Şirince Village tour

Selcuk and the House of the Virgin Mary

The day begins in the Selcuk area, the quiet town beside ancient Ephesus. From there a short forested drive leads to the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest stone chapel that many Christians believe was Mary's final residence. Muslims also visit, as Mary is honoured in Islam. The calm pine setting makes it a peaceful start, and with a private guide you can visit before the crowds.

Pilgrims light candles, tie written prayers to a wall and drink from a nearby spring. Dress modestly and speak softly. If you are wondering whether a House of Virgin Mary tour from Izmir is worth the time, most travellers answer yes for the atmosphere alone.

The ruins of Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, a Roman port city with grand marble avenues, columns and mosaics. With a private guide you walk at your own speed, ask questions as they arise and spend extra time wherever you like, for example at a mosaic floor or a quiet side street.

The highlights are the Library of Celsus, whose two-storey front is the best-known image of Ephesus, and the Great Theatre, carved into the hillside with seating for tens of thousands. If you want to see Ephesus with a guide, a private visit means no crowds of strangers around you and no one hurrying you along.

The Model Village and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers

Close to the main ruins is a small model-village site, compact and thoughtfully arranged, which connects the grand monuments with the wider story of Selcuk. Your guide walks you through it at a relaxed pace, and since the tour is private you decide how long to stay.

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers is tied to a legend of faith shared by Christian and Muslim traditions: young men sought refuge in a cave and slept for centuries, waking in a changed world. It is a quiet, contemplative stop, and your guide explains the story and why it has been told for so long.

The Temple of Artemis and lunch in Selcuk

The Temple of Artemis was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its columns rose far higher than those of most Greek temples. Only a single reconstructed column stands in the marshy ground today, but your guide describes the scale of the temple and the ceremonies held there, so you can picture what has gone.

Lunch is on your own in Selcuk, at a restaurant of your choice, and it is not part of the programme. You decide the length of the break, and your guide is happy to suggest places. Bring cash or a card, and tell us in advance about dietary needs.

Isa Bey Mosque and St John's Church

The Isa Bey Mosque was built in the fourteenth century and is a fine example of early Anatolian Turkish architecture, with a wide courtyard and carved stone details. It is an active place of worship, so dress and behave respectfully. Your guide explains how it differs from the earlier Roman and Byzantine buildings nearby.

Nearby, the basilica of St John was built in the sixth century on the hill where tradition places the apostle John's tomb. Much of it is in ruins, but the columns and the plan still show its former scale. Walking among the stones with a private guide helps you understand Selcuk as a pilgrimage city.

Sirince village

The tour closes in Sirince, a hillside village a short drive from Selcuk, with stone houses, narrow lanes and orchards. It was settled by Greek families long ago, and its architecture keeps that character. As the afternoon light softens, the slow pace is a gentle contrast to the ruins.

Small shops sell handmade textiles, lace, olive oil, jams and dried fruit. Wander without a timetable and ask your driver about the best viewpoints. If you are planning a Sirince village day trip from Izmir, going in the late afternoon means cooler weather and quieter streets than at midday.