Izmir, Turkey - Mediterranean Cruises

Explore this Roman provincial capital on a walking tour, marvel at its Acropolis, view the Red Basilica and visit Asclepion.

Your scenic drive whisks you out of the city and northbound to the ancient city of Pergamum. Pergamum was first settled by the Aeolic Greeks in the eighth century BC and it came into prominence after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. Upon arrival, experience the Acropolis and the Library of Pergamum which was built by Eumenes II, and was second only in stature to the library in Alexandria.

Continue onto the Temple of Trajan, built by Hadrian and the Zeus Altar, created around 180 BC. Pass by Kizil Avlu (Red Basilica), the biggest structure in the town, a temple made of red brick dedicated to the gods of Egypt.

Proceed onto the Kardesler Restaurant where you will have a delicious buffet luncheon with local Turkish food, served with wine.

Your last visit on the tour will be to the ancient healing centre of Asclepion. The complex was built to honour the god of medicine, Asclepion.

Note: The scenic drive to Pergamum takes approximately two hours. There is approximately two hours of walking on this tour over some uneven surfaces and inclined footpaths. The order of highlights may vary.

Explore the ruins of Ephesus featuring the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre, where it is believed St Paul preached to the Ephesians.

From Izmir, travel south to Ephesus, passing the Byzantine fortress at Selcuk, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and St John’s Basilica.

At Ephesus, experience the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. In the first century AD it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached a seating capacity of 25,000 and today it still used for performances.

Proceed to the Celsus Library and Hadrian’s Temple. The Temple was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but reconstructed in the fourth century. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.

Note: There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on this tour over some uneven surfaces.

Explore the ruins of Ephesus on a walking tour; visit the Basilica of St John and the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.

From Izmir, travel south for approximately one hour to Ephesus, passing the Byzantine fortress at Selcuk and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. The drive to the House of the Virgin Mary is long and winding but offers stunning vistas of the valley to take in along the way. 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.

Enter into Ephesus through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your route takes you past the Odeon Theatre, Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian and the Great Theatre. The theatre had seating for 25,000, and was the site where it is believed St Paul preached to the Ephesians, and is used today for a local spring festival.

Built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St John the Apostle, the Basilica of St John, now in ruins, once rivalled 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.

Note: Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces; to enter the Basilica of St John and the House of the Virgin Mary involves some walking at an uphill gradient with several steps. The drive from Ephesus to the Virgin Mary Shrine takes approximately 20 minutes along a winding mountain road. The sequence of highlights may vary.

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.

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and tour the Ephesus Museum on this panoramic drive.

Your scenic drive southwards will travel through countryside dotted with vineyards, olive orchards and cotton plantations, en route to Selcuk. Your route climbs into the hills to the the House of the Virgin Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have lived for 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.

Your drive will pass the main gate of Ephesus, where, from a lookout point where you will see a large portion of Ancient Ephesus including the Odeon Theatre.

Round off your tour by visiting the fascinating Ephesus Museum which showcases an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artefacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus.

Note: There is over an hour of walking on this tour, over mostly flat ground, with some steps at the House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Museum.

Explore the city of Izmir; the third largest city in Turkey, bursting with history dating back to the third century BC.

Drive through this fascinating city with so many traces of its ancient past, to reach the centre, for a visit to the remains of Agora.

The Ancient Agora was built during Roman times in approximately 178 BC. The first floor is where a lot of trading took place and the second floor was used primarily for Government meetings. Constructed during the rule of Alexander the Great, the Agora of today is mostly in ruins.

The Izmir Archaeological Museum has three galleries, where you can discover Roman mosaics, sculptures, bronze age artefacts, pottery and jewellery. Upon leaving the museum, sit back, relax and take in a panoramic orientation drive through the city.

Note: There are some steps in the Agora but these can be avoided by remaining on the first floor.