Ephesus and Izmir Biblical Tour

Private Ephesus and Izmir Biblical Tour

Private Ephesus and Izmir Biblical Tour From Izmir

Discover the Heart of Christianity: Ephesus and Smyrna Biblical Tour

Dive deep into the origins of early Christianity on a mesmerizing journey to the sites of two of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Prepare to follow the footsteps of St. Paul and experience the profound spiritual and historical significance of Ephesus (Efes) and Smyrna (Izmir) on our exclusive daily Turkey tours from Izmir.

As we embark on this sacred adventure, you will find yourself walking where St. Paul preached and connecting with the rich heritage of the early Christian communities. Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities, offers a captivating insight into the life and sermons of St. Paul, as well as a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient world. From the majestic Library of Celsus to the grand Theatre of Ephesus, every corner of this ancient city tells a story of faith and perseverance.

In Smyrna, now modern-day Izmir, you will be immersed in a city that beautifully melds ancient history with vibrant contemporary life. Smyrna, with its significant early Christian history, holds places mentioned in the letters to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Here, you can explore the remnants of an ancient city, feel the blessing of the past residual in the air, and marvel at the resilience of Christian faith that flourished amid adversity.

Choosing the region of Izmir for this biblical tour promises an experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing. It invites you to touch a cornerstone of Christian history, feel the blessings of this sacred journey, and connect deeply with the authentic life and culture of Turkey.

Join us on this exceptional Ephesus and Smyrna Biblical Tour and return home not just as a traveler, but as a spiritually enriched pilgrim, having walked the blessed paths trodden by the apostles of old.

TOUR OVERVIEW(PRIVATE TOUR)

Pick you up from Izmir and Izmir Hotels and Drive To Ephesus

EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY

Ephesus Ancient Ruin
The House Of Virgin Mary
The Temple of Artemis
St. John's Basilica
Drive to Izmir

IZMIR CITY CENTER

Izmir St.Polycarp Church
Agora of Izmir
The Castle of Izmir
Konak Square
Clock Tower
Kemeralti Bazaar

END OF THE TOUR

Drive Back your hotel or port
The drop off at your hotel

THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY

We will journey through the lush and stunning countryside, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, before arriving at our first enchanting stop: The House of Virgin Mary. According to predominant Christian tradition, Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the resurrection of Christ, where she spent her remaining years in peace and serenity.

This charming belief is primarily founded on the traditional view that John traveled to Ephesus, combined with the biblical declaration that Jesus entrusted Mary to John's care (John 19:26-27). As we step into this serene sanctuary, imagine the tranquil life Mary led here, surrounded by the love and care expressed by her beloved son’s dearest disciple.

Izmir St.Polycarp Church-Agora

Christianity was born in the Holy Land but flourished into a world religion in the region known today as Asia Minor, or Turkey. One of the notable cities in this transformation is Izmir, recognized in the Book of Revelation as "the suffering church" (Revelation 2:8-11), and the site of Saint Polycarp's martyrdom.

Visitors to Izmir can begin their exploration with a visit to St. Polycarp Church, a site of significant historical and religious importance. Another fascinating destination is the Ancient Agora, originally constructed in the 4th century BCE by Alexander the Great. It was later destroyed by an earthquake in 178 CE but was soon rebuilt by Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

High above the city stands Kadifekale Castle, one of Alexander's lasting legacies, also constructed in the 4th century BCE. The elevated position of the mountain and castle provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.

In addition to these historic sites, Izmir offers modern attractions such as Konak Square, adorned with its iconic Clock Tower, and the vibrant Kemeralti Bazaar, where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and commerce.

EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY

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After our visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, we will proceed to the next destination: the Ancient City of Ephesus. This part of the tour will be a walking exploration, allowing you to traverse one of the most exquisite archaeological sites in the world.

In Ephesus, you will witness remarkable landmarks such as the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, and the steam baths of Scholastica. Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Temple of Hadrian and, of course, don't miss the impressive Library of Celsus, embellished with stunning columns and statues.

The tour will also include a visit to the Grand Theatre, where Saint Paul once preached. This amphitheater, the largest of its kind in ancient times, boasts a seating capacity of 24,000. As your exploration in Ephesus concludes, you will return to the bus via the Arcadian Way, a historic route that was once graced by Mark Antony and Cleopatra in a grand procession.

After a two-hour tour of Ephesus, we will take a one-hour lunch break.

THE TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS

**Ladies and gentlemen, our next exciting stop on this fascinating journey is none other than the Temple of Artemis! Also known as the Temple of Diana, this magnificent site pays homage to the Greek Goddess of hunting, wild nature, and fertility. Isn't it amazing? Yes, you heard it right—this is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! It’s the star of the show, folks!

Imagine this: back in the day, the Temple of Artemis was the largest marble temple in the ancient Greek world, standing proudly at a size four times that of the Parthenon in Athens! That's as big as Mount Olympus but made of marble. It wasn't just a place of worship; this temple was the buzzing heart of the marketplace and doubled as an ancient banking powerhouse. Pilgrims poured in from all corners of the earth, making offerings so generous that the temple’s wealth soared, setting a glittering gold standard for what would become the world’s first bank. Talk about an old-school piggy bank, right?

Nowadays, just a mere dot of its former grandeur remains. But fear not! Your guide, armed with captivating tales, will whisk you through its rich history. Be prepared to dive into stories of its immense wealth and the often rocky relationship between the Romans and Christians who mingled here over the centuries.

And after soaking up all that history, guess what? It's time to refuel! We'll enjoy a sumptuous local lunch, giving you a true taste of this fabulous region. Once we’ve satisfied our taste buds and curiosity, we'll hop back on our transport, ready to mosey back to Izmir, reminiscing about this epic day.

Onward to the next adventure, shall we?

CONCLUSION

For those who have developed a keen interest in Christianity and particularly the Bible, this opportunity is a true blessing. Contact us, and we will provide you with an unforgettable tour filled with divine grace and inspiration. Allow yourself to be enveloped in the rich history and profound teachings of one of the world's most influential faiths. Let us guide you on a spiritual journey that will enlighten your soul and broaden your understanding of the Christian faith.

Duration:

Daily

Departing:

Izmir and Izmir Hotels

Time:

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Pickup Point:

Izmir and Izmir Hotels

Highlights:

Biblical Izmir and Ephesus Tour

Our private tours are exactly what you need so as to avoid the monotony of typical tour itineraries and the chaos of big tour groups. Our private tours take you to places and areas that big buses can’t reach and offer you the flexibility to stop anywhere, anytime for whatever reason (photos, lunch brake, health needs etc). We are happy to offer you the rarest luxury of our times, individuality, in very competitive prices. You will sit back and enjoy the personal attention given by your driver who will be willing to satisfy your requests with professionalism and courtesy

There are many things to see in Ephesus and its surroundings. For example, Ephesus archaeological museum, Sirince Bay and Terras Houses are not included in the tour. But if you want to see these places, we can include extra entrance fees in your tour.
- When you buy a second tour from us, we will give you a 20% discount

Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before the start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.