Exclusive Lunch in Ephesus, Terrace Houses & St. John's Basilica
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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)
$210
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Ephesus
"Ephesus comprises successive Hellenistic and Roman settlements founded on new locations, which followed the coastline as it retreated westward. Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which drew pilgrims from all around the Mediterranean. "
Depart the pier for a scenic drive to the Basilica of St. John including views of the immense Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Now in ruins, the Basilica was built over the tomb of St. John the Apostle in the shape of a cross and is covered with six individual domes. A number of columns, frescos and mosaics remain at this historic hilltop location.
Your tour continues to ancient Ephesus, where you’ll pass through the three-arched Magnesian Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk through the ruins of the Roman provincial capital. Your guide will take you through the marbled streets and highlight such sights as the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theater, once used for both political and entertainment purposes, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its imposing façade and two-story Corinthian-style columns. The dramatic Great Theater is one of the few structures still used today. It seats twenty-five thousand and was once an arena for gladiator games.
An outdoor luncheon is served in the heart of Ephesus at the site of the impressive Harbor Baths.
Refreshed, visit the newly excavated area known as the Terrace Houses. Also referred to as "the houses of the rich," these structures give us important information about family life during the Roman period. Remarkably, these homes had such modern conveniences as hot and cold running water and intricate central heating systems. Beautiful tiled mosaics and ornate frescos have been consolidated for easy viewing and two buildings are open as museums.
Before returning to the pier, enjoy a Turkish carpet-weaving demonstration at a carpet weaving village. Be sure to bring home a traditional Turkish, "evil eye," thought to ward off bad spirits and bring success and good luck to its owner.
A 90-minute drive back to the pier will complete this memorable day.
Please note: Surfaces are rough and uneven with broken pathways, marble ground, and cobblestones. There are many steps at the Terrace Houses and guests suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) may experience discomfort during this portion of the tour. Walking in the Basilica is uphill and the cobblestone surface is uneven. Wear comfortable walking shoes.