Ancient Ephesus & the Virgin Mary's House
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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)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Begin your tour with a visit to the house where Jesus' mother is said to have lived the last years of her life. The site, called the Virgin Mary's House, is a Catholic shrine.
In Ephesus, visit the Great Theatre, which dates to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD, the theatre was reconstructed and expanded by the Romans to a seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where St Paul preached to the Ephesians. The acoustics are excellent, and it is still used for performances today.
Follow the Marble Road -- part of a sacred walkway that leads to the Celsus Library and Hadrian's Temple. The temple was dedicated in AD 118 to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus.
Enjoy a demonstration of carpet weaving and dyeing accompanied by a snack of Turkish pastry, appetizers, wine, beer and soft drinks at a local weaving center before returning to the port at Izmir.
Please note: Although this tour is designed not to require uphill walking, extensive walking is required at the site. The two-hour walk is at a slow pace and mostly downhill. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and steps. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. 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. Travel time to Ephesus is approximately 60 minutes each way.