Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour with Lunch Included

Selçuk , Turkey

Daily Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour with Lunch Included

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About this experience

Visit the House of Virgin Mary where she might spend her last days and learn about her life
Explore the well-preserved UNESCO Heritage site of Ephesus
Step into the past and walk on the marble streets as Romans did once
View the stunning Library of Celsus which was the third largest library of the Roman times
See the Temple of Artemis once one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Available options

Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Selcuk/ Kusadasi

Starting point:<br/>İlayda Avantgarde, Türkmen, Atatürk Blv. No:42, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Entrance Fees of House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus ancient site

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Enjoy a memorable day seeing the historical sights in the ancient city of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary House on this day trip.
Be picked up from your centrally located hotel in Kusadasi or Kusadasi Cruise Port drive to Selcuk for about 30 minutes. Meet with the participants joining the tour from Selcuk and start exploring the Virgin Mary House and Ephesus around 10.00 am.

Stop 2

The first stop of the tour is the House of Virgin Mary where she might spent the last days of her life. Indeed, she may have come in the area with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Paul VI was the first pope to visit this place in the 1960's. Later, in the 1980's, during his visit Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary as a pilgrimage place for Christians.

Stop 3

Next start exploring Ephesus which was once one of the majör powers of the ancient world.Take a journey to the past walking on the marble streets, visitng the upper Agora.Then continue to the Odeon theater.Head to Domitian Square and view the gorgeous columns at the Temple of Domitian. Pass by the Fountain of Pollio.See the Hercules Gate before moving to the temple and fountain of Trajan. Marvel the Temple of Hadrian. Stroll by the Roman baths,latrines,market place and the ancient brothel house.See the stunning remains of the 3rd largest library in the Roman world at the Library of Celsus.See The Great Theater and imagine how it might be like watching a play at ancient times. . After Ephesus have a look at the one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient world at the Temple of Artemis. Return to your hotel with unforgettable memories.

Stop 4

Artemis, the Greek goddess, daoghter of Zeus & Leto and twin of Apollo was the goddess of wild animals, the hunt and child birth. She was widely worshipped in the Greek wolrd but her most famous cult site was the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The temple was destroyed on July 21 356 BC in an act of arson committed by Herostratus. According to the story that very same night, Alexander the Great was born. A noble Ephesian remarked that Artemis was too busy with Alexander's delivery to save her burning temple. Alexander later offered to pay for the Temple's rebuilding, but the Ephesians refused. Eventually, the temple was restored after Alexander's death in 323 BC. This reconstruction was itself destroyed during a raid by the Goths Then it was rebuilt but after thousands of years today not much left to see from the Artemision. Will pay a visit to imagine how magnificent the temple was once.

After all the visits lunch will be provided in a restaurant in Selcuk.

During the tour, you will have a chance to explore local handicrafts of the Turkish tradition and at the end of the day around 16:00 - 16:30 you will be dropped off to your pick up location.

What's not included

Drinks at the lunch

Gratuities

Entrance fee to Terrace Houses in Ephesus

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

4 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

321 reviews

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305

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Selçuk

Selçuk is a charming town in Turkey's Aegean Region, renowned as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural sites, Selçuk offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and authentic Turkish hospitality.

Top Attractions

Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (Entrance fee around 20 USD)

Selçuk Basilica

The Selçuk Basilica is an ancient Christian church with well-preserved mosaics and architectural details, offering insights into the region's early Christian history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

İsa Bey Mosque

İsa Bey Mosque is a 14th-century Ottoman mosque with beautiful Seljuk architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Şirince Village

Şirince is a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses, local wines, and olive oil. It's a great place to experience authentic Turkish village life and sample local produce.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, budget for food and wine tastings

Ephesus Museum

The Ephesus Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including sculptures, mosaics, and coins.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fee around 5 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Çökertme Kebap

A traditional dish made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices, cooked on a skewer over an open flame.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Karnıyarık

A stuffed eggplant dish made with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Şakşuka

A traditional dish made with green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Midye Dolma

Stuffed mussels filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices, served with a lemon wedge.

Snack Contains seafood, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding countryside Horseback riding Mountain biking Beach relaxation in Kuşadası Spa treatments in Pamukkale Wine tasting in Şirince Village Exploring ancient ruins Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Selçuk is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the ancient sites and enjoying the local cuisine.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Turkish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Selçuk is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Be wary of fake petitions or surveys, as they may be a distraction for thieves.

Getting there

By air

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport • 80 km

By train

Selçuk Railway Station

By bus

Selçuk Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Selçuk, connecting the town center to major attractions and nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: BiTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Ephesus Area Şirince Village

Day trips

Pamukkale

150 km • Full day

Pamukkale is a natural wonder known for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Selçuk.

Kuşadası

20 km • Half day

Kuşadası is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. It's a great day trip for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma

50-60 km • Full day

Priene, Miletus, and Didyma are ancient cities located near Selçuk, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. These sites are less crowded than Ephesus and offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins.

Festivals

International Selçuk Ephesus Culture and Art Festival • May International Selçuk Ephesus Jazz Festival • July Selçuk Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Try the local specialties, such as Çökertme Kebap and Şakşuka, at traditional restaurants like Dünyayla Otel Restaurant or Selçuk Pidecisi.
Explore the charming village of Şirince for a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with its stone houses, local wines, and olive oils.
Take a day trip to Pamukkale to experience the natural wonders of the travertine terraces and thermal springs.
Visit the Ephesus Museum to learn more about the ancient city and its rich history, with a collection of artifacts that includes sculptures, mosaics, and coins.