Exclusive Ancient Ephesus

Meet your professionally trained tour guide and set out for a fascinating Exclusive Ephesus, Turkey Tour. The ancient city is located approximately 75 minutes' drive from Izmir. Famous in antiquity for its Temple of Artemus during the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor.

You will start at the upper (Magnesia) Gate, and work your way down through the city, ending near the ancient Harbor. Along the way, you will see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika, and the Great Theater, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period. It has played host to programs as varied as Paul and his sermons to the Ephesians, to concerts by Sting, in part due to its remarkable acoustics.

You will walk along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. You will hear stories of Alexander the Great, the Virgin Mary, and many other famous visitors who walked the same marble streets that you are walking. As you depart the Ephesus site, you will be able to view the hilltop ruins of the Basilica of St. John in the distance, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.

Towards the end of your tour, you will be treated to an optional carpet demonstration and a chance to negotiate for a carpet. If you do not wish to attend the carpet demonstration, there is free time for shopping or purchasing refreshments. Turkish salespeople expect you to haggle and quite often you can get 10-15% off the listed price. Treat it as an adventure.

From here, you will drive back to Izmir.