Ephesus Ancient City & House of The Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis

Ancient City of Ephesus - The journey begins at the Ephesus Ancient City. The expansive ruins include the Varius Bath Complex, The Odeon, State Agora, The Temples of Dea Roma, Prytaneion, Domitian Square, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, The Fountain of Trajan, The Baths of Scholastica, Temple of Hadrian, Celsius Library, The Gymnasium, Great Theatre, and many more monuments. These stand amidst the enchanting atmosphere of Ephesus, captivating every visitor. Once a hub of commerce and trade in the ancient world, it later became a sacred site for early Christianity and today is a renowned and unique tourist destination, showcasing its wonders as one of the largest open-air museums globally.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The next destination is The House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. It is thought that St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus after Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, and a small house was constructed for her on Bulbul Mountain. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited The House of Virgin Mary and declared it a pilgrimage center.

The Temple of Artemis - The tour continues with a drive to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a single column remains today, the magnificent temple was built for Artemis, the goddess of fertility and hunters, known as Diana after the city came under Roman rule.

Note: The Ancient City of Ephesus is an open-air museum and involves a 1.5 km walk. Sunscreen, an umbrella, or a hat is highly recommended. It is not advised for individuals with physical disabilities.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City

Pamukkale - The tour proceeds with a drive to Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in English. Once known as Hierapolis, it is famous for its healing thermal spa center/mineral baths and stunning snow-white “petrified” waterfalls. After lunch, the tour visits Hierapolis, featuring the well-preserved Necropolis with 1200 tombs, the main street and gates, the thermal baths, the devil’s hole (plutonium cave), and the Masterpiece Theater. Pamukkale terraces are composed of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by hot spring water. The area boasts 17 hot water springs with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 100°C. The spring water travels 320 meters (1,050 ft.) to the head of the travertine terraces, depositing calcium carbonate over a 70 to 80-meter section, covering an expanse of 240 to 300 meters. Visitors can enjoy swimming or a therapeutic bath in a hotel pool’s hot spring mineral waters.

Important Note: The times provided in the itineraries are approximate and may change due to weather conditions, site crowds, traffic, and group members’ walking abilities.
Special Note: Guests should be able to walk approximately 0.5 miles over travertine without shoes. A hat and ample sunscreen are recommended. The tour itinerary order may vary to avoid congestion. Guests should be cautious to prevent injuries as the waterfalls can be slippery. Due to the nature of this tour, it is recommended for guests with walkers or wheelchairs up to the waterfalls. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as shade is limited, and bring swimwear for walking in the water at Pamukkale, known for its snow-white “petrified” waterfalls.

Priene Ancient City & Miletus Ancient City & Didyma Temple of Apollon

Priene Antik Kenti - The first stop is the Ancient City of Priene. A significant episcopate center during the Byzantine era, Priene, located north of Miletus, was designed with a geometric grid plan known as the Hippodamus plan. The city’s most notable structure is the Temple of Athena atop the hill, featuring five columns. Additionally, northeast of the city is a theater with a seating capacity of 7,000, constructed during the Hellenistic era, which is a must-see.

Miletus - The tour then proceeds to Miletus Ancient City, located north of Didim. Miletus was a coastal city with four ports and one of the most important Ionian settlements. Its golden age was during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, when philosophers in Miletus laid the foundations of Western science and culture. The theater, originally built for 5,300 people during the Hellenistic era, was later expanded by the Romans to accommodate 15,000. The Faustina bath complex is also worth visiting.

Temple of Apollo - The next stop is the Didyma Apollon Temple, a center of prophetic oracles, second only to the Apollon Temple at Delphi in antiquity. The Temple of Apollon in Didim was planned as a dipteros (having two rows of columns) but was never fully completed.

• All Entrance fees to the sights mentioned in the itinerary
• All Parking fees
• Transportation in a non-smoking vehicle with an experienced driver
• Lunch included
• Professional tour guide for the duration of the day tours

• Personel Expenses
• Hotel Accomodation

• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants.
• Vegetarian options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.