Your guide will meet you at the arrival’s gate of the port with a sign your name is written on or at the hotel lobby, then be driven to the sites. Your opportunity to enjoy a guided half-day excursion from your cruise port to the ancient city of Ephesus which is the best preserved and most excavated classical city in Turkey.
Suggestions: Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus Ancient City, Terrace Houses, Turkeys best-preserved archaeological site, get an overview of 8,000 years of history in this legendary location aided by your expert guide.
Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next you will explore the old Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. See the magnificent Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk into the ruins of the former Roman provincial capital.
The route will take you past the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, the Great Theater and the spectacular Celsus Library, one of the best-preserved buildings among the ruins. Visit the Odeon, Bouleterion, Temple of Hadrian, Serapis and Domitian. Continue to the Great Theatre, the Double Church and Arcadian Way. Walk along Marble Street and get fantastic views, whichever way you look.
Terrace House are located on the hill, opposite of Hadrian Temple. Also called as “house of rich”. They were built according to Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at right angles. Afterwards short journey to House of Virgin Mary.
According to Christian tradition, Mary was brought to Ephesus by the apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived her final days here. This church was built on the foundation of that house and its authenticity has been confirmed by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Many visitors describe this as an uplifting or spiritual experience After your tour, your tour guide will take you back to the port or your hotel.