Ephesus in a Day from Istanbul

Información

A unique opportunity to visit one of Turkey’s most important and popular historical sites, the impressive Roman-Hellenic remains of Ephesus, once the commercial centre of the ancient world. The day begins with a transfer to the airport in Istanbul to take a 50 minute flight to Izmir and then a coach journey to Ephesus which is 60 km away.

A visit to Ephesus is a highlight of any visit to Turkey; the city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural programme, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Today, it is one of the best-preserved antique cities. The great theatre with a capacity of 24,000 people and the Celsius Library are just some of the features that draw people here along with Hadrian’s Temple and many other well preserved and restored ruins. It is recorded that St John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus and that she spent her last days in a small house on Mt Koressos nearby. This is now a popular place of pilgrimage and has received official sanctification from the Vatican. The tour includes a visit to this place, known as Meryemana or the House of the Virgin Mary.

The tour will also visit Ephesus Museum in the nearby town of Selcuk, the Seven Sleepers cave which has a number of legends attributed to it and Isa Bey Mosque; constructed in the 14th century, this impressive mosque which was planned on the Great Mosque of Damascus, is situated on the outskirts of Selcuk.

Meeting/pick-up point: Pick up at the hotel.
Start/opening time: At 7am.
End/closing time: At 11:55pm.