Please note: As this excursion involves extensive walking, comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are recommended. At Terrace Houses, guests will walk on glass-covered platforms. 

            

 

 

Meet your professional guide and set off to visit the ruined city of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Carians and Lelegs. Today, this is one of the most magnificent and best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. You will see the glorious Celsus Library façade, restored and reconstructed in the 1970s, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. Then, you will visit a new ongoing excavation site of the Church of Mary inside Ephesus. The church is located in the south stoa of the Olympian next to the harbor of Ephesus. This is a very important church for Christianity because it was the first one devoted to the Virgin Mary. The Council of Ephesus and the Synod declared that church as the center of Christianity in 449 A.D.  Your guide will share some little-known details about the life and times of the ancient city. You will also visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This small museum in Selcuk boasts an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artifacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus. The famous statue of Artemis (goddess of fertility) is housed here. At the end of your tour, you will stop for refreshments and a carpet demonstration at a local weaving village. Enjoy watching the skilled artisans spinning and dyeing yarn and weaving carpets. From here you can either return directly to the ship or stay in Kusadasi. Guests who wish to stay in town to shop or explore on their own are welcome to do so, but must return to the ship on their own.

 

Please note: This tour involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles are highly recommended.

            

 

 

 

Visit the ruined city of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by the Carians and Lelegs. You will see the glorious Celsus Library façade, restored and reconstructed in the 1970s, the Grand Amphitheater and the Temple of Hadrian. Visit the “Terrace Houses” located opposite Hadrian’s Temple, a newly excavated area. Next you will discover the beauty of Sirince Village, the perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture where you will stroll through the streets and see the typical Greek houses. You will have time to purchase some local handicrafts that the village ladies sell on the streets. The  tour features a charming church dedicated to St John that you can view high above the village. A private lunch has been arranged for you in a beautifully restored local building, with spectacular views overlooking an amazing valley of fruit and olive trees and lots of grapevines. Here you will experience the local cuisine with the best of Turkish hospitality. Taste a few of the local wines throughout your private lunch. Upon your return to Kusadasi, you may enjoy a carpet-making demonstration and have some time for shopping. Explore the town and return to the yacht on your own.

 

Please note: This tour involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

            

 

 

 

 

 

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

 

Please note:  Capacity: 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

             

 

 

 

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

 

Please note:  Capacity: 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

           

 

 

 

 

Please note:  There is a lot of walking on this tour with many steps and rough and uneven terrain.  Flat, comfortable shoes are highly recommended.  The last 3 miles to the Virgin Mary’s House is a winding road up to an altitude of 1,250 feet.