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Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary Day Trip from Istanbul

Fly to Izmir and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary on this day trip from Istanbul. Ephesus is home to some of the best-preserved ancient ruins in the Mediterranean. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. Enjoy Turkish delicacies for lunch, then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary spent the last days of her life.

Enjoy pickup from your Istanbul hotel and relax on your comfortable coach on the drive to the Istanbul airport. Here, board a flight to Izmir, where you will continue your trip toward Ephesus. Stop in Ayasuluk Hill on the way and visit the St John's Basilica, built in honor of the saint who wrote his gospel atop the hill. The saint's 4th-century tomb remains are said to be housed inside the basilica.

Continue your journey to the ancient city of Ephesus, an important center of early Christianity. According to the Book of Revelation, Ephesus was one of the seven churches addressed by Christ in a vision. When you arrive, follow your local guide and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus among other well-preserved ancient temples.

Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. As you sample Turkish delicacies, learn interesting details from Ephesus and its history from your local guide.

After lunch, continue your journey to the House of the Virgin Mary. This little cottage, said to be the place where she spent the last days of her life, has been a pilgrimage place for many centuries. Visit the house, then relax on your air-conditioned coach on the drive back to the Izmir airport, where you will take a plane back to Istanbul and finish your day trip back at your hotel.

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Round-trip flights from Istanbul to Izmir
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch
  • Local guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned coach
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
At AdventureHero, we love to trek!