9 hour(s)
English
Included
Visit the ancient city of Priene, known for its grid-planned streets and Hellenistic architecture
Explore the Temple of Athena, agora, and theater in Priene set against Mount Mycale
Discover Miletus, a major center of philosophy and science in the ancient world
Learn about Miletus' role in early Western thought and cultural development
€ 330
€ 303.60
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Embark on a captivating full-day tour from Izmir to explore the ancient Ionian cities of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma—three remarkable archaeological sites that offer a deep dive into the rich cultural and architectural legacy of classical antiquity. Your journey begins in Priene, once a model of urban planning and one of the first cities to be built on a grid system. Walk through the remains of its well-organized streets, the impressive Temple of Athena, the agora, and the ancient theater, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Mycale. As you explore, your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the city's history, politics, and daily life in the Hellenistic period.
Next, continue to Miletus, an influential center of philosophy, science, and trade in the ancient world. Miletus was home to great thinkers like Thales and Anaximander, and its ruins reflect its former glory. Visit the grand Roman theater, one of the largest of its time, and explore the remains of the bath complexes, temples, and the impressive stadium. Your guide will highlight the city's importance as a cultural hub and explain how it played a crucial role in shaping early Western thought.
The final stop is Didyma, famed for its magnificent Temple of Apollo, one of the largest and most important oracle sites of the ancient world. Marvel at the towering columns and intricate carvings that remain remarkably well-preserved, and imagine the pilgrims who once traveled great distances to consult the oracle. This awe-inspiring site offers a powerful ending to your day of discovery. Throughout the tour, you'll enjoy the comfort of round-trip transportation and the engaging commentary of a knowledgeable guide, making this journey through ancient Ionia both educational and unforgettable.
Transport
Tour Guide
Lunch
Entry fees Priene, Miletus, Didyma
Gratuities for the guide or staff
Beverage
Personal Expenses
Umbrella and non-slippery shoes
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
No public transportation nearby
Not wheelchair accessible
Carry water and a light snack to keep refreshed and energized
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Fantastic place. But if you have a hard time walking upwards, are handicaped or have hart problems i wouldnt recomend this place for you. Its a hard climb upwards on stairs and walkways. If you go its well worth the climb. Ao beautiful view and you can feel the wings of time from the history of the ruins. It costs 100TL for Turkish sitizen with e devlet. 200TL for foreginer. Bring your own coffe and enjoy the world under your feet. Dont forget to put your trash in a garbage can. Toilets are in the parking lot. We will be back.
Beautiful historical place but a bit lack of plaques of each monument’s explanation. Ticket price for 2 people was 350 Turkish Lira, very affordable.
If you're visiting the ancient city of Priene in the summer, I recommend to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon… On our way back, we were momentarily blinded by the heat as we descended the ancient road… Priene is a visual delight.. One of the first planned cities of the ancient period… It used to be a coastal city and an Ionian civilization like Miletus. The city was built on a hillside, making it very easy to defend. However, I would have expected at least some of the city's information signs and the roads used for visiting to be more well-maintained and organized. Some information signs have been destroyed, and some have faded from the sun. The writing is small. TRANSPORTATION: For those coming from Izmir, turn right from the Söke exit. For those coming from Milas/Bodrum, turn left from the Söke district entrance onto the GÜLLÜBAHÇE road. It's approximately 10 km from the junction. BREAK: Right before entering the ancient city, there's a village coffeehouse in the village square. There are various breakfast and lunch options under the large trees. IMPORTANT: The ancient city is built on a hillside, and from the entrance, it's a walk along uneven, winding paths. Comfortable sneakers are a must. Also, bring binoculars if you have them to admire the view. Take in the unique Menderes Delta from the city's shores. Sometimes, internet service is not working at the entrance. The Museum Card app didn't work properly either. We've created a barcode for easier access through the e-government app. There are still various trees and plants, especially pine trees, within the city, and there can be insects and bugs. The ancient city of Miletus is in the immediate vicinity along with the old village of Doğanbey, these places I highly recommend also visiting…
One more interesting and nice historical spot, very quite and there is a nice view among the ruins after climbing up.
This was one of our last stops in our 9 day biblical study trip through Turkey, and it was a great experience. This has a decent hike to get up to the city, but it is worth it to see the temple, theater, and ancient Christian church. It had a very well preserved road going through the center of the city, well worth the effort!
