Full-Day Private Tour: Highlights of Ephesus from Kusadasi

At 9am, you will meet your professional guide at your hotel for your private full-day of sightseeing.
First, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. (approximately 1 hr.)
Then, you will visit Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will first visit Odeon Theatre where the state affairs used to be held. Then, view the Hadrian Temple, It was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus.This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies. (approximately 2 hrs.)
Next, you will visit the newly excavated spectacular The Terrace Houses which belonged to the wealthy people of Ephesus. Many of them were three-storied and had peristyles surrounded by rooms without windows but included frescoes and mosaics of mythological scenes. They were luxuriously furnished private houses with fountains and central heating. (approximately 45 mins.)
Proceed to The Celsus Library is a Roman mausoleum and library built in the early 2nd century AD. The Library of Celsus was commissioned by Julius as a mausoleum for his father, Roman governor of the Asian Provinces. It is one of the most beautifully reconstructed buildings in Ephesus, it has become an icon of the ancient city.
The Great Theatre, dates back to the Hellenistic period. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus which has the capacity of 25,000 seats. The theatre was used for concerts, plays and religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights. Marble Road, runs between the Library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred walk way. 
Lunch, free time recommended at a local restaurant in Sirince Village. (approximately 2 hrs.)
Last, you will visit the Ephesus Museum. Many of the artifacts displayed here were found in Ephesus and other ancient sites in the region. Highlights include the fresco of Socrates, statue of Artemis and heads of Eros, crosses, coins and other works from the 1st century AD. (approximately 1 hr.)
 At the end of your sightseeing, approximately 5pm you will return to your hotel/ship.