CRUISE SHIP SHORE EXCURSIONS PORT OF IZMIR Ephesus Tours

Izmir, one of Turkey's biggest port and 3rd biggest City in Turkey and the population is approx 4 million. Ephesus was an ancient Ionian Greek city; its ruins lie near the modern Town of Selcuk and approx 1 hour drive from Port of Izmir in Turkey. It was situated south of the Cayster River, and was the site of the Temple of Artemis. Traditionally founded by the Carians, it was one of the 12 Ionian Cities and was involved in the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. It was taken by Alexander the Great c.334 BC and prospered throughout the Hellenistic period. It passed to Rome in 133 BC; under Augustus it became the capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was an early seat of Christianity, visited by St. Paul, and the recipient of the Epistle to the Ephesians. The Goths destroyed the city and temple in AD 262; neither ever recovered. There are extensively excavated ruins at the modern site.

General Note = If your group has a particular area of interest (such as Cultural, Historical, Religious or Archaeological) then please let us know and we will do all we can to tailor your tour and guide to this interest.
Lunch Break Note = Our private tours do not include lunch but if you would like to and up to the availability of your time in Port and your chosen tour we are happy to stop for a lunch break.  There are many options for lunch and you can discuss on the day with your guide as the type of food you would like to try and your budget and you can pay for lunch and drinks directly once you are there.  You will need to add on at least 30 mins to the duration of our tours as indicated to include a lunch break.
Ephesus Terrace Houses Note = Our private tours do not include the Terrace Houses but if you would like to visit and up to the availability of your time in Port you can do so. Ephesus Terrace Houses are located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", these houses were for the important and wealthy people of Ephesus, as only rich people could afford such houses. Terrace Houses is optional with USD 15 extra per person. Minimum required time is 30 minutes.
 

EPHESUS TOURS (P01) IZMIR - EPHESUS + TEMPLE Of ARTEMIS
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Izmir where you will begin your Private Ephesus Tour. First we will make our way to the Ephesus which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient word. We will visit the Ephesus Ruins (Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, Celcus Library and the Theatre which is still in use today for concerts and has an amazing capacity of 25,000, etc...). As we walk through this ancient site you will notice the streets paved with marble which gives a hint to this city's great wealth many years ago. Following this we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world where your guide will explain to you the significance of this important site.  Once the tour has finished some free time for shopping facilities and you will be returned to the Port of Izmir.

INCLUDED = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Izmir, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
DURATION = approx 5 Hours          (Departing Everyday)

EPHESUS TOURS (P02) IZMIR - EPHESUS + TEMPLE Of ARTEMIS + HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Izmir where you will begin your Private Ephesus Tour. First we will visit the House of Virgin Mary where it is believed that she arrived with Saint John 4-6 years after the death of Christ and where she spent her final days.  Following this we will make our way to the Ephesus which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient word. We will visit the Ephesus Ruins (Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, Celcus Library and the Theatre which is still in use today for concerts and has an amazing capacity of 25,000, etc...). As we walk through this ancient site you will notice the streets paved with marble which gives a hint to this city's great wealth many years ago. Following this we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world where your guide will explain to you the significance of this important site. Once the tour has finished some free time for shopping facilities and you will be returned to the Port of Izmir. 
 

INCLUDED = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Izmir, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
DURATION = approx 6 Hours          (Departing Everyday)  

EPHESUS TOURS (P03) IZMIR - EPHESUS + TEMPLE Of ARTEMIS + HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY + ST JOHN
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Izmir where you will begin your Private Ephesus Tour. First we will visit the House of Virgin Mary where it is believed that she arrived with Saint John 4-6 years after the death of Christ and where she spent her final days. Following this we will make our way to the Ephesus which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient word. We will visit the Ephesus Ruins (Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, Celcus Library and the Theatre which is still in use today for concerts and has an amazing capacity of 25,000, etc...). As we walk through this ancient site you will notice the streets paved with marble which gives a hint to this city's great wealth many years ago. Following this we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world where your guide will explain to you the significance of this important site. Before heading back to Izmir we will visit Basilica of St. John who it was believed spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and is buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Once the tour has finished some free time for shopping facilities and you will be returned to the Port of Izmir.

INCLUDED = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Izmir, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
DURATION = approx 7-8 Hours (Departing Everyday)

EPHESUS TOURS (P04) IZMIR - EPHESUS + TEMPLE Of ARTEMIS + SIRINCE VILLAGE
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Izmir where you will begin your Private Ephesus Tour. First we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world where your guide will explain to you the significance of this important site. Following this we will make our way to Ephesus which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient word. We will visit the Ephesus ruins, Odeon, Celcus Library and the Theatre which is still in use today for concerts and has an amazing capacity of 25,000. As we walk through this ancient site you will notice the streets paved with marble which gives a hint to this city's great wealth many years ago. Then we will drive to the scenic mountain side Village of Sirince and we will visit the Antique Church, Mosque and Typical Turkish Houses. Þirince is very popular for its style of building, streets and hand made fruit wines and is a nice relaxing way to finish your day. Once the tour has finished some free time for shopping facilities and you will be returned to the Port of Izmir.

INCLUDED = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Izmir, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
DURATION = approx 6-7 Hours (Departing Everyday)