The buses will return to the hotels at 19:30 hours.

The fee for this outing is included in the Conference registration fee.

    

The House of Virgin Mary
Located on top of Bulbul Mountain, approximately 27km from Kusadasi and 9 km ahead of Ephesus , the shrine of Virgin Mary evokes a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green surroundings.
According to dates from sacred writings, St.Mary and St.John came to Ephesus in the year 42. This is mentioned in the Bible, in the book written by St.John. He wrote this book for the people of Ephesus.

The house is a typical Roman architectural example, entirely made of stone.

Another interesting place is the "Water of Mary", a source to be found at the exit of the church area, which has curative properties.

Paul VI was the first Pope to visit this place in the 1960's.  Later, in the 1980's, during his visit, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of the Virgin Mary a site of pilgrimage for Christians.

Ephesus
Ephesus, which was one of the twelve Ion cities, developed as a result of the union of the Ion immigrants with the natives living near the temple of Kybele. In time, the spectacular temple built for this goddess who then took the name of the Greek Goddess Artemis, would be famous as one of the seven wonders of the world. Like the other Ionian cities, Ephesus was ruled by Lydia, Persia, Macedonia and lastly by Roman rulers. This city was one of the most popular cities of the ancient world and was given special attention by many Hellenistic kings. For instance it is known that Lysimakhos built this city and gave it his wife, Arsinoe's name, and that the king of Pergamon Attalos II, enlarged the port. As the Romans made Ephesos the capital of the Asian State, the city became one of the biggest settlements in Anatolia. The city was an important centre for Christianity at this time.

Owing to its wonderful position and associated ports, Ephesus became Anatolia's biggest trading centre. The Celsus library, the theatre, stadium, gymnasium, the temples and the famous baths contributed to the city becoming a sports, religious, cultural and entertainment centre, especially in Roman times.

On the way back, our guests will be taken to a carpet manufacturing workshop, where an expert in his presentation will explain the history and art of traditional hand-made carpet weaving in Turkey. An opportunity not to be missed!


On 9 September 2005 another outing is planned which will include the following:

At 13:30 hours, our participants will be taken to ESBAS, Aegean Free Trade Zone, to visit the facilities and have a meeting with the Management. ESBAS is the Main Sponsor of the SMMIB 05 Conference.

This group will then be driven to the beautiful village of Şirince, arriving at 16:30 hours. The village with its delightful natural surroundings will offer you an opportunity to relax and chat with your friends.

The accompanying persons will depart from Pine Bay resort at 16:00 hours and taken directly to Şirince to meet the participants and enjoy Şirince together.

Again, English speaking guides will be available.

The additional fee for this outing will be US$ 30 per person.

The buses will return to the hotels at 19:00 hours.

Şirince
This pretty old Orthodox village, 12 km from Ephesus and 30 km from Kusadasi, was once Çirkince ("ugly"). Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on purpose as they neither wanted to be bothered by foreigners nor share the beauty of their village.


In time, visitors noted that the village was not ugly at all, and called it Şirince ("pretty"). Situated on top of a mountain, anyone visiting Şirince will enjoy the impressive vineyards' and peach trees' views on his way.

Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture of the 1920's. After the War of Independence, there was a population exchange between the Greeks and the Turks, and Greek houses, while keeping their Greek characteristics on their façades, were altered inside in line with Turkish traditions. The most beautiful specimens are open to visitors, and in the courtyard in one of them, you will discover a nicely restored Orthodox church.


Adaland Aquapark
Hot? Come cool down in the largest and biggest aquapark of Europe!

Adaland is the coolest hotspot of Kusadasi, featuring drenching water adventure rides for a full splash fun day.

World of unlimited fun, thrills, excitement and lush greenery is only 1 km away from Pine Bay Resort Hotel, waiting just for you!

So be cool…

You and your family can enjoy the thrills and spills of the heart thumping adrenaline rush in the most fascinating sun-washed water park ever created.





We have a wide range of excellent facilities and water-based rides for a full day of fun, whether you make a splash cool blue waves, take a thrilling plunge down, the awesome and mild water slides to a splash pond below, just leisurely relax and float around the lazy river or just soak up the sun on the cool grassy beaches.

Let your laughter echo throughout splashtastic cool escape!

Our guests will enjoy over 25 acres of splashing fun with more than 20 fantastic rides and attractions while the thrill seekers can experience the fastest waterslides and catch the wildest rides of their lives.

Overflowing fun during a splash day at a cool place!

There will be free shuttle services available at the conference hotel for those who wish to have a fun day in Adaland Aquapark.