Ephesus & House Of The Virgin Mary

View the home of the Virgin Mary following the death of Christ until her Assumption, or Dormition, and explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Journey to the location believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last days and which has become a pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. You’ll marvel at 3rd-century BC Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and once the location of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Discover countless remains of this once-thriving city, such as the 2nd-century Library of Celsus and the Odeon Theater. You’ll marvel at the perfect acoustics of the 24,000-seat Great Theater, which is still used today for musical performances. At a lovely five-star hotel, enjoy a bountiful buffet lunch before you travel to the nearby resort town of Kusadasi to shop for souvenirs or famous Turkish carpets. In Selçuk, near Izmir, visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to survey collections unearthed from Ephesus’ many excavations, including statues of the gods and goddesses who inspired this heavenly region.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the site thought to be the last home of the Virgin Mary until her Assumption.
• Visit the striking and well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Marvel at Ephesus’ 24,000-seat Great Theater, 2nd-century Library of Celsus and the Odeon Theater.
• Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a luxury hotel.
• Relish time to shop for souvenirs, jewelry or handmade Turkish carpets.
• Explore the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to view treasures from the ancient city.