You'll travel through the small town of Selcuk, dominated by its gray stone Byzantine fortress en route to the Temple of Artemis, built in honor of the Greek goddess of hunting, wild nature, and fertility. Deemed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis used to be the largest marble temple in the ancient Greek world since it was four times as big as the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The temple served as both a marketplace and a religious institution. Offerings by thousands of pilgrims each year enabled the temple to grow so wealthy that it became the world's first bank. Today, little remains of the magnificent structure. Your guide will describe its importance, its wealth, and the tension that existed between the Romans and the Christians that settled in the area over the centuries.

 

Overlooking Ephesus are the remains of St. John's Basilica, a once great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are many frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died. From the early days of Christianity, the devoted have accepted this site as a place of pilgrimage.

 

The House of the Virgin Mary is where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. A stigmatized German nun who had never been to Ephesus had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to the German writer, Clemens Brentano who later published a book about it. Inside the tiny house is a peaceful shrine with a statue of St. Mary, which was found when the ruins of the house were discovered. The site was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful with water from the holy fountain. There will be time for browsing and shopping once back in Kusadasi.

 

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines and steps. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat are recommended as the tour includes a long walk through the Ruins. Guests should watch their step at all times in order to avoid injuries. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with wheelchairs or walkers. Tour order may vary between coaches to avoid crowding at the venues.