The Ruins of Ephesus with House of Virgin Mary

First, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life.

The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun and officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The site was visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979.

Then, you will drive to Ephesus, enter and view the Odeon Theatre, where state affairs and concerts were held.

Walk down the marble walkway and visit the Hadrian Temple. It was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but greatly reconstructed in the 4th century.

This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch would protect the city from its enemies.

Next proceed to the Celsus Library, the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building's front staircase says that the library was build by Julius, in his father's honor, after his death.

His father, Celsus was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD. His tomb is in the library as well.

The Great Theatre dates back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000.

This is also the place where it is believed that St.Paul preached. It is still used for performances today. The acoustic today are as excellent as they were then.

Marble Road, runs between the library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred walk way.

At the end of your tour, you will return to Izmir port to embark your ship.

Departures (Local Time)

9:00 AM (Hours: 6)

12:30 PM (Hours: 6)

1:30 PM (Hours: 6)