Embarking on an Ephesus tour from Selcuk is truly an adventure that will transport you back in time and unveil the extraordinary history of this ancient city. Ephesus, undeniably a must-visit destination, enchants its visitors with its impressive archaeological monuments and captivating stories of the past. As you wander through the remains of what was once the capital of the Asia province in the Roman Empire, a knowledgeable Ephesus tour guide will be your trusty companion, weaving together fascinating stories and providing insightful information about this remarkable place. Brace yourself to be spellbound by the captivating tales and hidden gems that Ephesus has to offer, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. The friendly tone and warmth of your tour guide will make this journey an experience filled with both education and entertainment, making your exploration of the ancient city all the more memorable.

During our Ephesus Tours from Selcuk, our guests tour among the well-preserved ruins. They visit this ancient metropolis that was once full of theatres, agoras, shops, wide marble streets and temples. They marvel at the world-famous Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece that still  impress visitors today. 

Selcuk is the nearest town to the ancient city of Ephesus. Selcuk is the modern name of Ephesus. A small agricultural town, having a population of 35000 people. Due to the proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus, some travelers prefer to stay in Selcuk town. Selcuk has many small hotels. For travelers who will stay overnight in Selcuk town, we recommend visiting the farmers market on Saturdays.

Ephesus Ancient City is the highlight of the area. Ephesus is an incredible place and worth visiting, an Ancient Greco-Roman city. A person can easily spend half a day here just wandering around the ancient streets. Ephesus is a remarkably preserved UNESCO world heritage site.
​
Izmir to Selcuk and Izmir Airport to Selcuk is accessible by trains. There are trains from Izmir or Denizli (Pamukkale). Modern trains are operating between İzmir – Izmir Airport – Selcuk – Denizli. It is a comfortable and cheap way to travel on this route. Train Izmir to Selcuk takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. For more information about the trains schedules to Selcuk, please visit the following link: 
Izmir, Izmir Airport - Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedules

How do you get from Selcuk to Ephesus?
Ephesus is 4 km walking distance from Selcuk. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from Selcuk to Ephesus Ancient City. We recommend entering from the North gate and exit from the south gate. Walking back would be tough therefore the best is to take a taxi back to Selcuk town. For the travelers who are interested we offer private Selcuk Ephesus Walking Tours.

Can I tour Ephesus on my own?
Yes, you can tour Ephesus on your own. Kindly note that there is very little information in Ephesus describing what you are looking at. If you want to know more about what you see, you really need a tour guide or an audio guide.

Is Selcuk worth visiting?
​Selcuk is one of the most beautiful, perhaps world-renowned towns of Izmir. Of course, the fact that it is home to the Ancient City of Ephesus has a big share in this. But not only that, Selcuk is the place to visit and its beauties. Many historical attractions nearby can be visited in day tours from Selcuk,

We also offer special interest tours to maximize your experience in Ephesus:

• Ephesus Biblical Tour
• Ephesus Pottery Tour
• Ephesus Family Tour
• Selcuk Ephesus Walking Tour
• Ephesus Wine Tasting Tour

​Recommended hotels to stay in Selcuk (booking.com links) :

• Celsus Hotel​​
• Livia Garden Hotel

• Akanthus Hotel Ephesus
• Kalehan Hotel

For travelers who stay in Selcuk town or travel to Selcuk by train, we offer private airport transfers from Izmir airport and private Ephesus tours and private Selcuk Ephesus walking tours. For travelers who travel with rent a car, we also provide tour guide only services where our tour guide meets you in your hotel in Selcuk or in front of Basilica of St. John or Selcuk Bus Station or Selcuk Train Station. 
​For Ephesus tour guide only services, please visit: Ephesus Tour Guide Only

On certain dates we offer %20 discount. To see these dates please visit: Discounted Ephesus Tours

* If you do not have a rental car and staying in Selcuk or coming to Selcuk with train. We offer private walking tours of Ephesus, including visits to Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis and Ancient City of Ephesus. For more information, please visit Ephesus Walking Tours and contact us.

Suggested Ephesus Day Trips from Selcuk are as follows:

SELCUK - No:1
Half-Day Ephesus Tour from Selcuk​ (4 hours)
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Ancient City, Ephesus Experience Museum
After meeting your Ephesus local 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 drive to the ancientcity of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start your Ephesus Walking Tour exploring the ruins. You will be walking down the hill approximately 2 hours. 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 Harbor Street. Step into the rich history of Ephesus by indulging in an 18-minute audio show at the Ephesus Experience Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the intriguing tales of this ancient city. You will be ending your tour at the bottom gate. Your tour guide will take you to another site or drop you at the desired location.

SELCUK - No:2
Full day Ephesus Tour from Selcuk - Christian Ephesus (6 hours)
Meet with your tour guide at your hotel in Selcuk. Embark on a captivating journey through historical riches. Begin your tour with the Basilica of St. John. See earlier settlement locations of Ephesus, the remains of  Temple of Artemis and the tomb of John the Apostle. Drive to the Ancient City of Ephesus. Meander through the Agoras, Curetes Street, the remarkable Celsus Library, and the monumental Great Theater where a riot took place against St. Paul in 56AD. Immerse yourself at the Ephesus Experience Museum with an audio visual show of 18 minutes. The next destination on your itinerary will take you to the house where Mother Mary is traditionally believed to have spent her final years. This site holds significant spiritual importance, especially for devoted Catholics who revere Mother Mary as a central figure in their faith. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in the serene surroundings of a charming country house, enhancing your cultural experience. Subsequently, at the same location, you will have the opportunity to witness the skills of local artisans as they demonstrate various local handicrafts, providing insight into the region's rich heritage and traditions. 
​
SELCUK - No:3
Day Tour from Selcuk
Ephesus and Sirince Village (7 hours) 
Meet with your guide in Selcuk. Drive to one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world: Temple of Artemis. After seeing the Templeof Artemis drive to the magnificent ancient 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, 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. It is there that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Terrace Houses, homes of  Ephesus' wealthy citizens. 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, 10 km from Selcuk, 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 a chance to see the  local life at a village and purchase some small local souvenirs and  handicrafts. The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines. 

For more information and private Ephesus tour costs and availability please contact us.

Train travel to Ephesus (Selcuk)
* For travellers who will be staying at hotels in Basmane district in Izmir, we recommend them to take the 7.10am train from Basmane train station which will arrive to Selcuk at 8.34am. Our tour guide and vehicle can meet you at Selcuk train startion. After the tour you will be dropped back to Selcuk train station for your return journey. Return train will leave Selcuk at 4.04pm and arrive Izmir Basmane Train station at 5.30pm. Fortrain schedule between Izmir and Selcuk, please visit: 
Izmir, Izmir Airport - Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedules

Join us on an extraordinary Ephesus Biblical Tour. Our expert Ephesus guide will guide you through the Biblical Significance of Ephesus. Ephesus is among the main biblical sites in Turkey. Explore the well-preserved Theater where the uprising against the Apostle Paul began, and pray in the House of Virgin Mary. Our Biblical Ephesus Tour offers an adventure that will touch your heart and soul.
We also offer Biblical Ephesus Tours from Cruise Ships at Kusadasi Cruise Port.

If you are looking for a tour that combines ancient history with biblical significance, the Ephesus Biblical Tour is for you! This fascinating tour will take you to the places that are mentioned in Chapter 19 of the Book of Acts. From the stunning Temple of Artemis to the impressive Grand Theater of Ephesus, you will walk in the footsteps of St. Paul, St. John and Virgin Mary. You will witness the rich religious and cultural heritage that Ephesus offers. An expert Ephesus guide will inform you with fascinating stories, bring scripture to life, and provide context to the biblical narrative. So, get ready for a journey of discovery and enlightenment as you embark on this unforgettable tour of Biblical Ephesus!

What happened in Ephesus in the Bible?
Ephesus was an important city in the early Christian period. Ephesus is located in modern-day Turkey. It  was a wealthy commercial city and was famous for its Temple of Artemis. The city was the capital of the Asia Province of the Roman Empire and a center of trade and worship that attracted many people from different cultures and faiths. Ephesus is mentioned in the Chapter 19 of the Book of Acts. St. Paul spent 2.5 years establishing a Christian community in Ephesus. But Paul's teachings about Christ concerned the merchants in the Temple of Artemis. In 56 AD, a riot was started in the Ephesus Grand Theater by local silversmith Demetrius.
​
For the faithful travelers who are interested to know the biblical history of Ephesus, we offer private Full Day Biblical Ephesus Tours with expert local tour guides.​ Ephesus has a major importance in biblical history. Numerous names mentioned in the New Testament lived in Ephesus such as: St. Paul, St. John, Timothy, Epaphras, Demetrius the silversmith, possibly Virgin Mary... and many more.

During the tour you will be taken to the Biblical Highlights of the area such as Ancient City of Ephesus, The Grand Theater of Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis, Church of Mary in Ephesus ...

We offer Private Full Day Biblical Ephesus Tours from

• Kusadasi Port 
• Kusadasi Hotels
• Selcuk Hotels
• Selcuk Train Station
• Izmir Port
• Izmir Hotels​
• Izmir Airport

After reaching Selcuk. Embark on a captivating journey through the Biblical Ephesus Tour starting at the Basilica of St. John with your expert tour guide. Discover the intriguing remnants of the church constructed on the tomb of John the Apostle, offering a profound insight into the historical and religious significance of the site. As you gaze upon the scenic hill, behold the ancient remains of the Temple of Artemis and the early settlement locations of Ephesus, providing a unique perspective on the rich history and cultural heritage preserved in this remarkable destination. Immerse yourself in the depths of history as you uncover the secrets hidden within these ancient sites, making your tour an enlightening and memorable experience. Afterwards, you will continue on to visit ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Odeon, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and visit the Great Theater  of Ephesus where a mentioned in Acts Chapter 19 where a riot started against St. Paul by the merchants of Ephesus. The Grand Theater of Ephesus had a seating capacity of 25,000 people.
Stop at Ephesus Experience Museum that offers an enriching 18-minute audiovisual show that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historical beauty of Ephesus. This experience provides a captivating glimpse into what the ancient city once looked like, bringing its rich history and grandeur to life through a combination of visuals and sounds. The final destination on the tour is the
 the house where Mother Mary is traditionally believed to have spent her final years. This site holds significant spiritual importance, especially for devoted Catholics who revere Mother Mary as a central figure in their faith. 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. 

Explore three of Turkey’s highlights which are listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.
​2 Days Private Tour from Izmir.

First day, depart for Ephesus to explore the Greco-Roman ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale.
On the second day visit Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Laodicea. Pamukkale is known with the white travertine terraces and pools that are formed by calcium carbonate. Walk on the terraces and visit the ruins of ancient city of Hierapolis. 

Includes excellent English speaking tour guide, lunches, luxury transport,

Tour program and  private tour cost are as follows:

Day 1 - Private Tour of Ephesus starting from Izmir and ending in Pamukkale.
Meet your licensed tour guide and air-conditioned vehicle at your hotel in Izmir or Izmir Airport. Depart for Selcuk, Drive approximately 1 hour. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus which was the home to over 200,000 people in the Roman Times. The peak time of the city was between the 1st and 2nd century AD. Modern-day excavations have revealed an incredible collection of ruins. Visit the highlights of the ancient city and visit the Ephesus Experience Museum. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at the grounds of a country house. After lunch see the local artisans showcasing their traditional handicrafts. Afterwards, drive to Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 2 - Private Tour of Pamukkale and Laodicea starting from Pamukkale and ending at Izmir Airport
After breakfast, Drive to Pamukkale, a natural and historical site listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, formed by natural hot springs that has high calcium carbonate. Visit the ruins of ancient city of  Hierapolis. After lunch at a local restaurant, a visit to Laodicea is a fascinating glimpse into the ancient city that held significance during the Roman Empire. Referred to as the Luke Warm city in the Book of Revelation, Laodicea's historical importance is undeniable. Noteworthy figures like Emperor Hadrian, who chose the city for a summer retreat, and the renowned Roman statesman Cicero, who served as governor, have left their mark on its legacy. Exploring the ruins and landmarks of Laodicea provides a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history and culture of this once-thriving Roman metropolis. Afterwards we will transfer you to Izmir Airport.

Private Tour Cost: 550 Euro (Total to be paid for a group 1-6 people)

Rates Cover:

• Services of an excellent English speaking tour Guide 
• A/C MPV
• All transportation costs.
• Tax, service charges.
• Pick up and drop off from/to Hotel / Airport in Izmir.
• Traditional Turkish Lunches
• Parking Fees to the sites

Rates Do Not Cover:

• Entrance fees to the sites.
• Drinks during lunch
• Hotel accomodation in Pamukkale

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

Payment Terms:
Payment can be made in Euro, Turkish Liras or US Dollar cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking.

* If requested we can pick you or drop you to Izmir airport. There is no surcharge for these services.
* If requested guests can be transported to Denizli Cardak Airport at the end of Day 2. There is a surcharge of 50 Euros for this private transfer service.

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.

Q1 - I understand that we would be responsible for our overnight accommodation in Pamukkale.
> We do not make hotel bookings. You make your hotel booking directly.
We recommend the following hotels: (booking.com links)

• Venus Suite Hotel
• Venus Hotel
• Doga Thermal Health and Spa
• Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal

Q2 - How long will we have free for swimming in Pamukkale?
> You will have approximately one hour for swimming in Pamukkale antique pool.

Q3 - We would anticipate being dropped off at the Izmir Airport for our flight.
> In the second day you will be dropped off to Izmir airport approximately at 7.00pm.

Q4 - So we would be safe booking a flight departing Izmir at 10:00 PM if we are expected to arrive at 7:30PM?  The guide will ensure we stay on schedule?
> Yes, no problem.

Q6 - How do we book our trip with you?  How does payment work?
> For the booking, all we need is both of your names and the pick up address.
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.

Private Ephesus Tours from Alacati, Cesme Hotels and Cesme Cruise Port with licensed tour guides.

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.

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 inIzmir 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 toIzmir 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: 280 Euro (Total to be paid for 1-6 people)
• Cost of private tour of Ephesus starting from Izmir Airport and ending at Alacati/Cesme: 280 Euro (Total to be paid for 1-6 people)
• Cost of private tour of Ephesus starting and ending in Alacati/Cesme: 350 Euro (Total to be paid for 1-6 people)
• Cost of private Ephesus shore excursion starting and ending at Cesme Cruise Port: 360 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.
- Parking fees to the sites.

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

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, Turkish Liras or US Dollar cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking. 

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

For more information, contact us.