Private Full-Day Ephesus, House of Mary, St John Basilica w/LUNCH

Embark on a full-day tour from Marmaris to Ephesus and immerse yourself in the ancient Roman ruins. Explore the captivating history of this once-thriving city with expert guidance, visit iconic landmarks, and discover the House of the Virgin Mary or the Ephesus Museum. Breakfast and lunch included.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Marmaris - In the morning we will meet with you in your hotel and start to drive for Ephesus. The journey will take about 3 hours.
  • Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus, an ancient city in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, was one of the most prominent and prosperous cities of the Roman Empire. It was known for its stunning architecture, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the grand Library of Celsus. Ephesus also served as a center of trade, culture, and religion, with a renowned amphitheater that could seat 25,000 spectators. The city’s history spans thousands of years, from its Hellenistic origins to its Roman glory, and it played a significant role in early Christianity, as the House of the Virgin Mary is believed to be located nearby. Today, the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus are a popular archaeological site, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its historical significance and architectural splendor.
  • Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of Mary, also known as the Virgin Mary’s House, is a revered pilgrimage site located in the vicinity of Ephesus, Turkey. According to Christian tradition, it is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last years on Earth. This small stone house, nestled on a wooded hillside, is believed to have been discovered in the 19th century based on the visions of a German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich. It has since become a place of veneration for both Christians and Muslims, drawing visitors seeking spiritual solace. The site features a simple chapel where visitors can offer prayers and reflect on the significance of Mary’s connection to the early Christian faith. The House of Mary stands as a symbol of interfaith reverence and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most important figures in Christian history.
  • The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Located in the city of Ephesus, near present-day Selçuk, Turkey, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This magnificent temple was renowned for its immense size and grandeur, featuring 127 towering columns, each adorned with intricate artwork. It served as a center of worship and a symbol of wealth and prestige for the city. The Temple of Artemis was built and rebuilt several times, with the most famous version constructed around 550 BCE. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by arson in 356 BCE but was later rebuilt again. Today, only a few scattered ruins remain at the original site, but the temple’s historical significance and its inclusion in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World continue to captivate the imagination of people worldwide.
  • Marmaris - After tour we will head back to Marmaris and will drop you to your hotels.
  • The Basilica of Saint John - 3 km away from the ruins of Ephesus a small church was built dedicated to John in 2C AD, Later in 6C AD it was replaced by a huge basilica built by the Emperor Justinian, The impressive ruins are still standing today.
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
  • Traditional Lunch in a Local Restaurant
What's Not Included
  • Admission fee to Ephesus (Around €40 per person)
  • Drinks and Breakfast
  • Gratuities
  • House of Mary, St John Basilica
Additional Information

Spend the day following the path of old Romans on a guided tour from Marmaris to the ancient city of Ephesus. Learn about the city that was once the farthest eastern outpost of the Roman Empire, with stops for breakfast and lunch. Explore the historic marketplace, religious buildings, and monuments, taking in the splendor of the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre, where St Paul once preached. The trip includes an option to visit either the House of Virgin Mary or the Ephesus Museum, making it a great choice for history enthusiasts.

  • We serve breakfast and lunch at the road restaurants in accordance with our itinerary. All drinks, including water, are chargeable at lunch.
  • For cruise ship passengers, visiting places may be reduced depending on the ship’s return time, as requested by our guests.
Location
Marmaris
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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(2 Ratings)
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Louise_p
Oct 6, 2022
Ephesus -excellent trip - The guide Oznan from the moment he picked us was the most excellent guide His knowledge and enthusiasm for Ephesus and Turkey made this an excellent experience for us all. Ephesus did not disappoint !
Review provided by Viator
Jean_m
Jun 2, 2022
Stunning Ephesus - Magnificent scenery...the amphitheatre was amazing....the history was explained in a lively and interesting way...we learned a good deal stretching back 10, 000 years...we were given ample time to appreciate the site....stopping at Akyaka was a lovely contrast. Aytuk was a very good guide and Kami a very good driver....picked us up exactly on time.
Review provided by Viator
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