Ephesus And Terrace Houses

Feel modern civilization slip into the ancient past, exploring remains of one of the most vibrant metropolises of the ancient world and its most tony residences on this enthralling tour. After a vista-filled drive, arrive in 3rd-century BC Ephesus, one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean and once the location of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Discover countless remains of this once-thriving city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, such as the stunning two-story, 2nd-century Library of Celsus, built to honor a Roman senator, and the Odeon Theater, a small salon for plays and concerts that seated 1,500 people. You’ll marvel at the perfect acoustics of the 24,000-seat Great Theater, a storied venue where Saint Paul once preached that is still used today for musical performances. To see where Ephesus’ wealthiest citizens lived, survey the Terrace Houses, which are richly decorated with mosaics and frescoes and once featured running water, a treasured amenity in the Roman Empire.