From Izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Tours

Discover the rich history and spiritual significance of Turkey’s most renowned archaeological and religious sites with the ‘From Izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Tours’. This personalized full-day excursion takes travelers through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the iconic Celsus Library and the Temple of Artemis, before visiting the revered House of the Virgin Mary nestled in the Bülbül Dağı mountains. Accompanied by a private, licensed tour guide, guests will enjoy a delightful buffet lunch and explore local handicrafts, all while seeing the captivating blend of Turkey’s past and present. What awaits beyond this enchanting journey is a deeper understanding of the region’s enduring legacy.

Quick Points

• Explore the well-preserved ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the iconic Celsus Library and grand Theater.
• Visit the revered House of the Virgin Mary, a significant religious site with a chapel and scenic mountain views.
• Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring local Turkish cuisine at the Handicraft Production Center.
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a private licensed guide for personalized and insightful experiences.
• Flexible itinerary allows ample time for exploration and additional stops, catering to a variety of interests.

Tour Highlights

The tour of Ephesus takes visitors on a captivating journey through the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Greek city.

Departing from Izmir Port, the tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered religious site.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and a delicious buffet lunch at a Turkish Handicraft Production Center.

The flexible itinerary allows ample time to explore each site and make any desired stops.

With a private, licensed guide leading the way, the tour promises a personalized and insightful experience, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Included Services

This tour includes a variety of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.

The package includes:

• A private local licensed guide who’ll accompany the group throughout the tour, providing expert commentary and insights.
• Air-conditioned minivan transport for comfortable and convenient travel between sites.
• A delicious buffet lunch with drinks at the Turkish Handicraft Production Center.
• Entrance fees for the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, ensuring access to these renowned historical landmarks.
• Gratuities for the driver and tour guide, so visitors can relax and focus on the experience.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is Umurbey, Alsancak Limanı, in Izmir, Turkey.

Pickup is available only from the Izmir cruise port. The tour group is limited to 10 people for a personalized experience. This ensures guests receive attentive care from the local licensed guide throughout the day.

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation, and re-boarding times to ensure a guaranteed on-time return to the cruise ship.

The accessible tour accommodates wheelchairs and infant seats, making it suitable for guests of varying mobility levels.

Accessibility and Requirements

To participate in the Izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Tours, a moderate physical fitness level is required.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infant seats are available. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Vegetarian meal options can be requested at the time of booking.

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation, and re-boarding times to ensure a guaranteed on-time return to the cruise ship.

• Moderate physical fitness level required
• Wheelchair accessible; infant seats available
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Vegetarian option available upon request
• Cruise ship passengers must provide ship details

Reviews and Ratings

With a perfect rating of 5.0 from a total of 3 reviews, the Izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Tours have earned high praise from past participants.

The positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable and accommodating tour guides, who provide a beautifully insightful experience. Guests describe the tour as both educational and visually stunning, with minimal crowds noted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tour’s flexible itinerary and personalized group size of up to 10 people contribute to the overall satisfaction. Cruise ship passengers appreciate the guaranteed on-time return, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the day.

Exploring Ephesus

Ancient Ephesus, once a thriving Greek city, beckons visitors with its well-preserved ruins and rich historical significance.

Exploring this archaeological wonder, travelers can:

• Wander through the remarkably intact Celsus Library, admiring its ornate facade.
• Marvel at the grand Theater, where crowds once gathered for performances and political events.
• Discover the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Stroll along the Marble Road, imagining the bustling commercial activity that once filled the streets.
• Gain insights into daily life through the excavated terrace houses, showcasing advanced urban planning and domestic architecture.

This captivating journey through Ephesus offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient world and the opportunity to take in the past.

Visiting Virgin Mary House

The House of the Virgin Mary is a revered site nestled in the Bülbüldağı mountain range, a short drive from the ruins of Ephesus.

This modest stone structure is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her last days. Visitors can explore the chapel, sacred fountain, and tranquil grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The site is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Virgin Mary.

With its serene atmosphere and historical significance, the House of the Virgin Mary provides a meaningful complement to the exploration of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Enjoy Lunch and Shopping

Indulging in a delectable Turkish lunch at the Handicraft Production Center is a highlight of the tour. The buffet-style spread features a tempting array of local specialties, including:

• Freshly-grilled kebabs seasoned to perfection
• An array of vibrant salads and side dishes
• Hearty lentil soup to warm the soul
• Fluffy pides (Turkish flatbread) straight from the oven
• A selection of sweet baklava pastries for dessert

Accompanied by refreshing drinks, this authentic culinary experience provides a welcomed break and chance to take in Turkish culture.

Afterwards, guests can browse the on-site handicraft shops, observing skilled artisans at work and browsing an array of handmade textiles, pottery, and other traditional wares.

Since You Asked

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour group is limited to 10 people, providing a personalized experience. This allows for more flexibility and attention from the guide at each site visited during the Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tour.

Can I Join the Tour if My Cruise Ship Is Not Docking in Izmir?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer pickups from cruise ships other than those docking in Izmir. Passengers must provide their ship’s name, docking time, disembarkation, and re-boarding times to participate in this tour.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond What Is Included?

According to the tour overview, the included services cover all costs, such as transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and tips. There don’t appear to be any additional fees beyond what’s listed in the included services.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. The flexible itinerary allows for time adjustments at each site and additional stops as desired, providing a personalized experience for the tour group.

How Long Is the Total Duration of the Tour?

The total duration of the tour is not explicitly stated, but the flexible itinerary allows visitors to spend time at each site as desired. The tour includes visits to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.

The Final Verdict

The From Izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Tours offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s rich history and spirituality. Visitors can enjoy the ancient ruins of Ephesus, visit the revered House of the Virgin Mary, and enjoy a delightful lunch and local handicraft shopping, all while benefiting from comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guidance from a private, licensed tour guide.