Walk in the footsteps of the ancients during this private tour of Ephesus and Sirince. The classical Greek city of Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. While time seems to have stood still in the pretty mountain village of Sirince. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus was built as a mausoleum to Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, pro-consul of Asia Minor, and could hold 12,000 scrolls. Austrian archaeologists restored it in the 1970s to its current state.'
After stopping at a ceramics workshop to see the artisans showing off their skills, you'll venture into sun-soaked hills to discover one of the most extensive and complete archaeological sites in the world. On arrival at Ephesus, you'll follow marble-paved streets to gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and admire epoch-defining buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. With your own guide to explain the historical context, you'll get more from your private tour.
Next, we'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic and Muslim shrine. There's a wishing wall, where you can leave written prayers, and a fountain whose waters are believed by some to have miraculous powers. It's a little less ancient, but a sense of yesteryear permeates in Sirince. Here, you'll have lunch at a typical restaurant before enjoying some free time to stroll along its cobbled streets or taste local wines.
