Priene Miletos Didyma Tour

Begin your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup in Kusadasi, then journey south through the scenic landscapes of Turkey’s Aydin province. Prepare to travel back in time to the heart of ancient Ionia, the region of Asia Minor that flourished under Ancient Greek civilization.

This extraordinary journey through ancient Ionia offers a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and achievements of a civilization that shaped the course of history. Don’t miss the chance to experience it firsthand!

Priene, Miletus & Didyma Day Trip: A Journey Through Time

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma: Step back in time to Classical Antiquity on this unforgettable day trip from Kusadasi. Explore three of Turkey’s most remarkable ancient sites, each steeped in history and architectural splendor.

Didyma

The God’s Sanctuary, Didyma, was not a city, but one of the three places of the oracles. It was the cornerstone of the Apollo cult, the supreme god. Divination was still common and for the Paganist people Apollo Temple was a very significant location before the Christianity destroyed paganism. Words are not sufficient to define the Temple of Apollo because of its marvelous dimensions. It measured 118 m by 60 m, which is a little bigger than a soccer field. There were beautifully decorated 128 columns, some were 19.50 meters long.

Miletos

The hometown of the Miletos Olympic Games was one of the biggest and wealthiest Greek settlements, with almost 90 colonies. For a long time it was the largest trading center and rich in culture, science, philosophy and architecture. The region was host to famous nature philosophers such as Thales, Aneximender, Aneximenes, Hekataios, and to Hippodomus, the great urban planner and the first to carry out the Miletos city grid plan.

Interestingly, we know that Miletos was very similar to the Olympic Games with its athletics. In fact, the emblem of the Olympic Games, a fire tripod, comes from the Lighthouse in Miletos’ biggest harbor. Tourist attractions of the site include the theater where St. Paul gave a heartfelt message of farewell to the elders of Ephesus, The Faustina Baths, the Harbour Monument and the Ilyas Bey Mosque.

Priene

Alexander the Great’s favorite home, Priene,  is one of the best sites in any of the ancient cities. It was founded in 350 BC. The city finally fell under the rule of Alexander the Great as it was governed by Ionians, Lydians and Persians. Priene was so stunning that it was the preferred location for Alexander to live in Asia Minor. It first became a Roman city, then a Byzantine city, following 200 years of Pergamon rule.

Eventually, two key causes for the demise of city life proved to be an earthquake and malaria. IVth century BC Temple of Athena, Parliamentary building, Fish Market, Theatre, and the City’s Walls still survive today.

Travel Programme:

You will travel for approximately two hours in the cotton fields to this massive temple, 23 kilometers from Didyma to Miletos and 17 kilometers from Miletos to Priene.

• 08:30 A day packed with archeological wonders.
• 08:30 A stop for an open buffet breakfast of homemade jams, eggs and village cheese and lovely views of Bafa Lake.
• 10:30 Experience the splendor of the temple of Apollo in Dyma and visit the ancient Miletus city.
• 1 p.m. Have a great lunch.
• 14:30 Tour what is left of the lovely old city, Priene
• 16:00 Leave for Kusadasi.

Included:

• Pick up transfer from your hotel in Kusadasi or hotel in Selcuk at around 8:30am
• All entrance fees stated in the travel programme
• Transport in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Return transfer to your hotel at around 5:00pm

Not Included

• Lunch
• Admission to the archaeological site of Priene: US$ 4 (€ 3.78) per person
• Admission to the ruins of Miletus: US$ 5 (€ 4.72) per person
• Admission to the temple of Apollo: US$ 5 (€ 4.72) per person