Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary House visit and lunch

It's home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, and holds layers of history from the Bronze Age, Classical Greek and Roman times. On this full-day tour to the beautifully preserved site of the ancient city of Ephesus, it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that filled the streets 2,000 years ago. One of our local expert guides, Ahmet, says, "my favourite spot in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Its soaring columns still radiate a sense of grandeur, offering a glimpse into what was once one of the greatest libraries of the Roman world – home to more than 12,000 scrolls.”

When you arrive, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and see the once imposing buildings of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. As well gaining a wealth of knowledge from the museum there, your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.

Round things off with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest chapel with hundreds of years of history. The foundations date back to the 1st-century, when St John the Apostle supposedly carried Mary to her final resting place, here in the hills of Mount Koressos. Whether you follow any faith or none, there's an undeniable spirituality to this place that makes it a great spot for some quiet reflection at the end of your trip.