Ephesus & Virgin Mary Shrine (Guided in Spanish)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your scenic motorcoach ride travels north from the Port of Kusadasi past the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis - one of the seven wonders of antiquity - and the magnificent remains of Basilica of St. John. From your window, great vistas of the valley can be seen as you travel a long and winding road to the picturesque Solmissos Mountains. The House of the Virgin Mary is considered by the Vatican to be a Holy Place, and a small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found in the ruins when the house was first discovered. The shrine, surrounded by lush foliage, is still cared for by the Lazarist Fathers, and Mass is celebrated at this spot every day. Many do not know that the Virgin Mary lived the last years of her life in Turkey in a small cottage near Ephesus.

The three-arched Magnesian Gates are the starting point to your slow, downhill walk into the ancient city of Ephesus, once the trade center of the ancient world and the site of a succession of great civilizations. Your knowledgeable guide will take you back in time and highlight such structures 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. See the dramatic Great Theater, once the home of gladiator games, which seats twenty-five thousand. Strolling through the streets, it is easy to see that Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world and why it is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey.

Before returning to Kusadasi you will visit a local leather center where you can see the wonderful samples of Turkish leather products.

A scenic drive back to port affords an opportunity to discuss all the wonders you have seen with your fellow travelers. Once in Kusadasi, ample time is provided to explore the colorful markets and bazaars, where handmade goods and traditional foods are sold. A popular souvenir item to bring home is "the evil eye," thought to ward off bad spirits and bring luck and success.

Special Notes:

Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces. The drive from Ephesus to the Virgin Mary Shrine takes approximately 20 minutes over a winding mountain road. Visitors to the House of Virgin Mary must climb a few steps.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

This tour uses headsets.