We were amazed at how many ruins were in great condition here. It’s a lot to take in, so allow 3-5 hours here and wear comfy shoes and sunscreen. There is an audio guide available for 5 YTL. The tour guides seemed to be a better idea, as we eavesdropped on a few and they were definitely going more in-depth than the audio guide. However, they were going at a very slow pace while we climbed all over the ruins at our own speed.

We were in Ephesis in December 2007 and it was a wonderful time to go! Not only was nice and sunny (and not too hot!) but we missed the crowds (apparently there is a sea of people during the peak months). You must get a guide to show you around. It’ll take 2 to 3 hours so bring water with you (as there are no shops or toilets inside Ephesis). To walk down the main street towards the Celsus library was amazing! The Great Theatre was also amazing – it was lovely just to sit in the 25,000 seated theatre and admire the beauty whilst listening (and laughing!) to the tourists testing out the acoustics! Also, visiting the ancient Roman public toilets was fun (dated first century AD)! Apparently, men and women used come here and spend hours and hours talking and socialising and it was here that men used to do business. They all used to just sit side by side (without any cubicles)! In the winter time they used to get the slaves to warm the marble before they sat down! Make sure you take a photo of yourself (and your family/friends) sitting side by side!

We were a group of 4 that had a day to spend in Ephesus when we were on a cruise. Other reviewers had recommended meander travel and they were right! Our tour guide was Feliz and she was a great guide. We were meet at the port early and beat the tour parties (and the heat) to Ephesus. We really appreciated the flexibility of having our own guide which also worked out cheaper than the cruise excursion!

We visited this ancient city (September 2007 Oceania Cruise Insignia) and it was a fabulous warm sunny day. It is well worth doing the extra tour called the Terrace Houses which are being restored now. This ancient wonder is also worth a second visit if you have a been a long time ago. They are uncovering new findings all the time.