The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins.
Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls.
Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour.
See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.
What people say about this experience
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Based on 16 reviews
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AJP
Travelled as a couple
6 October 20254.6United Kingdom
Esra was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and helpful. The ancient city is still undergoing excavations so is very interesting. The new museum experience is good, but needs to have some stools to sit so you can take it all in.
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Babe
Travelled as a couple
2 October 20255United States of America
The guide tour was fabulous the guide was very knowledgeable and enjoyable.Ephesus was amazing the highlight of our holiday especially as my husband is a huge history person.It was on the expensive side alright but because we like historical places we paid it others might not .
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LWebb
Solo traveller
21 September 20253.8United States of America
I found it was too rushed at Ephesus. I would have liked to spend longer here and get more info from the guide. I do not think we needed to go to the pottery demo which was extremely quick (like 2 mins) and then it was a visit to a tourist shop. Painting the tile was fun but did not feel connected to Ephesus e.g. there was not an explanation about how Romans did mosaics
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Simon S
Travelled as a couple
18 September 20255United States of America
A truly excellent half day. Ezra, the guide is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, a real joyl. A truly special experience visiting the ruins of Ephesus. I can't recommend this tour enough
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Brian
Solo traveller
12 September 20254.2United States of America
Esra is a brilliant guide - lots of local knowledge and funny informative anecdotes - highly recommended- it’s a pity you cannot go into the amphitheater as it is a major attraction and reason for my booking
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Helly
Travelled with family
3 August 20254.6United States of America
This was a great day, however I do not think the price reflected this. It was very expensive for a half day tour
