Ephesus and Local Turkish Villages

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Culture, Free Time, Shopping, Wine Tasting
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English

(Kusadasi Private Tour: Option 3)

Tour Itinerary:
Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Kusadasi's port Passenger Terminal.  You'll depart the pier for the 30 minute drive to the magnificent site of Ephesus.  Ephesus is the best preserved of the Greco/Roman cities in Anatolia, and while you are visiting the ancient ruins of this magnificent site your guide will bring them back to life for you.

You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed according to its original form by the architect Friedmund Hueber in the 1970's.  The most spectacular building of Ephesus is the Grand Theater, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators.  It is here that St. Paul preached.  Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Hill Houses, homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. The city was also the hometown of the great philosopher Heraclitus.

After your visit to Ephesus, you'll drive to Sirince Village. Located in the rolling hills of the countryside this quaint old Orthodox Village was once named "Cirkince", meaning "ugly".  Its inhabitants gave it that name so that they would not be bothered by outsiders wishing to share the beauty of their village.  As the years passed visitors who fell under its charms  understood, and have since called it "Sirince", meaning "pretty". 

Today this village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture.  After the Turkish Independence War in the 1920's, many people of Greek origin moved back to Greece and people of Turkish origin moved back to Turkey.  This village is an example of these two cultures having lived together.  At Sirince Village you will have a chance to see local life in a small village, and purchase some small local souvenirs and handicrafts.  The village is famous for its local  wines made from grapes and other fruits.  You'll have many chances to sample them.  Mingle with the local people of the village as though you were a guest in their home.  Have a cup of traditional Cay (Tea) or Turkish coffee at the main coffee house in the village.

Later this afternoon you'll stop to visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus established in 1929 to display the many valuable finds from the ancient site of Ephesus.

Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to Ephesus- 25 Minutes
2- Visit Ephesus - 2 Hours
3- Drive to Sirince Village - 20 Minutes
4- Lunch- 1.5 Hours
5- Visit Sirince Village - 1.5 Hours
6- Drive to Museum - 20 Minutes
7- Visit Museum - 45 Minutes
8- Return to pier - 30 Minutes

What's Included:
- Professional and experienced licensed guide during the tours.
- Transportation by a comfortable AC non smoking Luxurious car / Van with professional driver.
- Transfer from port and back.
- Parkings.
- Entrance Fees to the Museums.
- Lunch.

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