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House of Virgin Mary

House of Virgin Mary: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour

1. From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour

Start with a pickup from your hotel in Izmir. Then, the discovery of Ephesus begins with the House of the Virgin Mary and a 10-minute drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Explore the city by walking on the marble streets, accompanied by a guide.  See the Odeon, State Agora, the Pretension, the Memmius Monument, the Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, and the Latrines. Choose to take an optional visit to the terrace houses for an additional cost.  After the terrace houses, carry on with your exploration with the Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadian (harbor road). Enjoy a nice lunch served in a quaint local restaurant. Visit the Temple of Artemisa and take pictures of the church of St. John and the Mosque of İsa Bey. Enjoy free time in the old village of Sirince to discover the traditional houses, the fruit-flavored wine production, and enjoy some wine tasting.  End the day with a transfer back to Izmir airport or to your hotel in Izmir.

From Izmir, Kusadasi, & Selcuk: Day Trip to Explore Ephesus

2. From Izmir, Kusadasi, & Selcuk: Day Trip to Explore Ephesus

Enjoy a memorable day seeing the historic sights in the ancient city of Ephesus on this day trip. Select from options to leave from your hotel in Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. Stop at highlights like Hercules Gate, the Temple of Hadrian, and Domitian Square. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation. Sit back and relax on the drive to Ephesus. Follow your local guide to the House of Virgin Mary, where the religious figure is thought to have spent her last days. Head to upper Agora which was the seat of political power in the past. Continue to the 2nd century A.D. Odeon theater. Head to Domitian Square and view the engravings on the old columns at the Temple of Domitian. Pass by the Fountain of Pollio. Admire the relief of Hercules at Hercules Gate before going to the temple and fountain of Emperor Trajan.  Marvel at the elaborately carved arch at the Temple of Hadrian. Stroll by the Roman baths, public latrine, marketplace, and brothel. See the stunning remains of the third-largest library in the Roman world at the Library of Celsus. Go to The Great Theater, a massive Hellenistic structure. Gaze upon one of the wonders of the ancient world at the Temple of Artemis. Return to your accommodation. During the tour, you'll have the chance to have a look at the traditional Turkish handcrafts.

Istanbul: 8-Day Cappadocia, Ephesus, Konya, Pamukkale Tour

3. Istanbul: 8-Day Cappadocia, Ephesus, Konya, Pamukkale Tour

Discover the highlights of Turkey on a guided 8-day sightseeing tour. See the best of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Konya. Visit the famous sites of Ephesus, Pammukale, and the Devrent Valley. Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or SAW airport where the tour representative will meet you with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay in Istanbul. Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Tour with Breakfast After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping and spend the night in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays so the Spice Market will be visited instead. Day 3: Istanbul – Izmir – Ephesus Tour – Kusadasi with Breakfast and Dinner Start day 3 with early morning pickup from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul IST or SAW airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrive at Izmir Airport and be met by your tour guide. Drive to Ephesus and see the Artemis Temple before continuing to Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor). After Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. This house is located in the Aladag Mountains 5 miles from Ephesus. Then drive to Kusadasi to stay overnight. Day 4: Kusadasi – Pamukkale Tour with Breakfast and Dinner Drive to Pamukkale to visit the Travertines, white terraces, and Hierapolis ancient city. Stay overnight in a Thermal Hotel. Day 5: Pamukkale – Cappadocia Cave Hotel with Breakfast Drive to Cappadocia which will be approximately 8 hours of driving. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the worldwide famous mystic, and Sultanhani Caravanserai, a roadside inn where travelers could rest Overnight in Cappadocia in a cave hotel. Day 6: Cappadocia Tour Cave Hotel with Breakfast See the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup. Then, visit Kaymakli Underground City. Visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum Continue to Uchisar Rock Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Spend the night in a traditional Cappadocia cave hotel. This day includes an optional hot air ballooning experience during sunrise. Day 7: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour - Istanbul with Breakfast In the morning, admire the lunar landscape of the Devrent Valley. Stop at Avanos, the center of terra cotta works of art since 3000 BC, and enjoy a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul and then head to your hotel for an overnight stay. Day 8: Home with Breakfast After breakfast check out from the hotel and relax with a private transfer to the airport. Depends upon flights/hotel availabilities, reverse (Istanbul-Capp.-Pamukkale-Ephesus-Izmir-Istanbul) can be organized.

From Bodrum: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Guided Day Tour

4. From Bodrum: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Guided Day Tour

On this guided, full-day tour from Bodrum, let yourself travel back thousands of years as you journey to the once-thriving metropolis, Ephesus. This ancient city is regarded as one of the best-preserved sites in the Mediterranean. Between archaeological wonders, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Begin your tour with an early pickup from your accommodation in Bodrum. Settle in your air-conditioned vehicle and relax as you travel into Turkey's picturesque countryside. Along the way, learn from your guide about the history of Ephesus and the archaeological conservation of the UNESCO site. Next, enjoy a short stop for breakfast before arriving in Ephesus. Once you've admired the ancient city from the outside, enter for a walking tour of the marble-paved streets. Peer into crumbled shops and houses that once supported one of the largest Roman cities and sea ports. Continue your tour of the ruins of Ephesus with views of the stunning façade of the Library of Celsus. Afterwards, meander towards the Temple of Hadrian, the bathhouses, and the Great Theater, where St. Paul once preached and gladiatorial games were held for audiences up to 25,000 spectators. Break for lunch at a local restaurant, then make your way to the House of the Virgin Mary, known as Meryemana. The small chapel stands today on the foundations of the house thought to be Mary's last home. After exploring the site, return to Bodrum to conclude your tour.

From Istanbul: Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Trip with Flights

5. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Trip with Flights

Visit the ruins of Ephesus and the pools of Pamukkale on this 2-day tour from Istanbul. Fly from Istanbul and stay overnight in Kusadasi as you travel to Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Day 1 Begin your travels with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul. Your driver will take you to the airport so you can board your 1.5-hour flight to Izmir. At your arrival, you wıll be greeted by your driver and safely taken to Selcuk to meet with your group participants and start your full-day tour. During the course of your day break for lunch. Head to the House of Virgin Mary, a church built on the top of the foundations of a structure thought to be the house where the Assumption happened and Mary spent her last days. Continue on to Ephesus, an archeological treasure and well-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. See one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis, and walk along ancient streets before you concluding your day with a drive to your hotel for a 1-night stay. Day 2 Enjoy your hotel breakfast and check out in the morning to start your full-day tour. Go to Pamukkale, also know as the Pools of Heaven on Earth. See why Pamukkale was a popular settlement and be mesmerized by its hot springs. Head to the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to the biggest necropolis in Anatolia, and see the Sacred Pool, a stunning site of thermal waters rippling over scattered ancient ruins. After your day tour, you will be driven to Cardak Airport for your return flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival ın Istanbul you will be greeted by your driver and transferred safely back to your hotel.

From Istanbul: Day Trip to Ephesus with Flight and Lunch

6. From Istanbul: Day Trip to Ephesus with Flight and Lunch

See the highlights of Ancient Ephesus including the popular pilgrimage sites such as the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary. Get picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and arrive at the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Izmir. Meet your local driver and enjoy the ride to Selcuk, where you will join other group participants and begin your tour. Start off with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a popular Catholic pilgrimage site known as the house where Mary spent her final days. Contınue on to explore Ancient Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and once considered the most important trading center in the region. Marvel at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk along the streets of Ephesus and admire beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world and the largest Roman theater on the Asian continent. Drive back to Izmir for your return flight to Istanbul where your driver will greet you and take you back to your hotel.

From Kusadasi: Full Day Private or Small Group Ephesus Tour

7. From Kusadasi: Full Day Private or Small Group Ephesus Tour

The Best of Ephesus Tour is a comprehensive, full-day excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, located in Turkey. The tour offers an opportunity to explore and discover the rich history and culture of one of the most well-preserved classical cities in the world. During the tour, you will visit several important sites including the Library of Celsius, Hadrian's Temple, the Fountains of Trajan, the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Terrace Houses, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John. You will be guided by a professional and knowledgeable tour guide who will provide detailed explanations and historical context for each site. The tour offers a unique and immersive experience that brings the history and culture of Ephesus to life, making it an unforgettable and enriching adventure for anyone interested in ancient civilizations, history, and archaeology.

From Kusadasi or Izmir: Ephesus Private Tour

8. From Kusadasi or Izmir: Ephesus Private Tour

Explore the stunning ruins of Ephesus on this full-day sightseeing tour from Izmir or Kusadasi, also available as a half-day option from Kusadasi for those short of time. As it is a private tour you can start at any time you like. You will also visit the small House of the Virgin Mary, where it is thought she spent her final days after St. John brought her to Ephesus following the death of Jesus. Located on Mount Bulbuldagi (Koressos), it’s a popular pilgrim site for Christians and Muslims and boasts a captivating, spiritual atmosphere. Once inside the grounds of Ephesus, wander among the ruins with your guide to see sites such as the Odeon Theatre, which could seat up to 1,400 spectators in its day. Admire the beautiful Roman statues and decorations carved into marble slabs at the Pollio Fountain. Other highlights include the Celcius Library, completed by the Romans in 117AD. The building has the most awe-inspiring façade, with columns, statues, and intact windows. Finally, explore the Greek Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and go to the Basilica of St John (Kusadasi departures only), constructed by Justinian I over the burial site of the Apostle John.

From Istanbul: Ephesus & Şirince Day Trip w/ Wine Tasting

9. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Şirince Day Trip w/ Wine Tasting

Spend the day exploring the most memorable places in Ephesus and Şirince on this guided full-day tour from Istanbul, lunch included. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, see the Temple of Artemis, and taste local wine at a vineyard. Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from Istanbul. Start your trip by getting picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the Istanbul Airport for your flight from Istanbul to Izmir. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, meet your driver to head to Ephesus to start the tour. First, stop at the House of Virgin Mary, the place where Mary may have spent her last days. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage. The visit to the House of Virgin Mary takes about 45 minutes. After, take a 5-minute drive to Ephesus to continue the tour. Ephesus is an exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. The city is an important site for Christianity as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Walk along the city’s marble streets accompanied by a tour guide. See the Ephesus Odeon, Ephesus Prytaneion, State Agora, Memmius Monument, Temple of Domitian, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Temple of Hadrian, and Ephesus Latrines. Next, optionally visit The Private House (so-called “Terrace Houses” brothel). Afterward, carry on to the Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, the great theater, and Arcadian Street (Harbor Road). Later, head to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Get a chance to take memorable photos of the Church of St. John and İsa Bey Mosque. Before the end of the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, head to Şirince, an old village of Rûm (Byzantine Greeks) situated on the hills of Selçuk, 7 km from Ephesus. The village is popular for beautiful traditional houses and fruit-flavored wine production. Complete your experience with free time for a wine tasting. At the end of your trip, get transferred back to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel in the evening.

Selcuk: Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour

10. Selcuk: Private Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Tour

Your guide and driver will welcome you at the reception of the hotel or Kusadasi Port and drive early in the morning to beat the crowds and first drive to the Virgin Mary's House; afterwards, we visit Ephesus which was the second largets city of Roman Empire. Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, will visit the Fountain of Traian, the temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus . Visiting the Terrace Houses wil be the highlight of the day: A number of living units where the rich and the dignitary of Ephesus with the most beautiful ground mosaics, frescoes, terra cotta pipe lines and private baths. Later in the afternoon will visit St. John Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ"s beloved disciple. The remaining of artemis Temple can be seen from the top of St. John.

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What people are saying about House of Virgin Mary

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 268 reviews

The trip was one of the best planned trips I have ever been on, in the 12+ countries I've visited. Excellent planning, time management, hotels, professional service and food across cities. I'd especially like to say special thanks to our professional tour guides, Gurkan Nakipoglu and Layla Yasar who made the experience extremely memorable. In particular, Gurkan was with us from Izmir through Cappadocia and really provided most valuable information about the history, culture, and curated the type of places we visited. It opened our minds beyond the basic info we had about Turkiye. Similarly Layla's insights on Istanbul and the history of the country was quite enriching. A trip to a country with such great history and culture, is incomplete without gaining such insight and knowledge. Thank you again!! Cheers, Neeraja

Super recommend! 10/10 Really Amazing. Everything was planned really well and coordinated perfectly. We had so much fun and learned a huge amount of knowlege of Ephesus and Pamukkale - Thanks to Emray. Our Amazing tour guide!!

The tour guide Nizam was excellent and so was our driver. The pick up was exactly on time and everything was very well arranged. I highly recommend this tour company and the trip to Ephesus!

Well organised tour. Lunch was included and it was very nice. Both the driver and tour guide were good. The tour guide gave a lot of information which was great

Very good guide ! Volkan is very knowledgeable person and very pleasant to be around . Ephesus is a must see experience