Priene, Miletus and Didyma Private Tour

Pick-up from your hotel.

Priene is an ancient city with a rich and storied history dating back to 2000 BC. According to historical records, the first settlers of Priene were the Banians, who mixed with the Ionians. In the Archaic period, the city was located closer to Miletus on the delta of the Meander River, but it eventually moved to the slopes of the Mykale Mountains.

The name “Priene” is thought to have a pre-Greek origin, possibly stemming from the Cretan islands of Praises and Prison, which had connections to Priene. Despite becoming one of the 12 members of the Ionian Confederation and participating in the Ionian Rebellion, Priene was a Lydian dominion for many centuries.

Around 283 BC, a border dispute arose between Priene and the Greek island of Samos. It wasn’t resolved until a century later, when both parties agreed to become Roman vassals. As a result, Priene came under the control of the Bergamian King Attalos II, who agreed to return the city to the Romans after his death.

Unfortunately, Priene was eventually worn down and abandoned in the 8th century AD due to ongoing wars and alluviums that invaded the city. Today, it stands as a testament to its rich history and serves as a reminder of the city’s significant place in the ancient world.

Miletus is an ancient city located in Ionia, north of Soke, about 60 km from Selcuk. It was situated on the point where the Meander River flowed into the Aegean Sea, and it had several different harbors due to increasing sedimentation. These harbors can still be seen today.

Miletus was home to many renowned scientists and philosophers, including Thales, Anaximander, Hecataeus (the principal source for Herodotus), and Isidorus, the architect of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The city’s alphabet was also recognized by the Greek world as the official Greek alphabet, which became the basis for the current Latin alphabet.

In 200 BC, Miletus became a Mycenaean dominion, as evidenced by the style of ceramics found in the city’s houses and walls. During the Roman Empire, it became an independent city and later a bishopric during early Christian times. During the Byzantine period, Miletus was known as “Ania.” However, due to geographic and climatic changes, the city lost its importance and was eventually abandoned.

Today, the most significant monuments to be seen in Miletus are the Bath of Faustina, the Delphinion (a small temple dedicated to Apollo Delphinion, protector of ships and harbors), and the amphitheater. These ancient sites offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural significance.

You’ll have the opportunity to witness the skilled craftsmanship that goes into each carpet, from the selection of the materials to the intricate weaving techniques used to bring the design to life. The process is both time-honored and highly skilled, with each carpet taking weeks or even months to complete.

As you learn about the history and cultural significance of Turkish carpets, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the art form and the hard work that goes into each and every piece. Whether you’re a collector or simply an admirer of beautiful handcrafted textiles, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Turkey.

As a natural continuation of your tour of Priene and Miletus, a visit to Didyma is a must. This temple, dedicated to Apollo, was famous for its oracles and was considered the wealthiest and largest of the Ionian temples on Anatolian soil. Its construction took over 150-200 years and was planned to be without a ceiling.

After the Ionian Rebellion, it was Alexander the Great who ordered its restoration. During the Byzantine period, a church was built on the ruins of the 6th century BC temple, though much of what remains today dates back to the pre-Christian age.

The temple’s oracles were renowned throughout the Greek world and even surpassed the reputation of Delphi. As a result, the harbor of Panamos near Didyma became a popular destination for people seeking to learn their future from the temple’s priests. After the Lade War, many of the priests were killed or fled, and the temple lost its importance until the Roman era. Today, it stands as a testament to its rich history and cultural significance.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. The tour ends with good memories.