Ephesus Tour from Didim – Explore the Ancient Roman City! 🏛️

We begin this tour by visiting the ancient City of Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important historical sites. The ancient city and its surrounding areas host some truly remarkable monuments and attractions. If you are a fan of exploring ancient sites and learning about history, Ephesus is an absolute must-visit!

Ephesus is a partially excavated Roman city located in the Selçuk region of Turkey. Its cobbled streets provide a fascinating glimpse into how the Romans lived, entertained, and socialized. In July 2015, Ephesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ephesus was the commercial, religious, and social center of antiquity, and it remains one of the top highlights for visitors to Turkey. It offers a stunning blend of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. During your visit, you will explore the Fountains of Trajan, Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Library of Celsus, Bouleuterion, and the Great Theatre, which has a capacity of 25,000 spectators.

The House of the Virgin Mary is located atop "Bulbul" Mountain, about 9 km from Ephesus. This shrine, nestled among lush greenery, is believed to be the place where Mary may have spent her last days. According to tradition, she may have arrived in the area with Saint John, who spent several years spreading Christianity. Mary preferred this remote location over living in a crowded town.

The House of the Virgin Mary is a typical Roman architectural structure made entirely of stone. In the 4th century AD, a church was built here, combining her house and grave. The original two-story house consisted of an anteroom (where candles are now lit), a bedroom and prayer room (now a Christian church area), and a chapel (used by Muslims). In the 1940s, the house was restored. Today, only the central part and a room beside the altar are open to visitors. From here, it is clear that the building resembles a church more than a house. A noteworthy feature is the "Water of Mary," a spring with curative properties located near the exit of the church area, where visitors can drink the salty water.

Pope Paul VI was the first pope to visit this site in the 1960s. Later, in the 1980s, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of the Virgin Mary a pilgrimage site for Christians. The shrine is also visited by Muslims, who recognize Mary as the mother of one of their prophets. Every year, on August 15th, a ceremony is held to commemorate Mary's Assumption.

HIGHLIGHTS: 🌟

• Full-Day Guided tour to the ruins of Ephesus and St. Mary's House from Didim
• Visit the final resting place of the Virgin Mary
• Explore the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
• Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine 🍴
• Transport by air-conditioned coach 🚍

TOUR PROGRAM 📅

• Departure from Didim
• Arrival in Ephesus approximately 80 minutes later
• Visiting the ancient city of Ephesus
• Visiting Artemis Temple
• Lunch (open buffet) 🍽️
• Visiting the House of Virgin Mary
• Departure
• Return to Didim

PRICE 💰:

• Minimum: 2 people
• £174/€205 per person
• Child (0-6 years): ½ price 👶

INCLUDED IN PRICE ✅:

• Air-conditioned coach
• Professional guiding
• Entrance fee for the ruins of Ephesus and the House of Mary
• Lunch
• Insurance
• Transfer from/to hotel/accommodation 🏨

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE ❌:

• Drinks, snacks 🥤
• Personal expenses 💸
• Tips for the driver/guide 🙏

WHAT TO BRING 🎒:

• Comfortable shoes and clothes 👟👚
• Camera, hat, sunglasses 📸🕶️
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications 💊
• Some money or a credit card 💳

Minimum of 2 people required for this tour.