Panoramic Kusadasi

Visit the house of the Virgin Mary, declared a place of pilgrimage in 1892 by the Archbishop of Smyrna. Archaeological evidence shows that this little house dates only from the 6th century, but that the foundations are indeed from the first century A.D. From a distance, your guide will point out the location of the Great Theater of Ephesus, before you enjoy a panoramic drive from Ephesus’ Upper Gate to the Isa Bey Mosque via St. John's Basilica and Selçuk Castle. The Isabey Mosque was constructed in 1375 and is amazingly intact today. It is one of the oldest and most impressive works of architecture remaining from the Anatolian beyliks. You will view its beautiful courtyard; then, view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis — a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess who was Apollo’s sister. When it was standing, the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but in fact it was destroyed and completely rebuilt three times before its eventual demise in A.D. 401. Only the foundations and sculptural fragments of the latest of the temples remain at the site today. Before returning to Kusadasi, enjoy watching the skilled artisans spinning and dying yarn and weaving carpets. From here, you will drive back to the port, then either return directly to the ship or stay in Kusadasi.