Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary (3 Days)

Overview

Follow the early Christian story on this three-day pilgrimage from Istanbul to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that Mary spent her final years near Ephesus in the care of the apostle John; the house was recognised as a place of pilgrimage by Pope Leo XIII in 1896 and has welcomed three popes. Ephesus itself, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, is among the greatest ancient cities of the Mediterranean. Round-trip flights from Istanbul, a 3-4 star hotel, transfers and a guide are included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul to Ephesus

We fly from Istanbul to Izmir and drive to Ephesus near Selcuk. We walk the marble streets past the magnificent Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the terrace houses and the Great Theatre, where Saint Paul is said to have preached. Overnight at a 3-4 star hotel.

Day 2 - House of the Virgin Mary and Saint John

We ascend the wooded hill of Bulbul Dagi to the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi), a quiet stone chapel and place of prayer for Christians and Muslims alike. We then visit the Basilica of Saint John, built over the tomb of the apostle, and the single surviving column of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Optional time in the charming wine village of Sirince.

Day 3 - Return to Istanbul

After a relaxed morning we transfer to Izmir Airport for our flight back to Istanbul.

Tour highlights

Pray at the House of the Virgin Mary, a papal pilgrimage site
Explore Ephesus and the Library of Celsus
Visit the Basilica of Saint John over the apostle's tomb
See the last column of the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World
Flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotel, transfers and a guide included

Frequently Asked Questions

According to a strong early tradition, Mary travelled to the Ephesus area with the apostle John and spent her final years there. The House of the Virgin Mary was recognised as a place of pilgrimage by Pope Leo XIII in 1896 and has been visited by Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Yes. It is built around the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Saint John and Ephesus, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, making it ideal for Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant pilgrims as well as history lovers.

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, the terrace houses and the marble main streets.

Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, a 3-4 star hotel with half board, all transfers, site entrance fees and a professional guide. Lunches and personal expenses are not included.

Yes. Mary (Maryam) is deeply respected in Islam and is the most frequently mentioned woman in the Quran. The House of the Virgin Mary welcomes visitors of all faiths.