Ephesus from Bodrum – Terrace Houses, Library of Celsus and Basilica of St John

Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, a city of more than 200,000 people where Paul preached and John lived. We leave Bodrum early, walk the city from top to bottom – from the Magnesian Gate along Curetes Street to the Library of Celsus – and take our time in the Terrace Houses, where the wall paintings and mosaics of wealthy families survive.

Highlights

• Ephesus from top to bottom: State Agora, Curetes Street, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre
• Terrace Houses – homes of the elite with frescoes and mosaics
• Artemision: site of one of the Seven Wonders
• Basilica of St John above the apostle's tomb in Selçuk
• House of the Virgin Mary on request
• Pick-up from your hotel in Bodrum, the cruise port or the airport optional

Full description

The drive from Bodrum to Ephesus takes about two and a half hours. We start at the upper entrance at the Magnesian Gate and walk downhill: past the Odeon and the State Agora, through the Gate of Hercules onto Curetes Street with the Temple of Hadrian, the latrines and fountains. On the way we visit the Terrace Houses, a roofed excavation where you walk through the homes of wealthy families – with frescoes, marble panelling and floor mosaics.

At the foot of the street stands the façade of the Library of Celsus, behind it the Great Theatre, where according to the Acts of the Apostles the silversmiths rose up against Paul. After lunch in Selçuk we see the remains of the Artemision, the Temple of Artemis counted among the Seven Wonders, and climb to the Basilica of St John, built by Emperor Justinian over the apostle's tomb. On request we drive to the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• 1 · Ephesus, upper city
  Magnesian Gate, State Agora, Odeon, Gate of Hercules.
• 2 · Curetes Street and Terrace Houses
  Temple of Hadrian, latrines, fountains and the roofed Terrace Houses.
• 3 · Library of Celsus and Great Theatre
  Library façade, Marble Street, theatre for 25,000 spectators.
• 4 · Artemision
  Remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders.
• 5 · Basilica of St John
  Justinian's church above the apostle's tomb, view of Selçuk castle.

Included

• 11 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Guided visit of Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Artemision and Basilica of St John
• Transfer with vehicle and driver from your hotel in Bodrum, the cruise port or Bodrum airport, if booked

Not included

• Entrance fees (Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Basilica of St John, House of Mary)
• Lunch and drinks
• Transfer, optional: €400 + €10 per person
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

With a booked transfer we pick you up at your hotel in Bodrum or on the peninsula, at Bodrum cruise port or at Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV) and bring you back there. Without transfer we meet at the upper entrance of Ephesus (Magnesian Gate).

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Long drive – Ephesus is about 170 km from Bodrum, roughly 2.5 hours each way. Without transfer you need your own vehicle.
• Sun – There is hardly any shade in Ephesus: bring a hat, sun protection and water.
• Museum Pass – Ephesus, the Terrace Houses and the Basilica of St John are included in the Museum Pass Aegean; the House of Mary is not.
• Cruise guests – Only possible with a very long time in port. Please state ship and time in port; we plan the return to the ship with ample buffer.