Your tour begins with an early morning pick-up from your central Izmir hotel by air-conditioned coach. As you drive south to Ephesus, listen as your guide fills you in on the history of the ancient city, which was once the Roman capital of Asia Minor and at its peak between 1 AD and 2 AD.
On arrival, follow your guide and small-group of no more than 15 people around the UNESCO-listed ruins, pausing to admire archeological wonders such as the Temple Of Hadrian, the magnificent Celsus Library, and the Great Theatre, which seats up to 24,000 people. Learn more about life in ancient Roman times as you peek into the Public Latrines and Roman Baths, stroll around the Agora, and walk down the grand marble-paved Arcadian Way.
Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, perched atop the Bulbul Mountain, where Mary is alleged to have spent the final years of her life. Head inside to see the shrine of the Virgin Mary, and perhaps drink from the spring, said to possess healing qualities.
Pause for lunch (included) at a local restaurant and tuck into some delicious Turkish cuisine, before continuing to nearby Selçuk to admire the Isabey Mosque, an exquisite example of Seljukian architecture. There’s just time for one more stop before the return journey – to the site of the Temple of Artemis, which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
After a full day uncovering Turkey’s ancient past, return to Izmir, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.
