Only eighteen nautical miles and 45 minutes ferry ride separate Samos from Kusadasi, Turkey.. We offer private day tours to Ephesus from Kusadasi Cruise Port, These private tours are designed for vacationers, spending their vacation in Samos. Between May and Ocrober on everyday, there is a morning ferry from Vathy to Kusadasi. The ferry departs Vathy at 9.30am and arrive Kusadasi, Turkey at 10.15am. After meeting you at Kusadasi Cruise Port we will take you to the highlights of Ephesus and surrounding area. At the end of the day, we will take you back to Kusadasi Cruise Port for your return ferry to Vathy, Samos. Ferry departs Kusadasi Cruise Port at 5pm. You will arrive back to  Samos at 5.45pm. The tour will end at Kusadasi Cruise Port at 4pm. In a private tour you will maximize your limited time in Turkey. In this limited time you will see a lot more than the one who will book a group tour and you will visit only the sites you would like to.

We are providing private guided tours with licensed tour guides only. All of our tour guides are well trained and experienced. They are all fluent in their langiages. The tours are provided in English, German, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Bulgarian. For more information about private tour availability and costs please contact us.

There are daily ferries from Samos to Kusadasi. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach from Pythagorio, Samos to Kusadasi. The highlight of the Aegean region is the Ancient City of Ephesus which is 25 minutes drive from Kusadasi. For travellers who are staying in Samos Hotels, we recommend to visit Ancient City of Ephesus. We offer private tours of Ephesus from Kusadasi Port for travellers who are travelling to Kusadasi from Samos. These private tours are operated with fluent English, German, Russian Spanish and Portuguese speaking licensed tour guides.

It costs 78 Euros per person for a same day return trip from Vathy, Samos to Kusadasi. Ferries operate between May and October. Ferries depart from Vathy port at 9.30am and arrive Kusadasi at 10.15am. Return ferry is at 5.00pm which will arrive back to Pythagorio at 5.45pm. This will give you approx. 6 hours to visit Ephesus and surrounding areas.

​To book ferries from Pythagorion to Kusadasi, please visit: 
https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/ferry-routes/direct/samos-kusadasi
Select: Departure as Vathy, Samos and Destination as Kusadasi

When you book your ferry ticket, please contact us for your  Ephesus Private Tour.

Suggested private tour itinerary is as follows:

Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kuşadası Cruise Port – Private Guided Tour
Temple of Artemis + Ephesus Ancient City  + Traditional Turkish Lunch
Duration: 5.5 Hours
After meeting your professional tour guide at Starbucks in Kuşadası Cruise Port, begin your journey through the fertile countryside of the Aegean region. Your first stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Continue your drive to the world-famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Enter through the South Gate with your expert guide and start a fascinating 2-hour walking tour along the marble streets of Ephesus.
During your guided exploration, you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Odeon, Basilica, Domitian Square, Fountain of Trajan, the impressive Library of Celsus, Marble Street, the Great Theatre of Ephesus, and Harbour Street. You will also have the option to visit the famous Terrace Houses (optional).
Your tour concludes at the North Gate of Ephesus. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch in a peaceful country house setting. Here, you will experience an authentic cultural demonstration of traditional Turkish handicrafts, including silk production—from dyeing and spinning to weaving—at a local training school where young girls learn this historic craft.
At the end of your unforgettable Ephesus tour, you will be transferred back to Kuşadası Cruise Port.
​
For more information, availability and Private Ephesus Tour costs please contact us.

Efes Antik Kenti ve çevresinde, yerli ve yabancı konuklara tur rehberi hizmetleri vermekteyiz. Hizmetlerimiz Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı tarafından kokartlı profesyonel turist rehberleri tarafından sağlanmaktadır. Türkçe ve İngilizce dillerini son derece iyi konuşan tecrübeli rehberlerimiz sizlerin ve misafirlerinizin memnuniyeti için hep yanınızda olacaktır. Tur sırasında tarihsel bilgilerin dişinda rehberlerimiz, Efes Antik Kenti ve çevre bölgenin yaşam kültürünü, geleneklerini, sosyolojik yapısını, politikası konusunda da bilgi verecektir.

​Efes Antik Kenti, Türkiye'nin en iyi kazılmış ve en büyük arkeolojik parkıdır. 2015 yılından beri UNESCO dünya mirası listesinde yer almaktadır. İzmir şehir merkezine 65 km uzaklıkta bulunan Selçuk ilçesi sınırları içerisinde yer almaktadır. Kuşadası'na 18 km uzaklıktadır. Kleopatra, Mark Anthony, Augustus, Aziz Pavlus, Meryem Ana ve Havari Yuhanna gibi birçok önemli isme ev sahipliği yapan efsanevi bir şehirdir. 200,000 kişilik nufusuyla, Roma İmparatorluğu'nun zirvesindeki en büyük dört şehirden biri olmuştur. Her yıl 2 milyondan fazla kişi tarafından ziyaret edilmektedir. Türkiye'nin en önemli seyahat destinasyonlarından biridir. Gezginler için mutlaka görülmesi gereken bir yerdir. Bu kadar önemli bir arkeolojik şehri profesyonel bir tur rehberi eşliğinde gezmenizi tavsiye ederiz.

​Efes'in kuruluşu MÖ 6000 olan Neolotik döneme dayanmaktadır. Arkeologlar, bugün Artemis Tapınağı'nın bulunduğu Hitit Dönemi'nde yerleşim olduğunu ortaya çıkardılar. Şehir, Arzawa Krallığı'nın başkenti olan Apasas olarak adlandırıldı.

Bazı kaynaklar şehrin Amazonlar tarafından MÖ 3. binyılda kurulduğunu söylüyor. Bu küçük yerleşim yerinin sakinleri Amazonlar, Karyalılar, Leleglerdi. Amazonlar, Anadolu'da yaşayan bir kadın savaşçı ırkıydı. Homeros'un İlyada ve Odyseey destanlarında Amozonlardan bahsettiğini görüyoruz. Odyssey Destanı'na göre, Amazonlar Truva Savaşı'nda Truva atları ile Miken ve Spartalılara karşı savaştı.
O sırada kraliçeleri, son Troy filminde Brad Pitt olan Aka kahramanı Achilles tarafından öldürüldü. Efsaneye göre Amazonlar, erkekleri sevmeyen, ancak doğurganlık nedenleriyle erkekleri kullanan kadın savaşçılardı. Ok atma konusunda çok iyiydiler ve daha hizli ok atabilmek için, sağ göğüslerini keserlerdi. Kaynaklar, "Ephesos" un Apasas adlı başarılı bir Amazon kraliçesinin adından geldiğini söyler. Bilindiği gibi bugün Güney Amerika'da Amazon nehri var. 16. yüzyılda bir İspanyol Asker, Homeros Destanlarında bahsedilenlere benzer şekilde yağmur ormanları arasında nehir kenarında benzer kadın savaşçıları görünce onlara Amazon ismini verir.
 
MÖ 11. yüzyılda, Kuzey Makedonya'dan gelen Dor işgalcileri, Yunanistan anakarasına göç ettiler ve göç etmek için sakinleri kovdular. Azınlıklar arasında İyonyalılar, Aiolyalılar ve bazı Dorlar Batı Anadolu'ya göç etti. Aiolialılar, Smyrna'nın kuzeyine gitti. İyonyalılar burada Efes ve çevresindeydiler. Herodotos "En iyi hava İyonya'da. Aiolia'nın toprakları çok bereketli ama hava durumu değil" der. Ephesos, Miletos, Priene, Kolophon, Priene, Teos, Samos, Myus, Chios, Phokaia, Erytraí, Lebedor isimli 12 yeni şehir devleti kurdular. Dorlar güneye gitti ve Karyalılar tarafından asimile edildi. Efes önemli bir liman kenti oldu. MÖ 6. yüzyılda. Şehir, bugün Artemis Tapınağı'nın bulunduğu yere kadar uzanıyordu. Bugün bu bölgeye Ayasoluk deniyor. Adı "Hagios Theologos" kelimesinden türemiştir Efsaneye göre bu göçe Atina Kralı Kodros'un oğlu Androklos liderlik etmiştir. Samos Adası'nı fethettikten sonra bu bölgeye geldi. O sırada bir şehir kurmak için Tanrılar'dan izin alınması gerekiyordu. Androklos, kahinlere şehri nerede kuracaklarını sormak için Delphi'ye, Apollon Tapınağı'na yelken açtı. Kahinler, "Bir domuz ve bir balık size rehberlik edecek ve şehrin kurulması gereken yeri işaretleyecek" dedi. Bu, Androklos'a bir yaban domuzu ile bir balığın buluşması için pek mantıklı gelmedi. Bir gün mangal sırasında. Bir balık, üzerine yanan bir kömür yapışmış halde ızgaradan fırladı ve yangına neden oldu. Bu yangın yakınlarda bir yaban domuzunu korkuttu ve Androkos yaban domuzunu avladı ve yaban domuzunun öldürüldüğü yerde şehri kurmaya karar verdi.

Efes, MÖ 4. yüzyıla kadar Lidya ve Pers egemenliği altındaydı. Daha sonra ünlü Komutan Büyük İskender şehri Perslerden kurtarmıştır. Ölümünden sonra, generallerinden ve haleflerinden Lysimachos şehri yönetti. Onun zamanında: Kaystros nehrinin taşıdığı alüvyon çökelleri limanı doldurdu ve sürekli yükselen deniz seviyesi eski yerleşimi sular altında bırakarak limanı kullanılmaz hale getirdi. Limanın elverişsiz durumu ticareti etkiledi. Efes alçak bir zeminde bulunuyordu ve tamamen denizin suları altında kalmıştı. Spor salonları, stadyumlar, çeşmeler gibi zenginleştirilmiş yeni bir yerleşim yeri ... Lysimachos tarafından emredildi. Yeni kent arayışının nedenleri, yer altı suyu seviyesinin yükselmesi ve alüvyon nedeniyle yeni bir limanın gerekliliğiydi. Sakinleri bugün bulunduğu yeni şehre taşındılar; Preon ve Pion iki tepe arasında. Yeni şehir, Miletli Hypodomos'un belirlediği ızgara planını uyguladı. Sokaklar dik açılarla kesişiyor. Caddeler ve sokaklar havadan bakıldığında bir satranç tahtası gibi görünür.

Efes, Artemis Tapınağı (Diana) ile ün kazandı. Artemis kültü ve ünlü tapınağı Efes'e büyük bir insan kalabalığını çekmiştir. Artemis Tapınağı, antik dünyanın 7 harikasından biri olarak kabul edilir. Anadolu ayrıca, Karya kenti Halikarnasus'ta Efes'ten 170km uzaklıkta bulunan bir başka harikaya da ev sahipliği yapar. "Kral Mosolos Anıt Mezarı"

MÖ 2. yüzyılda Efes, Romalılara karşı Suriye kralı Antiochus'un yanında yer aldı. Efes'in 100km kuzeyindeki Magnesia'daki (Manisa) yenilginin ardından. Efes, Roma'nın müttefiki olan Bergama Kralı'nın yönetimine girdi. Son Bergama Kralının ölümünden sonra bir Roma şehri oldu. Roma İmparatoru Antonius Pius döneminde şehir, "Asya'nın ilk ve en büyük metropolü" unvanını taşıyordu.

Efes'in altın çağı, Helenistik ve Roma dönemlerindeydi. Küçük Asya'nın en büyük metropolü olan İyonya'nın mücevheri olan Efes'ín nufusu 200.000 vatandaş ve 25.000 köleden (MS 2. yüzyıl) oluşuyordu. Artemis'in onuruna verilen bayram günlerinde nüfus üç katına çıktı. Şehir, MS 1. yüzyılda Roma İmparatoru Augustus döneminde Asya Eyaletinin başkenti oldu. Bu süre zarfında Efes, bir Sanat ve Kültür merkezi ve Felsefe için bir buluşma yeri oldu. Efes'li ünlü filozof, MÖ 4. yüzyılda yaşamış olan Heraclitus'tur. MS 2. yüzyılda birçok mermer yapı inşa edildi ve sokaklar mermer heykellerle süslendi. Şehir, 4 ana su kemeri de dahil olmak üzere şehrin farklı bölgelerine hizmet veren çeşitli boyutlarda çok sayıda su kemeriyle antik dünyadaki en gelişmiş su kemeri ve kanalizasyon sistemlerinden birine sahipti. Bu gelişmiş su kemeri sistemi saniyede 120 lt su sağlamak için kullanılıyordu. 

​MS 263 yılında Gotlar tarafından yağmalanmasına rağmen Efes, 5. ve 6. yüzyıllarda Konstantinopolis'ten sonra Bizans İmparatorluğunun en önemli şehirlerinden biri olarak kaldı. Bununla birlikte, MS 8. yüzyılda Araplar tarafından yapılan diğer yıkımlar hızlı bir düşüşe neden oldu: Şehir tarihi boyunca tekrarlanan depremlerle birçok kere yıkıldı ve Küçük Menderes nehri tarafından şehir limanı çamurla doldu. 7. yüzyıl sonunda şehir, büyük ölçüde terk edildi. 11. yüzyılda Selçuklu Türkleri fethettiğinde küçük bir köydü Efes. Bizanslılar 1100 yılında yeniden kontrol altına aldılar ve 13. yüzyılın sonuna kadar bölgenin kontrolünü ellerinde tuttular. Bizans döneminde, başlıca yerleşim yeri ilk sıralarda Ayasoluk (Hagios Theologos) Tepesi'nde bulunuyordu. Bir Türk beyliği olan Aydınoğulları, 14. yüzyılda şehri fethetti. 16. yüzyıldan itibaren şehir önemini yitirmiş ve Osmanlı Devleti tarafından yönetilmiştir.

Efes Antik Kenti Turu
Siz sadece nasıl bir gezi hayal ettiğinizi anlatın, biz kişiye ve/veya gruba özel rehber hizmetlerimiz ile yanınızdayız. Turlarımızı; İngilizce ve Türkçe dillerini son derece iyi konuşan ve Turizm Bakanlığından kokartlı, TUREB (Turist Rehberleri Birliğine) üye rehberlerimiz eşliğinde düzenliyoruz. Tur süresince konuklarımızın keyifli zaman geçirmelerine, gezilen ve ziyaret edilen yerler hakkında doğru bilgilenmelerine önem gösteriyoruz. 

Efes Antik Kenti rehber ücreti
Turist rehberlği ücretlerı Türkiye Cumhuriyetı Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı tarafından belirlenir. Rehberlerin taban ücretten daha düşük ücret alması mevzuata aykırıdır ve cezai yaptırımı bulunmaktadır. 2026 yılı için uyguladığımız Türkçe Turist Rehberliği Günlük Tur Ücreti: 4900TL dir,
(Profesyonel Rehberlik hizmeti olup, ulaşım hizmeti içermemektedir.)
​
Selçuk ilcesinde, Efes Antik kenti haricinde gezilebilecek diğer yerler:

• Meryemana Evi (Hz. İsa`nın annesi Meryem`in hayatının son 9 yılını geçirdiğine inanılan ev.)
• St. Jean Bazilikası (Hz. İsa`nın 12 havarisinden en genci olan, Kuran`da ismi Yuhanna olarak geçen havarinin mezarı üstüne yapilmis kilise kalıntıları.)
• Isabey Camii (Aydinogullari beyliginin başi Isa Bey adiıa yapılıis. 14. yüzyil camii.)
• Artemis Tapınağı Kalıntıları (Antik dünyanın 7 harikasından biri)
• Şirince Köyü (1924 yılında Yunan-Türk mübadelesinin yapıldiğı tarihi dağ köyü.)
• Selçuk Arkeoloji Muzesi 
• Yedi Uyuyanlar (Kuran`da Ashab-i Kehf suresinde gecen 7 erken hristiyan gencin gömüldüğü kutsal alan.)
• Teras Evler/Yamaç Evler (Efes antik kenti içinde bulunan, Mozaik ve stuccolarla bezeli zengin Romalı evleri.)

TC Vatandaşı olmayalar ıçin Efes antik kentine giriş ücreti kişi başı 40 Euro dur. Efes antik kenti içerisinde yer alan yamaç evler bu fiyatın dışında kalmaktadır. 

Müzekartınızla Efes Antik Kenti haricinde, St. Jean Bazilikası ve Efes Arkeoloji Müzesi de ücretsiz ziyaret edilebilir. Müzekart Meryemana'da geçmemektedir. Meryemana giriş ücreti Türk vatandaşları için 60TL, yabancılar için 500TL dir.

* 6326 sayılı Profesyonel Turist Rehberliği Meslek Kanunu uyarınca Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği (TÜRSAB) üyesi Acentaların düzenledikleri tur,transfer,günübirlik şehir turu,paket tur,gece turu şekliyle müşterilerine sundukları hizmetlerde gerekli şartları taşıyıp kendisini adına Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı tarafından hazırlanan Profesyonel Turist Rehberliği Ruhsatnamesi ve Eylemli Çalışma Kartı'na sahip Profesyonel Turist Rehberi bulundurmaları gerekmektedir. Eğer bir kişi ad altında olursa olsun Profesyonel Turist Rehberliği Ruhsatnamesi ve Eylemli Çalışma Kartı olmadan Turist Rehberliği Hizmeti veriyorsa bu söz konusu yasaya göre suçtur. 6326 sayılı Profesyonel Turist Rehberliği Meslek Kanunu uyarınca Turist Rehberleri hizmet verdiği tur esnasında Eylemli olduğunu gösterir Çalışma Kartını üzerinde ve kolayca görünür şekilde taşımak zorundadır.

Efes Antik Kenti Belgeseli

Are there tour guides in Ephesus?
Guides are often waiting at the entrance to Ephesus. But there is no guarantee. We recommend that you book your Ephesus guide in advance to avoid disappointment. A tour of Ephesus with an experienced licensed guide is well worth it because it's the best way to explore this iconic architectural marvel and learn all about its history. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey and a must visit while you are in Turkey.

Suggested Tour Program (Duration: 5-6 Hours)
Meet with your guide in front of Basilica of St. John in Selcuk town. Visit the remains of the Basilica of St. John, see the tomb of St. John, Selcuk Castle and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. Afterwards drive to Bulbul Mountain to visit the House of Virgin Mary. It is believed that Virgin Mary and John the Apostle came to the Ancient City of Ephesus, after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Mary possibly spent her last years on top of a mountain near Ephesus. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Odeon, Basilica, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theater with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. At the Ephesus Experience Museum, guests can immerse themselves in the history of the ancient city through an 18-minute audiovisual show that showcases the wonders of Ephesus. 

The western region of Turkey is an easy place to drive a rental car. If you are planning to rent a car at Izmir Airport, make sure that your rental car has a toll sticker or a toll transponder to pay the highway tolls. You cannot pay the tolls any other way  Note that you can not pay tolls with cash!  As you exit from Izmir airport, follow the green signs for Aydın (not Izmir). Green sign is for toll road. The toll for the drive from the Izmir airport to Selcuk (Ephesus) is about 3 Turkish Liras. In the toll road there are no signs here for Selcuk or Ephesus, so follow the signs for Aydın. After 30 minutes drive from Izmir airport is the Selcuk turn, Leave the toll road by this exit, following signs to Selcuk and Efes (Ephesus). After passing the tollgates in 10 minutes you will reach Selcuk (Ephesus). If you are going to use our tour guide only service, you will meet your tour guide in front of Basilica of St. John, therefore look for a brown sign as ''Basilica of St. John''

If you do not have a rental car and staying in Selcuk or getting to Selcuk with a train. We offer private walking tours of Ephesus, visiting the Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis, Ancient City of Ephesus and the Terrace Houses. This tour includes 6km walking. Guests meet the tour guide in front of Basilica of St. John or Selcuk Train Station and start exploring Selcuk and the ruins. For more information, please visit: Ephesus Walking Tour

Alacati gained great importance in history because of its secure port. Alacati Port is one of the safest ports in the south of Cesme Peninsula. The history of Alacati dates back to 3000BC. Alacatı started to develop at the beginning of 1800's. At the beginning of the 1800s, the phylloxera disease hit the vineyards in Europe and made all the vineyards inefficient.  Alacati benefited from this. After 1830, disease-free, quality grapes and wines, which grow on fertile soil of the region, are opened to the world from Alacati Port. The most important factor in the development of the economy of Alacati at that time was wine production and olive oil production.

In the past, the dominant population in Alacati was the Greeks. The Turks, who were very few until the end of the 1800s, After the independence war, Turkish population started to increase. With the arrival of Turkish community, the vineyards started to close down.

Alacati today, is popular resort town, located 79 kilometres south of Izmir. It has rich thermal springs and fertile farm lands producing anise, onion, artichoke. The region has the Mediterranean climate. The winters are rainy, the summers are hot and arid. The winter population is 10.000, and in the summer rises to 50,000. The wind in Alacati is very suitable for windsurfing. Alacati houses world windsurf championships. The city is adorned with beautiful Greek homes from 19th century. Some these houses are converted into luxury boutique hotels. Especially Turkish vacationers prefer to spend their vacation in Alacati.

Ephesus is the highlight of Western Region of Turkey. It is a must see site for all travellers visiting Alacati. We offer private tours of Ephesus for travellers who stay in Alacati, Cesme Hotels and cruise ship passengers calling to Cesme Cruise Port. These private tours can start from Alacati or Cesme and end in Izmir Airport or start from Izmir airport and end in Alacati/Cesme or start and end in Alacati. Kindly note that Ephesus is 2 hours drive from Alacati/Cesme.

Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum (8 hours)
After meeting your driver, start your journey from Cesme or Alacati to Ephesus. Drive through the fertile lands. After 2 hours drive, meet your Ephesus private guide in Selcuk. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Drive to ancient city of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start your Ephesus walking tour. 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. Before departing Ephesus, witness an 18-minute audiovisual show at the Ephesus Experience Museum. This captivating exhibit provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Ephesus through a dynamic blend of audio and visual presentations. Experience the richness of Turkish culture by savoring a traditional lunch amidst the serene surroundings of a country house. Following lunch, immerse yourself with local handicrafts, witnessing skilled artisans crafting intricate pieces that showcase the beauty and artistry of Turkish tradition. Your driver and tour guide will take you to Izmir Airport or your hotel in Alacati or Cesme at the end of the tour.

• Cost of private tour of Ephesus starting from Alacati/Cesme and ending at Izmir Airport: 325 Euro (Total to be paid for 1-6 people)
• Cost of private tour of Ephesus starting from Izmir Airport and ending at Alacati/Cesme: 325 Euro (Total to be paid for 1-6 people)
• Cost of private tour of Ephesus starting and ending in Alacati/Cesme: 395 Euro (Total to be paid for 1-6 people)
• Cost of private Ephesus shore excursion starting and ending at Cesme Cruise Port: 410 Euros (Total to be paid for your party of 1-6 people)

​* Above prices are not per person costs. They are total to be paid for your party.
* %20 discount is offered on certain dates. Click the following link to check out the discounted dates:
Discounted tour dates for Private Ephesus Tours

Rates Cover:
- Services of an excellent English speaking tour guide
-  A/C MPV. 
- All transportation costs.
- Tax, service charges
- Traditional Turkish Lunch
- Pick up  and drop off as indicated.

Rates Do Not Cover:
- Entrance fees to the sites.
- Drinks during lunch

* Above pick up and drop off locations can be modified.

For more information, contact us.

Hi, my team and I offer private walking tours of Ephesus Ancient City, Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis, and the Terrace Houses. We are passionate about Ephesus and love helping visitors learn about this fascinating city.

Is Ephesus walkable?
Ephesus is walkable from Selcuk Town. It is approximately 30 minutes walking distance from Selcuk Town. Ephesus ruins cover quite a lot of space, and there is much walking involved, much of the time on very uneven surfaces. If you are in the area in the summer months we recommend that you start walking early in the morning since it gets too hot during the day. The site opens at 8am during the summer months. We recommend guests to wear non slip walking shoes because you will be walking on marble and it is slippery.

Selcuk Walking Tour
Selcuk is the modern name of Ephesus. This walking tour is recommended for travelers staying in the hotels of Selcuk and for travelers you are traveling to Selcuk Train Station by train. The walking tour can also start from Selcuk Train Station.

Is Ephesus worth visiting?
Even if you are not a history buff, ancient Ephesus is worth a visit. It is an amazing sight. A person can easily spend half a day here wandering the ancient streets. The place holds so much meaning when you know what you're viewing. Highlights are the theater, terrace houses, temple of Hadrian, the library of Celsus, the mosaics, frescoes, and graffiti are all so interesting. What a beautiful sight! Great with a professional tour guide who can tell you all about what you are seeing, make sure you see all the relevant places, and answer every question. Amazing to see it all and walk the same streets that they did so many years ago! Archeological excavations have only uncovered a part of the known city, but it is enough to require a half-day to explore everything. If you have a knowledgeable tour guide, you can see the highlights in a couple of hours ... but bring plenty of water if it's a sunny summer day as you'll be surrounded by stone with little shade for most of your stay. 

Can you tour Ephesus on your own?
​You can easily visit Ephesus on your own from Selcuk. There are audio guides that you can rent and they talk about the sights of Ephesus. But if you prefer to go on guided tour, you will be accompanied by an experienced Ephesus tour guide and you will be able to skip all lines.

How long does it take to tour Ephesus?
Our walking tour covers not only the ancient city of Ephesus, but also some other important sights such as St. John's Basilica, Isa Bey Baths and the Temple of Artemis. The walking tour takes approximately 4-5 hours depending on your pace and interest. Our visit to the ancient city of Ephesus and the terrace houses takes about 3 hours.
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What should I wear to Ephesus?
We recommend that you wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Ephesus has many uneven marble and slippery areas. Between June and October you can get a bottle of water, sun hat, sun cream. Opportunities for shades in Ephesus are very limited. Between November and May, it is recommended to use an umbrella for rainy days. There are no restrictions on cameras in Ephesus, but tripods are prohibited.

While Ephesus itself is not one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus holds the prestigious title as one of the seven wonders. Our comprehensive walking tour ensures that visitors have the opportunity to explore the splendid remains of this magnificent temple, allowing them to marvel at its historical significance and architectural grandeur. By including this iconic site in our itinerary, we aim to provide a rich and informative experience that highlights the importance of the Temple of Artemis in the ancient world, offering visitors a glimpse into the awe-inspiring wonders of that bygone era.

Ephesus Walking Tour Itinerary
​Duration: 4-5 hours
Meet with your Ephesus tour guide in front of the Basilica of St. John or at Selcuk Train Station or at your hotel in Selcuk. Start your walking tour, exploring the remains of the Basilica of St. John, which was built on the tomb of John the Apostle. Learn about the 5000 years of history of Ephesus. View the earlier settlement locations, Temple of Artemis which is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and Isa Bey Mosque. After you visit the Basilica of St. John, walk through the old Greek homes.  Stop at a local art gallery, showcasing the unique creations of talented local artists. Immerse yourself in the creativity and passion that each piece exudes while savoring a cup of authentic Turkish Coffee or Turkish Tea. Following this enriching art appreciation session, explore the historical remnants of a 14th-century Turkish Bath.  Afterwards board on a taxi for a short ride to Ephesus upper gate. Embark on a captivating journey through the ancient city by making your way downhill. This allows for a step-by-step immersion into the historical marvels of Ephesus. Walking down the hill provides an ideal opportunity to savor the architectural grandeur of structures like the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater of Ephesus, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Latrines and many more while relishing the unique ambiance of this ancient site. Optional visit to the Terrace Houses, the Roman Villas of the super-rich Romans who lived in Ephesus between the 1st and 3rd century AD. Before departing the enchanting ancient city of Ephesus, make a stop at the Ephesus Experience Museum for an enlightening 18-minute audiovisual journey through the historical splendor of Ephesus. After your visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus board on a shared minubus for a short ride back to Selcuk town. End your walking tour at Selcuk town. 

Cost for Private Walking Tour of Ephesus: 140 Euro (Total be paid for groups 1-5 people)
* For groups over 5 people, please contact us.
* Above rate is NOT a per person rate. It is total to be paid for your party.
* We offer %20 discount on certain dates: Discounted Ephesus Tour Dates 
* The tour does not include visit to the House of Virgin Mary and Sirince Village. For travelers, who wants to visit the House of Virgin Mary or Sirince Village,  we can assign them a chauffeured vehicle. For more information, please contact us.

Rates Cover:

• Services of an excellent English speaking tour Guide 
• Tax, service charges.
• Taxi cost from Selcuk to Ephesus Upper Gate.
• Shared minibus cost from Ephesus lower gate to Selcuk.

Rates Do Not Cover:

• Entrance fees to the sites.

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* There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend making your private tour reservation at the earliest possible.​

Payment Terms:
Payment 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.

If you have any additional questions or anything else we can help you with, please feel free to let us know. We look forward to helping you plan an unforgettable Ephesus experience.

Tour Itinerary:
After meeting your professional tour guide at Kusadasi Port or your hotel in Kusadasi, enjoy a short scenic drive to a charming local restaurant overlooking the Aegean coastline. Begin your day like a local with a rich and authentic Turkish breakfast in Kusadasi.
Your breakfast spread includes:

• Pastirmali Borek: Flaky pastry filled with spiced cured beef (pastırma) and cheese.
• Pishi: Turkish-style fried dough, crispy outside and soft inside.
• Sigara Boregi: Crispy fried pastry rolls filled with cheese.
• Selection of Traditional Turkish Cheeses and Olives
  
• Homemade jams and local honey
• Organic butter
• Vine-ripened tomatoes and crisp cucumbers
• Farm-Fresh Organic Scrambled Eggs
• Kizartma: Crispy fried eggplant, zucchini, and peppers with garlic yogurt.
• Acuka: Rich Anatolian spread of red peppers, walnuts, garlic, and olive oil
• Freshly brewed Turkish tea
• Seasonal and locally sourced delicacies

Relax by the sea, breathe in the fresh Aegean air, and take in the stunning coastal views while enjoying one of Turkey’s most beloved culinary traditions.

After breakfast, continue your Ephesus guided tour with a comfortable drive to Ephesus Ancient City, the highlight of the region and one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean.
Spend approximately two hours walking through the remarkable archaeological park of Ephesus. Your licensed guide will bring history to life as you explore:

• The Odeon
• Temple of Domitian
• The Agora
• Temple of Hadrian
• Fountain of Trajan
• The magnificent Celsus Library
• The Great Theatre of Ephesus
• Harbor Street
• ​Ephesus Experience Museum

As you stroll along the marble streets, you’ll discover why Ephesus is considered one of the most important ancient cities in Turkey.

Before returning to Kusadasi, stop at the Temple of Artemis, once recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few remains stand today, the site offers powerful insight into the city’s glorious past.
After this unforgettable cultural and culinary experience, enjoy a comfortable return transfer to Kusadasi Cruise Port, perfectly timed for cruise passengers.

For more information, contact us.

The distance between Tehran, Iran and Ephesus, Turkey is significant:

• Approximately 2,000 km (1,240 miles) in a straight line
• About 2,400 km (1,490 miles) by road

Ephesus is located near the small town of Selçuk on Turkey’s Aegean coast, about 50 miles (80 km) south of Izmir.
To put this into perspective for travelers:

• The distance from Tehran to Ephesus is similar to the distance from New York to Denver.

In other words, although both countries appear in the same region of the world, Ephesus is geographically very far from Iran and from any areas associated with regional tensions.

Ephesus is located in western Turkey along the Aegean Sea, one of the country’s most popular and peaceful tourism regions.
The nearest major destinations include:

• Izmir – a large modern coastal city about 1 hour away
• Kuşadası – a famous cruise port about 20 minutes from Ephesus
• Selçuk – the small historic town next to the archaeological site

This region is focused heavily on tourism, cruise travel, and cultural heritage, welcoming visitors from all over the world every day. 2.5 million travelers visit Ephesus annually. 

Yes. Millions of Americans visit Turkey every year safely, especially in well-known destinations such as:

• Istanbul
• Cappadocia
• Ephesus
• Pamukkale
• The Turkish Riviera

Tourism is one of Turkey’s most important industries, and the country has well-developed infrastructure for international visitors, including modern airports, highways, hotels, and guided tours. 
Below please find the link for US Department of State - Travel Advisory Map:
​https://travelmaps.state.gov/TSGMap/U.S. Department of State | Travel Advisories Map

Western Turkey—where Ephesus is located—is considered one of the safest and most relaxed parts of the country. Cities like Izmir and coastal towns such as Kuşadası are known for their:

• Friendly local communities
  
• Strong tourism services
  
• High levels of visitor comfort
  

In fact, many visitors say they feel safer walking in coastal Turkish towns than in many large cities around the world.

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities anywhere in the world and a major highlight of trips to Turkey.
Visitors can explore remarkable sites such as:

• The Library of Celsus
• The Great Theatre, where there was a riot against St. Paul.
• The Temple of Hadrian
• The luxurious Terrace Houses
• Marble streets that are over 2,000 years old

Because of its historical and biblical significance, Ephesus is especially popular with American travelers, cruise passengers, and Christian heritage tours.

Travelers visiting Ephesus typically arrive through:

• Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport
• Kuşadası Cruise Port

Both locations are busy international tourism hubs that host travelers from the United States, Europe, Australia, and many other countries.
Local tour guides, hotels, and restaurants are very accustomed to welcoming English-speaking visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Ephesus, Turkey, you may have seen alarming headlines online about potential missile threats from conflict zones like Iran. While safety is always important when traveling, it’s crucial to put risks in perspective. How dangerous is Ephesus compared to everyday risks in major U.S. cities?

​Ephesus is a popular tourist destination famous for its ancient ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The likelihood of a civilian being hit by a missile in Ephesus is extremely low. Turkey has no history of Iranian attacks on tourist areas, and such events are extremely rare and highly targeted if they occur. For practical purposes, the risk for visitors is essentially negligible.

​By contrast, urban crime in major U.S. cities is a more tangible risk. In many US Cities, homicides are infrequent but real, with the majority caused by firearms or knives. Statistics show that the chance of being stabbed in a city in US is higher than dying in a military strike in Ephesus, but still very low. Typical precautions, like avoiding unsafe neighborhoods at night, make your risk even lower.

While headlines about the Middle East can sometimes create uncertainty, the reality on the ground is very different. Ephesus is located nearly 2,000 kilometers from Tehran in a peaceful coastal region of western Turkey.
For American travelers interested in history, archaeology, or biblical heritage, Ephesus remains one of the safest and most rewarding destinations to visit in the Mediterranean.
From the magnificent Library of Celsus to the grand Great Theatre, walking through Ephesus is like stepping directly into the ancient world.
And for many visitors, it becomes the highlight of their trip.

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