Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Day Tours from Istanbul

This excursion is planned for people who will be departing from Istanbul. From Istanbul, you will be transferred via overnight bus or morning plane, depending on your preference. There is no train service that runs directly between Istanbul and Kusadasi. Your journey can conclude in Izmir or Kusadasi.

Early morning flight to Izmir or an overnight bus to Kuşadası from Istanbul, Homer’s birthplace, and departure for Ephesus, one of the twelve Ionian League cities during the classical Greek period. Additionally, Ephesus was one of the “Seven Churches of Asia” mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Ready to visit the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, Marble Street, the Odeon, the Bouleterion, the Temple of Hadrian and Serapis, the Agora, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Double Church, the Arcadian Way, and the Magnesia Gate? Well done. Our next stop will be the last residence of the Virgin Mary on Mount Solmissos, followed by lunch in Selcuk. Visit the Isabey Mosque, one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Anatolian Beylik architecture, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” If time permits, we shall visit a carpet weaving centre supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before leaving the region. These talented weavers use hand-made traditional techniques as opposed to typical carpet weaving centres that use the latest technology. Get informed about how to create traditional rugs by using traditionally-dressed peasantry in an authentic marquee to examine each stage of the process from live displays. Return to Izmir for an evening flight from Kuşadası to Istanbul or a night bus.

Tour Code: PLN016