Overview
See the sights of Christian importance in and around the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus.
After meeting up with your guide in front of the Kusadasi port passenger terminal, you will begin your drive out to Ancient Ephesus, just 1/2 hour away.
This tour includes:• Round trip transportation from your cruise ship pier
• Driver and air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Entrance and parking fees to all sites
Visit to:• House of Virgin Mary
• Ephesus
• Basilica of St. John
• Temple of Artemis
Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into heaven. Other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place.
Now continue on to Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved ancient sites in the world. This is a captivating site. Ancient historians believed that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, but now it is more commonly believed to have been the Hittite city of Apasa. The Virgin Mary is believed to have visited the site between 37 and 45 A.D. With your guide, you will see the Odeion, where the advisory council held its meetings; the Market Basilica; Curetes Street; Bath; Celsus Library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces; Marble Street; and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people.
After lunch, you'll visit the Basilica of St. John and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited while it was being constructed in 335 B.C.
The price of this trip includes a driver and air-conditioned vehicle, all transportation costs, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and entrance and parking fees to all sites.
Always communicate your needs and expectations to your driver/guide. They are there to take care of you in any situation and are more than willing to adjust the day accordingly, upon immediate request. Do not feel that you have to rush through your tour. Take your time. Ask questions and you may logically determine by the middle of your tour the amount of time you'll need to return to the starting point. If you are taken to a shop or school you may leave at anytime. You are not required to purchase anything.
Ephesus gets very crowded and extremely hot in the summer months, so take plenty of water, sunscreen, and head covers.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 08:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
