Best of Ancient and Christian Ephesus

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Culture, Religion
Length: 8 Hours
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English

(Kusadasi Private Tour: Option 2)

Tour Itinerary:
Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Kusadasi's port Passenger Terminal.  After a short walk and visit to the Caravanserai you depart into the countryside to the ancient city of Ephesus.

Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of the Virgin Mary.  This holy site sitting atop a tranquil mountain is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary after she fled Jerusalem. 

Next you travel on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world.  Your licensed guide will bring the past to life as you stroll streets lined with columns and paved with marble.  You will see the Odeon, where the advisory council held its meetings, the Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, and many other monuments and ruins. 

The most impressive sight is the much photographed Celsus Library towering at the end of the main street.  Equally impressive is the ancient theater which can seat 24,000 people. 

Next is a break for lunch.  We are happy to make arrangements for a typical Turkish meal, or you can choose your own option.

After lunch you'll visit the Basilica of St John.  We know that St. John the Evangelist spent the last years of his life in Ephesus and wrote his Gospel here.  Within the Basilica is his final resting place.

Next is a short stop to see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. 

On the trip back to Kusadasi you'll enjoy the scenery and can opt for a short shopping opportunity as well.  Possibilities include pottery, leather, jewelry, the famous Turkish carpet workshops or more.  If you are interested, please let your guide know.

Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and walk to Caravanserai- 10 Minutes
2- Drive to House of Mary - 30 Minutes
3- Visit House of Mary - 30 Minutes
4- Drive to Ephesus- 10 Minutes
5- Visit Ephesus - 2 Hours
6- Lunch - 1.5 Hours
7- Drive to Basilica of St. John - 15 Minutes
8- Visit the Basilica of St. John - 45 Minutes
9- Drive to Temple of Artemis - 10 minutes
10- Return to pier - 30 Minutes

What's Included:
* Private professional English speaking tour guide, fully licensed under the Tourism Ministry. The guide is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour.
* Private transportation by fully air-conditioned non-smoking new vehicles. The vehicle is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour. (Depending on the size of the group, a car, minivan or buses will be used.)
* Pick up from the hotel or port.
* Drop off to the hotel or port after the tour.
* All expenses and petrol for the vehicle.
* All necessary taxes .

Not Included:
* Lunch
* Entrance Fees
* Tips

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