more information, please visit Ephesus Walking Tours and contact us. Suggested Ephesus Day Trips from Selcuk are as follows: SELCUK - No:1 Half-Day Ephesus Tour from Selcuk (4 hours) Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, House of Mary After meeting your Ephesus local guide, drive through the fertile lands. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Afterwards proceed to the mountain where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her 9 years. The house is approximately 1000 feet above sea level and runs as an active chapel. Roman Catholics believe that Virgin Mary came to Ephesus with Saint. John 5 years after the crucifixion. At the age of 63 she was taken to heaven. Although there is no fact that Virgin Mary lived here, approximately 1.5 million people visit the site each year. After a 30 minute visit to the House of Mary, drive to the ancientcity of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start your Ephesus Walking Tour exploring the ruins. You will be walking down the hill approximately 2 hours. You will see the Odeon, the basilica, Domitian square, fountain of Trajan, Celcus library, Terrace Houses (optional), Marble street, the Grand Theater of Ephesus and Harbor Street. You will be ending your tour at the bottom gate. Your tour guide will take you to another site or drop you at the desired location. SELCUK - No:2 Full day Ephesus Tour from Selcuk - Christian Ephesus (6 hours) Meet with your guide in Selcuk. After a short drive, your first stop on this fascinating tour is the Basilica of St. John. From the Basilica of St. John, see the earlier settlements of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis and the remains of the tomb of John the Apostle. Afterwards, you will continue on to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Agoras, Odeon, the Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theater with a seating capacity of 24,000 people. Continue to the House of Virgin Mary where Virgin Mary is believed to spend her last 9 years. SELCUK - No:3 Day Tour from Selcuk Ephesus and Sirince Village (7 hours) Meet with your guide in Selcuk. Drive to one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world: Temple of Artemis. After seeing the Templeof Artemis drive to the magnificent ancient site of Ephesus. Ephesus is the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia and while you are visiting the ancient ruins of this magnificent site, your tour guide will bring them alive. You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed according to its original form by the architect Friedmund Hueber in the 1970's. The most spectacular building of Ephesus is the Grand Theater, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 25,000 spectators. It is there that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Terrace Houses, homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. The city was also the hometown of great philosopher Heraclitus. After a visit to Ephesus Antique Site, you will arrive at Sirince Village. This old Orthodox Village, 10 km from Selcuk, was once "Cirkince"(ugly). Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly and called it "Sirince" (pretty). Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920's; after the Turkish Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all those typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village you will have a chance to see the local life at a village and purchase some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines. For more information and private Ephesus tour costs and availability please contact us.
Train travel to Ephesus (Selcuk)
* For travellers who will be staying at hotels in Basmane district in Izmir, we recommend them to take the 7.10am train from Basmane train station which will arrive to Selcuk at 8.34am. Our tour guide and vehicle can meet you at Selcuk train startion. After the tour you will be dropped back to Selcuk train station for your return journey. Return train will leave Selcuk at 4.04pm and arrive Izmir Basmane Train station at 5.30pm. Fortrain schedule between Izmir and Selcuk, please visit: Izmir, Izmir Airport - Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedules 2024 Entrance Fees and Opening HoursEphesus, House of Virgin Mary and the nearby attracionsHow much is the entrance fee for Ephesus ?
There is no admission fee for children under 8 years old. For the proof of age, please bring passport copies with you. * If you are going to visit other sites besides Ephesus in Western Turkey. There is a Museum Pass which provides multi visits to many sites without waiting in lines and you can make great savings. Valid for Ancient city of Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaelogical Museum of Ephesus, Ancient city of Aphrodisias, Temple of Didyma, Ancient city of Smyrna, Ancient City of Miletus, Ancient City of Priene, Ancient City of Sardis, Ancient City of Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon and many others. For more information visit the following link: Museum Pass the Aegean - Multi visit pass for West Turkey Is Ephesus open every day? Ephesus is open to visitors every day of the week, and visiting hours may vary depending on the summer and winter seasons. It is closed until noon on the first day of religious holidays. What time Ephesus open? Ephesus Ancient City
Terrace Houses
House of Virgin Mary
3 Days Private Tour of Western Turkey visiting Pergamon, Ephesus, PamukkaleWe have been receiving requests for 3 Days Western Turkey tour including visits to Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale We offer 3 days private tour of Western Turkey. For these private tours we recommend to overnight in Kusadasi. Below please find suggested tour program and costs: Day 1- Izmir - Pergamon Tour - Overnight in Kusadasi Boarding your vehicle in Izmir airport drive to the north of Izmir, pass fertile fields and olive trees, to the present day, modern town of Bergama, once known as Pergamon, a great center of culture. The ancient city was a capital of the Pergamon Kingdom, and it was here that parchment paper was invented. Today, Pergamon is one of Turkey's finest archeological sites. Drive up to the Acropolis, to see the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal Palace. The famous Pergamon Library once contained 200.000 scrolls which were a gift to Cleopatra from Mark Anthony. Walk through the Agora and see the restored Trajan Temple and the remains of the Demeter, Athena and Dionysus Temples. On the steep slopes of the Acropolis you will visit the Theatre, which once held as many 15.000 spectators, view the town and its surroundings from this site. Continue to the town en route, see the Red Basilica which was used as a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess of Serapis. Enjoy lunch in local Restaurant of Bergama and have a taste of Turkish food. In the afternoon, visit the Asclepion, a healing center from the 4th century BC and one of the most important sites of Pergamon. Here patients had herbalistic, aquatic and psychological treatment. Visit the Temple of Asclepios, the theatre, and walk through the sacred corridor and down the ancient,arcaded, marble-paved boulevard. Drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi. Day 2 - Full day Tour of Pamukkale After departing from Kusadasi, drive east approx. 3 hours to Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Enter the site from North Gate and walk through the Ancient Necropolis (Cemetery). So far Italian archaeologists excavated over 1200 tombs in the area. The total number is expected to exceed 3000. No where in the world you can see such a gigantic ancient cemetery. Afterwards see the Roman Bath, walk through Domitian Gate, Frantinus Avenue to see the other remains. View the huge Roman theater having a capacity of 10000. Walk on the calcium deposit terraces of Pamukkale. Enjoy the stunning views. The water temperature is 32 degrees. At the end of the tour we can drop you at a hotel in Pamukkale or drive you back to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi. Day 3 - Full day Tour of Ephesus Meet with your guide in front of your hotel in Kusadasi. Drive to the country. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of Virgin Mary. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Odeion, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath,Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theater with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. Afterwards visit the Basilica of St. John and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy the scenery or shopping opportunity. Drive back to Izmir Airport. Cost for 3 Days Private Tour of Western Turkey: 795 EURO (Total amount to be paid for party of 1-6 people) Rates Cover:
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There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private tour reservation at earliest possible. Payment Terms: Payment can be made in Euro or US Dollar cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required. * If you arrive Izmir in the evening. For the first night we recommend you to overnight in Izmir downtown or Izmir airport hotels. For the next days book a hotel in Kusadasi. Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi (booking.com links):
Izmir Airport Hotels: Orty Airport Hotel Tav Airport Hotel Izmir DoubleTree By Hilton Izmir Airport * At the end of Day 3, if you would like to be transferred to Izmir Airport, there is surcharge of 65 Euros * If requested Aphrodisias ancient city can be added to Day 3. The surcharge for this addition is 50 Euros. * If requested above program can be modified. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. We will arrive in Izmir late, and will stay overnight at Kusadasi (based on your recommendation). So we will need airport transfers from the airport to Kusadasi. And the Pergamom tour on Day 1 will start at Kusadasi. Would there be any change in the quote then? > In this case, we recommend you to overnight at an airport hotel in Izmir for the first night. Therefore there would not be any surcharge in the cost of the tour. booking.com links for Izmir Airport Hotels: Orty Airport Hotel Tav Airport Hotel Izmir DoubleTree By Hilton Izmir Airport 2. Lunch and food is not so important for us, a quick vegetarian lunch is enough, we rather have more time at the sites. Is this possible? > Time allocated for lunch during the tours is 1 hour. That will give your tour guide and driver a little break too. You will have enough time at the sites. 3. For the full-day tour in Ephesus, do we see the terrace houses and the Ephesus museum too? > If tequested Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum can also be added to the tour program. There is no surcharge for these additions. 4. What are the exact schedules for each day? Like when does each day start and end? > This is a private tour so the tours can start any time you wish Recommended start times and approximate duration of the tours are as follows: Day 1: Pergamon Tour: 09.00am - 7-8 Hours Day 2: Ephesus Tour: 09.00am - 7-8 Hours Day 3: Aphrodisias + Pamukkale Tour: 08.00am - 12 hours 5. Because of the long drives to the sites, is there enough time af the sites to visit them in detail? How many hours are we in Ephesus, Pergamon and Pamukkale? > Yes, there will be enough time at the sites. Approximate visiting times are as follows: Ephesus Ancient City: 2 Hours Pergamon Acropolis: 1 hour Pergamon Asklepion: 1 hour Pamukkale/Hierapolis: 3 hours 6. If we are not interested in shopping stops, can we easily say that we don't want them? > There is no scheduled shopping stops during the tour program. This is your private tour you will decide what to do. Your tour guide will make recommendations. For larger group costings and for more information, please contact us. Ganztägige Tour Ephesos für Deutsch sprechende GästeFür Deutsch sprechende Gäste, wir bieten Touren mit Deutsch sprechende Reiseleiter. Empfohlene Tour-Programm ist wie folgt: Ephesos war im Altertum eine der größten und bedeutendsten griechischen Städte Kleinasiens und bietet mit seinen vielen römischen Bauten noch heute einen lebendigen Einblick in die Lebensweise der Antike. Wir beginnen unsere Tour durch diesen geschichtsträchtige Ort mit einem Besuch des Haus der Mutter Maria. Dieser idyllische Ort ist das angeblich letzte Wohnhaus Marias, der Mutter Jesus. Danach fahren wir in das Zentrum der antiken Stadt, wo sich die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten befinden. Dort werden wir das eindrucksvolle Theater von Ephesos besichtigen, in dem einst 24.000 Personen Platz fanden. Im Anschluss werden wir die beeindruckende Celsus-Bibliothek besichtigen. Dieses Gebäude wurde 125 n. Chr. erbaut und in den 1970er Jahren rekonstruiert. Sie ist gleichzeitig die Grabstätte des Stifters Tiberius Iulius Celsus Polemaeanus. Auf dieser Tour werden Sie auch den Tempel der Artemis sehen, der 356 v. Chr. von einem Mann namens Herostratos in Brand gesetzt wurde und zu den Sieben Weltwundern der Antike gehört. Nachdem wir diese antiken Stätten erkundet haben, werden wir die Johanneskirche besichtigen. Diese wurde im 6. Jahrhundert über dem Grab des Apostel Johannes errichtet. Die Tour endet nach einer entspannten Fahrt entlang der ägäischen Küste am Hafen von Kuşadası. Kosten für private Touren von Ephesos : Von Kusadasi Hafen MPV für 1-6 Personen + Reiseleiter: 210 Euro Minibus für 7-8 Personen + Reiseleiter: 250 Euro Kleinbus für 12 Personen + Reiseleiter: 280 Euro Von Izmir Hafen MPV für 1-6 Personen + Reiseleiter: 275 Euro Minibus für 7-8 Personen + Reiseleiter: 315 Euro Kleinbus für 12 Personen + Reiseleiter: 340 Euro Die Preise beinhalten
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Ephesus Experience Museum offers a realistic experience with high-quality visuals, sound, and screen technologies.The Ephesus ticket offers a comprehensive experience that includes access to the Ephesus Experience Museum. This museum is a valuable addition to your visit, providing in-depth insights into the historical significance of Ephesus. By including the museum in the ticket, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this ancient city. With carefully curated exhibitions and displays, the Ephesus Experience Museum offers a professional and educational atmosphere that enhances your overall visit to Ephesus. Don't miss the chance to explore this fascinating museum and enrich your understanding of Ephesus' past. Located in the historic Ancient City of Ephesus, the Ephesus Experience Museum stands out as a fascinating attraction meticulously designed to allow visitors to dive into the vibrant past of this Greco-Roman port city. Leveraging state-of-the-art 3D animations and AI-powered interactions, the museum offers an immersive experience that effortlessly transports guests back in time. When you step into its halls, a palpable sense of timelessness envelops you, momentarily blurring the lines between the contemporary age and the golden age of Ephesus. The museum's admirable use of advanced 3D technology reconstructs Ephesus as a thriving Ancient City and showcases the intricate details of its architecture, inhabitants, and cultural heritage. Lifelike representations and animated segments depicting the city's commerce, residential life, and majestic temples appear at every corner, providing a deep insight into the city's grandeur. The appeal of the Ephesus Experience Museum lies in its ability to evoke a deep sense of curiosity and amazement by taking you on a fascinating journey through the annals of history.
With expertly crafted exhibits and knowledgeable Ephesus tour guides enhancing the experience, losing yourself in the enchanting charm of Ephesus becomes an effortless yet unforgettable endeavor.
On his return journey from Corinth, Paul came to the bustling city of Ephesus to fulfill his promise. After a short visit, he returned and stayed in Ephesus for about two and a half years between 53-56 AD. This period marked an important point in his mission for the spread of Christian teachings throughout Asia Minor. By interacting with the Ephesians, Paul shared his wisdom and laid a strong foundation for Christianity. Once famous for its pagan worship, Ephesus became the haven of a growing Christian community thanks to Paul's tireless efforts.
Cave of St. Paul in Ephesus
During the excavations at Ephesus, more than 3,500 inscriptions have been found. Some of the most interesting are in a small cave on the slope of Bülbül Mountain (Nightingale Mountain). According to a local legend, when St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus from Jerusalem, they had no place to stay. John found this cave and hid Mary there for her safety. It was not until some time later that John located a more suitable home for Mary higher up on the mountain, known as Panaya Capoulu. In more recent years, the cave has been re-named “Cave of St. Paul” due to the frescoes and inscriptions on the walls which refer to St. Paul.
The cave has been a Christian sacred site since the 1st or 2nd century. The walls were decorated with frescoes and inscriptions and white-washed several times, then re-painted with new images. Discovered under plaster on the walls are important 5th-century frescoes, with inscriptions, depicting the Virgin Mary, St. Paul and St. Thecla (a female disciple of Paul). This is the only known depiction of St. Paul at Ephesus and the earliest known appearance in the world of Paul and Thecla together. The cave was discovered by a group of priests in 1892, while looking for the tomb of the Virgin Mary. Under the layers of plaster on the corridor walls are Greek phrases such as “the hidden of Mother of God” and “Paul help your servant”-written in charcoal and chalk. To protect these delicate and ancient wall frescoes, the cave is not open to the public. Unfortunately this site can not be visited during the Ephesus Tours. What did St Paul do in Ephesus?
The first Christian congregation in Ephesus was founded by St John the Apostle and expanded by St Paul. On his return journey from Corinth, Paul came to the city of Ephesus to fulfill his promise after a short visit, and he came back and stayed for about two and a half years between 53-56AD. Most likely St. Paul wrote the Corinthians No.1 letter in Ephesus at this time period. When Paul came to Ephesus, he preached the gospel in the synagogue of Ephesus and the hall of Tyrannus. Tyrannus was an owner of a lecture hall at Ephesus. All this information is mentioned in the New Testament, in the book of Acts of the Apostles (19:9). The Ephesus Church, leaded the Seven Churches in the Asia Minor (Western Turkey today).
What happened to Paul at Ephesus?
By St. Paul’s efforts, in a short time, Ephesus became the third important city of Christianity after Jerusalem and Antioch. Christianity quickly gained popularity in Ephesus. The popularity of this new religion concerned some people in Ephesus. The silversmith Demetrius and others, who made a living by selling and making silver statues of Mother Goddess Artemis, were very upset. Demetrius and his colleagues provoked thousands of people and met them at the Ephesus theater and started a big riot in 56AD. The crowd was shouting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!". St Paul wanted to face the crowd, but the disciples didn't let him. Finally, the city clerk calmed down the crowd. Probably St. Paul was jailed in Ephesus for a while before he departed to North. It is obvious that Ephesus had an important role in Christianity. Both St. John and St. Paul was in Ephesus but neither of them were in Ephesus at the same time. In the New Testament, there are 13 letters of St. Paul. During his house arrest in Rome in 61 AD, St. Paul mailed 3 letters to the city of Ephesus: Timothy No.1, Timothy No. 2 and Ephesians. Paul's letters tended to be written in response to certain crises. Ephesus Church, most probably was facing major difficulties and St. Paul was aware of these. Timothy was one of the disciples of St. Paul. St. Paul met with Timothy during his missionary journeys in Lystra. Afterwards Timothy joined Paul and Silas, and they travelled together to the city of Ephesus. After Paul had to leave the city of Ephesus. Timothy became the head of the Christian Community in Ephesus. He is considered to be the first bishop of Ephesus. Although not stated in the bible, according to some apocryphal gospels, Timothy was martyred in Ephesus in 97AD when he was 80 years old. Probably Timothy met with St. John the Apostle , although there is no mention of this in the New Testament. The Companions of Paul who lived in Ephesus
Where did St. Paul die?
The exact details of St. Paul's death are unknown, but tradition holds that he was beheaded in Rome and thus died a martyr for his faith. St. Paul's death can be attributed to the Roman emperor Nero's death warrant targeting Christians following the devastating fire that devastated the city in 64 AD. The historical context shows that St. Paul wrote a series of letters to various Churches in Asia Minor from AD 60 to 64, during his period of house arrest until his execution. The most important of these letters are Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, First Timothy and Second Timothy. We can analyze these letters as evidence of the religious and political climate of the period and shed light on the difficulties faced by early Christians under the Roman Empire.
Walking in the footsteps of St. Paul
We are proud to offer our valued customers the opportunity to go on an unforgettable Ephesus Biblical Tour. Our tours are conducted by our team of expert and knowledgeable Ephesus tour guides. The tour has been meticulously prepared to touch upon the rich history and importance of Paul in Ephesus. We understand the importance of experiencing these sacred places with a professional touch, of carefully planning and executing every detail to deliver a truly profound and enlightening journey. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience and would like to learn more about our Ephesus Biblical Tours, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team looks forward to assisting you and providing all the necessary information.
Documentary of Cave of St. Paul in Ephesus: Thecla was a saint of the early Christian Church, and a disciple of Paul the ApostleSaint Thecla was a noblewoman from Iconium (modern-day Konya in Turkey) in the 1st century AD. She was converted to Christianity after hearing St. Paul's teachings. She defied societal expectations by choosing a life of religious devotion over marriage. She faced persecution for her faith, surviving various trials and she became a missionary, traveling and spreading Christianity. The excavations in Ephesus have unveiled a significant discovery of a cave showcasing vital Early Christian frescoes and inscriptions. Situated on the southern side of ancient Ephesus, this find on the slopes is of great importance. Among the treasures found within are clear depictions of notable figures like Apostle Paul, Saint Thecla, and Thecla's mother Theocleia. These depictions from 5th century AD, sheds light on the rich religious history and cultural significance of Ephesus, offering valuable insights into Early Christian presence and practices. In the portrayal of Saint Thecla observing Saint Paul outside the window, a profound sense of reverence and storytelling is captured. The image delicately showcases Saint Paul seated with a book, embodying wisdom and devotion, as he gestures towards his audience with an eloquent preaching stance. Positioned behind Paul, Saint Thecla's mother adds a layer of caution and guidance with her raised hand, enhancing the narrative with an element of concern and protection.
Documentary of Cave of St. Paul in EphesusStory of Saint TheclaThecla is NOT mentioned in the book of Acts in the New Testament. The book of Acts chronicles the early history of the Christian church, focusing on the apostles and the spread of Christianity. Thecla was mentioned in apocryphal texts which are considered non-canonical, meaning their accuracy is uncertain. St. Paul during his second missionary, stopped in Iconium (Modern name Konya in Central Anatolia) where Thecla supposedly lived. In a peculiar turn of events, St. Paul found himself at the residence of Onesiphorus, where he delivered a compelling speech on detaching oneself from worldly pleasures and seeking a higher connection with God. A 17-year-old Thecla, residing nearby, attentively absorbed his words and was deeply moved by the impassioned message. The impact was so profound that Thecla made the bold decision to end her engagement, much to the dismay of her mother and intended spouse. The mother of Thecla: Theocleia complained about Paul to Iconium Governor Castillius, leading to the imprisonment of Paul. In an unexpected turn of events, Thela managed to outwit the prison guard by offering him a silver mirror. She successfully reached St. Paul. Displaying a remarkable act of reverence, Thecla knelt before Paul, honoring him with a kiss on his chains and attentively absorbing his counsel. As news of this encounter spread, causing a stir among Thecla's family and the Governor, the repercussions were severe as Paul faced physical abuse and public humiliation before being driven out of the city. Thecla was senteced to be burned. In a dramatic turn of events and miracles, the rain unexpectedly extinguishes the flames that want to consume her, allowing her to escape bravely. She cunningly disguises herself as a man and joins with Paul, seeking sanctuary in the serenity of a cemetery outside the city walls. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they reach Psidian Antioch, they get into trouble again because of a nobleman named Alexandros who was in love with Thecla. This time she is put on a show in the arena to be torn apart by predators. Miracles happen and the animals do not attack Thecla and they protect her. Impressed by this and convinced by miraculous powers, the authorized governor of the region releases Thecla. Upon sharing her harrowing experience with Paul, Thecla bid Paul farewell before journeying to Iconium and subsequently to Seleucia. Taking refuge in a cave, Thecla dedicated herself to enlightening the people around her with unwavering determination. Through her words and actions, she sought to bring wisdom and hope to those in need. Thecla's mysterious disappearance in this cave has sparked widespread fascination among the surrounding Christians, leading them to perceive the location as sacred. The feast of St. Thecla, honoring her as the first female teacher and healer, is an annual celebration held in the cave church in Seleucia that served as a clandestine place of worship until 312 AD. Recognized on September 23 by the Catholic Church and September 24 by the Orthodox Church, this historical site attracted visitors from far and wide, including individuals from Cyprus and Jerusalem, captivated by St. Thecla's renowned legacy. This revered location, both revered as a pilgrimage site and commemorated as a place of martyrdom, has welcomed the presence of numerous notable figures over the years, adding to its significance and historical importance. Was Timothy the bishop of the church in Ephesus?Timothy served as the first bishop of the church in Ephesus. The New Testament clearly states that Timothy travelled to Ephesus with St. Paul and accompanied him on his missionary journeys. Later, St. Paul had to leave the city of Ephesus due to a rebellion by the merchants in the Ephesus Grand Theatre. Timothy became the head of the Christian community in Ephesus. Who was Timothy?''Timothy, known as Timotheos in Ancient Greek, meaning honored by God. He was born in Lystra, a city in southwestern Central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The modern name for Lystra is Klistra, and it is located in south-central Turkey, approximately 24 miles southwest of Konya (Iconia in Biblical Times), near the modern village of Hatunsaray. Timothy was born from a Jewish mother who became Christian later and a Greek father. During his second missionary journey, St. Paul visited Lystra and met with Timothy. Along with Silas, Timothy became Paul's trusted deciple and missionary partner. The New Testament states that Timothy traveled with Apostle Paul, who was also his mentor. They travelled to the Ancient City of Ephesus. St. Paul with Timothy stayed in Ephesus for more than 2.5 years between 53-56 AD. Paul chose Ephesus as the center to spread the words of Jesus. Paul's missionary work in Ephesus had a significant impact on society, especially regarding the trade in idols associated with pagan gods, especially the Temple of Artemis. Paul's efforts to persuade the people to stop worshiping idols met with opposition, especially from the silversmith Demetrius, who led to rebellion in Ephesus in 56 AD. The riot forced Paul to leave the city, and he continued his travels until he was arrested by Roman soldiers in Jerusalem. Paul's claim to Roman citizenship led to his transfer to Rome, where he was eventually executed. Before he died while under house arrest, he wrote three letters to Ephesus; Two of these were written specifically to Timothy and show his devotion to his mission despite persecution. Timothy had a leadership role in the Ephesus church, as seen in the two letters of St. Paul addressed to him, called Timothy 1 and Timothy 2. As indicated in the letter Timothy 1: ''I asked you to stay longer in Ephesus when I went into Macedonia so you could command some people there to stop teaching false things. Tell them not to spend their time on stories that are not true and on long lists of names in family histories.'' Although the title "bishop" was not clearly indicated in reference to Timothy, the responsibilities and roles described in the New Testament are consistent with those of a bishop. Timothy was in charge with appointing leaders, teaching and promoting sound doctrine, and maintaining order within the church. These are all duties typically associated with the role of a bishop. Additionally, historical sources outside the New Testament also support the idea that Timothy served as bishop of the church in Ephesus. Early Christian writers such as Eusebius and Ignatius of Antioch refer to Timothy as bishop of Ephesus. This lends credibility to Timothy's claim that he held a leadership position in the church. What happened to Timothy at Ephesus?Presumably in 97 AD, Timothy was martyred under the command of Roman Emperor Trajan. According to a legend, he was beated to death by a crowd for protesting the exaggerated worship of the goddess Artemis. Admission Fees / Entry Ticket Costs for Ephesus and the nearby AttractionsWhen planning your visit to Ephesus, it is important to know ticket prices and opening hours to get the most out of your experience. Ticket prices are reasonably priced to reflect the historical importance and conservation efforts of Ephesus. As for opening hours, the site opens early in the morning, allowing you to explore the ruins when crowds are still minimal. What is the entrance fee for Ephesus? Revised entry ticket costs (Admission fees) for Ephesus and nearby attractions are as follows: Approximate cost of entrance fees:
* Credit Cards amd Turkish Liras are accepted for entrance fees. Euro cash is not accepted. * There is no admission fee for children under 8 years old. For the proof of age, please bring passport copies with you. * If you are going to visit other sites besides Ephesus in Western Turkey. There is a Museum Pass which provides multi visits to many sites without waiting in lines and you can make great savings. Valid for Ancient city of Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaelogical Museum of Ephesus, Ancient city of Aphrodisias, Temple of Didyma, Ancient city of Smyrna, Ancient City of Miletus, Ancient City of Priene, Ancient City of Sardis, Ancient City of Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon and many others. For more information visit the following link: Museum Pass the Aegean - Multi visit pass for West Turkey For Private Ephesus Tour Costs, please visit: Ephesus Private Tour Rates Multi visit pass for Western TurkeyValid for Ancient city of Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaelogical Museum of Ephesus, Ancient city of Aphrodisias, Temple of Didyma, Ancient city of Smyrna, Ancient City of Miletus, Ancient City of Priene, Ancient City of Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon, Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Ancient city of Laodicea and many others. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued multi visit passes for the museums and sites located at the Aegean Region (Western Part) of Turkey. Museum Pass Aegean is available to foreign visitors and residents at museum and archeological site ticket offices. The cost is 95 Euros. Payment can be made in TL cash and with visa or mastercard at the ticket offices in front of the Museums and archaeological sites. Museum Pass the Aegean will save travellers time and money. Travellers will not be waiting in lines to purchase tickets at the museums. Travellers can visit multiple museums and sites within a week time. Museum Pass the Aegean is valid for 7 days. Travellers can make great savings with good itinerary planing. Museum Pass The Aegean and T.C. You can visit more than 40 museums and archaeological sites in İzmir, Aydın, Muğla and Denizli provinces affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for 7 days and take a pleasant journey in history.. MuseumPass Aegean provides one pass to each museum. Museum Pass Aegean costs 95 Euros Museum Pass the Aegean will allow you free entrance to all museums and archeological sites operated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the provinces of İzmir, Aydın and Muğla, which cover Ancient city of Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaelogical Museum of Ephesus, Ancient city of Aphrodisias, Temple of Didyma, Ancient city of Smyrna, Ancient City of Miletus, Ancient City of Priene, Ancient City of Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon, Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Ancient city of Laodicea and many others. * Note that House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus and Ancient City of Sardis, are not covered by Museum Pass Aegean. Museum Pass Aegean is accepted at the following sites:Private Biblical Tours of LaodiceaLaodicea is home to one of the seven holy churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation of the new testament. Only city in Anatolia with four baths and two theaters. Laodicea also boasted a large ancient stadium (Capacity 25.000 people). History of LaodiceaThe city was formerly known as Diospolis, meaning the city of Zeus. The city was named after the wife of Seleucid King Antiochus II: Loadice. The population initially consisted of Greeks, Jews and the soldiers of Antiochus II. The city of Laodicea was one of the chief seats of Christianity. Laodicea is mentioned in the epistle to the Colossians and is one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelations. The Laodicean church is thought to have been founded by the Colossian Epaphras, a Christian preacher and one of the diciples of St. Paul Laodicea is located approximately 100 miles west of Ephesus and was connected to Ephesus with a trade road during the reign of Roman Empire at West, Anatolia. The city was founded in a valley formed by Lycus River. Besides Laodicea there were two more cities stood here: Hierapolis (Pamukkale) and Colossae. These 3 cities were located at the Asia Province of Roman Empire. Laodicea was located 6 miles away from Hierapolis (Pamukkale). The Lycus river was flowing between them. There area where these cities were founded was wealthy and fertile. Also the area became known with wool, textile industry and dying of these garments. Especially Loadicea was known with glossy black sheeps wool. According to some ancient histiorians, the chemicals in the water which the sheeps drank made the wool glossy and shining. Laodicea was located in the junction point of the trade roads which made the city rich. Loadicea became the financial headquaters of the area. Laodicea was also known with a philosophy and a medical school. The medical school of Laodicea was known with ear and eye medications. The city had 2 theaters. The small theater had a 8000 people capacity and the big one had 12000 people capacity. As mentioned in the New Testament Col 4: 16), there is a letter sent to Laodicea by Paul which has never been discovered. Laodicea is mentioned as the lukewarm city in the new testament. There was no source of water where the city was founded. The water is supplied to the city from Hierapolis (Pamukkale). Pamukkale was known with the hot thermal springs, by the time the water reached to Laodciea, it was lukewarm. The church of Laodicea is said to be lukewarm like the water. This was the only congregation in the book of revelation where nothing good about it is said. Laodicea was a rich city in financial terms but a very poor city in faith. The area had a major Jewish population, the jews came to the area in the 2nd century BC from Babylon. They were sent by Antiochus the Great as paid soldiers. These jews became the early christians and introduced trade to the area. Cicero the famous Roman statesman served as the governor of the area and lived in Laodicea. Roman Empreror Hadrian spent a summer here. On of the highlights to be seen in the ancient city of Laodicea, is a 4th century AD church which was ordered by Constantine the Roman Emperor. The church is recently re-erected and opened to the public visits. This church is considered to be one of the earliest church buildings of the world. Trajan's FountainThe Trajan Fountain in the Ancient City of Laodicea in Denizli revived recently after 1900 years. The single-storey monumental fountain has a dynamic facade arrangement. The building, designed with a large square in front, has an apseal pool and a gallery facade with columns. On the eastern wing of the façade facing the square, there are rules and duties regarding water laws, water use, and protection of the line. Visitors will witness the 3-meter statue of Trajan and a slave which depicts a Dacian enemy soldier with his hands tied behind isr back. The statue shows that Trajan is cruel to enemies but protective of his friends, and that he is a powerful emperor who protects art. Fountain was built during the reign of as Trajan. During the reign of Trajan, the Roman Empire had its largest borders. The emperor, who lived between 53-117, made Mesopotamia a Roman province during his expeditions to Iran. Laodicea, is 3 hours drive to Kusadasi. Visit to Laodicea can be combined with a visit to Pamukkale (Hierapolis). We also offer 7 Churches of Revelation Tour Turkey including Laodicea. Contact us today for your personalised quote.
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Ephesus Travel Guide by TransBalkan Tours is a fully licenced tour operator and a member of TURSAB. License: A 776.