Ephesus & House of The Virgin Mary Day Trip by Air

The ancient Greco-Roman world comes alive at the historic ruins of Ephesus. Take advantage of hassle-free transportation and the experience of a knowledgeable guide who introduces you to the intriguing secrets of this onetime Aegean metropolis.

After being whisked away from your Istanbul hotel, you take a morning flight south to Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Once the bustling capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus was truly one of the major attractions of the region—a wealthy and important city in the mighty empire and the home of the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

As you marvel at the well-preserved ruins, listen to insightful stories about people's lives during long-gone centuries. Even though less than a quarter of the site has been excavated, it is considered the most complete example of a classical Greek metropolis.

During the day, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant renowned for its authentic Turkish cuisine. Your tour also visits such major sights as House of the Virgin Mary, where Catholic belief holds that the mother of Jesus spent her last days, and the ruins of the 6th-century Basilica of St. John, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I.