Pick-Up from Izmir Port

Meet your professional, English-speaking guide as you disembark from your cruise ship at Izmir Port. After a warm welcome, board your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for a scenic drive through the Aegean countryside en route to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most iconic archaeological treasures.

Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus

Enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, once the second-largest city of the Roman Empire and a major center of early Christianity.
Stroll along marble-paved streets, once walked by St. Paul and St. John, and marvel at ancient wonders such as:

• The Library of Celsus – one of the most magnificent buildings of the ancient world.

• The Great Theatre – seating over 25,000 spectators, where St. Paul once preached.

• The Temple of Hadrian, the Odeon, and the Roman Baths.
  Your guide will share fascinating insights into daily life, trade, and faith in ancient Ephesus.

Traditional Turkish Lunch

Enjoy a complimentary Turkish lunch at a local countryside restaurant. Relish Aegean flavors such as grilled meats, fresh salads, olive oil dishes, and local specialties — a delightful pause between ancient wonders.

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary

Continue your journey to the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled on Mount Koressos. According to Christian tradition, this is believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years.
Recognized as a sacred pilgrimage site by the Vatican, this peaceful stone chapel offers a tranquil place for prayer, reflection, or lighting a candle amid the serene pine forest.

Explore the Basilica of St. John

Next, visit the Basilica of St. John, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century on the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle.
Admire the remnants of the massive basilica — marble columns, stone arches, and carved capitals — and enjoy panoramic views of Selçuk and the Temple of Artemis below.

See the Temple of Artemis

Your final stop is the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Though only a few columns remain today, your guide will bring this lost wonder to life — describing its scale, artistry, and the goddess worship that shaped ancient Ephesus.

Return to Izmir Port

Relax on your comfortable return journey to Izmir Port. Your guide ensures a timely drop-off before your cruise departure, leaving you with cherished memories of an inspiring day immersed in Turkey’s biblical past.