Saints and Senators A Self Guided Ephesus Tour

1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Ephesus wasn't just a city, it was a global capital of commerce, culture, and the cradle of early Christianity. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll navigate remarkably preserved marble streets, grand temples, and elite villas offering a rare glimpse into daily Roman life. Beginning at the Upper Gate, you'll walk the same path as ancient senators and merchants down Curetes Street, passing the monumental Hercules Gate toward the iconic Library of Celsus — the third-largest library of the ancient world. Along the way, discover the secrets of Roman engineering, from hypocaust heating systems to the urban planning that once connected this city to a bustling Mediterranean harbour. The tour ends at the Ancient Christian Church of Virgin Mary, site of the 431 AD Ecumenical Council, where pivotal Christian doctrines were shaped.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Entrance Gate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours (approximately)
  • Odeon (Pass by)

    You'll pass by the Odeon as you make your way through the heart of the city's administrative power. Take in this smaller theatre, once used for council meetings and musical performances.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You'll pass through the monumental Hercules Gate as you walk down the prestigious Curetes Street. Take in this landmark, once marking the transition into the city's most important thoroughfare.

    Admission ticket free
  • Trajan Fountain (Pass by)

    You'll catch a glimpse of the Trajan Fountain along Curetes Street. Discover this elegant monument, a testament to Roman engineering and urban planning.

    Admission ticket free
  • Temple of Hadrian (Pass by)

    Admire the Temple of Hadrian's intricate reliefs, depicting the legendary founding of Ephesus. Take in this striking landmark as you continue down Curetes Street.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore the Terrace Houses (the "Villas of the Rich") to see incredibly preserved mosaics, frescoes, and private baths. Please note that entrance to the Terrace Houses requires a separate ticket, not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • Library of Celsus (Pass by)

    Stand before the Library of Celsus with its iconic two-story façade, built as both a monument to knowledge and a heroic tomb. Take in the third-largest library of the ancient world, a masterpiece of Roman architecture.

    Admission ticket free
  • Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre (Pass by)

    Step into the Great Theatre, a massive arena that seated 30,000 spectators and hosted Saint Paul's historic sermons. Take in the scale of this remarkable structure, one of the largest surviving theatres from antiquity.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours

Cancellation Policy

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

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