Best of Ephesus
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Port
Izmir, Turkey
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
8½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Showcasing the religious history of Ancient Turkey, this tour begins with a pleasant drive through the countryside to visit the ruins of the city of Ephesus. The ruins date predominantly from the later Roman period and include the towering facade of the Celsus Library and Hadrian's Temple, as well as the Sacred Way, which was one of the main thoroughfares used by the Ancient Romans.
You will also visit the Terrace Houses located opposite Hadrian's Temple -- a newly excavated residential section of Ephesus. The wealthy and important people of Ephesus used these houses, so they are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes, giving a true impression of the ancient lifestyle. Those on the upper slopes of Bulbul Mountain are reached by steps, and the roof of one house forms the terrace of the one above it.
Continuing from the library to the end of the marble street, you will view from outside the Ephesus' impressive amphitheatre, where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
Leave the ancient city and drive towards town of Seljuk. Here, you will visit the ruins of the Basilica of St John. The Basilica had a cruciform plan with four domes along its longitudinal axis and a pair flanking the central dome to form the arm of the cross. The tomb of St John was placed under the central dome.
Visit Mt Pagus -- a setting that is a shrine to some and a curiosity to others. It is reputedly the home of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Archaeological evidence shows that the little house you will see here dates from the 6th century AD, but that its foundations are indeed from the 1st century AD. This ties in with the commonly held belief that Mary moved to Turkey.
Enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties at a nearby restaurant and on the way back to Izmir you will have a chance to enjoy a demonstration of carpet weaving and dyeing, accompanied by some refreshments, at a local weaving center.
Then return to the port at Izmir.
Please note: Tour requires approximately two hours to walk through the ruins; the pace is slow. Terrain is uneven and often unpaved. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. The drive to Ephesus is approximately 75 minutes each way.