House of Mary, Village, Ancient Ephesus and Temple

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

6 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Skip The Line

Overview

After meeting with your tour guide at the port of Kusadasi, we will have a 20-minute drive to Ephesus area. 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.

At the end of the tour you will be taken back to Kusadasi cruise port.

The order of the itinerary may change on the day.

Please note: Entrance tickets are included within this tour price.

What's Included

Cruise port pick up
Professional English-speaking guide
Air-Conditioned transportation
Entrance tickets 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

There is a lot of walking involved in this tour it is essential you wear suitable footwear. It also gets very warm in summertime please do not forget your sun cream and sunhat and drink plenty of water.
If you wish to buy souvenirs or refreshments you will be able to find these at the end of the tour at Ephesus
The ground is very uneven at Ephesus there are also steps and inclines (this tour would be unsuitable for those who have walking difficulties).
There are several restrooms inside the site with a small charge locally.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

6 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

House of Mary, Village, Ancient Ephesus and Temple

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

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Price Info

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