From Çeşme: Highlights of Ephesus Tour｜Turkey

You will meet your private guide at your hotel in Cesme or Alacati. We will start by driving to the House of the Virgin Mary.

The House of Virgin Mary is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come to the area together with Saint John. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967. The visit to the House (church) takes about 45 minutes and after our visit; there will be a 5 min drive to Ephesus.

Ephesus is an exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. Ephesus is an important site for Christianity; being one of the seven churches of revelation. Apostle Paul probably spent two and a half years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. You will spend about 2 hours exploring the ancient city of Ephesus on foot along the marble streets with our English-speaking tour guide, so wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers. The site has two entrances; as it is slightly downhill, it is a better idea to start from the upper gate. On our tour, we will be seeing Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, Latrines, and Private House (so-called Brothel, 'Terrace Houses') Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadine (Harbour Road).

We will visit the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven world wonders of antiquity. There will be a good chance to shoot photos of the Church of St. John and the Mosque of Isa Bey from the best angle as well.