We are offering %20 discounts for
Private Ephesus Tours with English speaking tour guides
and
Private Ephesus Tour Guide Services with English-speaking tour guides
at the following dates: 
For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Book early and save more!

Miletus, in the archaic period known as the ruler of the Aegean, birthplace of science and philosophy. Owed its importance to its position on trade routes and developed seamanship.
According to Homer Miletus was the exceptional Ionian city fought against the Greeks with the Trojans. Miletus is one of the 12 ionian cities located at the Western Turkey. Visited by St. Paul and mentioned in Acts Chapter 20.

It was one of the largest cities in Anatolia with a population of between 80,000 and 100,000. Highly prosperous, it founded many colonies and was the home of the 6th century BC philosophers Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Thales, the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. Miletus seems to have produced geniuses the way Aphrodisias produced sculptors. Anaximander known as the father of geography by drawing the first map of the world. Thales, was the most important among them. He was considered to be one of the 7 geniuses of the Ancient World as well as Bias of Priene and Solon of Athens. In 585 BC by calculating the solar eclipse, he became very famous. He believed that the source of life and live creations is out of water. He also calculated the height of the pyramids. Furthermore, he managed this checking up with help of the length of a persons shadow. In the day time when persons shadow was equal to his height, he made the calculations with the Pyramids.

First settlement dates back to 1600 BC by Minoans and Mycenaeans. According to the legend, the city was founded by Neleus, son of King Codrus of Athens. The residents were Carians and Cretans which moved here from a city having the same name. Neleus came to settle with his men and killed the resident males compelling the women to marry the newcomers. After this took place the women swore not to sit at the same table with their husbands and also not to call them by their names and this became a tradition for the next generations.

In the 11th century BC Ionians came to Miletus, and by 7th century BC Miletus was at its peak which was to last for more than two centuries. Miletus colonized over 90 cities such as Sinope, Amissos, Trapezos... located at the Black Sea shores of Anatolia.

With other cities of Ionia in 499 BC, Miletus rebelled against the Persians, who had captured, burned it to the ground and enslaved its surviving population. This last battle was that of Lade (Island of Lade) in 494 BC, just outside the harbor of Miletus where the Persian fleet of 600 warships defeated the Ionian force. The role of Miletus was significant in the defeat of the Persians at the Mycale battle in 479 BC. Shortly after the battle, Miletus joined the Delian Confederacy with a contribution larger than that of Ephesus. Miletus joined this alliance with 80 ships while Priene was joining with 12 ships. Upon an agreement between the Persian Satrap and Athens, Miletus and other Ionian cities of Anatolia came under the rule of the Persians again. At the end of the 5the century BC Miletus, was ruled by the Carian satraps. Captured by Alexander the Great after a siege in 334 BC. Miletus were among the cities who fought with Persians against Alexanders Army and defended their land. Afterwards ruled by the Seleucid Dynasty in the following years, Miletus remained an important trade center in the Roman times.

Miletus is 50 miles away from Ephesus. After the riot took place in the theater of Ephesus. St, Paul was kicked out from the city of Ephesus. He travelled to north to Troas, Assos, Mitylene. Chios. Samos, St. Paul stopped in Miletus in 57 AD on his way back to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey. In Miletus Paul sent sends a message to the leaders of the church in Ephesus to join him in Miletus, and after speaking with them for the last time he bade them an emotional farewell. Paul warned them that he faces persecution and imprisonment when he returns to Jerusalem. Paul, boarded his ship in Miletus and sailed off via Cos, Rhodes, Patara to Jerusalem.

The Roman period was followed by Byzantine and Turkish periods. Miletus was a major port city located on a peninsula with four harbors. With the silting of the Meander River the ruins of the ancient city today are a few kilometers away from the sea. The city had a grid plan which was developed by Hippodamus when it was rebuilt in the 3rd century BC after the Persians had sacked it.

The Theater was a small Hellenistic theater with a seating capacity of 5,300, but in the beginning of the 2nd century AD it was modified to a Roman theater and held about 15,000 people. The lower section was built onto a natural hillside, and the upper is supported by vaulted substructures up to a height of 131 ft. The facade facing the harbor was 460 ft long. During the Roman period the stage building had three stories and was 111 ft wide. In front of the stage building it is still possible to see pieces depicting gladiators fighting against wild animals. From the 3rd row till the 6th, carvings show that some seats were reserved for some persons and groups. 5th row was reserved for the Jews and Theosebes (God-fearers) who are afraid of God and the 3rd row for the Jewelers. The Theosebes were Jewish sympathizing pagans with beliefs and rituals of their own. The  Theosebes were one of the key groups that received attention of St. Paul and his mission.

We offer private tours of Miletus. In these private tours, besides Miletus we also stop at Ancient City of Priene, Apollo Temple in Didyma and Domatia (Doganbey) Village. For more information, please contact us.

​Smyrna is the ancient name of Izmir which the third largest city of Modern Turkey. Located 600km south of Istanbul, the largest city of Modern Turkey. The ancient name Smyrna was believed to be the name of an Amazon woman warrior like many other cities in the Aegean coastline.

For some historians, Phyrigian King Tantalos and his family were the legendary founders of the city. The daughter of Tantalos; Niobe had 7 sons and 7 daughters. Leto who had only 2 children got embarrassed by Niobe. The twins of Leto; Artemis and Apollo killed 14 children of Niobe. Niobe was so upset that she want over to Mt. Spylos and turned into a stone.

Tantalos was very much liked by the gods. One day he invited them to a feast. To check their power he had his son Pelops cooked and served to the gods. Demeter who was upset with loss of her daughter; Persephone was the only one who ate. After this event the gods punished Tantalos and sent him to Hades. His punishment was to be thirsty in the middle of a lake. While he tried to drink water, the lake became dry. Gods gave Pelops his life back. After a while Pelops sacked from Spylos and founded Pelopenessos.

First settlement of the area goes back to 3rd millennium BC in Bayrakli today. It was an Aiolian settlement during the 10th century BC migrations from Greece. Later it became an Ionian city. The Ionian refugees took the control while the Ailoian inhabitants were away for celebrations of a feast. Aiolians of Smyrna were welcomed by other Aiolian cities. The city was attacked and ruined by Alyattes of Lydia and was under the Lydian rule till the Persians came to the area in 546 BC. In 334 BC Alexander defeated the Persians in the Battle of Granikos near today's Canakkale. Alexander stayed in the city for a few days. While he was hunting in Mt. Pagos, he fell a sleep and in his dream, saw 2 goddesses saying him to move the city to where he is now. Like before the founders of the all ancient cities, inhabitants consulted to an Apollo Temple. They went to Claros for approval. According to Strabon the new city was built by Antigonos and Lysimachos following him. Lysimachos named the city of his daughter "Eurydike". However, this name did not last long. Strabon also mentioned that Smyrna was the most beautiful among the cities. Homer, the author of the earliest and finest epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey lived in Smyrna in the 8th century BC. He made his living as a court singer and storyteller.. According to Strabon there was a temple constructed after the death of Homeros, named as "Homerion".

Today from the remains of Ancient Smyrna, travelers can only see the remains of the Roman Agora. Agora was built after the earthquake in 178AD by the Roman Emperror Marcus Aerelius and was dedicated to his wife Faustina. It was one of the largest agoras of the Roman World. Romans named Agora as Forum. The basement of the Agora is quite impressive. The basement was used as shops and their storages. There is also a cistern which was able to provide water for 7.000 people. Grafittis in Ancient Greek can be seen by the travelers.

​Smyrna is among the 7 churches of Asia Minor mentioned in the book of Revelations. It is the second church mentioned in the Book of Revelation after Ephesus. Among the 7 churches, Like Philadelphia Smyrna was among the two churches which was not criticized of their faith. In the letter to Smyrna. The message speaks of false Jews and impending persecution, but encourages perseverance which will be rewarded.

The strong allegiance to Rome plus a large Jewish population which was actively hostile to the Christians made it exceptionally difficult to live as a Christian in Smyrna. The most famous martyrdom of the early church fathers was of the elderly Polycarp, the 'twelfth martyr in Smyrna', St. Polycarp was one of the diciples of John the Apostle. He is considered to be the first bishop of S,yrna. In 155AD St. Polycarp refused to acknowledge Caesar as Lord, was placed upon a pyre to be burned at the ancient theater of Smyrna by the Romans. First he was thrown to the lions. But since the lions were full, they did not eat him. Afterwards the Roman prosecutors tried to burn St. Polycarp, but that did not work out too. Last he was killed by a Roman soldier.

Smyrna, the physically persecuted church. The Christian community in Smyrna was considered as a poor community and without prestige and political power. While in contrast richly adorned temples to the pagan deities. There is no Christian commonwealth; they were a tiny minority in the community devoted to a multitude of gods. The Contrast between the city and the church is marked. The Church in Smyrna had suffered but had been faithful. Physically the church in Smyrna suffered from persecution from the Jews, and they were poor, they had few luxuries and possessions, yet spiritually they were rich in the sight of Christ. Jesus sees their affliction, he knows about it, this must be of comfort to this persecuted church. The Jewish community outside the church spoke of evil of the Christian community. John promised the Christians as a result of faithfulness even unto death, they would receive a crown of life.
​
In the ancient times Smyrna was famous with its wine called "Pramnos". This wine was mixed with cheese, flour and honey. They used honey to sweeten the wine and added water before drinking. Drinking wine without adding water considered as a barbaric behavior. Pramnos wine of Smyrna was mentioned by Homer.

​The name Smyrna may also have been taken from the ancient Greek word for myrrh, which was the chief export of the city in ancient times. Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from a tree. Myrrh resin was used as a perfume, incense, medicine and embalming body. Myrrh is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts that the Wise Men "from the East" presented to the Christ Child. Myrrh was also present at Jesus' death and burial. Jesus was offered wine and myrrh at his crucifixion. According to John's Gospel, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea brought a 100-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap Jesus' body The Gospel of Matthew relates that as Jesus went to the cross, he was given vinegar to drink mingled with myrrh. The Romans often added the myrrh to wine to prevent it from vinegarizing (turning sour), which also provided a narcotic to deaden pain.

We offer private biblical tours of the 7 Churches of Asia Minor including a visit to Ancient Smyrna. For more information, contact us.

For travelers who are travelling Turkey with a rent a car, we offer tour guide only services. Your expert Ephesus tour guide can meet you in front of Basilica of St. John or at your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi. 

​Hire a local private tour guide in Ephesus !

• Referenced rate is for tour guide only and does not include entrance fees and parking fees to the sites. 
• The tour is limited with Ephesus and surroundings for 7-8 hours. Your tour guide can meet you at any time you like. 
• ​Meeting point in Selcuk town with your tour guide will be in front of Basilica of St. John.
• 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.

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, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theater with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. 

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 train. We offer private walking tours of the Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis and Ancient City of Ephesus. For more information, please contact us.

Ephesus Tour Guides
Private Ephesus Tours from Selcuk

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

We provide exclusive Private Ephesus Tours including pick up and drop off from/to Izmir Airport and Izmir Airport Hotels.

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

​Airlines flying to Izmir Airport from Istanbul Airports:

• Pegasus : http://www.flypgs.com/
• Anadolu Jet: https://www.anadolujet.com/en
• Turkish Airlines : https://www.turkishairlines.com/​

​* Generally a private tour of Ephesus takes approximately 8 hours. Therefore we recommned our guests to book 8am flight from Istanbul to Izmir and 6pm flight from Izmir to Istanbul. We recommend to book the below flights:

Price for Ephesus Private Tour from Izmir Airport: 170 Euros (Total to be paid up to 6 people)

* Above rate is NOT a per person price. It is total to be paid 1-6 people.
* On certain dates we offer %20 discount. Discounted Ephesus Tour Dates
* For groups, more than 6 people, please contact us.

Rates Cover:

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

Rates Do Not Cover:

• Entrance fees to the sites.
• Drinks during lunch​

* Except Terrace Houses, there is no admission fee for children under 8 years old. For the proof of age, please bring passport copies with you.

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

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. Forcruise passengers, there is no cancellation fee if your ship does not call to the port in any reason.
​
* For private tour booking, Kindly advise us the following:

1. Full names of the members of your group and nationality.
2. Number of people in your group.
3. Date of Arrival 
4. Name of the Flight details
5. Time to start the tour 
6. Tour code or name or name of the sites you would like to visit.

To book an Ephesus Tour from Izmir Airport and for more information please contact us.

Private Ephesus Tours from Izmir Hotels
Izmir Airport Kusadasi Transfers
Izmir Airport Ephesus Train

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 overnight in Selcuk town, we recommend visiting farmers market on Saturdays.

Selcuk is accessible by 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. For more information about the trains schedules to Selcuk, please visit the following link: 
Izmir, Izmir Airport - Selcuk Town (Ephesus) Train Schedules

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. 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. Cost of tour guide only services is  70 Euros (whatever your group size is)
On certain dates we offer %20 discount. To see these dates please click here.

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

Suggested Ephesus Tours from Selcuk are as follows:

SELCUK - No:1
Half Day (4 hours) Ephesus Tour from Selcuk
Temple of Artemis + Ephesus  + House of Mary
After meeting your guide drive through the fertile lands. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Afterwards proceed to the mountain where Virgin Mary is believed to spent her 9 years. The house is approximately 1000 feet above sea level and running as an active chapel. Roman Catholics believe that Virgin Mary came to Ephesus with Saint. John 5 years after the crucification. At the age of 63 she is assumed to heaven. Although there is no fact that Virgin Mary lived here approximately 1.5 million people visit the site each year. After 30 minutes visit to the House of Mary, drive to ancient city of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start exploring the city. You will be walking down the hill approximately 1.5hrs. You will see the Odeon, the basilica, Domitian square, fountain of Trajan, Celcus library, Terrace Houses (optional), Marble street, the Grand Theater of Ephesus and the Harbor Street. 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 (6 hours) Ephesus Tour from Selcuk - Christian Ephesus 
Meet with your guide in Selcuk. Drive  to the country. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY. 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, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath,Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theater with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. Afterwards visit the  BASILICA OF ST. JOHN and see the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS, one of the wonders of the  ancient world. 

SELCUK - No:3
Full day (7 hours) Ephesus Tour from Selcuk -  Ephesus & Villages 
Meet with your guide in Selcuk. Drive to one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world:TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS. After seeing Temple of 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 theTemple 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 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. Your last stop will be the visit to the ISA BEY MOSQUE, a delicate masterpiece of Turkish architecture from the fourteenth century.

​SELCUK- No:4
Fullday  (7 hours) Ephesus Tour from Selcuk
​Temple of Artemis + Ephesus + Kirazli Village
Your first stop will be the Temple of  Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Continue to Ephesus  where  you start at the Magnesia Gate and walk downhill through the city.Your tour guide  will point out the sights, bringing the history of Ephesus to life as you pause  at the Odeon, Upper Agora, Town Hall, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of  Hadrian and  Domitianus, Memmius Memorial, Roman Baths,Terrace Houses and the extraordinary  Library of Celsus. At the end of the marble street leading from the library, gaze  up at the impressive theater, built to seat 24.000 people. Here St. Paul  preached to Ephesians. Afterwards proceed to the quaint Village of  Kirazli. Meet  with locals, witness the unspoiled local life. See real Turkey ! 

For more information, contact us.

Aphrodisias was the most famous ancient city that was named after the Goddess Aphrodite. The ancient city of Aphrodisias is one of the most important archaeological sites of modern Turkey. Discover the famous UNESCO world heritage sites of Turkey with a licensed knowledgeable tour guide. We offer Private Aprhodisias Tours from Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince Hotels and Kusadasi Port. Aphrodisias, is one of the top archaeological attractions of Western Turkey. You will be enchanted by the beauty of Aphrodisias.

Aphrodisias is located in southwestern Turkey, in the province of Aydin. It takes approximately 2.5 hours drive from Kusadasi to Aphrodisias. The distance between Kusadasi and Aphrodisias is 155km. There is no direct transportation from Kusadasi to Aphrodisias.

Aphrodisias History
Aphrodisias was a small Greek city in the province of Caria. The current ancient city is located nearby the village of Geyre. It takes approx. 2.5 hours drive (140 miles) from Kusadasi to reach Aphrodisias. Aphrodisias, unlike Ephesus has never been a port city. The city is 62 miles inland from the coast. Aphrodisias is 2000 feet above sea level and located by the 8000 feet mountain called Babadag (known as Salbakos in the ancient times). The city before adopting the name ''Aphrodisias'', it was named as Lelegeopolis, Megapolis and Ninoi. The name "Ninoi" is given by the Asyrians who settled this area. Ninoi is also the name of a city located in Asyria. Asyrians introduced Ishtar culture to the city. Probably, the words Star and Easter is derived from the goddess Ishtar. Aphrodisias, covers an area of 200 acres and generally is a flat city.

Unlike many other ancient cities in Anatolia, Aphrodisias was discovered by a famous Turkish photographer Mr. Ara Guler in 1958. He was travelling through villages and towns. He was in the village of Geyre and noted a village that has so many ancient remains that the villagers live without knowing their importance. Afterwards Ara Guler was in touch with the Turkish Archaeologist Mr. Kenan Erim from New York University. Excavations began in the 1960s. Kenan Erim devoted his life to excavate this ancient city. Since this city is lately discovered, you do not see any remains from this city in British Museum or any other museums outside Turkey.

Aphrodisias became an artistic center with a famous school of sculpture. The city was also famous with ceremonies made in Aphrodite Temple in the name of Aphrodite. Ruined because of the earthquakes. In the 4th and 7th century. Major earthquakes happened and changed the route of the rivers nearby. The City was under flood due to change of route of water. After 7th century earthquakes, the city lost its importance. In the 6th century. The name of Aphrodisias was changed to Stauroupolis, meaning the city of the Cross, to erase the pagan goddess of love from peoples minds. As the capital of Caria, Aphrodisias was finally called Caria which then became Geyre in Turkish. Later in the 13th century, the city was abandoned.  

Aphrodisias was founded near a marble quarry that was extensively used in the Hellenistic and Roman times. The closest quarry was half a mile away from Aphrodisias. The marble sculptures of Aphrodisias became very famous during the Roman period. Many examples have been excavated in Aphrodisias. The sculptors of Aphrodisias became famous and benefited from a great supply of quality marble nearby. There was a famous school of sculpture here which was very productive. A lot of sculpture can be seen today around the ancient city and in the museum. Many finished and unfinished statues discovered in the area. Unfinished statues prove the existence of a Sculpturing School. Many sarcophagi were excavated at several locations in site, frequently decorated with designs of garland, columns, figures of people, birds and animals. Names of many sculptors from Aphrodisias have been seen in lots of works in Italy, Greece and elsewhere.   

Excavations in the theater hill have revealed layers of settlement going back to the Bronze Age. Aphrodisias was founded in the 5800 BC and flourished under the Roman Empire. First settlers were Carians, Pelasgians and Lelegians. Aphrodisias is mentioned in the 1st century BC by geographer Strabo.

Aphrodisias was named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Aphrodite was known to Romans as Venus. The name of the city has the same root as the word "aphrodisiac". Both words derive from the Greek name Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Aphrodisias was one of several ancient cities dedicated to the goddess of love. Within the borders of Caria, during the Roman period, following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The assassins, Brutus and Cassius fled to Asia Minor where they invaded many cities. Aphrodisias, remained loyal to Caesar. There is evidence that the city was attacked by the supporters of Cassius and Brutus. The main reason, keeping the city loyal to Caesar is because of Zoilos, the former slave of Caesar who was freed by Octavian. Mark Antony recognized the autonomy of Aphrodisias in the 1st century BC.   
​

Fame of Aphrodisias is not only limited to arts. It also had a number of renowned scholars and writers as well as philosophers, of whom the most notable ones were Xenocrates and Alexander of Aphrodisias. Alexander was a famous philosopher from Aphrodisias. He followed the teachings of Aristotle. Born in Aphrodisias and lived and taught in Athens at the beginning of the 3rd century, where he held a position as head of the Peripatetic school that is founded by Aristotle. He wrote many commentaries on the works of Aristotle (Aristotle, was a Greek philosopher who lived in the 4th century BC. One of the students of Plato and tutor of Alexander the Great.)

Statues were carved from the local white, grayish blue Carian marble, mostly from Babadag (Salbakos), nearby mountain. Sculptors from other areas came to Aphrodisias for annual sculpture competitions. The eyes of the statues found here are full of expression and vitality and the bodies seem capable of moving. The public monuments in Aphrodisias were decorated with "peopled scrolls" which were one of the characteristics of stone carving produced by the school of sculpture in Aphrodisias. Some masterpieces have the signatures of their creators who are especially experts in relief and sarcophagus production. Many sarcophagi were decorated with lively reliefs, symbolizing the desire to deny the emptiness of death and its eternal darkness. These sculptors imposed their creative mastery over iron and marble. Iron tools and instruments were to achieve victory and greatness not only in battle fields but in the field of sculpture as well. Anatolia was in a period when matchless works of sculpture were created. The old traditions of Anatolian sculpture reached a phase of lively fineness and beauty of expression. 

Aphrodisias was a special city and beloved by Augustus. Due to this it was exempted from paying taxes. There could be several reasons for this:

• The connection between the goddess and the imperial house was also a particularly politic one at the time, as the family of Julius Caesar, Octavian Augustus, and their successors claimed divine descent from Venus/Aphrodite. Aphrodite was the mother of Aeneas from Troy. After the Trojan war, Aeneas fled away from Troy. Romans believed that they are descendants of Aeneas and royal Trojans. In Roman inscription Troy is mentioned as Ilius. It is believed that the name Julius is derived from Ilius.
• Zoilos a good friend and a former slave of Augustus was from this city.
• Aphrodisias, was an artisan city. Sculptors from Aphrodisias made statues for emperors and commanders from all over the Roman Empire.

In a letter written by Emperor Augustus to Stephanus (governor of Laodicea), Aphoridisias is privileged:
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With the tax-free status Aphrodisias became a popular pilgrimage destination. Starting from 1st century BC, in Aphrodisias, a long period of prosperity began. The city gained a reputation of being an artistic, cultural center and as well as a center for religious activity. Many important writers and philosophers like Alexander of Aphrodisias lived in this city.

Tetrapylon was a monumental gateway that leaded entrance to the Temple of Aphrodite. The gateway was built in the late 2nd century AD during the reign of Hadrian. It had 4 rows of 4 columns. It is thought to have marked the intersection of a major street with a sacred way heading toward the sanctuary of Aphrodite.

The Temple of Aphrodite was the main attraction of the Ancient City of Aphrodisias. Historians think that before this temple was built here, there was an earlier cult for Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar who is known as goddess of fertility and sex. There were festivals in the name Ishtar at the beginning of spring. These celebrations are made for the arrival of spring in the name of Ishtar. The name Ishtar is also associated with the word Easter. The building was converted into a church during the Byzantine period. From this church, historians mention twenty bishops from Aphrodisias who attended the ecumenical councils in the early times of Christianity. The building was originally designed as an Ionic temple with 40 columns arranged in an 8 by 13 rectangle shape. Once it was converted into a church, the columns at each end were removed, an apse was built in the eastern section, and a baptistery and an atrium were added to the west. On some columns donor names are being noted. Life in the city was concentrated on the Temple of Aphrodite. The cult of Aphrodite was so popular that it took some time before Christianity was fully accepted by Aphrodisians.  The temple was founded here in the 1st century BC with the funding made by Zoilos.

Worship to Aphrodite goes back to 7th century BC to Assyrians who came here from Mesopotamia and settled here and worshiped to a goddess named as Ishtar who is also the goddess of love. The similarities between Aphrodite and Ishtar are generally well-recognized. In Mesopotamian mythology, Ishtar was the principal goddess of the Babylonians and Assyrians. She was both the compassionate mother of all life, who brought fertility and relief from sickness, and the lustful goddess of sexual love and war.  
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Stadium of Aphrodisias, is one of the best preserved stadium in Anatolia with a 30,000 spectator capacity. Originally it had a blind arcade on top of the highest row surrounding all the seats. The stadium was used for gladiatorial fights, chariot races, sporting, musical and dramatic events. The eastern part of the arena was for gladiatorial fights. This is a hybrid structure, a mixture of a Greek stadium and a Roman Arena. Therefore, it was used for sport events, executions and gladiatorial fights. Reserved seat carvings on seats can still be noticed at the seats of the stadium. Women were not attending athletic events since all the men was competing nude. The Stadium was double size of the population of Aphrodisias. Probably, a smaller type of Olympic Games in the name of Aphrodite was held here.

Bouleuterion (senate house), is located at the north side of the North Agora. The original building was vaulted.
Seating capacity is expected to be about 1750. Archaeologists found many unfinished statue pieces and sculpturing tools during the excavations done in the area between Bouleterion and Aphrodite temple. For this reason the place is considered as the famous sculpture school of Aphrodite in archaic ages. The school was actively used from 1st century BC until 6th century AD, Some historians believe that there were some sculpturing artists moved to the city from Pergamon after the death of Attalus 3rd who inherited his empire and treasure to the Roman Empire in the second century BC. The artists who were left without work moved to Aphrodisias. The reputation of the artists of Aphrodisias was beyond Anatolia and Rome.

Baths of Hadrian were built under Hadrian in the 2C AD. Hadrian visited the city of Aphrodisias and these roman baths were constructed in the memory of his visit. There were two pairs of large rooms on either side of a huge central hall called the caldarium.  Total 4 sections as Apodyterium (Chaging rooms), Fridgiderium (Cold Rooms), Tepiderium (Luke warm/tepid room) and Caldarium (Hot/Steam Room). 

During the excavations in the villa of Hadrian in Tivoli, Italy. Archeologists discovered many statues made in Aphrodisas.

South Agora also known as the Portico of Tiberius, had an Ionic colonnade which has partially been restored, was started during the reign of Tiberius, 1st century AD. The central area of the portico is occupied by a huge basin or pool, with two semicircular extremities at the north and east ends. The portico may well have been a gymnasium or a palaestra with an exercise area between the colonnade and the pool.

North Agora, was mainly used for commercial reasons. This was the marketplace. In the middle of North Agora. The Monumental Tomb of Zoilos was located.

Theater was built in the late Hellenistic period and later restored in the 1st century BC, and according to its inscription it was dedicated to Aphrodite and the people of the city by Gaius Julius Zoilos, a former slave of Gaius Julius Caesar and later on inherited to Octavian. Octavian gave freedom to Zoilos.  The seating capacity was 8,000. The stage building consisted of six vaulted dressing or storage rooms out of which four opened into the corridor behind the proskene. The stage building wall in the north parados had Greek inscriptions of important documents related to the history of the city such as letters of emperors to the city or senatorial decrees. The orchestra and the stage building were restored in the 2nd century AD in order to make the building more suitable for animal or gladiatorial fights. The theater was seriously damaged in the 7th century, and the Byzantines built houses on top of the cavea and converted the hill into a fortress by circling it with walls and towers. In the excavations an inscription is found saying that Julius Galius Caesar gifted a Golden Eros statue to Aphrodite. The statue is later stolen from the city and taken to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. From the inscription it is thought that Caesar was in the city of Aphrodisias. The levelled seat rows show that there were gladiatorial games played in the theater.

Tetrastoon, originally surrounded by four (tetra) colonnades on all sides with a round fountain in the center, had several functions in the Roman and Byzantine city. First it was a meeting place for the citizens and also by having surrounding small shops served as a marketplace. Finally, it gave access to the theater. To the south of the tetrastoon was the Imperial Hall with theater baths which have not been completely excavated. 

Sebasteion, was a early 1st century AD shrine in which the emperor was worshiped. The building was built after the death of Zoilos in 20 AD, to have good relations with Rome the capital. Sebasteion derived from the Ancient Greek  word "Sebastos", which is the Greek equivalent of "Augustus". The structure had 3 stories. Each story was decorated with three different column orders, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. The building was first unearthed in 1979 it appeared to have no relation to any other building but, as excavations were carried down to deeper levels, it became apparent that this consisted of a temple dedicated to the cult of the Emperor Augustus (Sebastos is the Greek equivalent of the Latin Augustus). Excavations yielded a quite extraordinary quantity of reliefs and decorative panels. Second story display famous stories from the Greek Mythology. Third story the success stories of Julius Caesar and his dynasty. The most remarkable of these included depictions of the birth of Eros, the Three Graces, Apollo in Delphi, Meleager, Achilles and Penthesilea, Nyssa and the child Dionysus. There are also reliefs of some members of the imperial family and mythological figures. Those identified include Augustus, Germanicus, Lucius, Gaius Caesar, Claudius and Agrippa, together with Prometheus and Aeneas fleeing from Troy. There is also a fascinating group of reliefs symbolizing Claudius's conquest of Britain and Nero's conquest of Armenia. There are also a number of fragments depicting the peoples of the various countries with which Augustus had waged war or formed other types of relationships but these have suffered severe earthquake damage.

The longest Jewish inscription from the Classical world was also discovered by the Archaeolgists in Aphrodisias. The inscription written on a pillar is dating back to 3rd century AD and describing 126 donors. Probably the donors of a synagogue in Aphrodisias. According to the inscription excavated in Aphrodisias we know there was major Jewish community living in the city and descriptions of the synagogue. In the inscriptions names of the Jews, the people who have sympathy to Jews and their occupations were noted. 54 of the donors were named as Theosebeis. People who had sympathy to Jews were named as 'Theosebeis' meaning Godfearers. Theosebeis people were gentiles who had sympathy to Jews and Judaism but did not change their pagan faith.

Aphrodisias was, in ancient terms, a medium-sized town (90 
hectares, with a population of maybe 15,000-20.000 inhabitants), but one
with a typically metropolitan grandeur of architectural design. The 
monuments and marble sculptures show a distinctive period of
 ancient city life. The most prosperous days of Aphrodisias was between 1st century BC and 2nd century AD. The city lost its tax-free status after 3rd century AD due to administrative and political changes.  

​Cost of Private Aphrodisias Tour from Kusadasi:
Mercedes V-Class (1-6 people) + English Speaking Tour Guide: 200 Euro
(For groups over 6 people, please contact us for the cost.)
* Above rate is not a per person rate, it is per group.

Rates Cover:
- Services of an excellent English speaking Guide
-  A/C Mercedes Minibus.
- All transportation costs.
- Tax, service charges
- Traditional Turkish Lunch
- Parking fees

Rates Do Not Cover:
- Entrance to the sites. (Cost of Entrance Fee: 24 Turkish LIras = 3 Euro per person)
- Drinks during lunch

If requested a day tour of Aphrodisias tour can be combined with Pamukkale (Hierapolis).
We offer 2 and 3 days private tours of Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale and more:
2 Days Western Turkey Tour - Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias...
3 Days West Turkey Tour - Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias...
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For more information please contact us.

Los costos de traslados privados aplicables para Kusadasi y Selcuk y Sirince:

• Mercedes V-Class para 7 personas: 50 euros
• Mercedes Minibus para 12 personas: 65 euros
• Mercedes Minibus para 15 personas: 75 euros

​!!!! El pago de la traslado privado se realiza durante la transferencia en efectivo. Pago directamente al conductor. Pagas el día del servicio sin anticipar dinero. A tu confianza corresponde la nuestra.

Confía en nosotros y ahorra dinero y tiempo al reservar por adelantado tu traslado privado desde el aeropuerto de Izmir. 

Si necesita más información, no dude en contactarnos.

Enjoy a half day tour of the ancient city of Ephesus from either Kusadasi Port or Kusadasi Hotels. Visit all the spectacular ancient monuments, including the Library of Celsus, Grand Theater of Ephesus, Hadrian Temple, Temple of Artemis and many more.  Explore two of Turkey's ancient highlights on a private half day tour: Temple of Artemis and Ephesus.​

​Half day (3.5 hours) Tour of Ephesus & Temple of Artemis
Meet with your guide in front of the Kusadasi port passenger terminal or your hotel in Kusadasi. Drive to the country. See the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS, one of  the wonders of the ancient world. Then a visit to EPHESUS is a visit to one of  the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Ancient historians believed that  Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now, it is believed to have been the Hittite city of Apasas. With your private tour guide, you will see the Odeon, where the  advisory council held its meetings and the Roman Baths, as well as many other columns, monuments and ruins, including the Celsus Library and the Grand Theater of Ephesus. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy  the scenery or shopping opportunity.

For private tour costs, please visit: Ephesus Private Tour Price or contact us.

Q1 Can I just confirm cost is 100 euros total for 2 people.   
> Correct. 100 Euro is total to be paid for your party of 2. It becomes 50 Euro per person.

Q2 On top I need to pay entrance to Ephesus and Artemis. How much is that please. ?
> Total Cost of Entrance Fees: 13.5 Euro per person (Can be paid with Visa or Mastercard)

Q3 You mention a lunch?    Is this in Ephesus?   
> Right outside Ephesus. If you do not want to have lunch that can be omited. But the tour price stays the same.

Q4 Also transport by MPV.   Does this mean there will be more people in our group or is It just other people for other guides
> No, we only provide private tours. That means you will be the only ones in the vehicle besides your personal tour guide and driver. We will assign you De-Luxe Mercedes MPV which will offer you a comfortable journey.

Hundreds of thousands of voyagers pass through the Kusadasi Cruise Port terminal, the most popular cruise port in Turkey serving tourists travelling on Mediterranean cruises. It is also the leader in receiving tourists on board luxury liners arriving in Turkey from all over the world. The Terminal has undergone an extensive renovation in the past years. It has cafeterias, shops, taxis and public transport, and all the services necessary to make your arrival and departure from Turkey pleasant. The terminal is directly linked with downtown Kusadasi and is within a 20 minutes minutes’ drive away from the ancient city of Ephesus. 

Kusadasi Cruise Port’s passenger terminal serves tens of thousands of tourists every year. All the world’s leading cruise ship companies choose Kusadasi Cruise Port as a port of call. We are convinced it is also the most beautiful port of entry. At the moment, the Kusadasi Cruise Port passenger terminal is able to handle ships of up to 3500 passengers on an ongoing basis, quickly and efficiently. Kusadasi Cruise Port is the most popular cruise port in Turkey in terms of servicing passenger and tourist ships. 

The Cruise Ships that will be calling to Kusadasi Cruise Port in 2020:

• Celestyal Olympia and Celestyal Crystal of Celestyal Cruises
• Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Moon, Silver Spirit of Silversea Cruises​
• Marina, Riviera, Sirena, Nautica of Oceania Cruises
• Wind Star, Star Legend and Star Pride of Windstar Cruises
• Marella Celebration and Marella Explorer of Marella Cruises / TUI Cruises
• Star Flyer of Star Clippers
• Azamara Journey of Azamara Cruises
• Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Splendor of Regent Cruises
• Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Veendam of Holland America Line
• Vision of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
• Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Star,  Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit of Norwegian Cruise Line
• Viking Jupiter, Viking Sea of Viking Cruises
• Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore of Seabourn Cruise Lines
• Amera and Artania of Phoenix Reisen

We offer private tours of Ephesus and surrounding area from Kusadasi Cruise Port, for more information, please contact us.

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.

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. 

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, İngilizce, Almanca, İspanyolca, Portekizce, İtalyanca ve Rusça 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, Fransızca, Almanca, Rusça, Portekizce, İtalyanca, İspanyolca 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. 

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 100 TL'dir. 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 10tlö yabancılar için 60tl 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

Esmirna es la tercera ciudad más grande de Turquia. Tiene 3 millones habitantes. Por cinco mil años, hay habitantes en Izmir. Los primeros colonos eran mujeres guerreras llamadas Amozanas. Esmirna fue el nombre de la reina de Amazónas que se fundado por primera vez aquí. Otra reina de Amazónas fue al sur. Su nombre era Apasas. La palabra Éfeso se deriva de Apasas. La única fuente de información sobre Amazonas son de las epopeyas de Homero. Homero nació en Esmirna en el siglo ocho antes de cristo. Homero era ciego y entretenía a la gente contando historias. Homeros mencionó que los Amazonas eran mujeres guerreras que no les gustaban mucho los hombres pero los utilizaban por razones de fertitilidad. Eran muy buenos arqueros. Para ser más rápidos, se cortan el seno derecho. La palabra Amazon significa sin el seno. Cuando se dice Amazon, lo primero que se recuerda es Brasil. El nombre del río en Brasil. En el siglo XVII, un viajero alemán estaba en Brasil cuando vio guerreras similares mencionadas por Homero. Él nombró el río como Amazones.

Selcuk es el nombre moderno de Ciudad de Éfeso. Se tarda una hora en coche para ir a Selcuk desde Izmir. Vamos a conducir a través de tierras fértiles. Principales productos agrícolas: algodón, melocotón, mandarina, tomate, tabaco, aceitunas, higos... A la derecha, hay un castillo llamado el castillo de cabras. Construido por el imperio bizantino siglo seis. Capturado por los turcos en el siglo catorce.
Nuestra primera parada será la casa de la virgen María. Se cree que Virgen María pasó sus últimos nueve años en esta casa. Cuando Jesús fue crucificado, le dijo a María que considerara a Juan como su nuevo hijo y le dijo a Juan que cuidara a su madre. Después de la crucifixión, Juan y María viajaron juntos. Cinco años después de la crucifixión, llegaron a la ciudad de Éfeso. Éfeso en ese tiempo era la cuarta ciudad más grande del imperio romano. Éfeso tenía un puerto comercial importante. Era la capital de la provincia de Asia del imperio romano. Templo de Artemis en Éfeso era un lugar de peregrinación para los paganos. Vivir en el centro de la ciudad no era seguro para los primeros cristianos. Por lo tanto, Juan y María vivían en una montaña fuera de Éfeso. Maria pasó sus últimos 9 años aquí. Después de la ascensión, Juan viajó a través de Anatolia. (Anatolia es una palabra griega que significa tierra del este donde sale el sol.) El emperador romano Domiciano exilió a Juan a Patmos. Escribió el libro de la revelación en la isla de Patmos. Envió 7 cartas a 7 iglesias de asia menor. La palabra iglesia no significaba un edificio en ese momento. Significaba comunidad de cristianos. La casa se descubre en el siglo diecinueve. Una monja alemana paralizada que nunca ha estado en el lugar vio visiones. En sus visiones, vio dónde vivía la Virgen María, murió y fue enterrada. Un libro escrito. Más tarde las descripciones de este libro, buscadas por la iglesia de Izmir. La casa ha sido una capilla por cien años. Hay monjas y sacerdotes asignados por el vaticano. En mil novecientos sesenta y siete papa paul sexto vino y oró aquí. Hasta ahora llegaron 3 papas. Un millón y medio de visitantes al año. No todos los visitantes son cristianos. Muchos visitantes musulmanes. Los musulmanes consideran a María como la madre de un profeta. Meryem es el nombre de María en el libro del Corán. Meryem es un nombre muy popular en Turquía. La tumba de María es buscada con dispositivos de sonar, pero no hay pruebas científicas. Entre las iglesias cristianas hay diferentes teorías. Los católicos creen que ella pasó sus últimos años aquí.
Éfeso fue fundado al final de una bahía. Cerca de un río llamado Kaistros. Debido a los terremotos, las erosiones, el río llevó los suelos ricos de las montañas y llenó el puerto. Los lagos de agua causaron mosquitos y malaria. La malaria era una enfermedad grande en Éfeso. Debido a esto, la ciudad tuvo que cambiar su ubicación varias veces. Después de Amazones, los griegos llamados Ionianos se establecieron aquí. Los ionianos fundaron 12 ciudades. Donde se localizan las ciudades se llama Ionia. Aquí se crearon columnas jónicas en arqueología. Los ionianos tenían una diosa madre llamada Artemis. Artemisa era conocida por los romanos como Diana. Construyen un enorme templo. Más tarde este templo fue seleccionado como una de las 7 maravillas del mundo antiguo. Éfeso fue gobernado por Lidios luego los persas, en trescientos treinta y cuatro Alejandro Magno vino aquí. Tenía 33 años cuando estaba aquí. Ordenó que la ciudad se ubicara en otro lugar. La ciudad que visitaremos, es fundada por Alejandro y conocida como Éfeso Número 3. El tiempo más rico de Éfeso es el primer y segundo siglo. La ciudad tenía doscientos mil habitantes. Éfeso fue arruinado por terremotos en el siglo IV. El puerto se llena nuevamente. La malaria era una gran enfermedad. Durante el tiempo de Constantino el emperador romano, el cristianismo se convirtió en la religión del imperio. Constantino ordenó una ciudad capital El nombre de la nueva ciudad se cambia a Constantionopolis. Constantinópolis se convirtió en la nueva capital. Hasta el siglo siete vivían en Éfeso. Luego abandonó la ciudad. Los restos de la ciudad estaban debajo de 2-3 metros de tierra. Durante ciento diez años los arqueólogos excavan el sitio. Hasta el momento se ha excavado el diez por ciento de la ciudad. La mayoría de los edificios excavados son edificios civiles. Los edificios residenciales todavía están bajo tierra. Hoy Efeso es el tercer sitio más visitado de Turquía. 2 millones de visitantes al año. Éfeso se conoce con la biblioteca. Tiene la tercera biblioteca más grande del mundo antiguo. Fue construido en el nombre del gobernador llamado Celsus en el segundo siglo. La biblioteca tenía veinticinco mil libros y rollos hechos de papiro y pergamino. El gran teatro de Efeso tiene una capacidad de veinticinco mil personas. Los arqueólogos estiman la población de la ciudad del tamaño del teatro.

Offercemos excursiones privadas de Efeso y aldrededores con guias de espanol. Para obtener mas informacion por favor contactenos:

Going from Izmir to Ephesus
Selcuk is the modern name for Ephesus. It is a small town having a population of 35 thousand. Selcuk is 62km south of Izmir. It is an hour drive from Izmir Airport. Havas have shuttles for flights. Selcuk is also accessible by train from Izmir Airport and Izmir downtown (Basmane).

The same train also go to Denizli where Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is located.

The Train schedule between Izmir, Izmir Airport and Selcuk Town (Ephesus) is as follows:
​(Click here for the official train schedule)

For travelers, who would travel with train from Izmir downtown or Izmir airport, we can meet them at Selcuk Train Station, after a private tour of Ephesus we can take them to their hotel in Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince Village or take them back to Selcuk train station. For private Ephesus Tours from selcuk train station, please contact us.

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

On his return journey from Corinth, Paul came to the city of Ephesus to fulfill his promise after a short visit, and he came back and Paul stayed in Ephesus about 2.5 years between 53-56AD.

During the excavations at Ephesus, more than 3,500 inscriptions have been found. Some of the most interesting are in a small cave on the slope of Bülbül Mountain (Nightingale Mountain).  According to a local legend, when St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus from Jerusalem, they had no place to stay.  John found this cave and hid Mary there for her safety.  It was not until some time later that John located a more suitable home for Mary higher up on the mountain, known as Panaya Capoulu.  In more recent years, the cave has been re-named “the Cave of St. Paul” due to the frescoes and inscriptions on the walls which refer to St. Paul. 

The cave has been a Christian sacred site since the 1st or 2nd century. The walls were decorated with frescoes and inscriptions and white-washed several times, then re-painted with new images. Discovered under plaster on the walls are important 5th-century frescoes, with inscriptions, depicting the Virgin Mary, St. Paul and St. Thecla (a female disciple of Paul). This is the only known depiction of St. Paul at Ephesus and the earliest known appearance in the world of Paul and Thecla together.

The cave was discovered by a group of priests in 1892, while looking for the tomb of the Virgin Mary. Under the layers of plaster on the corridor walls are Greek phrases such as “the hidden of Mother of God” and “Paul help your servant”-written in charcoal and chalk. To protect these delicate and ancient wall frescoes, the cave is not open to the public. Unfortunately this site can not be visited during the tours of Ephesus.

​The first Christian congregation in Ephesus was founded by St John the Apostle and expanded by St Paul. On his return journey from Corinth, Paul came to the city of Ephesus to fulfill his promise after a short visit, and he came back and stayed for about two and a half years between 53-56AD. Most likely St. Paul wrote the Corinthians No.1 letter in Ephesus at this time period. When Paul came to Ephesus, he preached the gospel in the synagogue of Ephesus and the hall of Tyrannus. Tyrannus was an owner of a lecture hall at Ephesus. All this information is  mentioned in the New Testament, in the book of Acts of the Apostles (19:9).  The Ephesus Church, leaded the Seven Churches in the Asia Minor (Western Turkey today).

What happened to Paul at Ephesus?
​By St. Paul’s efforts, in a short time, Ephesus became the third important city of Christianity after Jerusalem and Antioch. Christianity quickly gained popularity in Ephesus. The popularity of this new religion concerned some people in Ephesus. The silversmith Demetrius and others, who made a living by selling and making silver statues of Mother Goddess Artemis, were very upset. Demetrius and his colleagues provoked thousands of people and met them at the Ephesus theater and started a big riot in 56AD. The crowd was shouting "The Great Artemis of Ephesians". St Paul wanted to face the crowd, but the disciples didn't let him. Finally, the city clerk calmed down the crowd. Probably St. Paul was jailed in Ephesus for a while before he departed to North. 

It is obvious that Ephesus had an important role in Christianity.  Both St. John and St. Paul was in Ephesus but neither of them were in Ephesus at the same time. 

In the New Testament, there are 13 letters of St. Paul. During his house arrest in Rome in 61 AD, St. Paul mailed 3 letters to the city of Ephesus: Timothy No.1, Timothy No. 2 and Ephesians. Paul's letters tended to be written in response to certain crises. Ephesus Church, most probably was facing major difficulties and St. Paul was aware of these.
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Timothy was one of the disciples of St. Paul. St. Paul met with Timothy during his missionary journeys in Lystra. Afterwards Timothy joined Paul and Silas, and they travelled together to the city of Ephesus. After Paul had to leave the city of Ephesus. Timothy became the head of the Christian Community in Ephesus. He is considered to be the first bishop of Ephesus. Although not stated in the bible, according to some apocryphal gospels, Timothy was martyred in Ephesus in 97AD when he was 80 years old. Probably Timothy met with St. John the Apostle , although there is no mention of this in the New Testament.