Ephesus, Meryemana and Temple of Artemis Tour
Meet your tour guide and set out to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most popular trading cities of the ancient Greek and Roman world. Probably the most famous ancient site in Turkey, Ephesus was once a busy port city and had a great influence on the ancient world. It was also an important religious centre of early Christianity and home to one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
In Ephesus, you will see the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, the Theatre, and more. (2 hours)
Stop at Meryemana (the Virgin Mary's House), a Catholic shrine located on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain in Selçuk. It was identified after a nun in Germany described the place in her visions of Mother Mary's house before she died. Since then, it has become an important pilgrimage site for Catholics. (1 hour)
Proceed to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in 550 BC on the outskirts of Ephesus. It is a sanctuary built on a sacred site. While the temple itself dates back to the 8th century BC, the holy place is even older. It was destroyed three times and rebuilt, but was eventually abandoned after Christians began to rule the area. (1 hour)
Enjoy an open buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Selçuk, featuring traditional Turkish food and vegetarian options. (1 hour)
