The 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 back sheeps wool. According to some ancient histirians, 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.

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. 

To know more about the Biblical History of Laodicea, visit: http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/history/laodicea.pdf

Laodicea, is 3 hours drive to Kusadasi. Visit to Laodicea can be combined with a visit to Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Aprodisias. If requested we can organize you a private tour of Laodicea and Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Aprodisias. We alos offer 3 Days tours of the best preserved biblical sites of western Turkey including Laodicea. Contact us today for your personalised quote.

• Private Tours of Pamukkale (Hierapolis) 
  
• Private Aphrodisias Tours
• 3 Days Tour of the Best Preserved Biblical Sites of West Turkey

Tour the very best of Ephesus with kids at your family pace. Our kid friendly Ephesus tour guides specializes in informative and exciting private guided Ephesus tours designed for curious children who like learning in an active manner making your cultural family vacation in Ephesus richer and more meaningful. An inspiring and educational Ephesus experience for parents and kids alike:

it is all about discovering while having fun!

If requested we are able to provide special car seats for children.

If you are planning a family trip to Ephesus with your children and would you like to give them the learning experience of a lifetime, Ephesus Travel Guide with the team of knowledgeable and friendly licensed professional Ephesus tour guides offers engaging and comprehensive private guided Ephesus tours,

Family tours are adapted to the interests and abilities of children of all ages to satisfy the curiosity, energy-levels and attention spans of multiple generation families visiting Ephesus. Our child-targeted tour experiences take your kids and teens through the wonders of Ephesus.

During the special designed private family tours of Ephesus, we often add a stop at a local tile workshop where kids enjoy trying to make pottery:

For more information, about custom made private family tours of Ephesus please contact us.

Azamara Quest was at the Port of Kusadasi today.  We had two private shore excursions of Ephesus from Azamara Quest.The private shore excursion is leaded by Mr. Semih Tazegul and Mrs. Ezgi Pekoz

We offer private shore excursion of Ephesus from Kusadasi Port for Azamara Cruise Passengers.

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOURS FROM KUSADASI, IZMIR, SIRINCE, SELCUK, ISTANBUL...

Denizhan Pekoz, is licensed tour guide, providing guided tours of Ephesus from Port of Kusadasi, Port of Izmir, Kusadasi Hotels, Izmir Hotels and Izmir Airport. Has been guiding for over 11 years and working at it with great enthusiasm.
For more information and availability please contact us.

“Kusadasi Private tour”
Reviewed August 18, 2016
​We decided to go with a private tour of Kusadasi instead of the very expensive cruise tours, I researched on tripadvisor and decided to go with Denizhan after reading all the great reviews.
Our experience with him was fantastic, he replied to my email right away and confirmed the tour, he was waiting for us at the port although we were about 20 minutes late getting out of the ship. He first took us to the temple of Armetis, his knowledge of the area was amazing, he also took us to the House of Mary and then we had a fabulous lunch since my kids were hungry, he was very flexible on the tour and he accomodated all our requests, Ephesus was mindblowing and the time and patience he had with us was really appreciated. I recommend Denizhans tour with a 5 star. A very enjoyable and unforgettable port call.

“A comprehensive day in Ephesus”
Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Denizkhan was the best tour guide I have come across, and I do travel quite a bit. He was well ahead of time waiting for us at our hotel. He clearly has a lot of passion and knowledge in the area around Ephesus and was full of historical facts but also helping us gain a broader understanding of modern day history. On request he also took us to some of the best local pottery and leather handicraft stores. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He also dropped us off at the Izmir airport at the end of the day. Have made a connection for life, would visit again in a heartbeat.

“So knowledgeable and helpful!”
Reviewed 4 weeks agoDenizhan knows it all! His comprehensive knowledge of Ephesus painted for us a most vivid picture of what life was like in a thriving metropolis and trade center 2000 years ago. And he was extremely helpful in addressing some personal matters for us. We could not recommend more highly!

“Great Tour of Ephesus with Denizhan”
Reviewed 4 weeks ago
We loved spending the day in Ephesus with Denizhan. He and his driver were waiting with a friendly smile when we arrived at the cruise terminal. We were a group of four. We all love history and wanted to learn all we could about the Biblical history of the area. Denizhan was perfect for us. He knew more than we could ever know about the history of the area but was able to explain it in an interesting way. He knew and understood the Biblical text and explained it in a way that made the area come to life. He was also honest and realistic when authorities had different opinions or when they were not sure about what happened at a site. He kept us moving and ahead of the crowds---but not rushed. The lunch of typical Turkish food out under big trees was a highlight of our whole trip. We enjoyed visiting with Denizhan during lunch about the food and his life in Turkey with his family. He truly loved this country and passed this on to us. We were sad when the tour was over but left with an appreciation of Ephesus and Turkey. People were warm and kind. We hope to visit again some day. If we are anywhere near this area we will get in touch with Denizhan to continue with our tour of Turkey. My husband said this was the best tour he ever took and the rest of us agreed. Thanks for a great day, Denizhan!

“Simply wonderful!!!!”
Reviewed 4 weeks ago
I am someone who doesn't care much about old stones I never had a history teacher I liked. Now that's sad! But I am learning.!
This tour of Ephesus was amazing. Denizhan Pekoz was our guide and he made it all make sense without being over bearing. The old stones seemed to come alive and I could see how this was once a thriving city. We were not rushed and we did not dilly dally around but went smoothly through the ruins. It seemed as if real people could have e lived there. It was also clear how much work was still to be done and how different it would be if we came back in even 5 years! 
I will never tour again without a private guide. 
It took us about 4 hours including a stop at a wonderful ceramic store and a stop at a magnificent state run school for rug makers. The rugs were shown to us with the greatest care. We would dearly have loved to have bought one but there was no pressure. Traveling as we were we could not do it. The rugs were simply wonderful and we learned a lot about rug making. 
We would like to go back to both places ! and to Ephesus with Denizhan!!

“Private Tour of Ephesus by Trans Balkan tours”
Reviewed October 10, 2016We were a group of 7. We wanted a tour of Ephesus from a Christian perspective. We were picked up at the Cruise Ship dock by Dennis and transported in a brand new looking Mercedes van. Dennis was very knowledgeable of the Biblical text and was careful to differentiate historical truth from speculation or tradition.
We started our tour at St. John's Basilica. Dennis share with us information about the area as well as Christian history. We stopped at a pottery shop on the way to the ruins of Ephesus. While in Ephesus we were wowed by the stories of St. Paul who lived there for 2 1/2 years. Dennis truly knows the Biblical Text. Even for the benefit of non-believers, the ruins are a sight to behold. We also went to the possible home of Mary, mother of Jesus. A somber experience. Then we had a traditional Turkish lunch and a tour of a Turkish carpet facility. The food was wonderful and all part of our tour package price. You will pay for St John's, Ephesus, and Mary's home on your own. Also you will pay for parking. The price for seven of us was around $170 total. Not including tip and admission fees.
Far less than one of those Cruise Ship Excursions would cost. We did far more for far less money than the Cruise ship charges. And we rode in comfort with just our small group and were treated quite well.
One small complaint I would have is that when you stop at the pottery shop and carpet shop, there is a little pressure to purchase something from the shop. Dennis told us not to feel pressured, but I felt pressured. It's just something other travelers should be aware of.
For the record, we felt totally safe on this tour.

We offer private excursions of Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary from Kusadasi Cruise Port with Italian speaking, licensed tour guides. Our Italian speaking tour guides know what people like to see in Kusadasi and Ephesus area. Our Italian speaking tour guides are all university graduates with many years experience and licensed by the ministry of culture and tourism. They are fluent in Italian and have received very good professional training in tour guiding, history and archaeology. They love their work and ready to offer you an excellent service.

Recommend excursion and costs are as follows:
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 Marycame 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 yourtour 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 guidewill take you to another site or drop you at the desired location.


Cost of private excursion of Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary with an Italian speking tour guide from Kusadasi Cruise Port:

• Private sedan for 2 people: 150 Euros
• Mercedes Van for 4 people: 160 Euros
• Mercedes Minibus for upto 10 people: 180 Euros
• Mercedes Minibus for upto 14 people: 200 Euros
• 27 Seater Bus for upto 26 people: 290 Euros
• 31 Seater Bus for upto 30 people: 320 Euros

Rates Cover:

• Services of an excellent Italian speaking tour Guide 
• A/C vehicle. 
• All transportation costs.
• Tax, service charges.
• Pick up and drop off from/to Cruise Port of Kusadasi

Rates Do Not Cover:

• Entrance & Parking fees to the sites.

(Except Terrace Houses, there is no admission fee for children under 11 years old. For the proof of age, please bring passport copies with you.)

Approximate cost of entrance fees:
Ephesus: 12.5 euro per person (40 Turkish Lira)
House of Mary: 6.5 Euro per person (20 Turkish Lira)
Temple of Artemis: Free of Charge

Important Notice:
There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private Ephesus 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 would like to pay with a credit card. We accept credit card payments via Paypal. Therefore we ask the payment to be made at least 1 week prior to the service date.

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.

One of our clients from Hamilton, Canada published a review about our tour guide Ezgi:

Today, at the cruise port of Kusadasi we have Queen Victoria of Cunard Lines. We offer private excursions of Ephesus for Queen Victoria passengers. All our suggested Ephesus private excursions are a wonderful way to discover Ephesus and surrounding area and are particularly suitable for travellers on a limited time. With one of our suggested Ephesus private excursions, the time pressed traveller will get a comprehensive overview of the major archaeological and historical sites and familiarize himself with Turkish culture.

Our tours are private and above all flexible. Relax and sit back in one of our well-maintained, fully air-conditioned, smoke free Mercedes Benz vans or minibuses and enjoy your private tour in Ephesus and Kusadasi. Your English speaking tour guide will explain about the ancient monuments that you are about to visit, the ancient history of Ephesus and interesting facts about historical and modern-day Turkey but will accompany you into the sites.

Custom tours are available according to your specific needs. Furthermore, you can combine several tours into one.
Feel free to contact us, inform us about your interests.

It is believed that the founder of the city is Aegyptus, son of Belus, grandson of Kodros. The followers of Aegyptus were the inhabitants of an abandoned Ionian city of the same name in 350BC. The first foundation of the city goes back to 9th c. BC. The reasons of the migration most probably silting of the port and maleria caused because of swamp fields. 

Excavation began at the site in the early years of the 20C and the city has been partially restored. Acroplis is 230m over sea level. There are 3 main entrances to the city. The city is organized in four districts, the religious (Athena Temple), the political (bouleterion and prythaneion), the cultural (Theater) and the commercial (agora). In addition to the Athena Temple, the people of Priene built shrines dedicated to Zeus, Demeter and Egyptian gods. The Theater is a 4 or 3C BC building and one of the finest extant theaters of the Hellenistic world. Although it was rebuilt in the Roman period it still remains as typically Hellenistic as the city of Priene itself.

The theater was carved into the hillside and held a capacity of 6,500 people. Five marble seats with arms were provided for priests and dignitaries. These seats were built in 2nd c. BC. Each has writing saying " These honour seats were dedicated to Dionysus by Nisios, the son of Diphilos the Agonothes". Agonothes were in charge of theatrical plays, musical performaces, races, competitions and feasts dedicated to Dionysos. The artists were considered as under the protection of Dionysos because of this they were considered such as a religious group or sect. They had tax and security prividledges. In the middle of the prohedria there was an altar which was sacred to Dionysus. Performances used to start with sacrificial rites. The proskene is well-preserved and consists of a colonnade supported with 12 Doric half-columns. The skene had an upper floor which no longer stands. Plays during Hellenistic period were held at the orchestra. During Roman peiod one storey was added to the skene. Plays were held at the 2 second floor of the skene. Political speeches were also made here, each speech was limited by the help of a water clock. Archeolgits still have doubts how the water clock was working.

The Bouleterion is the most intact in Anatolia today. It was used for meetings of the town council. The bouleterion consisted of seats on three sides with a capacity of 640 people, and was covered with a wide wooden roof. The sacrificial altar was placed in the middle of the arc of seats.

The Prytaneion is located to the east of the bouleterion. It was the seat of the elected city administration and housed official receptions. Rooms were set around the courtyard. The shrine of Hestia was in an inner chamber where the eternal sacred flame was burned.

The Temple of Athena Polias was rebuilt in 334 BC as a gift from Alexander the Great and was a standard Ionic structure with eleven columns along its sides, six at the ends (peripteros) and two in antis. Alexander`s name was encarved on the front side of the pro-naos walls. Today this encarving is located in British Museum. Athena Polias was the goddess of Priene and protectress of the city. The proportions of this temple were taken as a classical model. The architect of the Athena Temple was Pytheos who also built the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. In side the temple in the cella, over the cult was Athena`s statue which was the copy of the Athena Porthenos statue of Parthenon in Athens. The statue was made of marble and ivory gold and brass plated.

Agora, did not only serve for trade but also feasts and political discussions. Statues of the the important people were erected in the agora. Sacred gallery was donated by the Royal family. The rents from the shops in the sacred gallery were used for the construction of Athena temple. Macellium (Meat & fish market) was located on the west side of the agora having two stone tables.

Port of the city (Naulokhos) was located 3 miles away from the city. The city had 2 gymnasions named as Upper and Lower. Both had bath complexes. On some stones names of the ephebos (young male students) can still be seen.

Most of important person who was born in Priene is Bias who lived in the city in 6th c. BC and considered among the 7 most genius of the ancient world. After he died, the city constructed a temple dedicated to him as Biantion. Same is practiced for Alexander. Alexander the great is believed to stay in the city of Priene in 334BC. It is not known how long Alexander the Great stayed here. The house he lived later on named as Alexeraion. 

Archaeologists also discovered a synagogue from 4th century AD. Menorah of the syanaggue can still be seen today on one of the remaining columns.

Panionion was in the territory of Priene. It was the religious alliance of 12 Ionian cities but not a political one. The temple was dedicated to Poseidon. This was the reason that Ioanian cities never got united. President of Panionion was always from Priene.

Panionion : is the place where 12 allied Ionian cities gather their meetings. In the locality there is a Poseidon Temple which started being used in 8th c. BC. Ionian cities were gathering in Pananion to discuss political and reliogous subjects. There were also festivals made here, during the festivals there were competions and games were organized. The territory was ruled by Priene. Always Priene leaded the alliance. One can notice an odeon and a small theater as well as the Poseidon Temple.

We offer custom private tours to Ancient City of Priene. These private tours can be combined with Miletus, Didyma and/or Doganbey Village. For more information please contact us.


Pictures from the Ancient city of Priene.

Today, our tour guide Mrs. Ezgi Pekoz leaded a group of 4 from Gullu Konak Hotel located in Sirince Village. They had a fullday tour of Basilica of St. John, House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus and Terrace Houses. The tour ended at Izmir Airport. 

Also we had tours from Celebity Equinox that docked at the Port of Kusadasi. We operated 3 private tours to Ephesus. 

For more information about our private tours of  Ephesus, please contact us.

Denizhan Pekoz (licensed tour guide) will be in Istanbul between February 07 and April 14th 2015 and offering discounted private tours for travellers who choose to travel to Istanbul in the winter.

Denizhan can pick you from your hotel and can take you to the highlights of Istanbul. Denizhan`s recommendation is to do a walking tour. In this way you can see the most of Istanbul and non touristy sites. This walking tour may include visits to Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Church of Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Mahmutpasa local shopping street, Spice Market, Galata Bridge, Karakoy (Jewish Neighbourhood), Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, Beyoglu, Pera Palas Hotel.

Another option for the second day is a cruise on the Bosphorus and visiting the Asian side of Istanbul.

Discounted Winter Tour Deals for tour guide only services: 100 Euro (whatever the size of your group)

If your hotel is distant to the city center we recommend hiring a vehicle.
Discounted Mercedes Van deals:
Half Day: 50 Euro
Full Day: 80 Euro

For more information please contact with Denizhan.

Below please watch the video of a Istanbul Pirvate Tour conducted by Denizhan Pekoz :

 

We designed a private tour for Turkish Airlines intransit passengers who have time to see Istanbul between two flights. Available until April 14, 2015

The tour description is as follows:
Meet with your guide at Istanbul airport take the subway and then tram to the old city. The impressive Hippodrome is your first stop. Then visit the Blue Mosque named for the vivid Iznik tiles which line its interior. Browse the amazing Topkapi Palace-official residence of the Ottoman Sultans-with courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and a treasury. Finally, you will stop at the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown-the Museum of St Sophia. This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was originally built in the 6th century AD and was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of the glorious city of Istanbul. On the way to Grand Bazaar stop for local Turkish Tea or coffee and some pastry. Enjoy some time at the Grand Bazaar. Continue to Mahmutpasa local shopping district. See the local shops selling wedding dresses, shoes... Proceed through the commercial area passing Ottoman monuments to the famous Spice Market. Stop at a local dealer and sample Turkish Delight, apple tea and nuts. Cross to the New City over Galata Bridge. View Istanbul`s stunning monuments. In Karakoy take the Komando steps to walk by the Galata Tower. Walk through the Jewish neigbourhood. See the first mosque of Istanbul from 1453. Walk through the musical instrument stores and fruit juice dealers to Istiklal Street. Walk on the main road of Istiklal Street. See the 19th century buildings, consulates, shops, restaurants, small snack bars, cinemas, etc. Enjoy a local Turkish meal at a local restaurant in Beyoglu. Take the airport shuutle from Taksim to the airport.

Cost:
1 person: 110 Euro
2 persons: 60 Euro p.p.
3 persons: 45 Euro p.p.
4 persons: 40 Euro p.p.
5 persons: 35 Euro p.p.

Rate Covers
- English speaking guide Denizhan Pekoz
- All transportation costs (subway, tram, airport shuttle charges)
- Tax, service charges
- Turkish Meal

Rate Does Not Cover
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace (11 Euro p.p.) and St. Sophia (11 Euro p.p.)

For more information contact Denizhan.