Enter the Magnesia Gate and explore the ruins of Ephesus on a guided walking tour. Visit the Basilica built over the grave of St. John. Then travel to the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.

Tour Itinerary

WHAT YOU VISIT
Ephesus  Enter through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your route takes you past the Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theatre. The theater has seating placement for 25,000, which was the site where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, and is using today for a local spring festival.

Basilica of St. John The Basilica once being as big as St. Sophia in size is now in ruins. Built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Apostle, the Basilica, now in ruins, once rivaled St. Sophia in size. See the remaining graceful columns and mosaics of the Basilica as you take in the panorama of the rural Selcuk countryside and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

House of the Virgin Mary  The Vatican has recognized this small house in the Solmissos Mountains as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found  when the ruins of the house were first discovered.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Kusadasi, you travel north of Ephesus, passing the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. Driving to the House of the Virgin Mary is long and winding but with great vistas to the valley. After your tour on the way back to Kusadasi, you may either choose to take place in a carpet exhibition or shop on your own in the bazaar while walking back to the ship in your leisure time.

SPECIAL NOTES Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces. Entering the Basilica of St John involves some walking on an uphill gradient and a few stairs. At the House of the Virgin Mary, there are also some stairs. Please bring sunscreen and a hat, as shade is limited. Take consistent crowding and congestion into consideration at the sites.

Drive from Ephesus to the Virgin Mary Shrine takes approximately 10 minutes over a winding mountain road.

The sequence of tour stops may vary.

DURATION:  Approximately 5 hours

Tour Price includes Pick up from/to hotel or Port. Professional English speaking tour guide, entrance fees air conditioned non-smoking vehicle. Lunch (only on full day tours).
PS. Kusadasi daily excursions are regularly running all year round. Private arrangements are also available on demand. For group requirements other languages are available