Ephesus and Around

Today we will explore some of the most important sites of Turkey, in style. We have designed our tour to avoid the crowds and the hot weather and have the sites to ourselves (as much as we can). We will start the day with a visit to Isabey Mosque, a simple but beautiful mosque built by Selcuk Turks overlooking the Basilica of St John. Our guide will lecture us about Islam religion briefly and you will have a chance to discuss the distinctions between Christianity and Islam at this very special point where artifacts from both religions remain. We will then head up to local village of Sirince. This is a lovely town, where you will take a walk around it’s cobbled streets, and have chance to taste the local fruit wines of the region and buy local handicrafts, handmade olive oil soaps, and many many special regional food from local people of the village. On our way back to Selcuk, we will have our lunch of home cooked meal in a lovely garden. Our next stop is Artemis Temple; once one of the seven wonders of the world, now only a few colomns left. Before heading to Ancient City of Ephesus, we will take the opportunity and stop by the Ephesus Museum as it hosts many of the archeological foundations from the ancient site itself. We will visit Ephesus Ancient City in the afternoon, as a nice breeze starts at about 3 pm. Ephesus is probably the best combination of Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. With the mythological stories and spectacular ruins you will feel the life in ancient city. See the Fountains of Trojan, Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domition, Private House, the Library of Celsius, Various and Scholastic Baths, Bouloterion and the Great Theatre with capacity of 24,000 spectators. Prepare to be amazed. We will end the day at House of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have travelled together with St John and spent the last days of her life. The house was founded following the dream of a nun and is now protected by Turkish Military. You will have the chance to light a candle inside this very special church. We will also have several shopping opportunities during the day within the itinerary.