PBiblical highlights of Ephesus - private tour

General information

Destination	Category
Izmir, Turkey	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

With this compelling one-day tour of the area of Ephesus you can retrace the roots of Christianity and the Bible. Departing from Izmir you will see some of the most historically significant sites in the world, such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St John and the Temple of Artemis.

You will start your tour in Izmir where you will be greeted by our professional tour guide who will drive you in comfort from Izmir to Selcuk. You will begin by spending time at

With this compelling one-day tour of the area of Ephesus you can retrace the roots of Christianity and the Bible. Departing from Izmir you will see some of the most historically significant sites in the world, such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St John and the Temple of Artemis.

You will start your tour in Izmir where you will be greeted by our professional tour guide who will drive you in comfort from Izmir to Selcuk. You will begin by spending time at the House of the Virgin Mary, located on Mount Koressos (Mount Nightingale). It is here that the Virgin Mary is said to have lived during the days that followed the Resurrection of Christ. It is also an important site for Muslims because they also recognise Mary as the mother of their Prophet Jesus, and its water is believed to be holy and have healing properties. As the tour continues, you will discover the awe-inspiring Basilica of St John that was constructed by the Byzatine emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Although in ruins, you can make out how it would have looked in its former glory whilst understanding its importance in history for it is alleged to stand over the burial site of John the Apostle.

You can then take a relaxing break for lunch and re-energise whilst savouring some traditional local specialties, before setting forth to visit the Temple of Artemis. Here you will explore what remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. Built to honour Artemis, one of 3 maiden goddesses of Olympus it was constructed entirely out of marble a staggering 3 times, each one built even bigger than the one before. On this gripping tour you will be illuminated whilst witnessing magnificent excavations and experiencing the great city of Ephesus, once the trade centre and religious centre of the ancient world.



Meeting/pick-up point: Centrally located Izmir Hotels or Izmir cruise port.
Start/opening time: 9 am.
Duration: Full day.
Others: Museums are closed on Mondays so in the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar attraction will be visited. The itinerary involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear is therefore essential.

Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide