Aegean Ruins and Sculpture Heritage Circuit
Experience 2 days of Aegean Ruins and Sculpture Heritage Circuit from Istanbul by flight and private deluxe VIP car. Visit Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Museum, and continue to Aphrodisias Ancient City with Aphrodisias Archaeological Museum.
Highlights
- House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus, sacred and classical heritage in one route
- Celsus Library and Great Theatre, iconic core monuments of Ephesus
- Aphrodisias marble city, Temple of Aphrodite and Tetrapylon gateway
- Aphrodisias Museum collections, major Roman sculpture tradition of Anatolia
Aegean Ruins and Sculpture Heritage Circuit
Experience 2 days of Aegean Ruins and Sculpture Heritage Circuit from Istanbul by flight and private deluxe VIP car. Visit Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Museum, and continue to Aphrodisias Ancient City with Aphrodisias Archaeological Museum.
Itinerary
This itinerary is prepared for travelers who want a focused Aegean Ruins and Sculpture Heritage Circuit with private logistics. The tour starts in Istanbul and uses domestic flight transfer to optimize a short two-day window. Guests searching 2 days by flight Istanbul Ephesus Aphrodisias options can use this package because each stop is predefined and route-faithful. Day one is centered on Ephesus and sacred-classical locations near Selcuk. Day two continues to Aphrodisias in a complete private deluxe VIP car Turkey archaeology route.
On day one, the route includes House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, Temple of Artemis, and Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This sequence is useful for visitors comparing an Ephesus Ancient City Temple of Artemis highlights program with museum context. Monumental architecture and artifact galleries are balanced to avoid rushed transitions. Overnight in Kusadasi allows efficient transfer to Aydin region for the second day. These points create a coherent House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus Museum segment.
Day two covers Aphrodisias Ancient City and Aphrodisias Archaeological Museum with emphasis on sculpture traditions and civic planning. Travelers interested in an Aphrodisias archaeological museum sculpture halls route can map this schedule directly to official highlights. The itinerary remains destination-focused and avoids unrelated side visits. Included services cover private licensed guide, deluxe A/C VIP car, local taxes, parking, and transfer handling. Overall, this is a dependable Selcuk to Aydin heritage transfer plan from Istanbul.
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Day 1
Ephesus Sacred and Classical Route
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Pickup in Istanbul and transfer to departure airport.
Day one starts with private transfer for Izmir-bound domestic flight.
Flight from Istanbul to IzmirDomestic flight segment to Izmir.
Flight connection enables same-day Ephesus route from Istanbul base.
House of Virgin MaryVisit sanctuary near Ephesus sacred hill zone.
House of Virgin Mary is one of the region's most important pilgrimage locations.
House of Virgin Mary offers a very different atmosphere from the larger archaeological sites around Ephesus. Reached through pine-covered hills, the sanctuary feels quiet, intimate, and reflective, with a mood that encourages visitors to lower their voices and simply take in the setting. For many travelers, the power of the place comes from this sense of calm as much as from its religious meaning. Whether you arrive for spiritual reasons or cultural curiosity, the stop often leaves a lasting impression.
This site is respected by both Christian and Muslim visitors, which gives it a rare interfaith significance in the region. You will notice small acts of devotion everywhere, from candles and prayers to the stillness people keep around the chapel. Instead of treating it as a checklist stop, it is worth pausing for a few quiet minutes to absorb the landscape and the emotion of the place. House of Virgin Mary is best experienced with respect, patience, and an openness to its deeply personal atmosphere.
Ephesus Ancient CityGuided walk through Ephesus archaeological core.
Ephesus preserves one of the most complete Roman urban plans in Anatolia.
Ephesus Ancient City feels less like a ruin and more like a grand city waiting for its crowds to return. As you walk along the marble streets, the scale of the place becomes immediately clear through the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the long ceremonial avenues that once connected civic life, trade, and belief. Every corner reveals how powerful and sophisticated this Roman metropolis once was. It is easy to picture philosophers, merchants, and pilgrims moving through the same urban scene that now unfolds in front of you.
Give yourself time to slow down here, because Ephesus rewards careful attention rather than a rushed photo stop. Look at the carved details, the worn paving stones, and the way the city opens toward the theatre to understand how daily life was staged in public view. This is also one of the most evocative places in the region for travelers interested in early Christianity as well as classical history. By the end of the visit, Ephesus usually feels like one of the rare archaeological sites that is both monumental and deeply human.
Celsus Library and Great TheatreFocus on Ephesus monumental centerline.
Celsus facade and Great Theatre define the signature skyline of the site.
Celsus Library and Great Theatre brings together two of Ephesus's most memorable landmarks in one highly dramatic sequence. The library offers refined architectural display, while the theatre expands the city's scale into something truly civic and monumental. Seen together, they express both the cultural ambition and the public life of the ancient metropolis. This is one of the clearest places in the site where Ephesus feels grand rather than merely old.
What makes this pairing so effective is the contrast between facade and vastness. One monument draws you in through detail and ornament, while the other opens the city toward crowd life, performance, and spectacle. For travelers, that combination makes the stop especially easy to remember. The Celsus and Great Theatre core often feels like the visual heart of the Ephesus experience.
Lunch Break in SelcukMidday meal break during route (not included).
Lunch break is scheduled and paid directly by guests.
Lunch Break in Selcuk is a good chance to slow down after the monumental scale of Ephesus and enjoy the softer, fresher character of the Aegean table. In this part of western Türkiye, lunch often means olive oil dishes, seasonal herbs, light mezes, village-style vegetables, and simple grilled favorites served without unnecessary heaviness. After a long archaeological walk, that style of cooking usually feels exactly right. The atmosphere is less formal and more about fresh ingredients, good bread, and a relaxed midday pause.
If you want to eat like the region itself, look for zeytinyağlı dishes, artichokes in olive oil, stuffed zucchini flowers, herb-based mezes, and a well-cooked local grilled meat or köfte option. Selcuk is close to the fertile Aegean countryside, so greens, olive oil, and balanced flavors tend to define the meal more than rich sauces do. This is the kind of lunch that refreshes you rather than slows you down before the afternoon route. A simple table here can become one of the most satisfying food memories of the day.
Ephesus Archaeological MuseumVisit museum galleries linked to Ephesus finds.
Museum collections connect excavated city life with broader regional history.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum gives material depth to the stories you hear at the site itself. After walking the streets of ancient Ephesus, seeing sculptures, inscriptions, cult objects, and daily-life finds in a curated setting helps the city become more complete and more human. The museum turns large ruins into individual lives, beliefs, and artistic traditions. That shift from open-air monument to carefully preserved artifact is what makes the visit so rewarding.
This stop is especially valuable because it connects Ephesus with the wider sacred and regional landscape around Selcuk. Instead of repeating what you already saw outdoors, the museum reveals details that are easy to miss in the archaeological zone, including the artistic refinement behind the city's public image. It is a good place to slow down, look closely, and let the day's historical layers settle into a clearer picture. Ephesus Archaeological Museum often feels like the piece that completes the whole Ephesus experience.
Temple of ArtemisStop at remains of Artemis sanctuary area.
Temple of Artemis site marks one of antiquity's seven wonders.
Temple of Artemis asks for a little imagination, but that is part of what makes the stop so interesting. This was once celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and even though only limited remains stand today, the historical importance of the site is enormous. Standing in the plain near Selcuk, you are not just looking at stones, but at the memory of a sanctuary that drew pilgrims, wealth, and admiration from across the ancient Mediterranean. The contrast between its former fame and its present quietness gives the place a very distinctive character.
Travelers who rush may miss the value of this stop, so it helps to approach it as a place of historical imagination rather than monumental spectacle. Think about how the sanctuary once related to nearby Ephesus and how sacred architecture shaped the prestige of the region. The open landscape around the site also makes it easier to sense how large and symbolically important the temple must once have been. For anyone interested in the ancient world, Temple of Artemis offers a reflective and unexpectedly memorable pause.
Kusadasi Dinner and OvernightTransfer, dinner, and overnight stay in Kusadasi region.
Hotel dinner is included before day-two Aphrodisias route.
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Day 2
Departure to Aphrodisias
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Start day-two route after breakfast.
Morning transfer heads inland to Aphrodisias in Aydin-Karacasu region.
Transfer to AphrodisiasDrive from Kusadasi corridor to Aphrodisias.
Overland segment connects coastal base with inland UNESCO archaeological zone.
Aphrodisias Ancient CityGuided exploration of major Aphrodisias monuments.
Aphrodisias is renowned for sculpture schools and Roman urban layout.
Aphrodisias Ancient City stands out for its elegance as much as for its scale. Dedicated to Aphrodite and enriched by a celebrated tradition of marble sculpture, the city feels refined in a way that is immediately visible in its monuments, urban planning, and artistic identity. The stadium, temple zone, Tetrapylon, and broad streets create an experience that feels both monumental and unusually graceful. It is one of those sites where beauty and archaeology are equally strong.
What makes Aphrodisias especially memorable is the sense that this was not only a city of power, but also a city of craft. The connection to sculpture gives the ruins a distinctive character, as if the place itself was shaped with extra care and ambition. Because the site is not always as crowded as better-known names, it can also feel more spacious and contemplative. For many travelers, Aphrodisias becomes one of the most rewarding archaeological surprises of the journey.
Temple of Aphrodite and TetrapylonFocus on sanctuary and ceremonial gate structures.
Temple and Tetrapylon are among the best-preserved signature elements of the site.
The route through the Temple of Aphrodite and Tetrapylon brings you into the most iconic architectural composition of Aphrodisias, where sacred space and ceremonial elegance meet in a remarkably legible setting. The Tetrapylon gives the site one of its clearest visual signatures, while the Temple of Aphrodite anchors the spiritual identity from which the city took its name. This pairing makes the stop especially strong. You are seeing not only beauty, but the conceptual core of the city. Few sections of Aphrodisias feel this concentrated.
As you move between these elements, notice how the architecture balances refinement and meaning without needing overwhelming scale. Travelers often remember this part of the site because it captures Aphrodisias at its most distinctive. The sanctuary and ceremonial gateway together help explain why the city was both artistically admired and religiously important. It is a stop where the identity of the place becomes very clear. The result is elegant, focused, and deeply memorable.
Aphrodisias MuseumVisit marble sculpture and relief collections.
Museum halls present exceptional Roman-period statuary from local excavations.
Aphrodisias Museum is one of the places where the artistic reputation of the ancient city becomes fully visible. After walking through Aphrodisias itself, entering the museum allows you to see the sculptural quality, refinement, and human detail that made the site famous across the Roman world. Portraits, reliefs, and carved fragments give the city a second life indoors. The result feels less like a secondary stop and more like the key to understanding why Aphrodisias mattered so much.
What makes the museum especially memorable is the strength of its site-linked collection. These are not random objects gathered from elsewhere, but works that belong directly to the city you have just explored, which gives the visit unusual clarity and continuity. The marble craftsmanship is often the highlight, and even travelers who are not usually museum-focused tend to notice the quality here. Aphrodisias Museum turns admiration for the ruins into a deeper appreciation of the people and artistry behind them.
Lunch Break near AphrodisiasMidday meal break during route (not included).
Lunch break is scheduled and paid directly by guests.
Lunch Break near Aphrodisias offers a good pause in a region where archaeology and rural Anatolian life still feel closely connected. After the refined marble world of Aphrodisias, a local lunch nearby usually brings the experience back to earth through simple, generous cooking shaped by the inland Aegean. This is the sort of meal stop where rustic quality matters more than polish. It often feels like part of the landscape rather than a break from it.
The best choice here is usually a straightforward regional table with soups, stews, grilled meats, olive-oil dishes, and seasonal vegetables rather than anything overly touristic. In this part of western Türkiye, you still feel the blend of Aegean freshness and inland substance, which makes lunch both comforting and local. After a major ancient site, that balance works especially well. The Aphrodisias area is the kind of place where simple food can feel exactly right.
Transfer to Izmir AirportDrive from Aphrodisias route back to departure airport.
Return transfer aligns with Istanbul-bound evening domestic flight.
Flight from Izmir to IstanbulDomestic return flight to Istanbul.
Air return completes the 2-day Ephesus-Aphrodisias route.
Istanbul Drop-offFinal drop-off at original hotel or meeting point.
Services conclude at Istanbul drop-off location after arrival.
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Informations
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What's Included
- 1 night accommodation with dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
- Private deluxe A/C VIP vehicle for all ground transfers and tours
- Pickup from your hotel or meeting point
- 4 airport transfers as listed in itinerary
- Drop-off to your hotel or meeting point
- Parking fees for listed route locations
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private tour operation only for your group
- Local taxes
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What's Excluded
- Museum and site admission fees
- Personal expenses
- Breakfast and lunch (hotel dinner is included)
- Domestic flight tickets unless explicitly added to booking
- Gratuities for guide and driver
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Entrance Fees
- Entrance fees are not included and are paid directly on site according to current official rates.
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Travel Tips
- Use comfortable walking shoes and seasonal layers; carry water
- sun protection
- and a hat for long open-air archaeological sections.
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Note
- This itinerary includes airport transfers
- domestic flight segments
- and moderate walking on uneven ancient stone surfaces.
Your Peace of Mind Options
Cancellation Policy
A transparent overview of applicable fees.
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FAQs
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What is covered on Day 1 (Ephesus sacred and classical route)?
- Ephesus Ancient City including the Celsus Library and Great Theatre sector
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
- Temple of Artemis
- Dinner and overnight in the Kusadasi region
- House of Virgin Mary
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What is covered on Day 2 (Aphrodisias ancient art route)?
- Temple of Aphrodite and Tetrapylon gate area
- Aphrodisias Museum visit
- Transfer to Izmir Airport for the flight back to Istanbul
- Transfer inland to Aphrodisias
- Aphrodisias Ancient City highlights
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Is this a private tour?
- Pace can be adjusted within the operational route
- Yes. It is operated privately for your group with a private guide and VIP vehicle
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Are breakfasts, lunches, or dinners included?
- Breakfast and lunch are excluded unless explicitly stated in your confirmation
- Please plan budget for meals during touring hours
- Hotel dinner is included
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Entrance fees: what's included and what is excluded?
- Please plan budget for Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and Aphrodisias tickets
- No. Museum and site admission fees are excluded
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Where do we stay overnight?
- Overnight is in the Kusadasi region
- Exact hotel details depend on your booking confirmation
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Is this tour physically demanding?
- Ephesus and Aphrodisias involve uneven stone paths and long walking distances
- Moderate walking at large open-air sites
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Excluded items: what should I budget for?
- Domestic flight tickets unless explicitly added to booking
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Museum and site admission fees
- Breakfast and lunch (hotel dinner is included)
- Personal expenses
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What's included in the 2-day
- Private tour operation only for your group
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private deluxe A/C VIP vehicle for all ground transfers and tours
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point
- Airport transfers as scheduled in the itinerary
- Parking fees for scheduled route locations and local taxes
- 1 night accommodation with dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
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Which domestic flight(s) are included in the itinerary?
- Domestic flight tickets are excluded unless explicitly added to your booking
- The itinerary is planned with flights for timing efficiency, but inclusion depends on the selected option
General FAQs
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Do I need a visa for Turkey?
Visa requirements depend on your passport and can change.
- Before you travel, check the current rules for your nationality via official sources.
- If you are eligible, the e-Visa option is commonly used for short stays.
- If you tell us your passport country, we can point you to the correct official channel to verify.
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When is the best season for Turkey tours?
It depends on the route and what you want to prioritize.
- Spring and autumn: comfortable for city walking and archaeological sites.
- Summer: ideal for the coast, but can be hot inland and in big cities.
- Winter: fewer crowds in major cities, cooler weather, and sometimes a slower pace.
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How many days do I need for a Turkey itinerary?
Most travelers are happiest with enough time to balance cities and sites.
- Short trips focus on one region (for example Istanbul, or Cappadocia).
- Longer trips can combine Istanbul with Cappadocia, Ephesus area, and the coast.
- If you are adding another country, keep a buffer day for flights and transfers.
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Which currency is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY).
- Many prices are shown in TRY; some tourism services may quote in EUR or USD, but payment is typically taken in TRY.
- ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas.
- Keep small bills for quick purchases.
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Can I use credit cards in Turkey?
In most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, card payments are easy.
- For markets, small shops, and some taxis, cash is still helpful.
- Notify your bank about international travel to avoid card blocks.
- Carry a backup card or some cash as a fallback.
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Is Turkey safe for visitors?
Turkey is generally safe for tourists, especially in main travel zones.
- Use normal big-city awareness in crowded places.
- Stick to licensed taxis and official entrances for attractions.
- On guided days, follow your guide for meeting points and timing.
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What should I wear when visiting mosques?
Modest clothing is expected at religious sites.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Women may be asked to cover hair with a scarf.
- Shoes are removed, so socks can be useful.
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Is tap water drinkable in Turkey?
Many travelers prefer bottled water.
- Bottled water is easy to find everywhere.
- If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid ice in places you are unsure about.
- Hotels often provide bottled water daily.
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Is tipping expected in Turkey?
Tipping is common and appreciated.
- Restaurants: leaving a small amount or rounding up is typical.
- Drivers and guides: tipping is optional and based on service.
- Keep small change for convenience.
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What power plugs are used in Turkey?
Turkey generally uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V, 50Hz).
- Bring a plug adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
- Most phone and camera chargers are dual-voltage, but check your adapter.
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How do I buy a SIM or eSIM in Turkey?
SIM and eSIM options are available from major operators.
- Passport registration is usually required in official stores.
- If your phone supports it, an eSIM can be a convenient option.
- For short stays, compare data-focused packages.
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Do museums and attractions have closure days?
Opening hours vary by season and venue, and some places have weekly closure days.
- During national or religious holidays, schedules can change.
- Ticket rules can also differ by site.
- On guided tours, we plan routes based on current opening times.
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What should I pack for a Turkey trip?
Comfort matters, especially if you will walk a lot.
- Comfortable shoes for uneven streets and historical sites.
- Light layers: temperatures can change between morning and evening.
- Sun protection in summer, and a compact rain layer in spring or autumn.
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Can I take photos everywhere in Turkey?
Photography rules depend on the location.
- Some museums or sections may restrict flash or any photos.
- In mosques, photos are usually allowed with respect for worshippers.
- Always follow posted rules and staff instructions.
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Do I need to carry my passport while sightseeing?
We suggest keeping your passport safely at the hotel and carrying a copy.
- A photo on your phone plus a printed copy is usually enough for day-to-day needs.
- If you plan to buy a SIM, you may need the original passport at the shop.
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How do I get between regions in Turkey?
For longer distances, domestic flights are often the fastest option.
- Intercity buses are common and can be comfortable.
- Some routes have trains, but schedules can be limited.
- We can advise the best option based on your itinerary.
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Are bazaars and shopping areas tourist friendly?
Yes, and they are part of the experience.
- Bargaining is normal in bazaars, but not in fixed-price shops.
- Keep receipts for higher-value purchases.
- For carpets or jewelry, buy from reputable stores.
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What emergency number is used in Turkey?
Dial 112 for emergencies (medical, police, fire, and urgent situations).
- If you are traveling with us, inform your guide immediately so we can support you quickly.
Let's Customize Your Trip!
Prepare your own tour plan!
Good to Know
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Good to know: start early for better timing
- Early visits help reduce crowds at Ephesus
- They also support flight and transfer logistics
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Good to know: bring modest clothing for the House of Virgin Mary visit
- A light scarf can be useful
- Comfortable respectful clothing is recommended
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Good to know: confirm flight inclusion when booking
- Flights are excluded unless explicitly added
- Check your confirmation for the exact option details
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Good to know: Ephesus and Aphrodisias are open-air sites
- Comfortable shoes matter because walking distances are long
- Bring sun protection and water
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Good to know: plan cash for tickets and lunches
- Admission fees are excluded
- Breakfast and lunch are excluded unless stated
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