Ephesus and Around

Start in Selçuk / Ayasuluk Hill

• Begin your day walking up to Ayasuluk Hill, where you will see the Ayasuluk Fortress and ruins of the Basilica of St. John, believed to be built over the tomb of John the Apostle. 

• On the slopes of the hill you will also find the Isa Bey Mosque (14th century, Aydinid period) a beautiful example of early Anatolian Islamic architecture. 

Ephesus Ancient City

• Enter the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most extensive and best-preserved Greco-Roman sites in Turkey. 

• Key stops within Ephesus:

  
  

  • Marble Street / Curetes Street – the grand marble-paved main street lined with columns and inscriptions. 

  • Library of Celsus – the iconic façade and library that once housed thousands of scrolls. 

  • Great Theatre – huge amphitheater capable of seating ~25,000, used for performances and public assemblies. 

  • Terrace Houses – luxury residences of the Roman elite, decorated with frescoes and mosaics (requires extra ticket). 

  • Hadrian’s Gate & Temple of Hadrian – a well-preserved triumphal arch and temple. 

  • Fountain of Trajan, Domitian Sanctuary, Commercial Agora & State Agora, Odeon, Stoa of Attalos, Ancient Latrines, and Harbor Street remains. 

  
  

• Walking through the colonnaded streets, you’ll pass monumental fountains, gates, and public squares that reflect Ephesus’s urban life in Roman times. 

House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)

• After exploring Ephesus, drive a short distance up Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı) to the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine believed to be where Mary lived until her death. 

• The site also includes a “wishing wall” and a spring, considered sacred by many pilgrims. 

Temple of Artemis (Artemision site)

• Visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only fragments remain today, but the site is symbolically important. 

• Nearby, you may also find fragments, sculptures, and a small museum context. 

Selçuk Archaeological & Ephesus Museum / Selçuk Town

• Return to Selçuk town and visit the Selçuk Museum (Ephesus Museum), which houses many artifacts and sculptures excavated from Ephesus and its surroundings (marble statues, reliefs, inscriptions). 

• Take a walk through traditional Selçuk streets and optionally stop at shops or handicraft ateliers (no obligation to buy).

• You might also visit the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, a rocky cave site associated with a Christian legend, located near Selçuk. 

Optional: Şirince Village (if time allows)

• If schedule permits, drive up to the nearby Şirince Village, a charming historic Greek-influenced village perched on the hills above Selçuk. Explore its narrow streets, local architecture, and artisan shops. 

• Great for panoramic photo stops and a peaceful contrast to the ruins.

  
  

Return / Drop-off

• After a full day of historical immersion, return to your base (hotel, port, etc.).