Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour from Selçuk with Lunch

After pick-up in Selçuk, the ten-minute drive takes you to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Mediterranean. You will walk along the Curetus Way flanked by temples and insulae, while your guide recreates the processions to the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world - and points out the reliefs of Nike, Messenger of Victory. The Library of Celsus stands majestically at the end of the avenue, its marble façade still bearing the four cardinal virtues.

Leaving the lower city, the route passes the Great Theatre, which seats 25,000 spectators; here the story is told of how St Paul tried to preach Christianity in front of the devotees of Artemis. Then a short transfer takes you to the slopes of Mount Aladağ, where the House of the Virgin Mary is located. The atmosphere of the pine and olive forest, together with the holy water springs, creates a haven of spirituality that attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

The group then heads to a family restaurant for a lunch of meze, grilled kebab and dolmas, with vegetarian options available. After the lunch break, the excursion is rounded off with a visit to a handicraft workshop where traditional weaving and onyx techniques are demonstrated, perfect for anyone wishing to take home an authentic souvenir. In the afternoon you will return to Selçuk with the valley tinged with golden light, satisfied that you have travelled through more than 2,000 years of history in a single day.