Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Sirince Private Tour
🏛️Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Sirince | A Journey Packed With History and Culture
First of all, we embark on a journey to Izmir's Selçuk district—a veritable open-air museum with over 8,600 years of history. Every corner of this region conceals traces of ancient civilisations, religions, and cultures, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Türkiye.
Breakfast Stop Along The Way
Our first stop will be a local restaurant (optional, additional cost) where guests can enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast before continuing to the charming village of Şirince.
Temple of Artemis
Next, we head to the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built in honour of the patron goddess Artemis of Ephesus. From here, we have panoramic views of Selçuk Castle, the Isa Bey Mosque, and the Basilica of St. John.
⛪House of Virgin Mary
Next, we travel to the holy Mount Bülbül, where we visit the House of Virgin Mary, the place where, according to Christian tradition, the Mother of Jesus spent the last years of her life. Visitors can drink from the miraculous spring and leave their intentions on the so-called Wishing Wall. This place is revered by both Christians and Muslims.
Ancient City of Ephesus
Next, we descend to the Ancient City of Ephesus, a powerful centre of the ancient world, founded by Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals. The city lies between the Bulbul and Panayir Mountains, on the fertile plains of the Küçük Menderes River.
Ephesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. During the walk, we will see, among other sites, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Marble Street. Our walk begins at the Upper Gate and ends at the Lower Gate, where our vehicle awaits us.
Lunch and visit to the Ephesus Museum
After exploring Ephesus, we'll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (additional cost). Then, we'll visit the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk, which has recently been renovated. Here, we'll see the famous Artemis of Ephesus, sculptures of Eros, Priapos, Isis, and the head of Socrates, among other artifacts. The museum offers a deeper understanding of the daily lives and beliefs of ancient civilizations.
Isa Bey Mosque and St. John's Basilica
Next, we visit the Isa Bey Mosque, built in 1375 using ancient ruins. The mosque is located at the foot of Ayasuluk Hill, on which stands the Basilica of St. John. According to tradition, St. John the Evangelist spent the last years of his life here.
🏡Şirince Village – Wine, Coffee and Culture
Our final stop is the charming village of Şirince, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and peach orchards. It's known for its well-preserved Turkish-Greek houses, cobblestone streets, homemade wines, and sand-brewed coffee. Guests have free time to explore, sample, and shop for local produce. After sunset, we return to Didim.
📍End of Trip
After a full day of excursions, full of history, culture and flavours, we return to our accommodation in Didim.
ℹ️ Practical Information
- Departure: Morning, pick-up from hotels in Didim
- Duration: Full day (approx. 12 hours)
- Included: Transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees (Ephesus, House of Mary, Museum), insurance
- Not included: Breakfast, lunch, personal expenses
- Minimum number of participants: 2 people
📄 Booking and Cancellation Policy
• ⛔ A medical report is required for cancellations to receive a refund
• ❌ No refunds available within 24 hours of the tour
📞 Contact and Support🏢 Bodrum Office: Cevat Şakir Cad. No: 44/2, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye🏢 Didim Office: ÇAMLIK MAH. 401 SOK. NO 11/1 09270 Didim/Aydın TÜRKİYE📞 Phone: +90 (252) 313 32 00 / +90 (256) 813 26 78📲 WhatsApp:🇬🇧 English: +90 541 761 15 45🇹🇷 Türkçe: +90 535 653 15 84🇵🇱 Polski: +48 514 270 929✉️ E-mail: info@didimtour.com🌐 Website: www.didimtour.com📩 Have questions? Our team is always here to help!
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