Izmir: Ephesus and The House of The Virgin Mary Tour

Uncovering the ancient wonders of Izmir, the "Ephesus and The House of The Virgin Mary Tour" offers a captivating journey through history. Priced at €380 for up to 12 participants, this 7-hour wheelchair-accessible experience explores the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and the revered House of the Virgin Mary. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a profound cultural experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

Key Points

This 7-hour tour takes visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located near Izmir, Turkey.
The tour is priced at €380.00 per group and can accommodate up to 12 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights of the tour include a guided tour of the House of the Virgin Mary, a 2.5-hour exploration of the Ephesus ruins, and an optional photo stop at the Temple of Artemis.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes pickup and drop-off from Izmir Cruise Ship Port, Izmir Hotels, and Izmir Airport, as well as an English-speaking guide.
Based on 2 reviews, the tour has an overall 5-out-of-5 rating, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and the well-preserved Ephesus ruins.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Izmir: Ephesus and The House of The Virgin Mary Tour," is priced from €380.00 per group, accommodating up to 12 participants.

It lasts 7 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup is included from Izmir Cruise Ship Port, Izmir Hotels, and Izmir Airport. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

Highlights include a guided tour of the House of Virgin Mary and 2.5 hours exploring the Ephesus ruins. An optional lunch stop and visit to the Temple of Artemis are also offered.

Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned deluxe van.

Looking for more options in Izmir? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

Pickup from selected locations, including Şirince, Selçuk, and İzmir, kicks off the tour.

The 70-minute drive to Ephesus follows. Visitors then explore the House of Virgin Mary with a guided tour lasting 50 minutes.

Next, they spend 2.5 hours uncovering the ruins of Ephesus on a guided tour. An optional 70-minute lunch stop in Selçuk is available for an extra fee.

An optional 30-minute photo stop at the Temple of Artemis concludes the itinerary.

Finally, drop-off locations include İzmir, Şirince, and Selçuk.

Historical Significance

Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor, reaching a peak population of over 250,000 between 1 AD and 2 AD. Excavations over the past 150 years have revealed the most complete Greco-Roman classical city. The site’s highlights include the Library of Celsius and the Grand Theatre, where Saint Paul is said to have preached.

| Ephesus | Greco-Roman City | Roman Capital |

| — | — | — |

| Peak Population | 250,000 | 1 AD – 2 AD |

| Excavation Duration | 150 Years | Ongoing |

| Key Highlights | Library of Celsius, Grand Theatre | Saint Paul Preached |

The House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary lived her final days, was brought to the site by Apostle John, adding to the historical significance of the region.

Attractions and Insights

Although one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis provides merely a photo stop on the tour.

The scenic drive to and from Ephesus offers picturesque views of the countryside. The historical context of the tensions between Romans and Christians over the centuries adds depth to the experience.

Insights into the excavations, which have revealed the most complete Greco-Roman classical city over 150 years, provide fascinating context.

The tour highlights include:

Library of Celsius
Grand Theatre (where Saint Paul preached)
House of Virgin Mary (her final resting place)
Ephesus (former Roman capital of Asia Minor)

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Recommendations

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off at the specified locations, along with an English-speaking guide to lead the experience.

Pickup and drop-off at specified locations, with an English-speaking guide to lead the experience.

Entrance fees for Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary are covered, and transportation is provided by an air-conditioned deluxe van. Parking fees and VAT are also included.

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen, as well as dress appropriately for the House of Virgin Mary visit, covering shoulders and knees.

Gratuities, beverages, and personal expenditures are excluded from the package price.

There's plenty more to explore in Izmir

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Ephesus and The House of The Virgin Mary Tour, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s many strengths:

Friendly and knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary
Convenient pickup and drop-off locations, making the long distances from Izmir more manageable
An amazing experience exploring the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus
The tour’s quality, which aligns with the high expectations set by the historical significance of the sites visited.

Discovering Ephesus

As one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region, Ephesus captivates visitors with its well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor.

Guided tours lead guests through the expansive site, highlighting key landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theatre where Saint Paul once preached.

Guided tours lead guests through the expansive site, highlighting key landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theatre where Saint Paul once preached.

Strolling along the Marble Street, they’ll marvel at the scale and sophistication of this once-thriving metropolis.

With its captivating history and well-preserved structures, Ephesus provides an immersive experience into the past that leaves a lasting impression.

Visiting the House of the Virgin Mary

Alongside the captivating ruins of Ephesus, visitors can explore the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, a site of deep spiritual significance.

This serene and historical location is believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, brought here by the Apostle John after the crucifixion of Jesus.

The tour includes:

A guided visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a small domed chapel
Insights into the religious and historical importance of the site
Opportunities for quiet reflection and personal prayer
Respect for the site’s religious nature, with dress code requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the House of Virgin Mary Without Going to Ephesus?

Yes, visitors can tour the House of the Virgin Mary without visiting the Ephesus ruins. The House of the Virgin Mary is a separate attraction that can be visited independently, though many tours combine it with a visit to Ephesus.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children. The tour covers two historic sites – Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary – and provides a pickup/drop-off service. The 7-hour duration and options like lunch stops make it family-friendly.

How Long Is the Drive From Izmir to Ephesus?

The drive from Izmir to Ephesus takes approximately 70 minutes by van, according to the tour’s itinerary details. The transportation to the historical site is included in the tour price and is provided by the tour operator.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can’t customize the tour itinerary, as it’s a pre-set package. However, they can choose whether to include the optional lunch stop and Temple of Artemis visit. The tour covers the key highlights of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility and allows travelers to change their plans without penalty.

The Sum Up

The Izmir: Ephesus and The House of The Virgin Mary Tour provides a captivating exploration of historical and cultural treasures. Priced at €380 for up to 12 participants, the 7-hour tour offers convenient transportation, guided discovery of Ephesus’ remarkable ruins, and a visit to the believed final residence of the Virgin Mary. This wheelchair-accessible experience promises an immersive journey through ancient civilizations and profound spiritual insights.