Biblical Ephesus Tour from Istanbul

We will pick you up from your hotel or Istanbul Airport. You will fly from Istanbul to Izmir, which takes about 50 minutes. Our guide will welcome you at Izmir Airport, and after another 50-minute drive, your spectacular day will begin. You will first visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a beautiful mountain in a nature park between Ephesus and Selcuk. It is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. This peaceful and sacred site is important to both Christians and Muslims and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims. The House of the Virgin Mary was later visited by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II, who recognized it as an important place of pilgrimage. On November 29, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass here. After the House of the Virgin Mary, we will enjoy an extensive tour of Ancient Ephesus. You will see the Temples of Hadrian, Trajan, and Domitian, the huge Roman Baths, Harbor Street, Marble Street, the Gates of Mithridates and Mazues, the Commercial Agora, the Latrines, the Scholastica Baths, Curetes Street, the Pollio Fountain, the Memmius Monument, the Prytaneion, the Odeon, the State Agora, the Celsus Library, and the Great Theater. You will also learn about the connection between Ephesus and St. Paul, who preached in the city and worked as a tentmaker. The Great Theater is especially important because St. Paul’s preaching caused a major protest here. After lunch, you will visit the Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, a great church built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. From the hill where the basilica stands, you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Ephesus Valley. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel..