Turkey: 2 days in Selcuk

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We planned a 2 days stop in Selçuk because of its close proximity to Ephesus. Initially we thought of staying in the beautiful Greek Village of Şirince. However, due to shortage of budget, Selçuk was our best bet to score a good deal on accommodation. 

A bus travel from Pamukkale only costed us 20 Lr each. Drinks and snacks were served in the bus. 

Recommended stay: Artemis Hotel

Reason: Tom and Muslim! 

Awesome hostel owners! When we finally arrived at Selcuk bus station, Muslim was already there to meet us. He greeted us warmly, drove us back to the hotel where Tom welcomed us with open arms at the reception counter. Tom also helped us with day-tours and sight-seeing recommendations along with some interesting stories about the city. We managed to score a full day tour with 100Lr, Thanks to Tom! The hotel is located right in the heart of Selcuk, making exploring on foot a breeze. The city is lively at night, so be sure to walk out to the streets with high expectations! (You won't be dissapointed!)   

Day 1: Ephesus Day Tour

Arranged by Tom, this day tour only costed us 100 Lr each. 

What is included: Roman City of Ephesus, House of Mary, Artemis Temple, Lunch, A visit to a Carpet Weaving Factory 

The Temple of Artemis  

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Also known as Artemision or Temple of Diana, this temple completed around 550 B.C. , dedicated to the Greek God of Artemis, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. It was rebuilt 3 times before it was completely destroyed. A lonely column is all that's left.

Roman city of Ephesus 

with a new friend from Pamukkale, Jessie. 

Entrance fee: 30 Lr ( included in the tour) 

Located 3km southwest from Selcuk, Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in Bible - the Book of Revelation. Some say that the Gospel of John was written here. The ruins of Ephesus is one of the best-preserved historic sites in Turkey. 

Lunch 

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A lovely lunch in a garden was included in our tour package. Talking about lunch with a view!

Carpet Weaving Factory

It was interesting for us to learn about the hard work behind every beautiful Turkish Carpet. No pressure to buy anything. 

House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)

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Located on Mt. Koressos, the house where Virgin Mary spent her last days with Saint John was discovered in the 19th century. 

Day 2: Exploring the city of Selcuk

Highlight: 

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Aqueduct

Byzantine citadel 

Remains of St. John Basilica.

Museum of Ephesus. 

Recommended eateries: 

1. Restaurant Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House

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Address: Ataturk Mh. 1047 Sk. No 4/A, 35920 Selçuk, Turkey

Phone number +90 232 8923872

Succulent meat, authentic, big portions and affordable! We had a farewell dinner here to send off our Japanese new friend, Aiko. Also, Mehmet offered us complimentary tea, flavour of our choice!  

2.  Ejder Restaurant

Photo credits to Jessie Kang. 

Address: Cengiz Topel Cad. No: 9, 35590 Selçuk, Turkey

Phone number +90 232 8923296

We dined here with a new friend from Canada, Jessie. I love how they served my Kebap on a long metal stick. The friendly waiter who served our table even invited us for a Turkish Board Game after work, and that was exactly what we did!

3. Celsus Cafe Bar

The prefect place to hang out with friends-- Celses Cafe Bar.

Address: Cengiz Topel Cd No 25, Selcuk 35920, Turkey

Phone Number: +90 543 5757411

A nice cozy place to play Turkish board games with new friends while trying Shisha. The owner and his brothers were delightful. He even joined us for 2 rounds of board games, drinks on him! 

If you have more time, 

Don't miss a day trip to Şirince, 8km out of Selçuk. This picturesque little Greek village nestled in the hills is a perfect destination for perfect photos with olive and peach trees as well as wine-tasting. 

Also, visit the historic site "Cave of the Seven Sleepers" and learn about the miracle legend of 7 Christians who were persecuted during Roman times. 

Now done with Turkey, Off to Greece!

There are 6-8 train service per day running directly to Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir. A ticket only costs 4 TL, however, a ticket does not promise you a seat, so get to the station early, and be ready to stand for the whole journey. Journey time: 1.5 hours.

Bye, Selcuk and all the beautiful people!

Thank You for Reading! 

This post is based on my opinion and personal experience. 

Feel free to share your thoughts with me by commenting below!