DAILY EPHESUS FROM İSTANBUL

Overview

The House of the Virgin Mary is the destination of a tour that begins in the Kusadasi harbor and offers beautiful views of Selcuk's Byzantine stronghold and the Temple of Artemis. While traveling to the Shrine of St. Mary, one is treated to beautiful views of the valley from a lengthy, winding road. The Vatican regards the little home, which is exquisitely positioned in the Solmissos Mountains, as the Virgin Mary's ultimate resting place. Your journey continues to ancient Ephesus, where you will enter through the Magnesia Gate's arched entrance and start a leisurely, downhill stroll to the provincial capital of Rome's ruins.

The magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theater, which was once used for both political and entertainment purposes, the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, and the stunning Celsus Library with its imposing façade and two story Corinthian-style columns will all be highlighted by your knowledgeable guide. One of the few buildings that is still in use today is the dramatic Great Theater.

Tour Plan

Day 1

Flight to Izmir
In the morning you will be transfered from your hotel to the airport for your flight to izmir. Up on arrival your tour guide will meet you there to start the daily Ephesus tour.

We start with The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus located on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) was built in the 6th century BCE, and such was its tremendous size, double the dimensions of other Greek temples including the Parthenon, that it was soon regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Destroyed by a deliberate fire in the 4th century BC and then rebuilt, the great Ionic temple survived until Late Antiquity and the Gothic invasion of c. 267 CE. Once again rebuilt, in 401 CE it was torn down for the last time by a Christian mob. Today only the foundations and a solitary column stand as a reminder of the site where once stood the greatest temple in the ancient Mediterranean.

Ephesus Ancient City
next stop is Ephesus ancient city; Nesting on the western show of contemporary Turkey, near small resort Kusadasi, the once influential trading and spiritual place of Ephesus was regarded as the most important and largest centers of the old Mediterranean world, and is regarded as the best preserved places of antiquity in Asia Minor.

All through the times, the city was dominated by different empires which take account of Romans, Ionians, Lydians as well Walking the main entrance of the city, the Magnesia gate, you will astounded by amazing sights. Grooved in chariot wheels, streets made of marbles, lead to wonderful temples, frescoes in Terrace Houses, fountains as well as porticoes. Touring the 3 storey Celsus Library, The Odeon, Temple of Hadrian on Curetes Street, Trojan Fountain as well as the Grand Theatre.

After marvelous highlights of Ephesus Ancient City,the House of the Virgin Mary will be our last station to visit is located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place rather than living in crowded place.

Paul VI was the first pope to visit this place in the 1960's. Later, in the 1980's, during his visit, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary has a pilgrimage place for Christians. at the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for the flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival to Istanbul airport you will be greeted by high travel.we hope you enjoyed your visit and we will be looking forward to seing you again.

Additional information

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

• Stroller accessible

• Infants must sit on laps

• Most travelers can participate

• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Included

• National Park fees

• Lunch

• Professional guide

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Airport/Departure Tax

• Istanbul to Izmir return flight tickets

• Entry/Admission - Ephesus Museum

• Entry/Admission - Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

• Entry/Admission - The Temple of Artemis

• Entry/Admission - Izmir

Excluded

• Drinks

• Dinner

• Gratuities