When your cruise docks in the Izmir port, see some of the most popular sights in Turkey on a private shore excursion to Ephesus. Your private tour guide will lead you to the major historical landmarks of the ancient city, such as Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. You will also visit the House of Virgin Mary, where Mary spent the last days of her life.
Highlights
- Private shore excursion to ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
- See historical sites like the Celsus Library and the Temple of Hadrian
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned vehicle
- Private licensed tour guide for a more personalized experience
- Covered by Viator's worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Useful Information
Izmir Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary
When you arrive in the Izmir port, leave your cruise ship behind and head out on a private tour to the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. Your experienced private guide will lead you around the city and ensure that you make the most of your time in port. As you travel south from Izmir to Selcuk in your private vehicle, you’ll drive along the blue Aegean Sea, passing cotton fields, vineyards and pine woods.
When you arrive in Ephesus, enter the city through the Magnesia Gate, a marvelous example of ancient architecture. Inside the former Roman capital city, you will see the Odeon (a small theater), the Celsus Library (built in honor of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanu), and the Temple of Hadrian (originally built in the 2nd century). You will also see the Great Theater and the Fountain of Trajan, which was erected between 102 and 104 AD and consecrated to the Emperor Trajan.
The Great Theater is one of Ephesus' most famous landmarks, as it is still used today for the local spring festival. It once had seating space for 24,000 people, and it is believed to be the site where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
You will then visit the House of the Virgin Mary in the Solmissos Mountains. This small house it is of extraordinary importance to Christians as the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final days. A small shrine dedicated to her was found there when the ruins of the house were first discovered.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Izmir port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
When you arrive in Ephesus, enter the city through the Magnesia Gate, a marvelous example of ancient architecture. Inside the former Roman capital city, you will see the Odeon (a small theater), the Celsus Library (built in honor of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanu), and the Temple of Hadrian (originally built in the 2nd century). You will also see the Great Theater and the Fountain of Trajan, which was erected between 102 and 104 AD and consecrated to the Emperor Trajan.
The Great Theater is one of Ephesus' most famous landmarks, as it is still used today for the local spring festival. It once had seating space for 24,000 people, and it is believed to be the site where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
You will then visit the House of the Virgin Mary in the Solmissos Mountains. This small house it is of extraordinary importance to Christians as the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final days. A small shrine dedicated to her was found there when the ruins of the house were first discovered.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Izmir port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
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