One of the most fascinating ancient cities in history, Ephesus Ancient City is located in the Selçuk district of İzmir and welcomes millions of visitors every year. This special tour is designed for guests who want not only to visit Ephesus, but to understand, feel, and truly experience it as if they are living in ancient times.
Transportation & Tour Start
Since Ephesus Ancient City is not located in the city center, transportation is provided by private vehicle or transfer services.
As required by Turkish regulations, transportation services cannot be included in the guiding fee. However, we are happy to assist our guests with transportation planning and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Tour Program
The tour usually starts in Selçuk and includes the following stops:
House of Virgin Mary
An important pilgrimage site for the Christian world, the House of Virgin Mary is the first stop of our tour. The visit lasts approximately 30–45 minutes.
Ephesus Ancient City
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, Ephesus is explored during a 2.5 – 3 hour walking tour.
Main highlights inside the ancient city:
- Celsus Library
- Great Theatre
- Temple of Hadrian
- Trajan’s Fountain
- Roman Baths
- Odeon
- Upper Agora
- Hercules Gate
- Marble Street (Harbour Street)
- Ancient world’s oldest known advertisement
- Gymnasium and social life areas
- Terrace Houses (optional entry)
One of the most unique aspects of the Ephesus experience is the live storytelling and reenactments by your guide. You are taken back to the Roman period, feeling as if you are a citizen walking through the streets of Ephesus. This transforms the visit from a simple tour into a living historical experience, truly priceless in value.
Ephesus Experience & Reenactment Museum (TICKET INCLUDED)
During the Ephesus tour, we also visit a special attraction that many tourists unfortunately miss or overlook:
Ephesus Experience & Reenactment Museum
This immersive museum brings the ancient city of Ephesus back to life through digital technology and interactive storytelling. It is included in the tour ticket and visited as part of the program.
This museum has received prestigious international awards:
- Mondo-DR Awards (USA): “World’s Best Museum” – 1st place in Museums & Exhibition Spaces category
- Vega Digital Awards: Awards for audiovisual shows and digital technology applications
- Blooloop Innovation Awards: Recognized for innovation in museum experience
- Muse Creative Awards: International recognition for creativity and design
Through this experience, visitors can witness how daily life, trade, streets, and social structure of Ephesus are brought to life in a highly realistic and immersive way.
Ephesus Surroundings – Optional Visits
Depending on interest and available time, the following sites in Selçuk and surroundings may also be visited:
- Temple of Artemis ruins
- Seven Sleepers sacred site
- İsa Bey Mosque
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
- Şirince Village
- Selçuk Local Market (open only on Saturdays)
- Famous local food: meatballs and “çöp şiş” kebab
- Carpet weaving cooperatives
- Olive oil, Turkish delight and local product shops
- Ceramic and pottery workshops
- Seasonal experience: peach picking in local orchards 🍑
🧭 Why Choose This Tour?
Professional local guiding service
Not just information, but a living historical experience through reenactments
Feeling Ephesus rather than just visiting it
Award-winning digital museum experience included
Flexible and personalized itinerary
A perfect combination of history, culture, and local life
Ephesus and its surroundings are not just an archaeological site visit; they are a journey through thousands of years of civilization, enhanced with award-winning digital experiences and brought to life through your guide’s storytelling and reenactments. This tour is designed for those who want to do more than see Ephesus — they want to feel and live it.
