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Selcuk UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Selcuk UNESCO sites

Kusadasi: Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Shore Excursion

1. Kusadasi: Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Shore Excursion

According your pick-up time, meet with your guide and transfer to the first sight in ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open air museum in Turkey. Ephesus contains more then 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still have the marks of ancient chariot wheels. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and the gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests to be held here. The face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus originally built in 115 to 125. You might also be able to see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, the steam Scholastica Baths, marble road, agora and the Temple of Domitian. After visiting ancient Ephesus, continue to the Temple of Arthemis. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Goddess of the Hunt. Only the foundation and one column remains of this temple which once measured 425 feet by 220 feet wide. St. Paul’s successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this temple. The city reached its Golden Age and became a good model to the ancient world in culture and art. The tour finishes at around 1:00 PM, from here you will return to your hotel or cruise port.

Kusadasi: Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Artemis Temple Tour

2. Kusadasi: Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Artemis Temple Tour

Discover Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, and Artemission Temple on a guided tour. Your guide will have your name sign at the Kusadasi Cruise terminal exit just after you pass customs. Hotel guests (with the private option only) will be picked up from their hotel lobby. After meeting your guide, drive to the House of the Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus. Visit Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League, an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor, located near Izmir. As a port city, it was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through its historic marble streets lined with historic public buildings like the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theater. Stop at Artemission Temple, which used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as your last stop before driving back to Kusadasi town center.

From Kusadasi: Half-Day Shore Excursion to Ephesus & Tickets

3. From Kusadasi: Half-Day Shore Excursion to Ephesus & Tickets

Visit Ephesus and its attractions on a small-group excursion. See the Terrace Houses, the House of Virgin Mary, and Artemission Temple with entrance fees covered and a licensed tour guide. Meet your tour guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port or your hotel lobby at the pre-arranged time and begin your 20-minute drive to Ephesus. Once there, begin touring the city, which is one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. As a port city, this was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them discover the Baths of Scholastica and the Library of Celsus. Encounter the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater, which are 2 of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Visit the Terrace Houses, located on the skirt of Pion Mountain. See the 6 residential units which were built on 3 man-made terraces. These houses are decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics, settled by the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. See the House of Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus, and learn about its connection to when Mary came to Ephesus in 431 A.D. and why this area became a place of pilgrimage in 1892. Stop at the Artemission Temple, where one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world used to be. This will be the final stop on your tour before your return drive to your point of origin.

From Kusadasi: Ephesus, House of Mary & Artemis Temple Tour

4. From Kusadasi: Ephesus, House of Mary & Artemis Temple Tour

According to your tour pickup time, meet with your guide and start your day. First, visit the House of Virgin Mary. Located 6 km to the north of the ruins of Ephesus, this church was built in 6C AD on top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD. Next check out Ephesus, an archeological treasure and the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During 1C AD, Ephesus was the second largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250.000 citizens. It was in the center of the known world and played the role of a gateway between the East and the West. With its giant harbor, it was also the center of trading in antiquity. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent gives you the feeling of a time traveler. After lunch, continue to the Temple of Artemis. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage place. At the end of the tour, head back to your hotel or the port.

From Istanbul: 12-Day Turkey Highlights Tour with Lodging

5. From Istanbul: 12-Day Turkey Highlights Tour with Lodging

Day 1 Arrival to Istanbul (Saturday) Upon arrival at Istanbul greeted and drives to your hotel. C/IN. O/N Istanbul. (No Meal) Day 2 Treasures of Istanbul (Sunday) (09:00 - 15:00) Today you visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar.O/N Istanbul (B-L) Day 3 HD Bosphorus Tour+Flight to Izmir (Monday) (09:00-12:30) Upon breakfast at the hotel c/out. Today you visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) and enjoy cruising on Bosphorus.After tour flight to Izmir. C/IN. O/N Kusadasi. (B) Day 4 Ancient Ephesus Tour (Tuesday) (09:00 - 16:00) Today you visit The House of Virgin Mary; where she spent her final days, Ancient Ephesus; The best-preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean. and Temple of Artemis O/N Kusadasi. (B-L) Day 5 Pamukkale Tour (Wednesday) (08:00-20:00) Upon breakfast at the hotel c/out, Travel to Pamukkale; Pools of Heaven on Earth… swim in terraces and visit ancient city of Hierapolis. Drive to Fethiye. C/IN. O/N Fethiye (B-L) Day 6 12 Island Boat Tour (Thursday) (10:00 – 17:00) Today, enjoy 12 island boat tour to breath taking bays of Fethiye. Swim, sunbathing on boat. O/N in Fethiye (B-L) Day 7 Travel to Antalya (Friday) According to your public bus departure time, drive you to Fethiye bus station for your 4 hours bus journey to Antalya. Upon arrival greeted and drive you to your hotel. C/IN. O/N in Antalya. (B) Day 8 Antalya City Tour (Saturday) (09:30-16:00) Enjoy stunning view of Mediterranean from cable car ride 'from sea to sky', visit Duden waterfalls and explore the old town (Kaleici). You will see top attractions of the city: Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret).O/N Antalya. (B-L) Day 9 Konya&Cappadocia (Sunday) (08:30-20:00) Upon breakfast at the hotel c/out, visit the museum of 13th century Philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi. and 700-years-old Caravanserail (ancient traders and travellers on silk road). Drive to Cappadocia. C/IN. O/N Cappadocia (B-L) Day 10 Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia (Monday) (09:30-16:00) Today you visit Goreme Museum, Devrent Valley, Pasabagi, Avano, Goreme Panaroma, Uchisar. O/N Cappadocia (B-L) Optional: Hot Air Balloon Flight Day 11 Underground Cities of Cappadocia / Flight to Istanbul (Tuesday) (09:00-16:00) Upon breakfast at the hotel c/out, Today you visit Rose Valley, Cavusin, Pigeon Valley, Underground Cities, Ortahisar. After tour flight to Istanbul. C/IN. O/N Istanbul. (B-L) Day 12 Departure Day (Wednesday) According to your flight departure time, drives to Istanbul Airport. End of our service. (B)

Ephesus Day Tour with Return Flights From Istanbul

6. Ephesus Day Tour with Return Flights From Istanbul

Explore a historical gem of the eastern Mediterranean on a full-day tour of Ephesus from Istanbul, with round-trip flights, and walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary, and John the Apostle. The largest open-air museum in Turkey, Ephesus contains more than 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still bear the marks of chariot wheels. Your guide will show you the awe-inspiring Great Theater, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and gladiators once engaged in battle. Walk along Marble Street to the Library of Celsus and be dazzled by its restored façade. Visit the Temple of Hadrian, Roman baths, and other remarkable ruins. Continue to the Church of the Virgin Mary. According to Christian tradition, Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ. The church was erected on the foundation of the house where she spent her final days, as authenticated by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. End your day at the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Today there are only a series of columns and scattered ruins of this marvelous Hellenistic construction, though the grandeur of the colossal structure once exceeded that of the Parthenon.

Ruins of Ephesus & The Temple of Artemis Small Group Tour

7. Ruins of Ephesus & The Temple of Artemis Small Group Tour

Start your tour by being picked up either at your hotel in Kusadasi or at the Kusadasi port. Drive 20 mins to Ephesus, one of 12 cities of the Ionian League, the ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor. This city thrived centuries ago as a Greek colony and then as a part of ancient Rome. In its heyday, the cities bustling port was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Today, the city is still filled with well-preserved ruins from this era.  Take a journey back in time as you walk down marble streets adorned with wonderful public buildings. See the ruins of the Baths of Scholastica, a bathing complex dating back to the 1st century. Admire the facade of the Library of Celsus. Once one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, this Roman structure was devasted when it was rocked by an earthquake, and burned by invading Goths in the same year. Despite its lack of luck, it’s magnificent façade still stands. Admire the massive collonade of the Temple of Hadrian. Explore the Grand Theater. This impressive structure housed 24,000 spectators and was where Emperors once saw plays, concerts, and gladiatorial fights. Marvel at the ruins of the Artmisission Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, pilgrims from all over the ancient world used to travel to this temple to seek the Goddess’s favor. After touring the temple, enjoy the convenience of being dropped off back at your hotel or the Kusadasi town center and port.

Full-Day Tour of Ancient Ruins in Ephesus from Izmir

8. Full-Day Tour of Ancient Ruins in Ephesus from Izmir

This full-day tour from Izmir, takes you to Ephesus in Selçuk to explore Turkey’s best preserved ruins from the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Visit the most important ruins in Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before it was destroyed in 401 AD. You will also see the Library of Celsus, built to hold 12,000 scrolls and at its time one of the largest libraries in the world. The nearby Great Theater, which was the largest outdoor theater in the world, was designed to hold 24,000 people – even its ruins are huge. After enjoying a lunch of traditional Turkish cuisine, you will travel to the House of the Virgin Mary on Bulbul Mountain, where archeologists and historians believe the mother of Jesus lived at the end of her life.

Ephesus: Customised Day Tour from Kusadası

9. Ephesus: Customised Day Tour from Kusadası

Ephesus is an ancient city located in modern-day Turkey, near the town of Selçuk. It was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Visitors to Ephesus can explore its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsius, Hadrian's Temple, the Great Theater, and the Terrace Houses. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John are also located near Ephesus and are popular pilgrimage sites for Christians. The best examples of mosaics, excellent frescos ( wall paintings ), one of the first examples of central heating system can be visibled in Terrace Houses.  The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was located in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey and was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. The temple was considered to be one of the largest and most impressive structures in the ancient world and was known for its grand size and luxurious decoration. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed in a fire and its ruins were later rediscovered in the 19th century. Despite its destruction, the Temple of Artemis remains a significant part of ancient history and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey. The Basilica of St. John was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the tomb of St. John the Apostle. It was once considered one of the largest basilicas in the world, rivaling the size of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Although it is now in ruins, visitors can still admire its architectural features, including a nave and two aisles separated by columns. The basilica is located in Ephesus, a famous ancient city in Turkey, and is considered one of the main pilgrimage sites for Christians. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Selçuk, near the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and archaeology of Ephesus, including ancient coins, mosaics, sculptures, ceramics, and inscriptions. The museum is a must-visit for those interested in the rich history of Ephesus and the surrounding area, and provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of the ancient city's culture, architecture, and daily life. Some of the most important pieces on display at the museum include the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient city's theater, and the historic Library of Celsus.

Istanbul to Ephesus Private Day Trip

10. Istanbul to Ephesus Private Day Trip

Istanbul to Ephesus by flight to Izmir You will be picked up from your hotel in ISTANBUL the morning and transfer to Istanbul Airport IST or SAW for a morning flight to Izmir. ( Istanbul hotel pick up time, flight details will be emailed in your confirmation email ) After arriving in Izmir Airport, you will be met by your tour guide and driven to Ephesus (a 45-minute drive). Your tour will begin with a visit to the Artemission Temple, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continuing to Ephesus, you will walk through history along the marble streets which are lined with wonderful public buildings. Among these buildings are the State Agora, Odeon, the Memnius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, the Polio Fountain, and Curetes Street. You will also encounter the Grand Theater which was built in the 3rd century B.C., before being later expanded to a 24,000 spectator arena by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. After Ephesus, lunch will be served in the garden of a local handicrafts center. Here you can see some of the traditional carpet weaving techniques used, and enjoy viewing some splendid displays of beautiful carpets. Following lunch, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, located on the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed here. Following this sacred place, you will drive back to to Izmir airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Once having landed at Istanbul you will be met by your representative and transferred back to your point of origin.

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What people are saying about Selcuk

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 39 reviews

Super recommend! 10/10 Really Amazing. Everything was planned really well and coordinated perfectly. We had so much fun and learned a huge amount of knowlege of Ephesus and Pamukkale - Thanks to Emray. Our Amazing tour guide!!

Well organised tour. Lunch was included and it was very nice. Both the driver and tour guide were good. The tour guide gave a lot of information which was great

The trip was amazing and the tour was extremely well organized. Tejen may have been the best tour guide I have ever had in my life

Very good guide ! Volkan is very knowledgeable person and very pleasant to be around . Ephesus is a must see experience

Very knowledgeable guide and overall a nice experience. Ride was comfortable and the meal enjoyable.