TOUR B - Ephesus & The House of the Virgin Mary
Excursions
- 40 - 50
- 5 hours
- Strenuous
Departing the quayside, we travel to 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 stigmatised 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 and has since become a popular place of pilgrimage.
Following our visit, we continue to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities. Arriving at the archaeological site of Ephesus, 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 Forum, the Temple of Hadrian, the Scholastika Baths and the Great Theatre, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. We then walk along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Re-boarding our tour coach, we return to Izmir.
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, and 30 minutes at the House of the Virgin Mary, with 15 steps to negotiate. 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 through the site. Depending on the berth of our ship, there may be a walk of up to 400 metres from the ship to the tour vehicles. This tour may operate in a different order to that described.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 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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