Your adventure to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary begins with an early morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir Airport. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to Selçuk where you'll meet your professional tour guide and start your full-day small group tour.
On this tour, you will visit:
Ephesus Antique Site: Enter through the Magnesia Gate and enjoy a leisurely downhill walk through the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your guided route will lead you past the Odeum, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and the Great Theater. The Theater, which once seated 25,000 people and where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, is still used today for local spring festivals.
Temple of Artemis: Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis (Artemision) was originally constructed in Ephesus on a flat area that has since transformed into a swamp over the centuries.
House of Virgin Mary: Visit the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where Mary spent her final days. She may have come to this area with Saint John.
Isabey Mosque: Explore the Isabey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljukian architecture located beneath the Basilica of Saint John. Built by the master Syrian architect Ali son of Mushimish al-Damishki between 1374 and 1375, it showcases intricate Seljukian design.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for an evening flight back to Istanbul.