BEST of EPHESUS

Meet your local guide at the Port and drive to visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We then proceed to the incomparable Ancient City of Ephesus. The best preserved Greco-Roman City in the world, here you will see the Agora, Odeon, Curettes Street, Celsius Library, famous Roman Baths, the Grand Theatre  and Marble Street. After spending hours with limitless information, stories and amazing sights take a break under the shadows of fig trees to have lunch. After lunch, drive to The Basilica of St.John; it is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. The Basilica was built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St.John the Apostle (527-565 AD).  Finally, visit the House of Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. The belief that the Virgin Mary had spent her last days in the vicinity of Ephesus and that where she had lived to the end of her life.  The house was discovered in the 19th century by following the descriptions in the reported visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824), a Roman Catholic Nun and visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after her death.
Last, your guide will take you to a well-known local handicraft & weaving center to join a traditional carpet demonstration and free time to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Light refreshments will be served during your free time.