Mediterranean

Izmir, Turkey

Follow Izmir’s broad promenade by horsedrawn carriage or ascend the 19th-century elevator, after which the Asansor district is named, for a truly extraordinary perspective. Most visitors venture to the astonishingly preserved ruins of Ephesus, whose Library of Celsus and vast semi-circular theatre so memorably reveal its ancient Greek and Roman heritage.

Highlights

ASANSOR
Travel to the top of the asansor elevator and marvel at the breathtaking views over the city.

HAMMAMS
Experience a traditional Turkish Bath starting with the the 'warm room' then the 'hot room', a full body wash and massage. Unwind in the 'cooling room'

EPHESUS
The Magnesia Gate entrance leads to a downhill, marble-paved road into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital and continues past the Odeum, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. The theater had seating for 25,000, and is the site where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians.

HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
The Vatican has recognised this small house in the Solmissos Mountains as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found when the ruins of the house were first discovered.

EPHESUS MUSEUM
This small museum in Selcuk boasts an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artifacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus.