Ephesus Tour from Izmir Hotels
Ephesus Ancient City held a position of great prominence as one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek Era. In the ancient world, it served as a crucial harbor city, featuring a spacious agora and bustling commercial bazaar area. This city is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches and holds a sacred place in Christian history due to its connections with revered figures such as the Virgin Mary, Saint Paul, and Saint John The Evangelist.
The Temple of Artemis, the first marble temple of the ancient world, was renowned for its tremendous size and grandeur. It gained lasting fame as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Regrettably, only one column remains standing today due to its repeated destruction throughout history, culminating in its ultimate decline after the onset of Christian rule in the area.
Situated at the base of the Bulbul Mountain in Selcuk, the House of the Virgin Mary stands as a Catholic and Muslim shrine of great significance. Its discovery by Lazarist priests occurred subsequent to the description provided by a Catholic nun in Germany who had witnessed the house in her visions. After Pope Pius XII’s visit to the house in 1951, the House of the Virgin Mary was accorded the status of a Holy Place and has since become a popular pilgrimage spot for Catholics.
Ephesus Tour from Izmir Hotels Itinerary
- We will meet you at your hotel in Izmir City at around 08:00 am. From there, we will embark on a journey to the Selcuk city, which takes approximately one hour each way.
- Our first stop will be the renowned Virgin Mary’s House, a holy site that holds great significance in Christian history. After taking in the splendor of this revered location, we will proceed to explore the historic Ephesus Ancient City. Among the key sites we will visit are the magnificent Celsus Library, the awe-inspiring Great Theater, the majestic Temple of Hadrian, the striking fountain of Trajan, the imposing Hercules Gate, the illustrious Domitian Temple, and many other important landmarks.
- During our tour, we will savor a delightful lunch at a local Turkish restaurant, indulging in the rich flavors of the region. Our final stop before returning will be the famed Artemis Temple, a site that once stood as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- At the conclusion of our journey, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Izmir City, ensuring that you depart with unforgettable memories of this exceptional experience.
Recommendationes for Ephesus Tour
• Outfits to protect from sun.
• Comfortable walking shoes for uneven and cobblestone walking routes.
Included:
- Entrance fees to the sites
- Round trip private transfers between Izmir Hotels and Selcuk
- Professional Tour Guide
- Lunch
Not Included:
- Personal expenses and tips
- Drinks at lunch
- Entrance fee of Terrace Houses
