Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I am not satisfied with my tour?
- What is the best way to tackle the route through the many ruins of Ephesus?
- What are the Seven Wonders of the World?
- What are the Terrace House in Ephesus
- How will I meet my guide?
- Which money should I bring?
- What about time for shopping?
- How will the weather be?
- What if I am staying in Bodrum but want to tour Ephesus? (or vice versa)
- What about lunch?
Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I am not satisfied with my tour?
We are an American managed company, and you should expect the same emphasis on customer satisfaction as you would find Stateside. We pick our professional tour guides very carefully based on their level of English, knowledge of the local history, and general attitude and appearance. They all are licensed from the Turkish Ministry of Culture. As well our vehicles are clean, air conditioned and appropriate to the number of clients aboard. The sites speak for themselves. However, in the unlikely case that for any reason you are not satisfied with your tour, we will, no questions asked, return to you 100% of the money you paid. That is our pledge to your satisfaction.
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Q. What is the best way to tackle the route through the many ruins of Ephesus?
One of the great advantages of booking with us is that we will recommend the best logistical route for your group. Normally we will arrange to start the tour at the "Uphill" entry/exit of Ephesus and then your guide will lead you on the easier downhill track through the ruins and eventually out the second "Downhill" entry/exit. For your convenience, while you were enjoying the ruins, we will have had the vehicle moved. This avoids backtracking, uphill, to the original entrance.
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Q. What are the Seven Wonders of the World?
In the 3rd century BC, the Chief Librarian of the Library in Alexandria compiled a list of "Wonders of the World," but the list we go by today was compiled during the Middle Ages. By the time the list was compiled, many of the Wonders had been reduced to rubble, but they live on in legend all the same. Two of the Wonders are in Aegean Turkey:
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
and
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum
The others are:
Great Pyramid at Giza (Egypt)
Colossus of Rhodes (Greece)
Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria (Egypt)
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq)
Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece)
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Q. What are the Terrace House in Ephesus
Within the general Ephesus Archaeological Ruins is a subexhibit called the Terrace Houses. Archaeologists have unearthed here a neighborhood of houses that displays another revealing look into the daily life of ancient Ephesus, including some more mosaics and frescos. The exhibit has been enclosed by a dome like roof to get better protection from the environment, and to enter is an additional entrance free. Please note: our tours do not include this entrance fee, however, you are more than welcome to see the exhibit yourself by paying locally. The exhibit is a steep climb mostly on staircases.
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Q. How will I meet my guide?
Easy, if you are on a cruise ship coming into Kusadasi Port or Bodrum Port, we will stand immediately after the security gates with a sign with your name on it. This location is ideal since it is the only way to pass to and from the ships. In the unlikely event of a problem, we will also provide you with your guide's cell phone number in a confirmation email close to the tour date. Hotel pickups are straight forward, and if you are in a rental villa, kindly include directions for us in the booking process or by email to us on your arrival.
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Q. Which money should I bring?
The local currency is the (new) Turkish Lira. A few years ago the Turkish government dropped 6 zeros from the currency, instantly stripping multitudes of their status of being a "Turkish millionaire". For very small purchases like a candy bar or newspaper you should have a few Lira in your pocket. Otherwise the acceptance of Visa credit cards is nearly universal and can be used in all legitimate shops and restaurants (American Express more rarely). Lastly, in the Ephesus region most shops are also willing to accept US Dollars or Euros (at a slightly cooked exchange rate...)
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Q. What about time for shopping?
Yes, we get this question alot. Since you are on a private tour, you can arrange visits to any 'site' you want with your guide, including stops to view Turkish carpets, ceramics, etc. Some of our guests have been pleased to do this in shops recommended by our guide, where the 'starting prices' can be significantly lower than just walking into a shop on your own... Haggling is an art form in Turkey!
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Q. How will the weather be?
Sunny, hot and dry! In the summer season we very rarely see clouds in the sky, nevermind rain! Typical summer temperatures will be in the 80's and that's why we recommend you bringing water and sufficient protection from the sun. Our guide will also ensure that everyone is comfortable with the pace of the tour, which is pretty leisurely to begin with...
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Q. What if I am staying in Bodrum but want to tour Ephesus? (or vice versa)
Anyone coming to Turkey should make a point to get to Ephesus no matter where they stay! From Bodrum to Ephesus is a scenic two and a half hour drive past Tuzla Lake, Milas, Bafa Lake, the Soke plain and several historical sites which will be brought to life by your on board tour guide. Since it is a private tour, you can ask the guide to stop at any place which catches your eye! In order to compensate for the extra driving, please don't forget upon booking you should add the "Bodrum-Ephesus Transfer" supplement to your shopping cart.
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Q. What about lunch?
On Full Day tours, our guide will be happy assist you by suggesting a range of restaurant recommendations for a lunch break. Stopping and the choice of restaurant is totally up to you and please note, not included in the tour price. We found this approach is preferred by our clients, especially from the cruise ships, over the "bus tour" groups which normally stop at lunch place with a one choice fixed menu.
