Discover Ephesus and Top Destinations in Western Turkey with an expert tour guide and a TripAdvisor Winner for 12 consecutive years.
5 Days Private Tour of Western TurkeyEmbark on a captivating 5-day private tour of Western Turkey to experience an enriching journey through historical and cultural gems. Your itinerary includes must-see destinations such as Pergamon, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Sirince, and Izmir. With expert guides leading the way, you will delve into the ancient ruins of Ephesus, marvel at the natural wonders of Pamukkale's thermal springs, and immerse yourself in the enchanting village of Sirince. This meticulously curated tour offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration, promising an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Western Turkey. Day 1- Arrive Izmir - Pergamon - 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 godess 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 - Fullday 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 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. Overnight in Kusadasi. Day 3 - Fullday Tour of Pamukkale and Aphrodisias After departing from Kusadasi, drive east approx. 3 hours. Visit Aphrodisias, see the finest works of marble from Roman Period and the 30.000 spectator capacity gigantic roman stadium. Continue 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. Day 4 - Fullday (8hours) Priene, Miletus and Didyma Meet with your guide at your hotel in Kusadasi. Following the departure from the pier, the first stop will be PRIENE. The ancient harbor city of Priene probably changed its location when the silt of the Meander River threatened to bury it. Now it is nearly 16km away from the sea. The original place of the city has never been found but it was probably a peninsula with two harbors. Priene was laid out on a Hippodamian system of grid plan at the foot of a spectacular cliff on mount Mycale and contained many famous examples of Hellenistic art and architecture. All the streets intersect at right angles. Next visit MILETUS, an ancient city located near the mouth of the Meandros River. Miletus owed its importance to its position on the trade routes. It was one of the largest cities in Anatolia. Highly prosperous, it founded many colonies and was the home of the ancient philosophers Anaximander, Anaximenes and Thales, the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. Having a prominent position, Miletus became the most important port in this area and it was the most active member of the twelve cities of the Ionian Confederation. From the 7th century B.C. the city has been controlled in turn by the Persians, Roman and Seljuk Turks. The last visit in the tour will be DIDYMA. The world Didyma meant "twins" and it was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis. Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo, which served a similar purpose as the Delphi of Anatolia. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus by Milesians with a 12 mile sacred road. Drive back to Kusadasi. Day 5 - Sirince Village and Izmir City After departing your hotel in Kusadasi, you will arrive at SIRINCE VILLAGE. This old Orthodox Village, 30 km from Kusadasi, 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 chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines. Afterwards drive to Izmir City Center. Visit the historical Kemeralti Bazaar, which is the most vibrant shopping center of Izmir for centuries covering a huge area. In 17th and 18th centuries French and British merchants first and in 19th C AD Turkish immigrants later from Greece and Aegean Island to Izmir have made a great contribution for enlarging the shopping mall as to be the center of trade in Izmir. It began expanding to a large area throughout the Konak square with a big variety of shops. Transfer to Izmir AIrport. End of services. For more information, please contact us.
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Private Ephesus Excursions for Seabourn Passengers: Seabourn Encore from Kusadasi Port.Seabourn Encore will call at Kusadasi Port this year. First call of Seabourn Encore will be on April 20th 2024. There will be 14 port of calls of Seabourn Encore to Kusadasi Cruise Port in 2024.
Kusadasi is Turkey's most popular cruise port, a beach town and the gateway to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. Ephesus, now a ruin and an important archaeological site. Ephesus was once one of the most important Roman cities in Asia Minor. It was built in the Hellenistic period and fell under Roman control. Here you will find the remarkable facade of the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater that once housed 25,000 people and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We offer the highest quality private shore excursions conducted by local expert tour guides in the most cost-effective way for our guests from Seabourn Ships. Our private Ephesus tours are led by finest English, Spanish, German and Russian speaking licensed tour guides of the area. The cost of the private Ephesus tours are much less than the ones offered by Seabourn. As a former Seabourn employee, (worked on Seabourn Sun as an Asst. Shore Excursions Manager) I am well aware of guests needs and expectations. Let us take you to an unforgettable Ephesus private tour of one of the major Roman cities: Ephesus. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us. Private Ephesus Tours for Norwegian Cruise Line Passengers from Kusadasi Port
2 days Private Tours of Ephesus and Pergamon TourWe provide exclusive 2-day Private Tours of Ephesus and Pergamon departing from Izmir Airport and Hotels of Izmir, Kusadasi, Selcuk, and Sirince. Our meticulously crafted tour program offers a detailed itinerary that can be tailored to suit our guests' preferences, including accommodation options and flight schedules. Our goal is to ensure a personalized and enriching experience for all our guests. For further details or inquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to creating a memorable and bespoke tour just for you. Day 1: Pergamon Tour Meet with your tour guide at Izmir Airpor or at your hotel in Izmir or Kusadasi or Selcuk or Sirince. 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 ruins and see the restored Trajan Temple and the remains of the Athena and Dionysus Temples. On the steep slopes of the Acropolis you will visit the Theatre, which once held as many 10.000 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 godess 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 back to your hotel. Day 2: Ephesus Tour Meet with your tour guide at 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 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 Theatre 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. End your tour at Izmir Airport or your hotel in Izmir or Kusadasi or Selcuk or Sirince. Cost: 515 Euro (Total to be paid for your party of 1-6 people) Rates Cover:
Rates Do Not Cover:
* 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. 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, please contact us. Private Tours of Ephesus and Pamukkale for Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit PassengersAzamara Cruises is scheduled to do 20 port of calls to Kusadasi Port in 2024.
On May 11th Azamara Pursuit will be calling back to Kusadasi Cruise Port during 7 Night Greece Intensive Voyage. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will follow Azamara Pursuit to Kusadasi Cruise Port. We offer Private Ephesus Tours and Private Pamukkale Tours with various tour itineraries for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit passengers calling to the Kusadasi Cruise Port with excellent licensed local tour guides and luxury vehicles in various sizes. Please visit the following links to choose the right private tour itinerary for you with reasonable prices than the cruise ships offer. For more information please visit the following linkcs: Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Port Pamukkale Tours from Kusadasi Port For the the booking please contact us. We are looking forward to the calls of Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit. 7 Churches of Revelation Tour visiting Biblical sites in Western Turkey. 7 Churches Tour from Izmir
Smyrna (Izmir) - Pergamon (Bergama) - Laodicea -
Ephesus - Sardis - Philadephia - Thyatira - Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
We offer private 7 Churches Tours in Turkey visiting the 7 Churches of Revelation,
Seven Churches of Revelation Tour with expert tour guides. There are many biblical sites in Turkey. For many generations Christians, or those who simply have an interest in Christian history and traditions, have traveled to the western part of Turkey which was known as Asia Minor in the biblical times, The Asia Minor is known for the 7 churches of the Book of Revelation. On top of that St. Paul travelled to the area several times. Near Ephesus, there is a possible house where Virgin Mary spent her last years. Ephesus and the surrounding areas had a history of spiritual awakening and Christian revival. When did John wrote the Book of Revelation?
Apostle John, one of the important figures of early Christianity, faced exile from Asia Minor to Patmos in 95 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitianus. This event had a significant impact on the world of faith, providing the ideal environment for the writing of the Book of Revelation. Around 96 AD, while living on the Island of Patmos, located approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Ephesus and 33 nautical miles west of Miletus. The exile of the Apostle John to Patmos and the subsequent writing of the Book of Revelation stands as a pivotal moment in Christian history, demonstrating the power of faith even in the face of difficulties.
What are the names of 7 Churches of Revelations today?
The Seven Churches of Revelation are ancient churches that St. John wrote about in the book of Revelation of the New Testament. All the 7 churches mentioned are located at the western part of Turkey. Biblical sites in Western Turkey:
Can you visit the 7 churches of Revelation?
Absolutely! Visiting the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation is an exciting and meaningful journey. Exploring these historic sites can give you a unique insight into the early Christian period and deepen your understanding of the messages conveyed in the biblical text. So if you are passionate about biblical history, visiting the Seven Churches of Revelation can be a captivating and enriching experience.
Where did Apostle John die?
It is said that the Apostle John, one of the important figures in the history of Christianity, lived a long life and eventually died of natural causes in Ephesus around 98 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan. Remarkably, he was the only apostle who was not martyred, while the remaining eleven faced persecution and lost their lives for their faith. Four centuries after the burial, Byzantine Emperor Justinian sought to honor the memory of the Apostle John by ordering the construction of a large church over his burial site in Ephesus. This magnificent structure, known as the Basilica of St. John, still stands today in Selcuk, a charming town in western Turkey. Built to commemorate the apostle's life and teachings, the basilica is a testament to the enduring legacy of John the Apostle and his significant contributions to the spread of Christianity.
Walking in the footsteps of Saint John
We have a background in sharing the Western Part of Turkey's Christian Heritage with others, having worked with a broad selection of churches and mission organisations over the years. We are always pleased to organise Biblical Tours of Western Turkey, visiting seven churches of revelation and beyond. We are sure that you will find them interesting whether you are a Christian or religious person or simply interested.
Our 3-Day Tour of 7 Churches offers a unique opportunity to discover the historical and religious significance of the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. Besides these precious places, we also added a visit to Hierapolis, especially the place where the Apostle Philip was martyred. Also, get ready for a fascinating experience on the surreal white calcium carbonate terraces of Pamukkale. This tour promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of these biblical landmarks and a deep sense of connection to history. Depending on how long you area able to tour for. A one day Biblical Ephesus Tour can take you to many sights of Christian interest in Ephesus. If you have 2 or more days there are many more possibilities such as a tour incorporating ancient cities of Pergamon, Laodicea, Hierapolis (Pamukkale) etc. Get in touch for more details. 1We are happy to offer two different 7 Churches Tour options depending on your preferred travel time. Option No. 1, which operates between April and October, allows you to enjoy the beauties and favorable weather of Turkey in these months, allowing you to explore historical churches in pleasant conditions. On the other hand, Option No. 2, which operates between November and March, provides a unique perspective as you witness the tranquility of the winter months and delve into the rich Christian Heritage of Asia Minor. Whatever option you choose, our professional team is expertly trained to provide you with an extraordinary and immersive journey, offering insightful guidance and ensuring your comfort throughout the tour. We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you when you embark on this spiritual journey in Turkey. Below please find suggested 3 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey itineraries:
7 Churches Tour Turkey Price: 950 Euro (Total to be paid for the group of 1-5 people)
* Above rate is NOT a per person rate. It is total to be paid for your group. The price includes:
The price does not include:
Payment Terms Private Tour Payments 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. We only accept cash payments. Entrance fees can be paid with credit cards. * We recommend the guests to obltain Museum Pass Turkey or Museum Pass Aegean. This would be a more economical option for the costs of entry to the sites. For more information and availability, we kindly request that you reach out to us. At your convenience, please don't hesitate to contact our team, as we are more than eager to assist you. Rest assured that our dedicated staff is ready to provide you with comprehensive details and guide you through the process. We value your interest and look forward to the opportunity to serve you. Recommended hotels to stay during your 7 Churches Tour Turkey: (booking.com links)
Izmir to Ephesus by trainTraveling from Izmir to Ephesus by train offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to experience the beautiful Turkish countryside. The journey starts from Izmir Basmane Train Station. As the train progresses, you will be treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills, quaint villages and lush green landscapes that showcase the true beauty of Western Turkey. Train travel allows you to relax and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape and provides a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When you arrive at Selcuk Train Station, you will be amazed by the incredible historical sites of the region. Exploring the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus is like stepping back in time. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, traveling from Izmir to Ephesus by train is an experience that will leave you with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Western Turkey. For travellers who will be staying at hotels near Basmane district in Izmir, we recommend them to take the 7..05am train from Basmane Train Station which will arrive to Selcuk (Ephesus) at 8.33am. (Same train stops at Izmir Airport Train Station at 7.25am). Our tour guide and vehicle can meet you at Selcuk Train Station. After the private tour of Ephesus you will be dropped back to Selcuk Train Station for your return journey to Izmir or Izmir Airport. Return train will leave Selcuk at 3.50pm and arrive Izmir Basmane Train station at 5.22pm. The train ride takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. |
by TransBalkan Tours is a fully licenced tour operator since 1963 and a member of TURSAB.
License: A 776.
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Ephesus Travel Guide by TransBalkan Tours is a fully licenced tour operator and a member of TURSAB. License: A 776.