Anyone taken the KD1 "Ancient Ephesus" tour

[slobopolis]

What did you think of this tour? It says it's 3h length, did they want to take you back on the bus right away after it ended or could you stick around and view the site? Did they at least stop by the Temple of Artemis?

[Spike_Spiegel]

Slob -

 

I have not taken this tour, but I have visited Ephesus, and I would highly recommend going there if you have the chance. There is so much history there, it is amazing!

 

Whether you enjoy ancient history in general, are a Biblical history enthusiast, or simply like touring picturesque ruins and archaeological sites, Ephesus is a dream site.

 

Part of your experience will depend on your own knowledge or the knowledge of your guide (if you choose to have one). Ephesus is a SPRAWLING place, and there is far more to see and experience than could ever be covered (thoroughly) in a few hours. (We were there almost three days.)

 

The best way is to take a walking tour with a well-educated guide. (We were fortunate to be part of a study-tour and traveled with a history professor!)

 

As far as the Temple of Artemis (Diana) I am afraid you will be very disappointed.

 

http://www.livius.org/a/turkey/ephesus/ephesus_temple_artemis.JPG

 

There really is nothing left other than a lone column standing in an occasionally swampy bog, with a few stray building-stones scattered about. It is *NOT* located in the ancient city-proper, but stands a bit outside and needs to be sought-out separately. We were there a long time ago, but at that time the temple was fenced-off and we could only view the "lone column" from about fifty yards distant ... still, there wasn't much to see!

 

The rest of the site is stunning! The broad, well-paved street running down to the 'harbor' (you will marvel that this city was once a seaport!) ... the very-intact Roman theatre ... the ruins of the Basilica of John ... as they say - "it's all good!"

 

The "modern town" is a stones throw from the entrance, so there are places to wet your whistle or grab a bite to eat. If you've not been to Turkey before, you may be surprised how "Euopean" it seems (other than the language, of course).

 

Have a great time!

 

- Spike

[C 2 C]

When we visited Istanbul and Ephesus we used:

 

leventsolmaz.com

 

You can check our Galaxy May 22nd sailing for the group that toured with him. EXCELLENT