9am - you'll be met at the dock by your private guide holding a sign with your names and will then board your luxury minivan (with A/C and non-smoking) to see some of the best preserved Roman sites around today.
Ephesus - after a scenic drive past Selcuk - a town from the 11th century BC, you'll reach this historic city, which was the capital of the Province of Asia Minor during the Roman Era.
Our first stop will be at a charming chapel, consecrated by the current Pope in November 2006, at the very spot where the House of Virgin Mary stood. Even though she'd never been there, a nun named Anna Katherina Emmerich in 1811 purportedly had strong visions about the Virgin Mary's coming to Ephesus, her life and last home there. Emmerich was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004. It remains a subject of controversy to this day.
Stroll up the Marble Road that runs through the city and pass by the Temple of Hadrian, with its articulate façade and the Library of Celsus, evoking the grandeur of the Roman era. Visit the Great Theater of Ephesus, which bears the greatest Biblical significance. It was this massive building that was the scene of an uprising (Acts 19) by a merchant named Demetrius against St Paul, who spent two years preaching the Word of God there.
Following this, you will visit the Basilica of the Holy Virgin, where during the Ecumenical Council of 5th century, the divine motherhood of the Virgin Mary was accepted by Christian leaders as doctrine. This site, also known as the Double Church, is of great historical significance.
Then you'll have a few minutes drive to the Basilica of St John, built by Justinian the Great at the traditional tomb of St John. The Basilica was destroyed by earthquakes and is today an archaelogical site. If ever rebuilt, it would be one of the six largest shrines of Chrisitianity in history.
Enjoy lunch at a lovely local fish restaurant on the shores of the Aegean Sea. Their olive oil appetizers and fresh fish are amazing.
After lunch, return to Kusadasi where you should have time to hunt for bargains in fine jewelry and silverware. At the end of the day, your guide will escort you back to your cruise ship in the port.
Duration - 5 hours
Pricing - USD $285 per person (2-3 pax) and USD $160 per person (4-5 pax)
Includes - Professional lecturer/guide, luxury non-smoking minivan with A/C, all entrance and parking fees, guide books, maps, bookmarks and stamped postcards, complimentary refreshments in vehicle. Lunch and guide tips are extra.
Languages - English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
Tour Code - TU-VTSholy