Ephesus Discovery Tour from Izmir

10 Hours
14
Ephesus

Join us for a remarkable day exploring the wonders of Ephesus on our Ephesus Discovery Tour from Izmir. Your adventure begins with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a revered site where it is believed that Mary spent her last years.

Next, delve into the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with history. Walk along the ancient streets and marvel at the impressive structures, including the well-preserved amphitheater and the stunning Library of Celsus, where the echoes of past civilizations come alive.

Continue to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where you can appreciate the grandeur of what remains of this historical marvel.

Your tour concludes in the enchanting village of Sirince, famous for its charming streets, local handicrafts, and delightful fruit wines. Enjoy free time to wander, sample the local wines, and take in the beautiful scenery.

With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides to enrich your experience, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and cultural exploration.

Program ( 10 Hours )

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Izmir at 07:30 am. After all participants gather, the adventure starts with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary. The House of Virgin Mary is believed to be where Mary spent her final days, possibly accompanied by Saint John. Officially recognized as a shrine by the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, it has become a prominent pilgrimage site, visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967. You’ll spend about one hour at this sacred location before taking a brief 10-minute drive to Ephesus. Ephesus stands as a remarkable testament to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian eras. It is also a significant site for Christianity, being one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, where the Apostle Paul likely spent two and a half years during his third missionary journey. Over the next two hours, you will explore the ancient city, walking along its marble streets with our knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Key highlights of the tour include the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, and the latrines. You may also opt to visit the Terrace Houses (private houses) for an additional 15€ per person, but please inform your guide in advance. After this, we will continue to the Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadiane (Harbor Road). Enjoy a delicious lunch at a charming local restaurant, providing a chance to relax and savor traditional Turkish cuisine. After lunch, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This site offers fantastic photo opportunities, including views of the Church of St. John and the Isa Bey Mosque. Next, we’ll head to Sirince, a historic village originally settled by Byzantine Greeks, located in the hills of Selcuk just 9 km from Ephesus. Following the peace agreement after the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1922), the village is now home to a Turkish community. Sirince is renowned for its beautiful traditional houses and delicious fruit-flavored wines. You’ll have free time to explore the village and enjoy some wine tasting. The tour concludes around 4:30 pm, after which we will transport you back to your hotel in Izmir or to the Izmir airport.