Between a world wonder and a wine village – Ephesus, Artemision, Selçuk and Şirince

A day between marble and vineyards: in the morning we walk through Ephesus from the upper town to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Then we stand where one of the Seven Wonders once rose, the Temple of Artemis, and climb up to the Basilica of St John in Selçuk. The afternoon belongs to Şirince, the hill village known for its stone houses and fruit wines.

Highlights

• Ephesus: Curetes Street, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre for 25,000 spectators
• On request the Terrace Houses with frescoes and mosaics of wealthy Ephesians
• Artemision: the last column of one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world
• Basilica of St John on Ayasuluk hill and the İsa Bey Mosque
• Wine village Şirince: stone houses, lanes, fruit and grape wines to taste
• Pick-up from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport optional

Full description

Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, a port, the seat of the governor and a place where Paul preached. We start at the Magnesian Gate, walk via the State Agora and the Odeon down Curetes Street to the Library of Celsus and finish at the Great Theatre. If you like, we add the covered Terrace Houses, where the wall paintings and mosaics of wealthy families survive.

From the city we go to the Artemision: of the temple counted among the Seven Wonders, a single re-erected column stands in the field today – enough to imagine its size. In Selçuk the Basilica of St John shows where tradition places the tomb of the Apostle John; just below stands the 14th-century İsa Bey Mosque. Finally we drive up to Şirince, a formerly Greek village among olives and vines, with time for a stroll, a wine tasting and a late lunch.

What we see

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

• 1 · Ancient city of Ephesus
  Magnesian Gate, State Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre.
• 2 · Terrace Houses (optional)
  Roman homes with frescoes and mosaics under a protective roof, separate ticket.
• 3 · Artemision
  The last column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
• 4 · Basilica of St John and İsa Bey Mosque
  Justinian's basilica above the traditional tomb of John, view of Ayasuluk castle; Seljuk mosque at the foot of the hill.
• 5 · Wine village Şirince
  Stone houses in the hills above Selçuk, lanes, tasting of fruit and grape wines, time for lunch.

Included

• 7 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
• Walk through Ephesus from the upper town to the Great Theatre
• Transfer with vehicle and driver from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport (ADB), if booked

Not included

• Entrance fees (Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Basilica of St John)
• Wine tasting, lunch and drinks
• Transfer, optional: €120 + €10 per person
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

With a booked transfer we pick you up at Kuşadası cruise port, Izmir cruise port or Izmir Airport (ADB) and bring you back there. Without transfer we meet at the upper gate (Magnesian Gate) of Ephesus.

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.

• Comfortable shoes and sun protection – Ancient paving, little shade in Ephesus; bring water in summer.
• Museum Pass Aegean – Can be added in the booking form; paid in full with the deposit and non-refundable. Children under 8 need no pass.
• Without transfer – For the route Ephesus – Artemision – Selçuk – Şirince you need your own vehicle; we recommend the optional transfer.
• Cruise guests – Please state ship and time in port; we plan the return to the ship with ample buffer.
• Wine tasting – Alcohol for adults only; children get juice.