'Efes, Selçuk and the House of Virgin Mary Tour + Lunch'
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Tour details
Discover one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world, where you will feel the spirit of the Aegean deeply in this tour filled with history, faith, and flavor. The "Ephesus, Selçuk & House of Virgin Mary Tour" invites you on not just a trip but a journey through thousands of years of history. You will be picked up from your hotel in our comfortable vehicles, and throughout the day, your professional Turkish guide will accompany you every step of the way.
Our first stop will be Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. As you walk on its marble streets, you will visualize the wealth, trade life, and daily life of the Roman Empire before your eyes. While wandering among the mesmerizing Celsus Library, the magnificent Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora, and ancient baths, you will hear the stories behind each structure and discover how civilizations have risen and fallen. If you wish, you can visit the Terrace Houses as an extra to see the mosaic-adorned homes of wealthy families from that era.
After leaving the enchantment of the ancient world, we will turn our route to the House of Virgin Mary, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world. This modest stone house, where it is believed that Mary spent her last years after the death of Jesus, accompanied by Saint John, is considered a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims today. Here, you can leave a note on the wish wall, drink water from the sacred well, and experience a moment of spiritual tranquility amidst the serene nature.
At noon, we take a pleasant break for lunch featuring local dishes. You will enjoy the flavors of Aegean cuisine with olive oil dishes, grilled items, salads, and homemade desserts, and you will have the opportunity to relax after a tiring day. If you have vegetarian or special dietary requests, it can be arranged accordingly by informing your guide.
Continuing with the day, we will have a brief city introduction in the history-laden streets of Selçuk. From the outside, you can see the Basilica of St. John and Ayasuluk Hill, and those who wish can participate in a short introduction at the Ceramics & Carpet workshops to witness how traditional handicrafts are produced up close. At the end of this action-packed day, you will be safely and comfortably returned to your hotel in our vehicle, concluding your tour with satisfaction and enjoyment. This tour is ideal for those visiting the Ephesus region for the first time, as well as for those who have been here before, offering memorable details in its rich content.
What's included
Pick-up from the hotel or port and round-trip transportation with comfortable vehicles
Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus accompanied by a professional Turkish/English guide
Visit to the House of Virgin Mary with free time for prayer/worship
Tour of the city center of Selçuk: İsabey Mosque, remains of the Temple of Artemis, and surroundings
Inclusion of entrance tickets to the site and museum fees in the tour package
Lunch with a buffet or set menu from traditional Turkish cuisine
Free time for shopping and visiting local handicraft workshops
Air-conditioned, non-smoking, comfortable tourist vehicles and mandatory travel insurance
Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus accompanied by a professional Turkish/English guide
Visit to the House of Virgin Mary with free time for prayer/worship
Tour of the city center of Selçuk: İsabey Mosque, remains of the Temple of Artemis, and surroundings
Inclusion of entrance tickets to the site and museum fees in the tour package
Lunch with a buffet or set menu from traditional Turkish cuisine
Free time for shopping and visiting local handicraft workshops
Air-conditioned, non-smoking, comfortable tourist vehicles and mandatory travel insurance
Not included
'Flight tickets and intercity transportation
Hotel accommodation fees
Personal expenses and extra activities
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites (if not specified separately in the tour program)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages taken during meals
Travel health insurance and tips'
Hotel accommodation fees
Personal expenses and extra activities
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites (if not specified separately in the tour program)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages taken during meals
Travel health insurance and tips'
Need to Know
This tour includes visits to the Ancient City of Ephesus, Selçuk city center, and the House of Virgin Mary, typically lasting a full day (approximately 7–9 hours): During this tour, you will first explore the temples, theater, and library of the Ancient City of Ephesus, then see historical and cultural points in the Selçuk city center, and finally visit the House of Virgin Mary. The program is intensive, so the tour generally starts in the morning and lasts until the afternoon, providing a fully loaded day experience of 7–9 hours.
Lunch is included in the price; however, personal expenses, drinks, and extra entrance fees are generally excluded: The tour fee usually covers a standard lunch served at a specified restaurant, so you don't need to make extra meal plans. However, drinks, personal purchases, souvenirs, and special museum/archaeological site entrance fees not included in the program generally require additional payment.
Comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing that cover shoulders and knees are recommended; modest dress is expected at the House of Virgin Mary and some sacred places: Since there will be long walks and standing in the Ancient City of Ephesus and Selçuk, it is important to choose non-slip, closed, and comfortable shoes that won’t tire your feet. In sacred areas like the House of Virgin Mary, it is required to cover shoulders and knees, and not to wear very tight or conspicuous clothing as a sign of respect and in accordance with entry rules.
The tour is usually conducted with a guide, and it is essential to arrive at meeting points on time; public transportation or pick-up services from hotels/ports may vary based on the program: A professional tour guide enriches your experience by explaining the history and importance of the places visited and organizes the flow of the group. Since the tour program includes scheduled meeting times and points at intervals, arriving on time is important for not disrupting the group and not missing any stops; also, in some tours, there may be hotel or port pick-up and drop-off services provided, while in others you may need to go to a designated meeting point on your own.
Since the weather can be quite hot in the summer months, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water; be prepared for rain in the winter and autumn: Particularly during summer, Ephesus and its surroundings are sunny and hot, so it is essential for your comfort and health to protect yourself from the sun by carrying a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and a sufficient amount of water. In autumn and winter, it is recommended to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, wind, and rain by bringing waterproof jackets, an umbrella, or a raincoat.
Lunch is included in the price; however, personal expenses, drinks, and extra entrance fees are generally excluded: The tour fee usually covers a standard lunch served at a specified restaurant, so you don't need to make extra meal plans. However, drinks, personal purchases, souvenirs, and special museum/archaeological site entrance fees not included in the program generally require additional payment.
Comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing that cover shoulders and knees are recommended; modest dress is expected at the House of Virgin Mary and some sacred places: Since there will be long walks and standing in the Ancient City of Ephesus and Selçuk, it is important to choose non-slip, closed, and comfortable shoes that won’t tire your feet. In sacred areas like the House of Virgin Mary, it is required to cover shoulders and knees, and not to wear very tight or conspicuous clothing as a sign of respect and in accordance with entry rules.
The tour is usually conducted with a guide, and it is essential to arrive at meeting points on time; public transportation or pick-up services from hotels/ports may vary based on the program: A professional tour guide enriches your experience by explaining the history and importance of the places visited and organizes the flow of the group. Since the tour program includes scheduled meeting times and points at intervals, arriving on time is important for not disrupting the group and not missing any stops; also, in some tours, there may be hotel or port pick-up and drop-off services provided, while in others you may need to go to a designated meeting point on your own.
Since the weather can be quite hot in the summer months, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water; be prepared for rain in the winter and autumn: Particularly during summer, Ephesus and its surroundings are sunny and hot, so it is essential for your comfort and health to protect yourself from the sun by carrying a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and a sufficient amount of water. In autumn and winter, it is recommended to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, wind, and rain by bringing waterproof jackets, an umbrella, or a raincoat.
What to Bring?
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun cream and hat
Camera or fully charged phone
Light jacket or shawl
Sufficient amount of water and snacks
Small backpack
Personal medications and identification documents
Sun cream and hat
Camera or fully charged phone
Light jacket or shawl
Sufficient amount of water and snacks
Small backpack
Personal medications and identification documents