Category: Izmir - Ephesus Travel Guide

Where to stay in Ephesus? Hotels near Ancient City of Ephesus

3/30/2017

In the vicinity of Ancient City of Ephesus, there is a good selections of boutique hotels for travellers who are seeking for comfortable and clean accomodation.

Here are some tips which will help you to choose where to stay:

Selcuk: An agricultural town 2 miles from the ancient city of Ephesus. Selcuk has small boutique hotels, Selcuk town is nice and very close to Ephesus but the hotels are not in high standards.

Recommended hotels to stay in Selcuk:

Ephesus Suites Hotel

Kusadasi : Recommended for travellers who enjoy modern four- and five-star resort hotels, there are many choices for travellers in Kusadasi. Kusadasi is located 15 miles away from ancient city of Ephesus. Our recommendation is to stay in Kusadasi and do the tour of Ephesus out of Kusadasi.Kusadasi has several beaches, nice restaurants and good hotels that you may enjoy.

Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi:

Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel - 4 Stars
LaVista Boutique Hotel
Charisma Deluxe Hotel - 5 Stars
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel - 4 Stars
Korumar Deluxe Hotel - 5 Stars

Hotel Ilayda - 3 Stars

Sirince Village :located approximately 8 miles from the ancient city of Ephesus. It is a touristy village which is becoming crowded with especially Turkish tourists coming from the big Turkish cities. Can be a good choice but going there is a liitle bit difficult.

Recommended hotels to stay in Sirince:

Stonehouse Byipek Hotel

Izmir : The 3rd largest city of Turkey. Having a traffic problem during weekdays. Staying in Izmir is not recommended, since Izmir city does not offer much for the travellers.

Recommended hotels to stay in Izmir :

Best Western Plus Hotel Konak - 4 Stars
Hilton Izmir - 5 Stars
Izmir Palas Hotel - 4 Stars

Excursión privada de Éfeso desde el hotel Renaissance en Izmir

11/21/2016

''Excelente Tour Privado en Español a Efeso''

Hoy, tenemos invitados de Lima, Perú que reservaron una excursión privada de Éfeso.
Nuestro guía de habla hispana Oguz Meydan los encontrará en el Renaissance Hotel de Izmir. Visitarán la basílica de San Juan, la antigua ciudad de Éfeso, la casa de la Virgen María y tendrán un tradicional almuerzo turco. Hemos asignado un Mercedes de lujo para la comodidad de nuestros huéspedes que es impulsado por nuestro conductor profesional.

Renaissance Hotel está situado en el corazón de Izmir, a poca distancia de la zona frente al agua y muchos restaurantes y cafés. Se tarda 1 hora en coche desde Renaisance Hotel hasta la ciudad de Selcuk donde se encuentra la antigua ciudad de Éfeso. Efeso es el punto culminante principal de Turquía del oeste.

Ofrecemos excursiones privadas de Éfeso con excelentes guías de habla hispana y vehículos de lujo. Abajo por favor comentarios más recientes de Tripadvisor acerca de nuestras excursiones privadas de Éfeso:

“Tour por Ephesus”
16 septiembre 2016
Vamos en un crucero con niños, las excursiones son carísimas y con niños no podemos comprometernos con un grupo, por ello decidimos contratar con Ephesus tour la visita de hoy.Hemos ido los 4, con un guía que habla español, en un coche Mercedes con chofer y aire acondicionado. Hemos adaptado la visita según nuestro horario y según los niños, y hemos podido hacer un estupendo tour hoy.
El guía muy educado y se le entendía muy bien en español. Además, explicaba muy bien las cosas y se metía en detalles si le hacías preguntas concretas. Nos encontramos muy seguros y muy cómodos.
Es verdad que es una visita privada para un número pequeño de personas, pero aun así nos costó mucho más barato que si la hubiéramos contratado en el crucero.
Totalmente recomendable.

“excelente excursión en Turquía”
11 junio 2016
En un magnífico vehículo hicimos enres seis amigos la excursión en tierra a partir de Kusadasi. El guía con habla en español trabajó muy bien. Nos llevaron a todos los lugares convenidos y nos servimos una sabrosa comida típica de Turquía. El precio cómodo, ni comparar con las ofertas en el crucero.

“Excursión a Efesos”
20 abril 2016
Muy profesionales, muy buen precio y la visita guiada muy buena. Nos contactamos por mail y nos esperaron en el puerto de Kusadasi tal como acordamos con un cartel con nuestro nombre y el precio realmente fue muy conveniente la tercera parte o menos de lo que nos cobraban en el crucero, nos llevaron a la casa de la virgen María y a las ruinas de Efesos. El guía hablaba castellano muy fluído

“Gran excursión por la historia”
15 abril 2016
Puntualidad, excelente vehículo, cómodo, excelente guía.. recomendable viajar por el tiempo visitando Efesios y la casa de María.. para terminar visitando la ciudad de Izmir.. con ephesus travel guide.. y destacar la atención de Denizhan.

“Excelente Tour Privado en Español a Efeso”
3 agosto 2015
El 26 de Julio de 2015 arribamos al puerto de Kusadasi a bordo del barco Celebrity Reflection, durante un crucero que hicimos mi esposo, mis dos hijas (15 y 17 años)y yo. Con anticipación estuve buscando, en Internet, opciones de tours privados con guía que hablara español, fue así como entré en contacto con Denizhan Pekoz de
TransBalkan Tours.
Mediante un corto intercambio acordamos las condiciones del tour, las cuales se cumplieron a cabalidad.
El guía nos recogió en el puerto a la hora acordada, en un excelente vehículo. Visitamos la última morada de la Virgen en Efeso, las ruinas de la ciudad de Efeso, así como también la Basílica de San Juan y una visita didáctica a una escuela de elaboración de tapetes.
Salomón, nuestro guía, hablaba perfecto español y demostró un amplio dominio de la historia de los sitios visitados.
Sin duda alguna volveremos a utilizar los servicios de TransBalkan Tours y recomendamos ampliamente esta agencia.

Mercedes de lujo para la excursión privada de Éfeso

Tradicional almuerzo turco cerca de Éfeso

Casa de virgen maria

Antigua ciudad de ephesus

Centro de ciudad de izmir

Excursiones privadas de Efeso

Para más información sobre excursiones privadas de Éfeso por favor contáctenos.

Sirince Village

7/3/2016

Sirince Village

Sirince Village

Sirince once was a Greek Orthodox village, 7 Miles away from Ancient city of Ephesus (current Selcuk town) and 20 miles away from Kusadasi. Sirince was once called Cirkince (ugly). The name is especially chosen to disattract people to move to the village.

First foundation of the village dates back to 1st century. Early christians of Ephesus escaped to the village to be protected from prosecutors. The village stayed as a Greek Ortodox Village until the exchange agreement between Rupublic of Turkey and Greece in 1924. During this exchange Greeks living in Turkey were exchanged with Turks living in Greece. This was a forced migration both sides at the post war period of WW1. Turkish families from mainly from Kavala region moved to the area. Greek families who moved from the village founded a new town named as "Nea Efesos" (Νέα Έφεσος)

The official name change of the village was in the early years of the Republic of Turkey. Name of the village changed from Cirkince to Sirince. Until 20 years ago, the main industry of the village was agriculture. Because of its unque historical background, beauty. Since the village name was mentioned many times in novels and travel shows and documentaries, Sirince Village today is a very touristy site.

Today the main industry is tourism. A lot of village home owners, converted their homes into restaurants, hotels and shops. Sirince Village, today is known with olives and peaches grown in july and fruit wines. Fruit wines are seet wines, more like desert wine. The most popular fruit wine from Sirince is black mulberry.

Visitors can also find lots of herbal products such as levander teas, sage, bay leaves, olive oil soap bars, olive oil lotions. Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture. Visitors may enjoy taking pictures of old Greek homes. Most of them today are being restored and turned into small hotels. There is an abandoned Greek Orthodox Church from 19th century.

In the weekends, Sirince becomes so crowded with the Turkish visitors from big cities like Izmir and Aydin. Our recommendation is to visit this village during the weekdays.

For the visitors there are many restaurants and small hotels.

Recommended ones are as follows:

Recommended Restaurants:

Unalìn yeri
Ocakbasi Ali
Dimitros

Recommended hotels to stay in Sirince:

For travelers, coming to Kusadasi and Izmir Ports with cruise ships, we recommend to visit Sirince Village.

For travelers who are overnighting in Sirince Village, we provide private Ephesus Tours and if requested private airport transfers from Izmir Airport to Sirince Village.

For more information, contact us.

Sirince Village

Nea Efesos village in Greece

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The narrow streets of Sirince Village

Private Ephesus Tours for Carnival Vista Passengers

5/12/2016

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Carnival Vsta arriving to Kusadasi Cruise Port

The newest cruise ship of Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Vista will be calling to Kusadasi Cruise Port during 10 Days and 13 Days Europe Cruises staring from Trieste, Italy, Athens, Greece and Barcelona, Spain.

Carnival Vista was initially planned to call Izmir Cruise Port. Carnival Cruise Line made an itinerary change and the ship will now call to Kusadasi Cruise Port which is a closer destination to the Ancient City of Ephesus.

First call will be on May 22 2016. This will be the first call of Carnival Vista to Kusadasi. Several years ago Carnival Cruise Ships: Carnival Freedom and Carnival Sunhine called to Izmir Cruise Port several times. Carnival Vista will stay in port between 9.00am till 6.00pm. Carnival Vista will be the new refurbished ship of Carnival Cruise Lines.

We provide private tours of Ephesus from Kusadasi Cruise Port with excellent English speaking tour guides for passengers of Carnival Vista and other cruise ship passengers calling to Izmir Cruise Port and Kusadasi Cruise Port. For more information please contact us.

Private Ephesus Tours from Izmir Airport

12/1/2015

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 55 minutes.

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

For travellers who will be flying from Istanbul we recommend the following flights:

Atlas Global : http://www.atlasglb.com/en
Istanbul > Izmir : KK20 depart Istanbul at 7.20am
Izmir > Istanbul : KK4021 depart Izmir at 7.40pm

Pegasus : http://www.flypgs.com/
Istanbul > Izmir : PC2811 depart Istanbul at 9.10am
Izmir > Istanbul : PC2816 depart Izmir at 6.15pm

Onur Air : http://www.onurair.com.tr/
Istanbul > Izmir : OHY150 depart Istanbul at 7.45am
Izmir > Istanbul : OHY155 depart Izmir at 6.45pm

Turkish Airlines : http://www.turkishairlines.com/tr
Istanbul > Izmir TK2312 depart Istanbul at 8.00am
Izmir > Istanbul : TK2329 depart Izmir at 6.00pm

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

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We will meet you at Izmir airport

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Izmir Adnan Menderes 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. 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.

Gay-Friendly Private Tours of Ephesus from Kusadasi and Izmir

8/22/2015

We offer gay & lesbian friendly private tours of Ephesus and surrounding areas from Kusadasi and Izmir. For private tours of Ephesus, we provide experienced gay-friendly tour guides. Ephesus Travel Guide is dedicated to offering private tours of Ephesus for LGBT travelers and the businesses. Whether it's for individual, group, corporate, or student travel, we have tour guides and brand new vehicles offering the best deals for your perfect getaway. We are a company of trusted and passionate tour guides who will organize your Ephesus travel according to your needs and wishes, aiming to create the perfect trip for every individual.

For more information about gay-friendly tours of Ephesus, please contact us.

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Gay-friendly private tours of Ephesus

Jewish Heritage Sites of Izmir - Jewish Heritage Tours of Izmir

2/27/2015

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 and synagogues of Izmir. For more information, please contact us.

Two Days Tour of Pamukkale and Ephesus from Ramada Plaza Hotel in Izmir

1/25/2015

For a corporate client of ours based in Izmir, we were asked for 2 days tour of Pamukkale and Ephesus.

First day, we picked the 3 guests from China from Ramada Plaza hotel located in Izmir. We took them to Pamukkale. It takes approximatley 4 hours drive to go from Izmir to Pamukkale. We spent 4.5 hours visiting the ruins of Ancient Hierapolis and walking on the white terraces of Pamukkale. At the end of the day we dropped the guests at Colossae Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale. Guests had the opportunity to use indoor thermal pools of the hotel, mud baths and the spa.

Second day,we pickded the guests from Colossae hotel at 9am in the morning and drove to Selcuk which the modern town for Ephesus. We did a fullday tour of Ancient City of Ephesus. At the end of the day, we took the guests back to Ramada Plaza Hotel in Izmir.

For private tour enquiries like the one above, you can contact with us. We only provide private tours. We do not make hotel bookings but we do recommend hotel names.

Recommended hotels to stay in Izmir :

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White Terraces of Pamukkale

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Grand Theater of Ephesus

Recommended hotels to stay in Pamukkale:

Private Christian Heritage Tours of Ephesus

11/27/2014

Make a Devotional Excursion to the Sites of Faith in Ephesus

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Grand Theater of Ephesus mentioned in Book of Acts Chapter 19 where a riot started against St. Paul.

The land we now call Turkey was once known as Asia Minor. There are many references to the sites in Asia Minor in the new and old testaments.

Since its inception licensed tour guides and comfortable modern vehicles have been taking hundreds of visitors on pilgrimage to discover and enjoy their rich Christian heritage and biblical history in the Ancient City of Ephesus.

Experience Ephesus from a unique perspective! See how God has stamped His indelible mark on the landmarks, monuments and memorials.. You will carry away an unforgettable appreciation of what God's men and women have achieved in laying the foundations for christianity.

Capture the deep, rich, Christian heritage of Ephesus and the people who founded it such as St. Paul, St. John the Apostle and Virgin Mary...

Our licensed tour guides have long experience of guiding Christians through their heritage in Ephesus. Ephesus has been a hotbed of spiritual and philosophical genius for centuries. Come and find out about the people who changed the world. Ephesus Travel Guide Christian Heritage Tours have a large range of itineraries for those wishing to explore the roots of Christian faith. There is no greater feeling than standing at the very sites where major religious events took place - Grand Theater of Ephesus, where a riot started against St. Paul by silversmith Demetrius and the first church dedicated to Virgin Mary which housed the third ecumenical council.

When you travel with Ephesus Travel Guide Christian Heritage Tours, you know that your trip is designed and organised by people with an intimate knowledge of Christian travel and years of experience in arranging specialised tours.

Through our excursions, we seek to show that Christianity was and still is a living faith with the power to change people and shape history.

Check our selection of private Ephesus tours which combine faith based travel while experiencing the local culture and cuisine. Learning about the lives of the most beloved and influential Christians is another magnificent way to deepen your faith.

For more information about Christian Heritage Tours please contact us.

Visita guiada às ruínas de Éfeso

6/2/2014

visita guiada às ruínas de Éfeso

visita guiada às ruínas de Éfeso

Oferecemos excursões guiadas de Éfeso com guias de língua portuguesa. Estes passeios podem começar a partir de Kusadasi, Izmir, Selcuk e Sirince. Todos os nossos guias são licenciados pelo governo turco.

Nossa reputação foi estabelecida com a confiabilidade ea qualidade de nossos guias.

Acreditamos que a nossa empresa oferece o maior número de excursões profissionais e completas a Éfeso.

Para mais informações sobre nós mesmos e excursões, por favor visite: http://www.ephesustravelguide.com/excursoes-privadas-de-efeso.html