Basilicas, Vistas & Valleys
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Port
Izmir, Turkey
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Activity Level
Moderate 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
6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
This walking tour starts out with a short transfer to the Basilica of St. John. Little is known about the Basilica’s initial origins, but it is believed to have started as a modest church dedicated to the Apostle St. John. Emperor Justinian tore this down and replaced it with a large church that was completed in 565. The tomb of St. John was reconstructed during this period. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics, and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where the Apostle lived and died.
With your guide you’ll wander down the hill to Isa Bey Mosque (1375), one of the most impressive architectural works remaining from the Anatolian beyliks, then continue your walk down the hill to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This small museum houses artifacts from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Your guide will explain some of the artifacts, including the most famous ancient statue, the Greek Goddess Artemis.
Following a short drive through the town of Selçuk, you will arrive at an elegant ancient Greek-inspired boutique hotel. Located on a hill with magnificent views of the valleys and countryside surrounding Ephesus, this charming hotel is the ideal location to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and a snack of local specialties before a carpet presentation at a local weaving center.