ShoreTrips says...

You will meet your official Turkish guide at the cruise ship pier and embark on a 25-minute drive through the peach orchards and cotton fields. Arrive in Selcuk, where the House of Virgin Mary and the Roman city of Ephesus are located.

Your first stop on this fascinating tour is the House of Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by St. John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into heaven. Other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place.

Now continue on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved sites of Roman history in the world. Ephesus was once the capital of Asia Minor, and it is here that St. Paul spent two years teaching Christianity. Tour the ancient town, visiting the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, the Marble Road, and the Roman theater that is mentioned in the Acts of Apostles.

Upon your return to Kusadasi, you will have the opportunity to go bargain hunting for handmade souvenirs and leather products in the market area.