Blog Archives - Ephesus Travel Guide

Private Tours of Ephesus in Spanish

1/31/2013

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Our Spanish speaking tour guide Mr. Orkun Kamit with group from Costa Rica

Recently we had many enquiries for Spanish speaking tours of Ephesus. We are proud to announce you that we have started operating private tours of Ephesus with Spanish speaking tour guides. Due to limited number of Spanish speaking tour guides in the area. There is an extra charge of 50 Euros for Spanish speaking tour guide requests.

We also built a Spanish web site to help travellers to plan their day in Ephesus. For more information please visit the following link: Excursiones Privadas de Efeso y la Casa de la Virgen Maria

Ephesus Tour-Bewertung von Andreas Lauko

1/30/2013

Wir haben die folgenden Ephesos Tour-Bewertung empfängt nach einen unserer Kunden, die wir im Dezember serviert:

Sehr geehrter Herr Pekoz,

Wir koennen kaum mehr lobende Worte ueber Volkan. Er ist wirklich eine sehr intelligente und professionelle Reisefuhrer und gleichermassen eine angenehme Person.

Er fuehrt die meistens kleine Reisegruppe (3-7 Personen) sehr kompetent durch Ephesos, zeigt alle wichtige Sehenswuerdigkeiten und kann jedermanns Frage beantworten. Volkan hat ein sehr breites Wissen ueber alles,
was ein kulturbegeisterter Reisender nur wuenschen kann.

Vielen Dank

Istvan Lauko

Wenn Sie möchten, dass wir zu organisieren Sie eine private Tour von Ephesos auch klicken Sie bitte hier, um Tour-Programme und Kosten zu sehen.

Ephesus Private Tour Review by Harris Armstrong

1/30/2013

We have just received the following Ephesus Tour Review by Harris Armstrong whom we served in December:

Dear Denizhan,

We just got home at the end of the week and have finally had a chance to look at our pictures.

We want to thank you again for the fabulous tour of Ephesus. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting your city. We learned so much thanks to your knowledge of history. It was a real pleasure to meet you and we will pass your
contact information on to two travel agents we know.

Everyone enjoyed you as a guide and what you arranged for us to see. They all send best regards. It's too bad we can't clone you and take you as a guide anywhere we go. Anyone would be EXTREMELY fortunate to have you as a guide. You are not just an excellent tour guide, you are a great person! You have truly enriched our
knowledge of Turkish history and culture and we had a great time learning it from you!

If your travels ever bring you to Toronto, please let us know. And good luck with your business endeavor.

Thanks again for everything.

Harris Armstrong

If you would like us to organize you a Ephesus Private Tour also please click here to see suggested tour programs and costs.

Norwegian Jade в Измире

1/27/2013

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Измире

NCL `ы Norwegian Jade круизное судно находится в порту Измир сегодня.
У нас есть группа из 28 из cruisecritic.com. Один из наших выдающихся гидов: г-н Tazegul предоставляет им экскурсию на целый день Эфес, дом Девы Марии и Базилика Св. Иоанна. Norwegian Jade оставят Измир в 6:00 вечера.

Если ваш корабль также будет звонить в Измире, мы были бы счастливы быть в
обслуживание к вам. Пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами для частных программ тур Эфес из Измира порт.

Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisecritic.com Member Group

1/27/2013

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Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Jade of NCL cruise line is docked in Izmir today. We have a group of 28 cruisecritic.com members we serve. One of our outstanding tour guides Mr. Semih Tazegul is providing them a full day tour of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John and Terrace Houses. Norwegian Jade will depart Izmir at 6pm for Istanbul.

We have received the following comments from the group leader which is listed on tripadvisor.com :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298005-d1994790-Reviews-Ephesus_Travel_Guide-Ephesus_Izmir_Province_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

While cruising on the Norwegian Jade I had arranged a tour with Ephesus Travel Guide which included Ephesus, St John's Basilica, Terrace Houses and House of Mary.

I was initially hoping to get interest from around 8 people and ended with 28! Our guide for the day was Semih and he was great....very professional and knowledgeable. All our group seemed to have a great time.

While we had four sites to visit not everyone went into every attraction. I opted out of the first stop at the Basilica as it didn't appeal much to me. Ephesus, which I must admit I was sceptical about was amazing and Semih brought the place to life for us. Most did the Terrace House while at Ephesus and I found it really interesting too. After lunch only three people wanted to visit House of Mary and Semih was very accommodating and took them to the site while the rest of us had a carpet weaving demonstration. We were plied with drinks, mine being a rather large Lion's Milk!! Whether this is a ploy to loosen the purse strings I don't know but it was appreciated and thankfully no hard sell was put on us.

We got back to the ship with plenty of time to spare and bid Semih our farewells.

Communication beforehand with Denizhan was always prompt and helpful. Would definitely recommend Ephesus Travel Guide for a tour and Semih as a guide.

If your cruise ship also calls to Izmir, it would be our pleasure to be in service to you. Please click here to see suggested private tour programs to Ephesus from Izmir Port. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Istanbul Walking Tour Highlight: Galata

1/20/2013

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Narrow streets of Galata in1900s

Today with my wife. We had a walk through Galata neighbourhood on our own. Once again we were impressed with the beauty of 19th century NeoBaroque and NeoRenaissance style buildings. Once the richest in Istanbul lived. Noble Greeks, Jews, Armenians and Turks lived together happily. Each building has an individual story. Unfortunately so many of them are not in good condition. Some are turned into trendy cafes, restaurants and designer stores.

First settlement to Galata is made by Genoese trade colonies representing Republic of Genoa in 1273 during the Byzantine Era of the city. The Genoese built the famous Galata tower in 1348. After the city, conquered by the Ottomans, Latin and Catholic population continued living in the neighbourhood. Greeks and Jews started moving to the area. In the 19th century Galata and Karakoy became major business center. Gatala became a finance center with its bankers and stock exchange. Karakoy harbor was one of the busiest harbors of Europe.

There are 3 theories regarding the origin of Galata word. According to Italian historians the word is derived from Calata meaning downward slope. According to Greek Historians, the word is derived from Galaktos meaning milk. There is a possibility that the area might be used by the ancient shepherds in the ancient times. According to the last theory Celtic tribe, Galatians may have camped here in the Hellenistic period.

The nearby Grand Rue de Pera (today known as Istiklal Avenue) became a shopping center second only to the Grand Bazaar. An entertainment center with its cafes, theaters, bars, restaurants and pastry shops.

Galata had a cosmopolitan population. Mainly French, but also almost all other European languages were spoken there. Italians , Germans, French, British, Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Hungarians, Poles and Russians had their own communities. Each community had its own places of worship, not only based on its religion but also based on its different sects. Therefore, many churches and synagouges of different groups were located close to each other. There were quite many Muslim structures at Galata such as Galata Mevlevi Convent, Arab Mosque, Asmali Mosque, and Aga Mosque.

There were many foreign schools in Galata. French, British, Italians, Germans and Austrians opened high schools in
Galata. All these schools are still running. The rich and noble muslim families also send their children to these schools. Most of the Ottoman and Turkish scholars were educated in these schools.

Below please find some of the must see highlights of the area. During your visit to Istanbul make sure you see these sites besides the historical highlights like Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Grand Bazaar... Let us organize you a private walking tour of Istanbul.

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Galata Tower

Galata Tower
Original name is Christea Turris, meaning Tower of Christ. Built by the Genoese in 1348. Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city at that time. Used as an observation tower for spotting fires. According to the legend in the 17th century an Ottoman genius Hazarfen Ahmet Celebi flew from this tower with artificial wings over the Bosphorus. Today the tower is running as a night club with Turkish Belly Dance shows. It is possible to see great views of Istanbul from the top balcony. There is an elevator. The cost to take this elevator is 10 Turkish Liras.

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Bereketzade Mosque

Bereketzade Mosque
First mosque built in Istanbul in 1453 right after the conquest of the city. Named after Bereketzade Ali Efendi who is assigned as the governor of Galata by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conquorer. In the premises there is a small cemetery.

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Camondo Stairs

Camondo Stairs
Donated by the wealthy Sephardic Jewish banker Abraham Camondo in 1785. Built in baroque style for his children to easily climb the hill from the Banker Street up to the
fashionable 19th century neighbourhoods. Banker Street at that time was named after Camondo Family as Rue de Camondo. Camondo family at that time was among the wealthiest in the city. Abraham Salomon Camondo founded Ottoman Imperial Bank in Karakoy. Unfortunately there is no descendants left from this famous family. Abraham Salomon Camondo died in Paris at the age of 88 and buried at Haskoy, Istanbul. His last descendants were deported and murdered in Auschwitz Concentration Camps during WW2.

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British Seamen Hospital

British Seamen Hospital
It was built by a British artchitect as a quarantine hospital for British sailors during the Crimean War. Looks like a fort and having a tower which can be noticed in a far distance. Today runing by the Turkish government as an Eye Hospital.

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Serdar-i Ekrem Street

Serdar-i Ekrem Street
The busiest, liveliest and the most popular street in Galata. Has many fancy designer boutiques, vintage shops, cafes, jewelry stores...
Named after a pasha of Ottoman Empire who has an Austrian origin, served as an high ranking officer for Ottoman State in the 19th century.

Famous Dogan Apartment (built 1895) is also located in this street. Many Turkish celebrities live here. The u shape building has breathtaking views of Istanbul.

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Crimea Memorial Church

Crimea Memorial Church
Built in 1858 in the memory of British soldiers who had participated in the Crimean War. All the stones are supplied from the island of Malta. It is the largest active protestant chuch in Istanbul. Weekly mass services on sundays are provided in this magnificent neo-gothic structure.

Ephesus Tickets Online

1/20/2013

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Ephesus Ticket

For the ones who would like to purchase Ephesus and Ephesus Terrace Houses tickets in advance. The Turkish government offers you an online service that you can purchase e-tickets:

https://www.muze.gov.tr/buy_e_ticket

Important Notice: Please be aware that these ticlets will not be mailed to you. You should print and bring them with you!

Istanbul Walking Tour Highlight: MV Savarona

1/18/2013

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MV Savarona docked at Bosphorus

During the walking tours of Istanbul, if requested we also do a 1.5 hours cruise on the Bosphorus. One of the highlights during this cruise is MV Savarona.

Savorona is a luxury yacht. She was the largest in the world in 1931, having a length of 136 meters.

Savarona is the name of an African swan living in the Indian Ocean. The ship was designed in USA for Emily Roebling Cadwallader, the grand daughter of the architect (John Roebling) who build Brooklyn Bridge. Built in Hamburg and costed US$4 million. Due to high taxes by US government. Ms. Robeling decided to sell the yacht.

In 1938, Turkish Government purchased the yacht for the founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk spent only 6 weeks before he passed away few months later. After Ataturk's death, the Savarona passed to the Turkish Naval Authorities and used as a training ship. In 1989, the yacht was rented by Mr. Kahraman Sadikoglu for 49 years. After restorations the boat is available for charters.

During the Bsphorus cruises, guests may see this Istanbul highlight moored by the shores of Bosphorus. Bosphorus cruise is a must to do in Istanbul if you have time. For suggested tour programs of Istanbul please click here.

Частные Эфес туры для норвежских пассажиров круизной линии

1/17/2013

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Адриана храм в Эфесе

Этой зимой, норвежский Jade остановки в порту Измир. У нас есть многочисленные просьбы Norwegian Jade пассажиров для частных туров.

Мы предоставляем эксклюзивные индивидуальные туры для Norwegian Jade пассажиров из порта Измир с русским языком гидов.

У нас были клиенты из Санкт-Петербурга от 6 января 2013 года. Мы дали им поездку в Эфес с нашим русским гидом: г-н Мехмет. Все члены группы пользовались посещения Эфеса.

Позднее в этом году Norwegian Spirit также будут остановки в порту Измир.

Плата за вход в дом Девы Марии

1/17/2013

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Дом Девы Марии

Правительство увеличило вступительный взнос для дома Девы Марии. По состоянию на сегодня, Вступительный взнос для Эфесе составит 15 турецких лир. 15 турецких лир эквивалентна 260 Русская рублей или $ 9 или 7 евро.

Мы предлагаем индивидуальные туры в Дом Девы Марии и Эфес. Для получения дополнительной информации, пожалуйста, посетите: Эфес Индивидуальные туры или напишите нам.