Be mesmerised by so many iconic sites; House of The Virgin Mary, Ephesus, St John's Basilica, and the fascinating museum of Ephesus.
Visit the House of The Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and was visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
Continue onto Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Marvel at the Odeon, the Market Basilica, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people.
St John’s Basilica was built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St John the Apostle, The Basilica, now in ruins, once rivaled St Sophia in size. Discover the remaining graceful columns and mosaics of the Basilica as you take in the panorama of the rural Selcuk countryside and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. The Museum of Ephesus boasts an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artefacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus as well as the famous statue of Artemis.
Travel to the resort town of Kusadasi where you will partake in luncheon in a five star hotel with spectacular views of the sea whilst being entertained by a colourful Folkloric Show.
Note: Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces; to enter the Basilica of St. John involves some walking at an uphill gradient and a few stairs. At the House of the Virgin Mary, there are also some stairs. The drive from Ephesus to the Virgin Mary Shrine takes approximately 20 minutes over a winding mountain road. The sequence of highlights may vary.