Explore the ancient ruins and religious sites of Ephesus on a full-day, small group tour with lunch and an experienced guide. Follow the trail of the Virgin Mary to her mountainside house, then trace a route through the ancient city’s ruins, temples, theatre and the great Celsus Library. See an iconic mosque made of brick, marble and tiles, then see the ruined foundations of the Temple of Artemis, once a Wonder of the Ancient World.

Meet your guide at your hotel in Kuşadası or Selçuk around 9am, and get a brief introduction to local history during the 20-minute drive to the Virgin Mary House, a pilgrimage site that sits on the flanks of Aladağ mountain, south of Ephesus. Hear the legendary story of Mary’s trip to Ephesus after Jesus’ crucifixion then pay your respects at a small shrine that attracts Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Continue to the city of Ephesus, now a UNESCO-listed archeological site where you’ll find the beautifully preserved remains of Hellenistic and Roman settlements. Visit a theatre and temples that saw Roman emperors, and hear about the revolutions and religious transformations that shook this ancient city.

Step into the world of Anatolian Beyliks at Isa Bey mosque, a 14th-century building that’s among the most important of its era, then make a final stop at the Temple of Artemis to explore the stone remains of what was the largest temple on earth. Finish the day at 4:30-5pm at your hotel.