Pick-Up from Çeşme Cruise Port

Your day begins as you disembark your cruise ship at Çeşme Port, where your professional English-speaking guide will greet you with a warm welcome.
Board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a 2-hour scenic drive along the Aegean coastline and through charming Turkish villages. Your guide will share insights into the region’s rich history, culture, and modern life as you make your way toward Selçuk, the gateway to Ephesus.

House of the Virgin Mary

Your first stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, located on the tranquil slopes of Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı) near Ephesus.
This modest stone chapel, discovered in the 19th century, is revered by both Christians and Muslims as the final home of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, St. John the Apostle brought her here after the crucifixion of Jesus.

Take time to explore the peaceful grounds, light a candle, or tie a prayer ribbon at the “Wishing Wall.” The serene atmosphere and surrounding nature make this site one of the most spiritually moving places in Turkey.

Highlight: The site has been visited by several Popes, including Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI, who all confirmed its sacred significance.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Next, step back in time as you explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean world.
Your walking tour through this open-air archaeological museum will showcase some of antiquity’s most impressive structures, including:

• The Library of Celsus – an architectural masterpiece symbolizing the glory of Roman Ephesus.

• The Great Theatre – capable of holding 25,000 spectators, it’s where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians.

• The Temple of Hadrian, The Fountain of Trajan, and Curetes Street – lined with marble columns, statues, and mosaics.

• The Agora (Marketplace) and Roman Baths, revealing daily life in this bustling metropolis of the ancient world.

Your guide will bring these ruins to life with fascinating stories about the city’s golden age, its role in early Christianity, and its eventual decline.

Fun Fact: Ephesus was once a thriving port city, now located several miles inland due to centuries of river silt buildup.

Traditional Turkish Lunch

After exploring Ephesus, enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local countryside restaurant.
Feast on regional Aegean dishes made from fresh, local ingredients — grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, savory mezes, and handmade desserts — served with Turkish coffee or tea.

Optional Stop: Local Artisan Workshop

Before returning to Çeşme, make an optional visit to a local handicraft center or carpet-weaving workshop to see artisans at work.
Witness traditional weaving and embroidery techniques passed down through generations, and browse for authentic souvenirs such as handwoven rugs, ceramics, or leather goods.

Return to Çeşme Port

Relax on your return journey to Çeşme Port, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.
Your guide will ensure a timely arrival back at the cruise terminal so you can reboard your ship without rush — carrying with you the unforgettable memories of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary House.