Ancient Ephesus & The House of Virgin Mary

Duration: 11 Hours
Food: Samples of Turkish Cuisine
Energy Level: Moderate to Strenuous (a lot of walking)
 
Spend a full day in Ephesus — a jaw-dropping ancient city whose heritage will be shared through stories, dancing, and food.
 
Shore Thing Highlights
Visit the place (and official Catholic shrine) believed to be Virgin Mary's last home — and visited by at least three popes over the past 50+ years
Visit a Greek theater dating back to the 1st century AD, expanded by the Romans to accommodate 25,000 people
Walk along Ephesus' Marble Road, a sacred walkway connecting the Celsus Library and Hadrian’s Temple (118 AD)
The Hadrian’s Temple depicts the head of Medusa — you know, with the serpentine hair — on its porch to protect the city from enemies
Surrounded by the vibrant colors of the famed Turkish rugs, you’ll sample typical dishes with traditional dance moves on display
 
One of the earliest areas to adopt Christianity, Ephesus, has been privy to some epic history. Uncover two millennia's worth of it on a visit to the home of Mary (yes — the mother of Jesus), a Greco-Roman theater, a temple, and a carpet weaving center. Surrounded by vibrant colors and craftsmanship of tapestry artworks, you'll enjoy a folkloric dance performance and taste various samples of typical Turkish Cuisine for a glimpse of the lifestyle and timeless pride the natives have for their home.
 
Need to know
Approximately 3-hour drive to and from Ephesus
The marble ground in Ephesus can be very slippery; Sailors should be aware and wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles
There will be a restroom stop en route to/from your Shore Things destination
Cancellations made within 48 hours or less are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty for this Shore Thing
Dietary restrictions should be provided to the ship on the day of embarkation
Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
This Shore Thing involves long periods walking and standing on cobblestones, uneven terrain and steps; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria