Ephesus Tours

Welcome to Ephesus!

TravelShop Turkey is a trusted Turkish Tour Operator and Travel Agency offering affordable Ephesus Tours with high-quality travel services. Discover one of Turkey's most remarkable historical destinations through our carefully designed sightseeing tours, daily excursions, package holidays, airport transfers, shore excursions, MICE programs, destination weddings and adventure activities. Whether you are planning a short visit or a longer vacation, our experienced team is ready to create a memorable travel experience tailored to your needs.

How to Go to Ephesus

Ephesus is located in Selcuk, approximately 70 km from Izmir and 20 km from Kusadasi, making it easily accessible by air, road and sea. The nearest international gateway is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, which offers direct international and domestic flights throughout the year. Private aircraft can also use the nearby landing facilities.

Visitors traveling by bus can arrive at Selcuk Bus Terminal, which is well connected to major cities across Turkey. Those traveling by car can enjoy convenient access through modern highways.

During the summer season, regular ferry services also operate between Samos Island and Kusadasi, providing an easy connection for travelers arriving from Greece.

Ephesus is also close to Kusadasi Port and Izmir Port, two of Turkey's busiest cruise ports. Every year, hundreds of cruise ships bring visitors to the region, making shore excursions one of the most popular ways to experience Ephesus. TravelShop Turkey organizes private and group shore excursions directly from both ports.

Ephesus Daily Sightseeing Tour Activities & Ephesus Daily Excursions

Ephesus is one of Turkey's most important cultural and historical destinations, welcoming visitors throughout the year. Beyond its world-famous archaeological site, the region offers a rich combination of history, religion and local culture.

As a local tour operator, TravelShop Turkey offers a wide selection of daily sightseeing experiences, including historical tours, Biblical tours covering the Seven Churches of Revelation, and customized private itineraries.

Popular daily tours include:

• Half Day Private Guided Ephesus Tour
• Full Day Private Guided Ephesus Tour
• Full Day Regular Ephesus Tour
• Skydiving Ephesus Experience
• Tailor-made private excursions

If you are looking for a personalized itinerary, our destination management team can design a tour based on your interests, schedule and travel preferences.

All Inclusive Vacations in Ephesus

Although Ephesus itself does not operate traditional all-inclusive resorts, it is frequently included in our combined holiday packages across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. These itineraries feature luxury accommodations, guided sightseeing, comfortable transportation and carefully planned travel experiences.

Many nearby hotels offer all-inclusive or ultra all-inclusive concepts, allowing visitors to combine the historical treasures of Ephesus with a relaxing beach holiday.

What is all inclusive concept in Ephesus?

An all-inclusive holiday includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day, along with a wide selection of local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Depending on the hotel, guests can enjoy drinks such as wine, beer, vodka, raki and gin, as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee at no additional cost.

Most all-inclusive hotels also offer complimentary facilities including Turkish baths, saunas and swimming pools. Personal wellness services such as massages, spa treatments and beauty therapies are generally available at an additional charge.

What is ultra all inclusive concept in Ephesus?

The ultra all-inclusive concept includes everything offered in a standard all-inclusive package, with additional premium services. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks throughout the day, unlimited local beverages and a selection of imported alcoholic drinks, including premium whisky and international spirits.
Ultra all-inclusive resorts often provide extended dining hours, premium facilities and a wider range of complimentary services, while optional spa treatments and personalized wellness services remain available for an extra fee.
TravelShop Turkey combines guided sightseeing with carefully selected all-inclusive accommodations to create complete holiday packages. Many of our escorted tours include Ephesus as part of a broader Aegean or Turkey itinerary, allowing travelers to enjoy both cultural exploration and relaxing resort stays.
As a local destination management company (DMC), we offer flexible travel solutions tailored to different budgets and preferences. From accommodation and transportation to guided tours and airport transfers, we take care of every detail so you can enjoy a seamless holiday experience.

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Wedding Events in Ephesus

Ephesus offers a unique setting for unforgettable destination weddings, combining ancient history with beautiful natural surroundings. The region features boutique hotels, elegant indoor venues and scenic outdoor locations suitable for intimate ceremonies and large celebrations.

TravelShop Turkey provides complete wedding planning services, including venue selection, beach ceremonies, henna nights, wedding receptions and customized decorations. We also arrange professional sound systems, entertainment, floral design and all technical equipment required for your special day.

For international wedding groups, we can organize customized dining experiences with Turkish, Indian, Jain, vegetarian and international cuisine prepared by experienced chefs. Additional services include private charter flights, yacht cruises, luxury transportation, airport transfers, sightseeing tours and VIP assistance.

Every wedding is designed according to the couple's personal preferences and cultural traditions. With years of experience in destination weddings, our team ensures every detail is professionally managed, creating an unforgettable celebration for couples and their guests.

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Ephesus Conference, MICE and Events

Ephesus is an excellent destination for conferences, corporate meetings, incentive travel and special events. The region offers a wide range of luxury hotels with fully equipped meeting facilities suitable for both small business gatherings and large international events.

TravelShop Turkey provides complete MICE solutions, including venue selection, accommodation, transportation, technical equipment, gala dinners, sightseeing activities and team-building programs. Our experienced event specialists work closely with each client to deliver successful events that match both objectives and budget.

With more than 15 years of experience in event management, we can organize conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programs while combining business activities with the unique historical and cultural atmosphere of Ephesus.

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Ephesus Adventure Safaris & Ephesus Attractions

Beyond its historical landmarks, Ephesus is also a popular destination for outdoor adventures and nature-based activities. The surrounding mountains, forests and countryside provide excellent opportunities for travelers seeking more active experiences.

Popular activities include:

• Jeep Safari

• Quad Safari

• Horse Safari

• Paintball

• Scuba Diving

• White Water Rafting

• Turkish Bath Experience

• Turkish Night Shows

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a relaxing cultural evening, TravelShop Turkey offers a wide variety of experiences that can easily be added to your itinerary.

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Ephesus Airport Transfer Services

TravelShop Turkey provides reliable private airport transfer services to and from Ephesus. Simply share your flight details, arrival time and number of passengers, and our professional drivers will ensure a comfortable and punctual transfer throughout your journey.

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Ephesus Car, Van and Bus/Coach Rental

We offer a wide range of vehicle rental options, including private cars, luxury vans, minibuses and coaches for individuals, families and groups. All vehicles are fully insured, regularly maintained and driven by experienced professionals when requested.

Whether you need transportation for sightseeing, business travel or group tours, we provide reliable vehicles at competitive prices.

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Ephesus Motorbike Rental

For travelers who prefer to explore independently, motorbike rental services are also available in Ephesus. We offer well-maintained motorcycles at competitive rates, allowing you to discover the region comfortably and at your own pace.

Here is Some Information on Ephesus

According to ancient inscriptions, Ephesus is thought to have been inhabited since around 3000 BC, roughly the same time as Smyrna, and evidence of Ion, Roman, Byzantine, Seljukian and Ottoman civilizations are still seen today. The ancient city was a good center for trading, mainly because of its location close to coast, and religion. It was known for the cult of Cybele, the Anatolian fertility goddess, then later for Artemis, the virgin goddess for which a temple was built in her honor.

The temple was destroyed in 356BC, and when Alexander the Great passed through in 334 BC he offered to pay for the cost of a new construction, provided it was dedicated to him. The Ephesus people declined, and rebuilt it with great success. When the Romans made Ephesus their provincial capital, it became a busy town with great commercial, trading and political importance, and a population that grew to around 250,000. A significant Christian community grew, and the city was visited by St John the Evangelist in the 1st century, then by St Paul, who was there between 51 and 53 AD and wrote some of his epistles. It was also the venue of two Ecumenical Councils.

But the success of Roman Ephesus began to dwindle, mainly because of problems connected to the harbor, which was the main source of trade. The Cayster River was pushing silt up the harbor and despite attempts to dredge it and rebuild the harbor, the sea was pushed back to Pamucak, 4km away, and therefore Ephesus lost its source of wealth. By the 6th century, the city was unlivable and was shifted near to St John's Basilica, and by 1090 it was taken over by the Turks.

Ephesus Ruins This huge site, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, will take most of the day to see every part in detail. It is easily approached by road from Selcuk, or by public transport from Kusadasi. Vedius Gymnasium and Stadium Soon after the entrance to the site are the ruins of Vedius Gymnasium, which was built by a wealthy local businessman in the late 2nd century, in the name of Vedius Antonius. It is a magnificent structure, built as a venue for sporting and cultural education and contains exercise fields and covered rooms, baths, changing rooms, a courtyard and ceremonial room in the centre. To the south is the Stadium, where races, games, and Olympic events took place.

Acropolis: there is a building dated to 6th century BC on a hill known as Acropolis at opposite side to stadium. There is a temple dated to years of 350 BC at north - west of the hill. Byzantine Public Baths, after Stadium way coming across to the Byzantines public baths. Church of St Mary (Double Church) Near the Byzantine public baths, this Church holds a special importance in Christian history. Built between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, it was originally a museum and venue for lectures and debates. It was destroyed by fire in the 4th century and rebuilt as a church, which became the venue of the third Ecumenical Council in 431. It is the first church to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Port Public Baths, the public baths first built at 2nd century AC, it restored and some changes made on building at the 4th century Empire in empire Konstantin’s period. Arkadiane (Port Street) beyond the church is Arcadian Way, a huge wide street over 500m long and 11m wide. Named after 5th century Byzantine Emperor Arcadius who renovated it, it was the street which ran towards the port, and where kings were greeted and religious ceremonies took place. The 400m long Marble Street, also known as Sacred Way, begins at the base of the theatre and runs alongside the agora and Serapes Temple, and was rebuilt during the 5th century.

Theatre, this is one of most beautiful and best preserved of all the ruins, and is used as the venue for the annual Ephesus Festival. With a capacity of 25,000, it was built during the Hellenistic period, with reconstruction continuing during Empire Claudius's times, and finalized between 98 and 117 AD. Marble Street Marble floored street that starts from Magnesia gate placed at south - east of Ephesus and lie towards the Koresos gate placed at north - west of city, approximately 400 m long street is rebuilt at the 5th AC.

Library of Celsus The library is adjacent to the commercial Agora, built by Asian consul Gaius Julius Aquila, in 135AD, in memory of his father who is entombed here. In a building showing all the characteristics of Roman architecture, the front is ornately decorated with replicas of statues of four women between the front columns, symbolising mind, destiny, science and wisdom. The originals are in the Vienna Museum. Love House When you go up from marble street, at the cross section point with Kuretler street Love house can be seen. This interesting house dated to first century AC, consist of one main hall and many rooms connected to this hall. It is estimated that the mosaic girl portraits found in love house are figures of working girls in this building. It is very interesting that in the love house there is and heating and cooling system present equivalent to today's air condition system. It is known that there were wine granaries, huge ovens, public baths, pools, bed rooms, conference saloons and a magnificent library.

Skolastika Public Bath A wealthy Roman woman, Skolastika, restored these baths in the 5th century, although they were probably built 400 years earlier. They were heated by a central heating system, and are an interesting example of the use of marble. Her headless statue adorns the entrance. Temple of Domitian This is the first temple to be built in the name of an emperor, dedicated to Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96). Opposite this was the governmental agora, which was placed in the most central and beautiful place in the city. The head and arms are the only remaining pieces of the huge statue, which are exhibited at Izmir Archaeology Museum, and the entrance pedestals are at Ephesus Museum.

City Hall (Prytaneion) on the right of the assembly palace, a Hestia altar with a sacred fire burning continuously is accepted as a holy site. This was the venue of political duties, important ceremonies and official greetings, and one of the most important religious places in Ephesus. Odeon (Bouleuterion) Odeon that built by Publis Vedius Antonius a rich man of Ephesus at 2nd century AC, cover was wooden plated at its times. Artemis Temple It is known that first Ephesus settlements was built around these temple place. Temple collapsed by an earth quake than ephesusians built temple more imposing by the support of Roman Empire. Ephesus Artemis Temple known as one of the seven wonders of world today only base ruins remained.

St. Jean Basilica, Basilica that built by Byzantine Empire Justinian for the name of St. Jean at 6th AC, is take place on Ayasuluk hill. Cross planed building have entrance at west is 40 X 110 m. sized, and a domed type basilica. Seven Sleepers, According to rumor, before the acceptance of Christianity as an official religion, seven young men fled from Ephesus in the 3rd century and took refuge here. They sealed up the cave and fell asleep, and were woken up 200 years later by an earthquake which broke the seal. When they awoke and walked into the town, they realized that Ephesus was now an official Christian city. It was deemed to be a miraculous event, and when the young men died they were buried in the same cave, which is now a Byzantine-era grotto. The adjacent building is named after them and has a large monument, many rock-engraved tombs, two churches and catacombs.

The Virgin Mary House Beyond Ephesus and on Bulbul Dag (mountain), 8km southwest of Selcuk, the monument is thought by some to be where the Virgin Mary died, and is visited by Christian and Muslim pilgrims from around the world. The small stone house is now a chapel, and probably dates back to the 4th century, although the foundations are thought to be 1st century. It was not until a German nun, Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) claimed that she had visions of Mary living in 'a small, stone house' in even though the nun had never left Germany. Following her descriptions, 19th century clergy discovered the foundations of the house, which was then verified by a Papal visit in 1967. It has since been accepted that Mary spent her last few years here until she died at the age of 101.

The Feast of Assumption, on August 15, is celebrated here by the Orthodox Greeks, and Mass is said daily. The church can only be accessed by car, as no public buses come through the dense forest surrounding it. TravelShop Turkey offers most affordable Ephesus Tours as a Turkish Tour Operator and Travel Agency in Turkey with quality Ephesus Tour services in Turkey. Book with us,the Ephesus Tourism Company TravelShop Turkey and get memorable vacations

When you book your Ephesus Shore Excursions in Turkey with us, you have our guarantee that no promises will be left broken, that every aspect has been taken into account for your enjoyment, and all the hard work is done on your behalf. Our Tours in Ephesus cover historical, cultural as well as culinary, natural aspects and other religious themed tours as Biblical tour packages on offer. You can check out our guaranteed departure Ephesus tours available from Kusadasi Port and Izmir Port. If you are coming in a cruise ship, we would host you as a Cruise Ship Excursions Operator in Izmir and Kusadasi, we would cater for your needs. You can book Daily excursions to Ephesus including Virgin Mary House, Artemis Temple, Ephesus Museums and Seven Sleepers’ Cave. If you are looking for shore excursions to Ephesus, as a Shore Excursions Tour Operator in Ephesus, we would be happy to assist you in every way we can.

Our Ephesus tour packages in Turkey are offered with private and reguar prices from 1 pax to 40 pax. You can get better rates for the number of pax for your Ephesus Vacations. We are one of the largest Tour Operators in Turkey with our office in Ephesus and have all services available through the remarks below. We are an Ephesus Local Destination Management Company (DMC), Travel Agency, officially titled as Murti’s Tour with registered tourism agency number of 5291 by the Ministry of Tourism. As a Ephesus Daily Tour Operator, we will provide you the best services possible at the highest quality with affordable rates and without any broken promises.

Most importantly we want to offer the best and the most efficient Ephesus Tour vacations throughout Turkey, whilst maintaining quality of service, quality of life and value for money.