10. From Kusadasi: Full-Day Small Group Ephesus Tour
Your guide will meet you at Kusadasi port / hotels with a sign with your name written on it. Then, you will be driven directly to the sites. First, you will visit ancient Ephesus,the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open air museum in Turkey. Ephesus contains more then 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still have the marks of ancient chariot wheels. Visit the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached against the pagans and gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests to be held here. The face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus originally built in 115 to 125.
You might also see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Scholastica Baths, marble road, agora and the Temple of Domitian. After lunch in a local Turkish restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. Mary was brought to Ephesus by the apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived her final days here. This church was erected on the foundations of that house and its authenticity has been confirmed by Pope lV and Pope John Paul ll. Many visitors describe this as an uplifting or spiritual experience.
Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Goddess of the Hunt. Only the foundation and one column remains of this temple which once measured 425 feet by 220 feet wide. Paul’s successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this temple. The city reached the Golden Age and became a good model of the ancient world in culture and art. Finally, you will visit the Isa Bey Mosque, one of the most delicate examples of Seljukian architecture situated below the Basilica of St. John. The mosque was built by the master Syrian architect Ali son of Mushimis al-Damishki between the years of 1374 and 1375. After your tour, drive back to the departure point.