Ephesus, Didyma and Miletus

This full-day tour visits all of the historic sites in the region with time spent at Ephesus, Miletus, and Didyma. In Ephesus, see the Magnesia Gate, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library, the Grand Theater, and Arcadian Way. Visit Miletus, the native city of many philosophers, and its museum. Admire the Temple of Apollo in Didyma. Enjoy a typical Turkish lunch and a brief carpet presentation. NOTES: Guests must be able to walk approximately 3 miles and this tour is not recommended for guests who use a walker or wheelchair or who have difficulties in walking, climbing, or managing steps.

1. 1

   Ephesus Ancient City

   2 hours

   A visit to Efes (Ephesus) - once the commercial center of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The ruins also include a theater, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. This tour offers a complete perspective about the Ancient City of Ephesus and the Roman way of living. In Ephesus, You will see the • Magnesia Gate, • Odeon, • Trajan Fountain, • Temple of Hadrian, • Celsius Library, • Grand Theater, • Arcadian Way.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1.5 hours

   The Apollo Temple of Didyma, located within the boundaries of the village of Yeni Hisar in the Söke district of the province of Aydin, was known as a sanctuary and seat of an oracle attached to Miletus. Recent excavations revealed remains which showed that Didyma was not only a seat of an oracle but also the site of dense settlement. The research concerning the origins of the names of Didyma and Didymaion has been a subject of discussion. Along with several other myths, it was thought that the name Didymaion, which meant "twin temples", was related to Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo. However, as no definite evidence could be found, this theory also remains as a myth. The first excavations in Didyma were made in 1858. The area excavated was the Sacred Road. From the excavations it was understood that the road was 16,5km long. The width of the road which was made of stone blocks, changed between 5 and 7 metres.

3. 3

   Milet Antik Kenti

   1.5 hours

   Miletus is near the village of Balat, 42 kms from Söke, a county of the province Aydin. This place initially was founded during the 2nd millenium B.C. on the coast of the Latmic Gulf ( now Lake Bafa ). The town became one of the most important of the twelve cities bordering the Aegean Sea, which formed the Ionian Confederation. The Theatre, erected on the south-west slopes of the hill of Kaletepe, profiting from the natural inclination, is the best preserved building of Miletus. First erected in the 4th century BC it has taken its present form by later alterations undergone in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The theatre, which could seat 5,300 spectators in the Hellenistic period, reached a capacity of 25,000 seats in the Roman period. The Caravanserai was built in the 15th century during the period of the Principality of Mente?e. It comprises a courtyard and rooms for lodging. The lower floor of the two stored building was used as stables.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.