Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour

According to tradition after the crucifixion of Jesus, St John did bring Mother Mary to Ephesus with him to hide escape persecution. They did spend their last years in Ephesus which was a very prosperous trading city. The House of the Virgin Mary is located 6 kms (3.7mi) from Ephesus. Outside the house is a “wishing wall” which pilgrims have used by tying their personal intentions on paper or fabric. A water source is also located nearby, believed to have miraculous powers of healing. The shrine was visited by several popes.  

After Mary’s House, your guide will escort you at sights in Ephesus, informing you about history of outstanding Roman structures as you walk through the magnificent Marble Street of the city. Ephesus is the most visited ancient site of Turkey and the third largest city of the Roman Empire after Alexandria and Rome. Once it was a trading center of Asia province of the Roman Empire known as Asia Minor. During your stay in Ephesus, you will be amazed by two thousand year old structures such as the Parliament House, Temple of Domitian, Memmius Monument, Heracles Gate, mosaic covered pavements, bathhouses, public toilets, the Third Largest Library of the Ancient World, the shops, the Largest Theatre of Turkey where St. Paul preached and many others.

Sirince Village truly deserves its name as it means pretty town. This a small and pretty village of 600 inhabitants, located at the top of a mountain, only 8 km (5 miles) east of Selcuk and and 30 km (18.6 miles) from Kusadasi, near Ephesus.  The average altitude is 350 metres (1000 feet) from sea level. It is surrounded by thousands of olive trees, fig, peach, tangerine, pomegranate trees, vineyards etc. You will be delighted by the breathtaking views of olive groves and lush countryside. The climate is very similar to Tuscany, Italy. The village is adorned with traditional Ottoman style19th-century houses which will make you travel to olden days. You will enjoy walking through narrow, cobblestoned old streets, seeing local women dressed in their traditional clothes. They are selling organic and home-made products such as olives, golden olive oil, soaps made of olive oil, dark pomegranate vinegar, honey, handmade local linens, cotton outfits, many varieties of local herbs and fruits etc. Another attraction of Sirince is its famous wine made of fruits. You will have a chance to try peach, tangerine, berry, quince wines in small cafés. 

The last historical spot of your tour will be the Temple of Artemis (Diana) which was one of the seven wonders of ancient World.