Ephesus Tour from Izmir Airport
Ephesus, an ancient city of paramount importance, held a distinguished position among the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek Era. Serving as a pivotal harbor city in the ancient world, it boasted a sprawling agora and a vibrant commercial bazaar. Notably, Ephesus is mentioned in the Book of Revelations as one of the seven churches, thus cementing its place in Christian history alongside revered figures like the Virgin Mary, Saint Paul, and Saint John the Evangelist.
Among its architectural marvels, the Temple of Artemis stood as the epitome of grandeur, being the first marble temple in antiquity and achieving renown as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sadly, only a solitary column remains standing today, a testament to its tumultuous history marked by repeated destruction, particularly during the advent of Christian dominance in the region.
Nestled at the foothills of Bulbul Mountain in Selcuk, the House of the Virgin Mary holds profound significance as both a Catholic and Muslim shrine. Its discovery by Lazarist priests followed the detailed accounts provided by a Catholic nun in Germany, who claimed to have seen the house in her visions. Pope Pius XII’s pilgrimage to the site in 1951 bestowed upon it the status of a Holy Place, elevating it to a revered pilgrimage destination for Catholics worldwide.
Ephesus Tour Program
- We will meet you at Izmir Airport once you arrived. From there, we will drive you 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 have 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 end of the tour, we will drive you back to Izmir Airport according to your flight schedule.
Recommendationes for Ephesus Tour
• Outfits to protect from sun.
• Comfortable walking shoes for uneven and cobblestone walking routes.
PS: To enhance your vacation experience, we offer flexible tour scheduling to accommodate your flight arrival and departure times. With flights readily available between popular tourist spots, we can tailor your itinerary to seamlessly align with your travel plans.
Prior to booking your flights, we kindly ask that you reach out to us. This enables us to furnish you with essential details regarding destinations and departure times, ensuring you arrive punctually for each tour and make the most of your exploration time.
What’s Included?
• Entrance fees to the sites
• Round trip private transfers from Izmir Hotels
• Professional Tour Guide
• Lunch at a local restaurant
What’s Not Included?
• Personal expenses
• Tips (optional)
• Drinks on lunch
• Entrance fee of Terrace Houses
