Exclusive Ancient Ephesus

special offer banner Exclusive Ancient Ephesus Tour (Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus)
Excursion Highlights:
  • Embark on an exciting journey through the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey's greatest city during the Roman Empire.
  • Marvel at the architectural wonders including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater with unique acoustics.
  • Walk along Arcadian Way where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra walked, and hear riveting stories of Alexander the Great and the Virgin Mary.
  • Witness the hilltop ruins of the Basilica of St. John, erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.
  • Experience the art of haggling at an optional carpet demonstration or enjoy some leisurely shopping and refreshments.
Price: $115.00   Sale Price: $95.00   Save: $20.00
Children (Ages 2 and under) are free.
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Standard
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Shore Excursion Duration 5 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided None
Recommended Dress Comfortable clothing and sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sun screen are suggested.
Restrictions Guests must be able to walk over uneven paved, as well as cobblestone surfaces. There are several uneven steps along the way. Tour starts at the upper part of the city and ends at the lower gate. This tour is not wheelchair accessible

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.