Tour A - Ephesus
Excursions
- 6 hours
- Hard
Departing the quayside, we travel to Ephesus, where upon arrival we visit the House of the Virgin Mary. The house is believed to have been the last residence of the Virgin Mary, and was brought to public attention by a bedridden nun, Katarina Emmerich, in the 19th century. She had visions of the Apostle John and Mary travelling to Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ, and her descriptions of Mary’s house were recorded. Years after her visions, a French clergyman came to the area and found a house matching the nun’s description, but didn’t receive a good response when he sent word to the bishops of Paris and Rome. Then in 1891, a research team came to the area to see the house, and discovered a small chapel in ruins and a damaged statue of the Virgin Mary. Further research showed that the foundations of the house dated as far back as the first century. The house was restored to its present state in 1950.
Following our visit, we arrive at the archaeological site of Ephesus, where we will be able to get an idea of the original splendour of the city. Some of the highlights we shall see include the ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates, the Temple of Hadrian and the Scholastika Baths.
Next, we visit the Temple of Artemis (Artemision), one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. Originally a temple dedicated to Artemis, it was built in approximately 250 BC and made entirely of marble. All that remains today is a column and fragments strewn on the ground. According to Strabo, the temple was destroyed at least seven times and rebuilt just as many. After a brief stop here, we can then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Feeling refreshed we travel to our final stop, the Basilica of St John. It was believed that St John spent his final years in the area around Ephesus and was buried here. A small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century, and was then changed into a basilica during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. The foundations and marble floors have been partially reconstructed, and more recent excavations have revealed a baptistery and central pool. If the baptistery were to be fully restored today, it would be the seventh largest cathedral in the world.
We then re-board our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This is a strenuous tour, which is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. There is approximately two hours of walking at the archaeological site of Ephesus over uneven ground, plus around 20 steps. At St John’s Basilica there is approximately 30 minutes of walking and a few steps; and 30 minutes at the House of the Virgin Mary, plus around 15 steps. Please note that the walk through the archaeological site of Ephesus is compulsory – our tour coach will relocate near to the exit during our visit. Ephesus is a busy site, therefore it is important that passengers remain with the group. Passengers are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes; a hat, sun protection and a bottle of water are also recommended. The ground at Ephesus can become slippery when wet, so passengers should exercise due care and attention when walking though the site. Depending on our berth, there may be a walk of approximately 300 metres from the ship to the tour vehicles. Upon return to the quayside, passengers have to walk through the terminal building to get back to the ship. This tour may operate in a different order to that described. Lunch includes water; any additional drinks are extra (Euros are accepted).
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 / 2011 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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