END OF THE TOUR
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.
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.
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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.
Suleyman Demirel Blv. Sengel Melis Apt.
B Blk K 4 D 15 09400 Kusadasi Turkey
American Society of Travel Agents
