Priene, Miletos, and Didyma Tour from Kusadasi and Selcuk
Day Trip to 3 Ancient Cities from Selcuk and Kusadasi
Day tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk to Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. Includes hotel pickup, lunch, guide, and visits to three ancient Ionian cities.
Tour Overview
Step back in time with our Priene, Miletos, and Didyma Tour from Kuşadası and Selçuk — a full-day guided journey through three of the most important Ionian cities of ancient Anatolia. This tour is perfect for history lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience.
The day begins with a hotel pick-up and a scenic drive through the Aegean countryside. Your first stop is Priene, an ancient city perched on a hillside with spectacular views. Known for its well-planned grid layout and the Temple of Athena, Priene offers a rare glimpse into early urban architecture.
Next, you’ll explore the remains of Miletos, once one of the greatest port cities of antiquity and the birthplace of philosophers like Thales. Walk through its massive theater, Roman baths, and agora as your guide brings its stories to life.
Your final destination is Didyma, home to the magnificent Temple of Apollo — once a major center for prophecy, rivaling Delphi. Its towering columns and mystical atmosphere will leave you in awe.
With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and lunch at a local restaurant included, this tour offers a complete and unforgettable Aegean archaeology experience.
- Pick-up and drop-off from Kuşadası or Selçuk hotels included
- Explore three major ancient cities in one day
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees and transportation included
- Lunch at a local restaurant provided
Tour Itinerary
08:30 – Our travel team will pick you up from your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk.
(Pick-up time may vary slightly depending on hotel location.)
You’ll meet your professional local guide and other group members, then start your journey into the heart of ancient Ionia.
- Priene Ancient City – Perched on a hillside overlooking the Meander Valley, Priene offers a striking example of early city planning. Explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Athena (designed by Pythius, the same architect as the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus), the Greek Theater with its carved marble seats, Bouleuterion (council house), Agora, and altars dedicated to Zeus and Cybele.
- Lunch Break – Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant offering regional Aegean cuisine. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
- Didyma Ancient City – Visit the awe-inspiring Temple of Apollo, one of the largest temples of the ancient world and once a major oracle center rivaling Delphi. Walk through the massive columned structure and learn about the prophecies delivered here by the high priestesses of Apollo.
- Miletus Ancient City – Finish the day at the philosophical heart of Ionia. Home of Thales, the first known philosopher and astronomer, Miletus was once a thriving port city. Visit its Grand Theater, Roman baths, agora, and the Delphinium (temple dedicated to Apollo Delphinios). Your guide will explain how this city shaped Western thought.
17:00 – Tour ends. You’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk.
What's Included
Included
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
- Transportations in the tour
- Professional English Speaking Official Tour Guide
- Lunch at the local restaurant
- Entrance fees to the various sites
- Parking and road tolls
- Local Taxes
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at the lunch
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off from Kuşadası and Selçuk are included in the price.
- This is a small-group tour with a licensed English-speaking guide.
- All entrance fees, transfers, and lunch are included.
- Tour operates year-round, and is suitable for all ages and history lovers.
More Details
Your journey begins with a comfortable morning pick-up from your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk. As the Aegean countryside rolls by, your guide shares stories of a time when these lands were the intellectual and spiritual heart of Ionia.
You arrive first at Priene, a city that perfectly illustrates the precision of Hellenistic city planning. Amid pine trees and scenic hills, you stand where ancient philosophers once debated, and admire the Temple of Athena, carved theaters, and sacred altars.
After a local lunch, you head south to Didyma. Towering above you are the massive columns of the Temple of Apollo, a mystical oracle site that once drew kings and conquerors seeking divine guidance.
The final stop is the philosophical city of Miletus, the birthplace of science and home to Thales — the first recorded astronomer. You’ll walk through the expansive Roman theater and once-bustling agora, sensing the pulse of an ancient civilization that shaped Western thought.
By the time you return to your hotel, your mind will be filled not only with beautiful views but also with echoes of wisdom from the ancient world.
Amazing tour and full of wonderful sights... This tour is great if you're a history buff and love to see the ancient ruins. The staff is very friendly and they will help you with any questions you have. The local food is very nice, and a good break after walking around. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about ancient history and to see the third largest library in the world.
Organized my 3 tours from Kusadasi with this tour company. a good tour company that I did 3 tours for Pamukkale, Ephesus, Prienne & Didyma. Well organized day tours with good guides and at a good price. Organizations were online before I came, and they confirmed details and day tours a long time before. Did not have to pay the full payment for the reservations, could pay on the day tour for the rest of the money. Very satisfied and the day tours were great. Small groups for 1st two tours about 9 and 13 people and the last tour only 4 people, but the tour went ahead, so had a very personal tour with them.
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