Full Day Ephesus Tour From Istanbul

Your day will begin with an early morning pick up from your central hotel in Istanbul. Your private transport will be waiting for you at your hotel and transfer you to Istanbul Airport to board your flight to Izmir. Arrive in Izmir where you'll be greeted by your guide and The guide will hold up a sign with your name on it. You'll begin your Private Full Day Ephesus Tour.

Your tour continues to ancient Ephesus, where you'll pass through the arched Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk to the ruins of the Roman provincial capital. Your knowledgeable guide will highlight such sights as the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theater, once used for both political and entertainment purposes, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its imposing façade and two story Corinthian-style columns. The dramatic Great Theater is one of the few structures still used today. It seats twenty-five thousand and, although it was once an arena for gladiator games, it is now home to annual spring festivals.

The ancient city of Ephesus has hosted countless magnificent structures, such as the residences that are thought to have been inhabited by wealthy families, in the area called Terrace Houses. Ephesus Terrace Houses were built in a very luxurious way. Archaeologists preserved the wall drawings while excavating. Terrace houses in Ephesus have a total of 78 rooms and different wall drawings.

Archaeologists have been excavating 7 houses owned by the richest Ephesians. These were high ranking officers, governors and rich  tradesmen. The size of the homes are starting from 1000 square feet and the largest one was 6000 square feet. They date back to the 1st century AD and inhabited until 3rd century AD. The houses were destroyed and abandoned by a major earthquake and tsunami.

Your tour continues at the famed Ephesus Museum, home of some of the most extraordinary antiquities in the world. Unlike a traditional museum, the artifacts are not displayed in chronological order, but rather in a series of themed rooms and courtyards. There is much variation in the collection and the famous statue of Artemis, Goddess of Fertility, is housed within its walls at the end we will have carpet demonstration to see how the Turkish carpets are made by hand.

Your tour of Ephesus ends here and your guide will transport you back to Izmir airport on time for your flight back to Istanbul. When youarrive in Istanbul you'll be met by your driver who will transport you back to your central hotel.

SPECIAL NOTES

Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines and 10 - 30 steps. Comfortable shoes, a hat and plenty of sunscreen are recommended as shade is limited the order of the tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Guests should watch their step at all times in order to avoid injuries.

Terrace Houses are not recommended for disable people because of the steps.