You’ll start with a drive through the verdant countryside on your way to Ephesus. Upon your arrival at the Exterior Gate of Ephesus, your guide will provide information about the Ancient City of Ephesus from outside. This is one the most magnificent excavations in the world with its Ancient State Agora, Temple of Diana and Terrace House. You will have free time for pictures and shopping at the upper gate of Ephesus while viewing the Great Theater.
From there you will continue by coach for a stop at the “Statue of Virgin Mary” which is almost 5 km (3 miles) away from the “House of Virgin Mary”, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. The site became famous especially after the travels of Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedictus XVI.
Your next stop will be at the Lower Gate of Ephesus where one can find souvenirs and facilities as well as more information about the Ancient City of Ephesus. The Archeological Museum of Ephesus is the site from your next visit where you’ll see the exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city. Filled with attractively displayed mosaics, statuary, and other artifacts, the museum exhibits several marble statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis, goddess of nature, childbirth, and the harvest.
The final venue visited will be the Temple of Artemis, which is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Artemis, the goddess of hunting and the chase, once stood around the bay of the Meander River. This temple was once considered as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is today considered as a holy place for pilgrimage.
You’ll conclude your tour with a trip back to Kusadasi where there will be a refreshment stop and brief carpet presentation. Or, if you wish, you may return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
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