Category: Izmir

Private Ephesus Tours from Izmir Airport

4/9/2019

We organize private tours of Ephesus from Izmir airport. Travellers who stay in Istanbul can make a day trip to Ephesus. The closest airport to Ephesus is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport which is a 45 minutes drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Flight from Istanbul to Izmir takes approximately 1 hour..

We provide exclusive private tours of Ephesus including pick up and drop off from/to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and Izmir Airport Hotels.

For travellers who will be flying from Istanbul we recommend the following flights (Please note that there two airports located in Istanbul. Istanbul Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Istanbul Airport is located in the European side and Sabiha Gokcen is located in the Asian Side of Istanbul.

Airlines flying to Izmir Airport from Istanbul Airports:
Atlas Global : http://www.atlasglb.com/en
Pegasus : http://www.flypgs.com/
Onur Air : http://www.onurair.com.tr/
Turkish Airlines : http://www.turkishairlines.com/tr
SunExpress: https://www.sunexpress.com/en/

* Generally a private tour of Ephesus takes approximately 8 hours. Therefore we recommned our guests to book 8am flight from Istanbul to Izmir and 6pm flight from Izmir to Istanbul.

Below please find suggested private Ephesus tour programs starting from Izmir airport and Izmir Airport Hotels :

We will meet you at Izmir airport

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Izmir Airport Hotels Booking.com links:
Orty Airport Hotel
Tav Airport Hotel Izmir
DoubleTree By Hilton Izmir Airport

IZMIR No. 2
Fullday - Ephesus + Lunch (6 hours)
Boarding your vehicle at airport of Izmir, drive south to Selcuk Town.. En-route see the cotton fields, vineyards and pine woods while driving along the blue Aegean shores. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of ancient world. Continue to Ephesus where you start at the Magnesia Gate and walk downhill through the city. Your tour guide will point out the sights, bringing the history of Ephesus to life as you pause at the Odeon, Upper Agora, Town Hall, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian and Domitianus, Memmius Memorial, Roman Baths and extraordinary Library of Celsus. At the end of a marble street leading from the library, gaze up at the impressive theater, built to seat 24.000 people. Enjoy a lunch in the grounds of a country house. Here you will see a private demonstration of the traditional carpet making process from dying to spinning to weawing at a school where young girls are trained in the craft. Your last stop will be the visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, a delicate masterpiece of Turkish architecture from the fourteenth century. Afterwards drive back to Izmir airport.

IZMIR No.3
Fullday tour of Ephesus, House of Mary & Basilica of St. John
(8 hours)
Biblical sites, including Mary's last-known dwelling place, the ancient city of Ephesus and a relaxing luncheon are featured in this fascinating, full-day excursion. As your vehicle makes its way along the Aegean Coast, you will pass some of the regions fertile lands. As you reach the silted valley, time seems to come to a halt and then reverse. After a steep drive up Mt. Pagus, you will arrive at a stone chapel. This converted house probably dates from the 1st century and was envisioned by a German nun as the site where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Continuing to Ephesus, leave your coach at the parking area and proceed on foot through Magnesia Gate. As you stroll along the old marble streets, you will pass the Odeon and Upper Agora. You will also see the ornate Hadrian Temple, the remains of some Terrace houses, the beautifully restored facade of the Celsus Library, the Roman Baths of Scholastica, the Commercial Agora and the theater, which accommodates 25,000 spectators and is still used for occasional performances. After your visit to Ephesus, re-board your vehicle for an ejoyable lunch. Afterwards enjoy a presentation about Turkish weavings , see the girls at the looms knotting carpets and kilims. Learn about the natural dyes and learn the differences between Silk , flosh , wool and cotton weavings for handmade rugs. The proprietors will give a fascinating demonstration of the local traditional crafts. Next is the Basilica of St. John, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor, is your final stop before your return to Izmir Airport.

IZMIR No.4
Fullday (8hours) Ephesus & Villages
Meet with your guide in front of the Izmir airport passenger terminal. Depart the pier for the an hour drive to the magnificent 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 and 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. 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, 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. During the lunch, mingle with the local people of the village. Have a cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee house of the village. Your last stop will be the visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, a delicate masterpiece of Turkish architecture from the fourteenth century.

For applicable Ephesus Tour costs please visit: Ephesus Tour Rates

If you need more information please do hesitate to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Entrance Fee - Ephesus - where else does this sites covers?
As mentioned, 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

> These are the sites you will be visiting during the visit to the ancient city of Ephesus:

2. Entrance Ticket - is your guide will assist me to purchase? Does your guide need a ticket?
> Yes, the tour guide will assist you to purchase tickets.
We will assign you a licensed tour guide.
There is no admission for licensed tour guides.

3. Once Confirmed - do I need to fill up all as mentioned below:
> Yes, please. We need the following information:

For private tour booking,
Kindly advise us the following:

Full names of the members of your group and their passport numbers.
Number of people in your group.
Date of Arrival
Name of the Cruise Ship/Hotel/Flight number
Time to start the tour
Tour code or name or name of the sites you would like to visit.

4. Cancellation Policy - as mentioned, Once you are within the 24 hour tour departure window, the tour becomes non-refundable. May I know, what method of transaction?
> In this case we will ask your credit card details.

5. Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off - at Hotel in Izmir
> No problem, we can meet you at a Hotel in Izmir.

6. Entrance Fee - if requested for early purchase, any extra charges incurred? Kindly advise and give quotes.
Approximate cost of entrance fees:
Ephesus: 10 euro per person (60 Turkish Lira)
House of Mary: 5.5 Euro per person (35 Turkish Lira)
Temple of Artemis: Free of Charge
Sirince Village: Free of charge
Isa Bey Mosque: Free of Charge
Terrace Houses: 5 Euro per person (30 Turkish Lira)
Basilica of St. John: 2.5 Euro per person (15 TL)
Museum of Ephesus: 2.5 Euro per person (15 TL)
> There is no need to prepurchase the tickets. There are never long lines at the sites. You can make the decision where to go with the recommendation of your tour guide.

7. Lunch - if requested, where and what is provided? Estimation of cost if a Turkish set meal? Kindly advise and give quotes.
> We will take you to a place where you can Enjoy home made meal. Lunch will be provided at the premises öf a weaving center. Lunch cost is included in the price.

9. Shopping - please recommend some shops and handicraft places.
> Turkish pottery , çini
> Turkish Carpets
> Turkish Delight and sweets
> Leather outlet för Leather jackets

10. Mode of Payment - can be paid in TL?
Yes, Payment can be made in Turkish Liras.

11. Transport - Vehicle Merc MPV deluxe Sedan EURO 160 is for 4 pax?
> We will assign you a Mercedes Vito which has 6 passenger seats + guide + driver

12. Is it a private tour? We are party of 4.
> We only offer private tours. You will be the only ones in the vehicle besides your personal tour guide and driver.

13. We can pick & choose sites, not all? Entrance priced mentioned.
> yes, you can choose the sites to be visited.

14. Tickets purchases by whom? No delay.
> our tour guide will assist you to buy the tickets. You will not wait in the lines.

15. Will there be any shopping or handicraft shop visit? Like to visit some.
> if requested yes. You are the one who is going to decide where to go.

Izmir Airport Transfers to Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince
Izmir Airport Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedule
Private Ephesus Tours from Izmir Hotels

Private Ephesus Tours for Norwegian Spirit passengers

2/3/2019

2 Comments

We offer exclusive private Ephesus tours for Norwegian Spirit passengers. Norwegian Spirit call to the Port of Kusadasi and only stay half day at the Port of Izmir. We customize private tours of Ephesus depending the port timings of Norwegian Spirit at the Port of Kusadasi

Suggested private Ephesus tour programs for Norwegian Spirit passengers are as as follows:

KUSADASI - No:1
Halfday (3.5 hours) Tour of Ephesus & Temple of Artemis
Meet with your guide in front of the Kusadasi port passenger terminal. Drive to the country. See the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Then a visit to EPHESUS is a visit to one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Ancient historians believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now, it is believed to have been the Hittite city of Apasas. With your guide, you will see the Odeion, where the advisory council held its meetings and the Roman Baths, as well as many other columns, monuments and ruins, including the Celsus Library and the Grand Theater of Ephesus. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy the scenery or shopping opportunity.
Ephesus Tour with Denizhan Pekoz

KUSADASI - No:2
HalfDay (4.5 hours) Temple of Artemis + Ephesus + House of Mary
After meeting your 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 spent her 9 years. The house is approximately 1000 feet above sea level and running as an active chapel. Roman Catholics believe that Virgin Mary came to Ephesus with Saint. John 5 years after the crucification. At the age of 63 she is assumed to heaven. Altough there is no fact that Virgin Mary lived here approximately 1.5 million people visit the site each year. After 30 minutes visit to the House of Mary, drive to ancient city of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start exploring the city. You will be walking down the hill approximately 1.5hrs. 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 the Harbour Street. You will be endng your tour at the bottom gate. Your driver and tour guide will take you to another site or drop you at the desired location.

For private Ephesus Tour costs, please click here.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Norwegian Spirit

Ancient City of Ephesus

2 Comments

Jewish Heritage Sites of Izmir - Jewish Heritage Tours of Izmir

9/30/2018

6 Comments

We offer private Jewish heritage tours in Izmir which is one of the most populated cities for the Jewish community in Turkey. Our Jewish tours in Izmir are tailor made, which enables us to prepare the itineraries according to the needs and requirements of our guests. Our professional Jewish tour guides are experts on Jewish history in Izmir, so they are able to give our guests wide information about the past and presence Jewish life in Izmir. Izmir is a very rich city with Jewish heritage and have wonderful old and new synagogues. Izmir has a deep history of Jewish presence.

Jewish existance in Izmir dates back to Roman times. Izmir was known as Smyrna those days. According to some historians, once Alexander the Great invaded Jerussalem, he sent some Jews to Smyrna. There was an active synagogue in Izmir in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Today in Sardis which is an hour drive from Izmir, it is possible to see the remains of a Jewish synagogue dating back to 3rd century AD.

After the Roman period, Smyrna had a decline until 16th century. During the Ottoman era, in 1492 Jews who are expelled from Spain were welcomed by the Ottoman Empire and some settled in Smyrna. Smyrna started becoming an exporting port city in 16th century. Attracted many traders including jews to the city.

Majority of the Jews who migrated Smyrna lived in Agora and Havra Sokak districts. They built their living quarters, shops and synagogues there. There were 34 active small synagogues in Izmir. The main reason that there were several synagoues because of the different Jewish communities. Among these communities, there were Sephardic jews coming from Spain, coming from Europe, from Thessoloniki and during 2nd world war Ashkenazi jews coming from Germany. Each group attented to their own synagogue. Many of the synagogues of Izmir were founded next to each other. In 19th century jews started to move to new neigbourhood: Karatas. Founded Beth Israel Synagogue and a hospital in Karatas.

Synagogues in Izmir generaly have distinctive artchitectural style compared with the european versions. Many of them are surrounded with high walls and located by a courtyard. Some of them were influenced by Islamic designs and Greek motifs. Generally have two stories and second storey reserved for women. Facing to east. Earlier ones are centralised which are known as Sephardic. Later ones were inspired by european versions which would resemble a church.

Pictures of Izmir Synagogues:

Today there are 9 active synagogues in Izmir. The biggest one among them is Beit Israel Synagogue in Karatas/Asansor district. Number of Jews in the city of Izmir declined after foundation of Israel. Many jews moved to Israel. Today 1300 jews living in city of Izmir.

Some of the synagogues of Izmir require restorations. Some of them are closed for visits. For security reasons synagogues in Izmir are open to public visit only by prior reservation. For the reservation passport copies are required. Visitors should bring along their passports while visiting synagogues for security checks. All synagogues are closed for visits on Saturdays and during religious holidays. There is an admission fee of US$9 per person to visit the synagogues of Izmir.

We recommend to combine your visit to Izmir synagogues with a visit to the Ancient city of Sardis where you will witness the remains ofa 3rd century AD synagogue.

We operate custom tours to Sardis, synagogues of Izmir and Ephesus. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions about the private Jewish heritage tours in Izmir. We would be more than pleased to assist you. Let us make your time in Izmir a memorable one!