Historic Highlights

Delve into ancient history by visiting extraordinary attractions such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the remains of the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus Museum.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house.

Continuing on, you will pass the ancient city of Ephesus and drive into the nearby village of Selcuk while the guide elaborates on their historical significance. Selcuk is home to the Ephesus Museum, whose collection includes many of the area’s prized artifacts.

Unlike archaeological museums that display items chronologically, the Ephesus Museum exhibits them by theme, so you can easily concentrate on specific areas of interest. There are rooms devoted to ancient coins, artifacts from the Terrace Houses and the Temple of Artemis.

The temple was rebuilt several times after being destroyed by an arsonist, damaged by invaders and torn down by a Christian mob. Its final version was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will see the temple’s lone surviving column and a few scattered remnants on the outskirts of Ephesus.

Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.