​When planning a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, one question that often arises is whether or not to hire a guide. While exploring on your own can be an exciting adventure, having a knowledgeable guide by your side can enhance your experience in ways you never imagined. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why having a guide for Ephesus can make your visit truly unforgettable.

Yes, you can tour Ephesus on your own. Touring Ephesus independently is entirely feasible. However, it is crucial to recognize that the essence of a rewarding trip goes beyond sightseeing. With a guided tour of Ephesus, you can delve deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the sights, enhancing the overall experience and allowing for a deeper understanding of the destination’s heritage. With an expert Ephesus tour guide, you can dive into the stories and contexts that shaped these sites, and travelers can cultivate a deeper appreciation for Ephesus and its rich history. Remember that the true essence of a trip lies in the meaningful connections we create with the places we visit, allowing us to uncover the layers of meaning that make each trip truly unforgettable.

Our professional team is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and remarkable sights. With our expertise and passion for Ephesus, we are committed to ensuring that your visit is not just informative but truly memorable. Join us for a journey through this ancient city, and let us guide you through its wonders for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Hiring a guide for Ephesus can greatly enhance your visit to this ancient city. From providing historical context to personalized experiences and hidden gems, a guide can make your journey through Ephesus truly unforgettable. By choosing the right guide with the proper credentials and expertise, you can ensure a memorable and enriching experience that will stay with you long after your visit.

So, do you need a guide for Ephesus? Please contact us for more information.

Ефес е древен град, разположен в Мала Азия, в днешна Турция. Той беше един от дванадесетте йонийски града. Намира се на Егейско море. Бил е важен религиозен, културен и търговски център. В момента руините му са важна туристическа атракция, посещават се предимно от круизни кораби, които спират на пристанището на Кушадасъ, разположено на 20 км. Това е голям град, който все още не е напълно разкопан, но това, което може да се види, дава известна представа за първоначалния му блясък.

​Ephesus Travel Guide е интернет търговска марка на Transbalkan Tours Лиценз №: A776. Нашата компания за качествени туристически услуги с 60 години опит в сектора. Ephesus Travel Guide има честта да обяви, че предлага частни туристически услуги до Ефес за българоговорящи туристи. Предлагаме качествени частни обиколки и частни обиколки от Кушадасъ. Нашите експертни български екскурзоводи с радост ще ви помогнат да планирате един незабравим ден.

Нашите частни обиколки са идеалният начин да изживеете историята на тези великолепни древни градове. Резервирайте вашата частна обиколка на Ефес и Памуккале с нас и спестете пари. Ние, от Ephesus Travel Guide, предлагаме най-добрите частни обиколки, но също така и най-високото обслужване на клиентите.

Ефес е един от най-добре запазените древни градове в света. През цялата си история Ефес е бил един от най-важните центрове в света, играещ важна роля в културния, артистичен и научен живот. Обиколката включва и посещение на Къщата на Дева Мария, която е мястото, където Девата е прекарала последните дни от живота си и която сега е място за поклонение на християни от цял свят.

Маршрут на обиколката на Ефес
Полудневна обиколка на Храма на Артемида, Ефес, Къщата на Мария - (4,5 часа)
Ще се срещнете с вашия официален екскурзовод на круизното пристанище Кушадасъ или във вашия хотел в Кушадасъ. След 25 минути път с кола през маслинови горички, прасковени овощни градини и памукови полета. Пристигане в Селчук, дом на Дома на Дева Мария и римския град Ефес. Първата ви спирка на тази завладяваща обиколка е Къщата на Дева Мария, християнско светилище в околностите на Ефес. Някои християни и мюсюлмани вярват, че Мария, майката на Исус, е била отведена в тази каменна къща от Свети Йоан след разпъването на Исус. Римокатолиците вярват, че тя е живяла там до възнесението си. Други християнски деноминации признават това място за нейно погребение.
Сега продължете към древния град Ефес, един от най-великите и най-добре запазени обекти от римската история в света. Някога Ефес е бил столица на Мала Азия и именно тук Свети Павел прекарва три години, преподавайки християнството. Обиколете древния град, посетете фонтана на Траян, храма на Адриан, библиотеката на Целз, мраморния път и римския театър, споменат в Деяния, глава 19.
* За туристи, които не желаят да посетят Къщата на Дева Мария. Посещението на Къщата на Дева Мария може да бъде заменено с базиликата Свети Йоан или Археологическия музей на Ефес.

За повече информация относно нашите обиколки, моля свържете се с нас или ни изпратете съобщение в WhatsApp.

Ataturk, the founder and the first president of Republic of Turkey had a speech adressing to the citizens of United States of America in 1927. This speech is made to intoduce the new born country and the new image of Turkey as being a democratic country.

In 1967 on the 25th commemoration day of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, President Kennedy made a speech about Ataturk. Describing about Ataturk, his approach to the democtractic system of United States of America.

Come together for Mass and strengthen the spiritual bond that unites Christians at the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus. Mark your calendars and prepare to experience the sense of community and reverence that fills Our Lady's House during these special moments. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and hearts.

Currently, the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus  is a restored house running as a active chapel. Every August 15th a High Mass is held there to celebrate the assumption of Virgin Mary. Holy Mass is held every day, from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 pm (November to March) and 6:15 pm (April to October). The Sunday Mass is held at 10:30 am (in English). 
The entrance cost to the House of Virgin Mary: 500 TL per person (Approximately 13.5 Euros per person)

We are proud to offer private tours to House of Virgin Mary and the Ancient City of Ephesus, allowing our guests to discover the rich biblical history of this fascinating destination. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, you will walk in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, St. John and St. Paul, and discover the ruins of great temples, intricate mosaics and surprising structures. Our guests have the opportunity to attend Holy Mass in the House of Our Lady, which provides them with a deep sense of connection with the sacred history that surrounds them. Embark with us on this extraordinary journey where we offer the perfect blend of historical discovery and spiritual richness to create an unforgettable experience.

For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of attending Sunday Mass at the House of Virgin Mary while also exploring the historical wonders of the ancient city of Ephesus,  we offer a special designed private tour itinerary. Our itinerary allows for a blend of spiritual reflection and cultural exploration. 

Mass at the House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of  Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum, Basilica of St. John  - (8 Hours)
After meeting with your tour guide. Your first stop on this fascinating guided tour will be the House of Virgin Mary.  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. At 10.30am, attend the sunday Mass at the House of Virgin Mary. After the mass, continue to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved sites of Roman history in the world. Ephesus was once the capital of Asia Minor, and it is here that St. Paul spent three years teaching Christianity. Tour the ancient town, visiting the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, the Marble Street, and the Roman theater that is mentioned in the Acts of Apostles Chapter 19.  Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ephesus with an 18-minute audio-visual show at the Ephesus Experience Museum. This captivating experience brings the ancient city to life, allowing you to witness its splendor in a unique and engaging way.  Experience a traditional lunch set amidst the picturesque setting of a country house, where the rich flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine come to life. Following lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the intricate local handicrafts at the same premises. This unique opportunity not only lets you savor the delights of Turkish flavors but also provides a deeper insight into the artisanal skills and artistic expressions of the region. Your last stop will be the Basilica of St. John, a significant Byzantine church constructed on top of the tomb of John the Apostle. From this stunning basilica, marvel at the breathtaking sight of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and witness the earlier settlements of Ephesus. On your return trip to Kusadasi, enjoy the scenery or a shopping opportunity, if time permits.

For more information about Ephesus biblical tours including a Holy Mass at the House of Virgin Mary, please contact us.

​Located in the historic Ancient City of Ephesus, the Ephesus Experience Museum stands out as a fascinating attraction meticulously designed to allow visitors to dive into the vibrant past of this Greco-Roman port city. Leveraging state-of-the-art 3D animations and AI-powered interactions, the museum offers an immersive experience that effortlessly transports guests back in time. When you step into its halls, a palpable sense of timelessness envelops you, momentarily blurring the lines between the contemporary age and the golden age of Ephesus. The museum's admirable use of advanced 3D technology reconstructs Ephesus as a thriving Ancient City and showcases the intricate details of its architecture, inhabitants, and cultural heritage. Lifelike representations and animated segments depicting the city's commerce, residential life, and majestic temples appear at every corner, providing a deep insight into the city's grandeur. The appeal of the Ephesus Experience Museum lies in its ability to evoke a deep sense of curiosity and amazement by taking you on a fascinating journey through the annals of history.

With expertly crafted exhibits and knowledgeable Ephesus tour guides enhancing the experience, losing yourself in the enchanting charm of Ephesus becomes an effortless yet unforgettable endeavor.

''Timothy, known as Timotheos in Ancient Greek, meaning honored by God. He was born in Lystra, a city in southwestern Central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The modern name for Lystra is Klistra, and it is located in south-central Turkey, approximately 24 miles southwest of Konya (Iconia in Biblical Times), near the modern village of Hatunsaray.

Timothy was born from a Jewish mother who became Christian later and a Greek father. During his second missionary journey, St. Paul visited Lystra and met with Timothy. Along with Silas, Timothy became Paul's trusted deciple and missionary partner. The New Testament states that Timothy traveled with Apostle Paul, who was also his mentor. They travelled to the Ancient City of Ephesus.

St. Paul with Timothy stayed in Ephesus for more than 2.5 years between 53-56 AD. Paul chose Ephesus as the center to spread the words of Jesus. Paul's missionary work in Ephesus had a significant impact on society, especially regarding the trade in idols associated with pagan gods, especially the Temple of Artemis. Paul's efforts to persuade the people to stop worshiping idols met with opposition, especially from the silversmith Demetrius, who led to rebellion in Ephesus in 56 AD. The riot forced Paul to leave the city, and he continued his travels until he was arrested by Roman soldiers in Jerusalem. Paul's claim to Roman citizenship led to his transfer to Rome, where he was eventually executed. Before he died while under house arrest, he wrote three letters to Ephesus; Two of these were written specifically to Timothy and show his devotion to his mission despite persecution.

Timothy had a leadership role in the Ephesus church, as seen in the two letters of St. Paul addressed to him, called Timothy 1 and Timothy 2. As indicated in the letter Timothy 1: 
''I asked you to stay longer in Ephesus when I went into Macedonia so you could command some people there to stop teaching false things. Tell them not to spend their time on stories that are not true and on long lists of names in family histories.''

Although the title "bishop" was not clearly indicated in reference to Timothy, the responsibilities and roles described in the New Testament are consistent with those of a bishop. Timothy was in charge with appointing leaders, teaching and promoting sound doctrine, and maintaining order within the church. These are all duties typically associated with the role of a bishop.

Additionally, historical sources outside the New Testament also support the idea that Timothy served as bishop of the church in Ephesus. Early Christian writers such as Eusebius and Ignatius of Antioch refer to Timothy as bishop of Ephesus. This lends credibility to Timothy's claim that he held a leadership position in the church.

​Presumably in 97 AD, Timothy was martyred under the command of Roman Emperor Trajan. According to a legend, he was beated to death by a crowd for protesting the exaggerated worship of the goddess Artemis.

The excavations in Ephesus have unveiled a significant discovery of a cave showcasing vital Early Christian frescoes and inscriptions. Situated on the southern side of ancient Ephesus, this find on the slopes is of great importance. Among the treasures found within are clear depictions of notable figures like Apostle Paul, Saint Thecla, and Thecla's mother Theocleia. These depictions from 5th century AD, sheds light on the rich religious history and cultural significance of Ephesus, offering valuable insights into Early Christian presence and practices. In the portrayal of Saint Thecla observing Saint Paul outside the window, a profound sense of reverence and storytelling is captured. The image delicately showcases Saint Paul seated with a book, embodying wisdom and devotion, as he gestures towards his audience with an eloquent preaching stance. Positioned behind Paul, Saint Thecla's mother adds a layer of caution and guidance with her raised hand, enhancing the narrative with an element of concern and protection. 

• ​We regret to inform you that the cave where the early Christian frescoes are located is not currently open to public visits. Due to conservation concerns and the sensitive nature of the artwork, access to the site has been restricted to ensure the longevity and preservation of the artwork.

​Thecla is NOT mentioned in the book of Acts in the New Testament. The book of Acts chronicles the early history of the Christian church, focusing on the apostles and the spread of Christianity. Thecla was mentioned in apocryphal texts which are considered non-canonical, meaning their accuracy is uncertain. St. Paul during his second missionary, stopped in Iconium (Modern name Konya in Central Anatolia) where Thecla supposedly lived. In a peculiar turn of events, St. Paul found himself at the residence of Onesiphorus, where he delivered a compelling speech on detaching oneself from worldly pleasures and seeking a higher connection with God. A 17-year-old Thecla, residing nearby, attentively absorbed his words and was deeply moved by the impassioned message. The impact was so profound that Thecla made the bold decision to end her engagement, much to the dismay of her mother and intended spouse. The mother of Thecla: Theocleia complained about Paul to Iconium Governor Castillius, leading to the imprisonment of Paul. 

In an unexpected turn of events, Thela managed to outwit the prison guard by offering him a silver mirror. She successfully reached St. Paul. Displaying a remarkable act of reverence, Thecla knelt before Paul, honoring him with a kiss on his chains and attentively absorbing his counsel. As news of this encounter spread, causing a stir among Thecla's family and the Governor, the repercussions were severe as Paul faced physical abuse and public humiliation before being driven out of the city. 

Thecla was senteced to be burned. In a dramatic turn of events and miracles, the rain unexpectedly extinguishes the flames that want to consume her, allowing her to escape bravely. She cunningly disguises herself as a man and joins with Paul, seeking sanctuary in the serenity of a cemetery outside the city walls. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they reach Psidian Antioch, they get into trouble again because of a nobleman named Alexandros who was in love with Thecla. This time she is put on a show in the arena to be torn apart by predators. Miracles happen and the animals do not attack Thecla and they protect her. Impressed by this and convinced by miraculous powers, the authorized governor of the region releases Thecla.

Upon sharing her harrowing experience with Paul, Thecla bid Paul farewell before journeying to Iconium and subsequently to Seleucia. Taking refuge in a cave, Thecla dedicated herself to enlightening the people around her with unwavering determination. Through her words and actions, she sought to bring wisdom and hope to those in need. Thecla's mysterious disappearance in this cave has sparked widespread fascination among the surrounding Christians, leading them to perceive the location as sacred. 

The feast of St. Thecla, honoring her as the first female teacher and healer, is an annual celebration held in the cave church in Seleucia that served as a clandestine place of worship until 312 AD. Recognized on September 23 by the Catholic Church and September 24 by the Orthodox Church, this historical site attracted visitors from far and wide, including individuals from Cyprus and Jerusalem, captivated by St. Thecla's renowned legacy. This revered location, both revered as a pilgrimage site and commemorated as a place of martyrdom, has welcomed the presence of numerous notable figures over the years, adding to its significance and historical importance.

Jewish existance in Izmir dates back to Roman times. Izmir was known as Smyrna those days. According to some historians, once Alexander the Great invaded Jerussalem, he sent some Jews to Smyrna. There was an active synagogue in Izmir in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Today in Sardis which is an hour drive from Izmir, it is possible to see the remains of a Jewish synagogue dating back to 3rd century AD.

After the Roman period, Smyrna had a decline until 16th century. During the Ottoman era, in 1492 Jews who are expelled from Spain were welcomed by the Ottoman Empire and some settled in Smyrna. Smyrna started becoming an exporting port city in 16th century. Attracted many traders including jews to the city. 

Majority of the Jews who migrated Smyrna lived in Agora and Havra Sokak districts. They built their living quarters, shops and synagogues there. There were 34 active small synagogues in Izmir. The main reason that there were several synagoues because of the different Jewish communities. Among these communities, there were Sephardic jews coming from Spain, coming from Europe, from Thessoloniki and during 2nd world war Ashkenazi jews coming from Germany. Each group attented to their own synagogue. Many of the synagogues of Izmir were founded next to each other. In 19th century jews started to move to new neigbourhood: Karatas. Founded Beth Israel Synagogue and a hospital in Karatas.

Synagogues in Izmir generaly have distinctive artchitectural style compared with the european versions. Many of them are surrounded with high walls and located by a courtyard. Some of them were influenced by Islamic designs and Greek motifs. Generally have two stories and second storey reserved for women. Facing to east. Earlier ones are centralised which are known as Sephardic. Later ones were inspired by european versions which would resemble a church.

Today there are 9 active synagogues in Izmir. The biggest one among them is Beit Israel Synagogue in Karatas/Asansor district. Number of Jews in the city of Izmir declined after foundation of Israel. Many jews moved to Israel. Today 1300 jews living in city of Izmir. 

Some of the synagogues of Izmir require restorations. Some of them are closed for visits. For security reasons synagogues in Izmir are open to public visit only by prior reservation. For the reservation passport copies are required.  Visitors should bring along their passports while visiting synagogues for security checks. All synagogues are closed for visits on Saturdays and during religious holidays. There is an admission fee of US$9 per person to visit the synagogues of Izmir.

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

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

​What is Sirince famous for?
Today the main industry is tourism. A lot of village homeowners converted their homes into restaurants, hotels and shops. Sirince Village, today is known with olives and peaches grown in july and fruit wines. Fruit wines are sweet wines, more like dessert wine. The most popular fruit wine from Sirince is black mulberry. 

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

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

For the visitors there are many restaurants and small hotels.

Is Sirince worth visiting?
For travelers, traveling to Kusadasi, Selcuk and Izmir, we recommend to visit Sirince Village.
A visit to Sirince is highly recommended after visiting Ephesus on a day trip. But it is best to spend the night in Sirince. This hidden gem in Turkey really comes alive when the sun goes down.

For travelers who are overnighting in Sirince Village, we provide private Ephesus Tours from Sirince and also we offer private tours of Ephesus including visit to Sirince Village. If requested private airport transfers from Izmir Airport to Sirince Village.

For more information, contact us.

​Embark on a fascinating journey through time as you explore the extraordinary ruins of Ephesus at your leisure with the help of our free Ephesus audio guide. You can download this audio guide free. With this personal companion, you have the flexibility to pause and continue whenever you want; This allows you to fully enjoy yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture that once thrived in this ancient city.

This free audio guide is designed to give you a taste of Ephesus, providing you with limited but useful information about one of the most fascinating ancient cities. Although it's a great resource for a quick overview, we highly recommend a guided tour for a more in-depth exploration of Ephesus.

Ephesus Audio Guide offers an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers looking to understand the wonders of Ephesus. To access the guide, simply download it from the link provided, in a manageable total size of 32MB. Alternatively, you can choose to listen to the guide online if you have an internet connection durin your visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus, but we recommend downloading it in advance to ensure uninterrupted access, especially in areas with limited network coverage at some parts of Ephesus.

If you would prefer a more comprehensive and personalized tour, we also offer the possibility to book a guided tour; Our team will be happy to help you organize this. For more information about Ephesus Guided Tours, please contact us.

To listen online and to download, please visit the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14YotIWaNiOEAI4nWyFMbj4vMDokWyZfp/view?usp=sharing

You can also listen and save it on Spotify:

In addition to the English audio guide, we are proud to offer a Spanish version tailored specifically for Spanish-speaking visitors. Our Spanish Ephesus audio guide provides a comprehensive tour, allowing Spanish speakers to fully immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural significance of Ephesus. audioguia de Efeso