Duration
Half day to full day
Group
Private 2 to 8
Best season
All year, best March to May and October to November
From
From £180 per person for a half day, private guide £450 per day
Ephesus is the most complete Roman city in the eastern Mediterranean. Aphrodisias is more beautiful but gets a tenth of the visitors. We use four expert guides — all licensed Ministry of Culture archaeologists — and we open up the Terraced Houses with extra ticket.
What is included
- ✓Licensed archaeologist guide (English-speaking)
- ✓Skip-the-line entry
- ✓Bottled water and shaded rest stops
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle and driver
Highlights
- ●Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre at Ephesus
- ●The Terraced Houses (extra ticket, photography permitted)
- ●Aphrodisias and the best-preserved Roman stadium in the world
- ●Hierapolis above the Pamukkale travertines
How we book it
We pre-book Terraced Houses tickets one week ahead and time the visit for late afternoon to avoid cruise crowds. The same four guides have worked with us for over a decade.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ephesus or Aphrodisias?
Ephesus is more famous and has the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Aphrodisias is quieter, more atmospheric, and has the world's best-preserved Roman stadium. If you can do both, do both. If you can only do one, Ephesus.
How long does Ephesus take?
Three hours for the main site, five if you include the Terraced Houses. We recommend the Terraced Houses — they are the most extraordinary thing in Ephesus.
Is there much walking?
About 2km on uneven marble. Closed shoes essential. There is no shade at midday in summer — we time the visit for early morning or late afternoon.
Can we add lunch?
Yes — we recommend Sirince village (15 minutes away) for slow-cooked lamb and home-pressed olive oil, away from the tour-bus restaurants.
Ready to book ancient cities private tours?
Tell us your dates and group and our concierge will come back within 24 hours with a tailored quote.
Plan with the conciergeOr WhatsApp us on +90 544 673 22 02
