House of Mary, Village, Ephesus and Temple

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

6.5 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Walking Tour Skip The Line

Overview

You will be met at the port of Izmir.

We will start visiting one of the main highlights in Turkey, Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionian League (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor). As a port city it was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor.

We will take a walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus; it was built in the beginning of the 2nd century A.D. by Gaius Julius Aquila to be a memorial to his father Gaius Julius Celsus Polemanus, the proconsul of Province of Asia. The Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theatre are two of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. The Grand theatre was built in 3rd century B.C and it was later expanded to 24.000 spectators by the Romans in the 1st century A.D.

At the end of the Ephesus tour there are plenty of souvenir stands and also restrooms should you require them, time will be allocated for this.

The tour will then continue to the House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.

We will then visit Artemis Temple where used to be one on the seven wonders of the ancient world before it was burned down in an arson attack by a man named Herostratus for nothing other than fame. It was later rebuilt with the help of Alexander the Great before being destroyed again by the Goths. It was destroyed a total of 3 times.

After Artemis Temple, drive up to the pretty old Turkish-Orthodox village Sirince, located on the top of a mountain, where anyone will enjoy the impressive wine yards and peach trees. The village has synthesis of Turk-Greek culture, where we visit mosque and Orthodox Church. All the narrow streets of the village belong to the women, selling handcrafts of all kinds, olive oil. Another attraction of Sirince is its wine: try its taste in small cafes.

After all of that, we will make our your way back to port and berth.

The order of the itinerary may change on the day.

What's Included

Cruise port pick-ip
Professional English-Speaking Guide
Air-Conditioned Transportation
Entrance fees to Ephesus and House of Mary

Considerations

Food and drinks are not included
Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash.

Special Instructions

The ground is very uneven at Ephesus and House of Mary, there are also steps and inclines (this tour would be unsuitable for those who have walking difficulties)
There are several restrooms inside the sights with a small charge locally
Wheelchairs are allowed in Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House, also in the village.
Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and water bottle.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

6.5 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

House of Mary, Village, Ephesus and Temple

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

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Price Info

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