Ancient Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House
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Port
Izmir, Turkey
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Ephesus
"Located within what was once the estuary of the River Kaystros, Ephesus comprises successive Hellenistic and Roman settlements founded on new locations, which followed the coastline as it retreated westward. Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis located close to Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which drew pilgrims from all around the Mediterranean. Since the 5th century, the House of the Virgin Mary, a domed cruciform chapel seven kilometers from Ephesus, became a major place of Christian pilgrimage. The Ancient City of Ephesus is an outstanding example of a Roman port city, with sea channel and harbor basin."
Begin your tour with a visit to the house where Jesus' mother is said to have lived the last years of her life. The site, called the Virgin Mary's House, is a Catholic shrine.
In Ephesus, view the Great Theatre, which dates to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD, the theater was reconstructed and expanded by the Romans to a seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where St Paul preached to the Ephesians. The acoustics are excellent, and it is still used for performances today.
The Marble Road is part of a sacred walkway that you'll follow to reach the Celsus Library and Hadrian's Temple. The temple was dedicated in AD 118 to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus.
Enjoy a demonstration of carpet weaving and dyeing accompanied by a snack of Turkish pastry, appetizers, wine, beer and soft drinks at a local weaving center before returning to the port at Izmir.
Please note: Although this tour is designed not to require uphill walking, there is extensive walking at the site. The two-hour walk is at a slow pace and mostly downhill. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. The drive to Ephesus is approximately 60 minutes each way.