House of the Virgin Mary
The hillside chapel where tradition says Mary spent her last years — quiet, green and genuinely moving.
Beyond the marble city
Around Ephesus
Ephesus does not end at the ticket gate. Within half an hour lie a wonder of the ancient world, the tomb of an Evangelist, a hillside wine village and the house where Mary is believed to have lived.
Faith & pilgrimage
The Christian sites of Ephesus
Mary’s house, John’s basilica, the Seven Sleepers and the grotto of St Paul.
Basilica of St John
The apostle’s tomb under a church that once rivalled Constantinople’s — with the best view in Selçuk.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers
The cave of the two-century sleep — a legend shared by the Bible lands and the Quran alike.
Tomb of Saint Luke
A round monument, a bull-and-cross carving, and the open question of whether Luke ever lay here.
Wonders & museums
Artemis and her scattered treasures
The temple site, the great statues in Selçuk — and the finds that ended up in Vienna.
Temple of Artemis
A Wonder of the World reduced to one column — and still worth ten minutes of awe.
Ephesus Museum (Selçuk)
The two great Artemis statues, the famous Priapus and the best finds from the ruins — ten minutes away.
Ephesus Museum of Vienna
Why some of Ephesus’ greatest art lives in Vienna — the Parthian frieze, the bronze athlete, and how they got there.
Towns & escapes
Villages, ports and white terraces
Şirince’s wine houses, Kuşadası’s harbour, İzmir’s seafront and Pamukkale’s springs.
Şirince Village
Stone lanes, fruit wines and rooftop views — the village whose old name meant "ugly", to keep you away.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
The white terraces, the spa city above them and Cleopatra’s pool — Ephesus’ classic road-trip partner.
Turkish Baths near Ephesus
Steam, marble, soap clouds and a scrub you will discuss for years — Rome’s bath, alive in Turkish.
Good to know
Around Ephesus — quick answers
What should I combine with Ephesus on a full day?
The classic full-day combination is Ephesus plus the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John, with lunch in between — it is the route most of our guests choose, and the one our Private Ephesus Tour follows.
Is Pamukkale close enough to combine with Ephesus?
It is about three hours each way — possible as one very long day, better as two. Our Ephesus & Pamukkale tour page lays out both options honestly.
Not sure which day suits you? Ask a local.
Tell us who is travelling and what you love, and we will suggest the day that fits — then make it happen.