Private Day Tour of Ephesus From Kusadasi

Ephesus, once the trade center of the ancient world, a religious center of the early Christianity and today, an important tourism center in Turkey. The ancient city Ephesus is located in Selcuk, a small town 30km (18.6 miles) away from Kusadasi.

The House of Virgin Mary, is located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain, 9 km (5.5 miles) ahead of Ephesus. The shrine enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden among the greenery. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area along with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place rather than living in crowded place.

The Temple of Artemis is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It was built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area which has, over the centuries, turned into a swamp. The new Artemis was rebuilt in the 2nd century B.C. on top of the previous one. It had tremendous dimensions, with 127 columns, each 17.5 meters (55 ft) high. Unfortunately, this one was destroyed by fire, reconstructed, demolished by earthquakes, rebuilt again, then looted by Goths one year later.

The Ephesus Museum is different from other many museums as it is not designed according to chronological order. On the contrary, it has rooms with a theme. For example, the rooms are called The House Findings Room, The Hall of The Fountain Relics, The Hall of The Funerary Relics, The Hall of Artemis, The Gladiators Section, and so on.

After your tour, you will be escorted you to your cruise port.