Hafen
Kusadasi

Admire some of the most hallowed sites in the ancient world, including a residence believed to be the Virgin Mary’s, the ruins of Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it.

Then, it’s on to revered Ephesus, a World Heritage site that may well be the best-preserved ancient city in the region. After passing the Magnesia Gate, you will behold one excavated building after another. There is the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes.

Continuing on, you will stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Built in the 6th century, the church stood over the spot where St. John is supposedly buried. Although a Mongol army destroyed the building and pillaged much of it, part of the basilica has been restored to show its scope.

A buffet lunch at a hotel in Kusadasi follows, after which you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

Gain an understanding of the ancient world by exploring the ruins in Ephesus and then wander through the traditional village of Sirince and sample its renowned fruit wines.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland to Ephesus, perhaps the best-preserved ancient city in the region. As you meander through the painstakingly excavated ruins of this World Heritage site, you will behold one spectacular building after another.

You can expect to see the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. The ruins present a rich picture of life in the ancient world.

Nearby, you will find Sirince, a hillside village surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves. Most of the stone-and-stucco residences are painted white with red-tiled roofs, giving the village a wonderfully uniform and traditional appearance.

While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you will pause to sample some of the local fruit wine. The varieties include melon, pomegranate and kiwi, all of which are prized for their sweetness.

Back in Kusadasi, you will enjoy free time to shop for popular items such as gold jewelry and decorative ceramics. If you wish to buy a Turkish carpet, you might first attend a lecture on the subject to glean valuable information before making the purchase.

Explore a collection of revealing ancient sites that include the remains of temples and residences in the city of Ephesus and a house that may have been the Virgin Mary’s.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary.

Although archaeologists date the building to the 6th century, the foundations may be from the 1st century, the time of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it. The spring is said to have healing powers.

Your next stop will be revered Ephesus, a World Heritage site that may well be the best-preserved ancient city in the region. After passing the Magnesia Gate, you will behold one renowned excavated site after another.

There is the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. One column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, also remains.

Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

Experience country life in a village near Kusadasi, where you will mingle with the residents and learn about their lifestyle. You might discover how the villagers spend most days, earn livings and view the rest of the world. A meandering walk through the village will bring you to fields of fruits or vegetables. Depending on the season, you may be able to pick some fresh cherries straight from the tree. Chances are, you will work up an appetite, which will easily be appeased with a hearty Turkish breakfast, known as “kahvalti” at the local café in the village square. It typically includes cheeses, fresh vegetables like olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, spicy sausages, fruit preserves and fresh-baked bread. Before you head back to Kusadasi, you will stop at another village to have coffee at a café like a local.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mingle with the locals in a small village on the outskirts of Kusadasi.
• Learn about the villager’s rural lifestyle.
• Enjoy a hearty Turkish breakfast with country favorites such as sausage, cheeses and olives
• And Turkish coffee break at in an another small village

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a brief but enlightening panoramic tour of ancient Selcuk and dine on an array of traditional Turkish delicacies at a restaurant in the heart of the city. Being on the doorstep of the archaeological treasures in Ephesus, Selcuk usually attracts visitors intent on exploring the past. That interest should include food as this area was settled thousands of years ago and reflects the cuisines of it many conquerors. As you will discover at the restaurant Selcuk Koftecisi, the dishes typically include plenty of garden-fresh vegetables and seafood, even though the city lies a bit inland. You can expect to sample mezes such as roasted eggplant saksuka, followed by a main course of grilled seabass served on a bed of roka or arugula. The dessert will likely be Kemal Pasha, a melt-in-your-mouth treat made with a cheese unique to the area. Free time in Selcuk allows you to independently explore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Indulge in a traditional lunch of delicacies that highlight the cuisine of Selcuk.
• Enjoy healthy mezes and a seafood entrée with thoughtfully paired local wines.
• Spend a bit of free time in Selcuk, the gateway to the glorious ruins of Ephesus.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the atmospheric streets of the hillside village Sirince as a prelude to lunch at a historical mansion known for its rose gardens. As you approach the city, you will pass orchards of fruit such as peaches and kiwi that are often used to make highly prized sweet wines. Most of the stone-and-stucco residences in Sirince are painted white with red-tiled roofs, giving the village a wonderfully uniform and traditional appearance. It offers a magnificent setting for lunch at the beautifully restored Güllü Konak, which is Turkish for “rose mansion.” It is only fitting that each room is named for a variety of rose. Fruits from Sirince’s orchards are typically featured on the lunch menu. You will likely be served a salad of wild purslane and juicy peaches and a main dish of slow-braised beef ribs with dried fruits. The accompanying wines will also be infused with fruits such as apples or perhaps berries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a meandering walk through the hillside village of Sirince.
• Dine at a traditional restaurant in the historic Rose Mansion.
• Delight in dishes and wines infused with various fruits from Sirince’s orchards.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Savor an extraordinarily inventive meal made with locally sourced ingredients in Caferli, a rural village at the edge of a vast agricultural area. Not long after driving past the coastal communities south of Kusadasi, you will turn inland and begin to see a number of farms and orchards. If you weren’t looking for it, Caferli would be easy to miss as its population is less than 100. Even so, this teeny village boasts a spectacular restaurant called Ciy, which sits in a photogenic setting shaded by olive trees. There, award-winning chef Dalma Ugurtas will prepare your meal using succulent meats from the surrounding area and fruits and vegetables that she has selected that day from the restaurant’s gardens. The exact menu will depend on what’s freshest and seasonal. Regardless, it will feature what Chef Ugurtas calls “regenerative Mediterranean cuisine,” in which traditional Turkish ingredients are prepared with innovative Western techniques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely drive into the countryside while the guide describes the region’s history.
• Pass through idyllic farms and orchards on the way to the small village of Caferli.
• Savor an innovative dinner of “regenerative Mediterranean cuisine” at the restaurant Ciy.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Delve into ancient history by visiting extraordinary attractions such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the remains of the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus Museum. After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Look inside this small stone building, believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house. Continuing on, you will pass the ancient city of Ephesus and drive into the nearby town of Selcuk while the guide elaborates on their historical significance. Selcuk is home to the Ephesus Museum, whose collection includes many of the area’s prized artifacts. Unlike archaeological museums that display items chronologically, the Ephesus Museum exhibits them by theme, so you can easily concentrate on specific areas of interest. There are rooms devoted to ancient coins, artifacts from the Terrace Houses and the Temple of Artemis. The temple was rebuilt several times after being destroyed by an arsonist, damaged by invaders and torn down by a Christian mob. Its final version was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will see the temple’s lone surviving column and a few scattered remnants on the outskirts of Ephesus. Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

OVERVIEW

See architectural treasures that reflect how the urban landscape in and around Kusadasi has been transformed over the centuries. A look at the 14th-century Kusadasi Castle will reveal how the city protected itself against invading pirates while the 17th-century high-walled caravanserai only looks like a fortification. It was built as a roadside inn that welcomed travelers and traders on the Silk Road. Statesman and military leader Öküz Mehmed Pasha initiated the caravanserai building project as well as the grand Kaleici Camii mosque, both of which you will visit. The nearby village of Sirince will offer a more traditional perspective as its residences are uniformly white with red-tiled roofs. Although only one column of the Temple of Artemis remains, this Wonder of the Ancient World will present a window into the past especially with the guide’s description. Free time in Old Town will encourage an even deeper exploration of Kusadasi’s architecture and history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how the urban landscape in and around Kusadasi has evolved over the centuries.
• Learn about past pirate invasions while exploring around Kusadasi Castle.
• See the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Explore a hilltop village that exemplifies traditional rural life.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See the modern side of Kusadasi and a pair of landmarks built in the 17th century, this walking expedition is sure to deepen your understanding of the city. In the early 1600s, statesman and military leader Öküz Mehmed Pasha initiated building projects in Kusadasi that included the Kaleici Camii mosque and a caravanserai or roadside inn for travelers and traders on the Silk Road. Browsing these architectural treasures will provide a window to the past and a look at how life has changed through the centuries. The high-walled, square-shaped caravanserai is now a museum with archaeological artifacts, coins and porcelain dolls. The city’s shopping venues have also evolved over time. The atmospheric Carsi will remind you of a traditional covered bazaar with narrow walkways winding between seemingly endless shops and stalls. Scala Nuova Village presents a much more contemporary shopping environment with dozens of stores that sell merchandise with more familiar labels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit two shopping venues, one that resembles a traditional bazaar, the other more modern.
• Explore a 17th-century mosque and a caravanserai from the same time period.
• Discover how statesman Öküz Mehmed Pasha changed the face of Kusadasi centuries ago.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Kusadasi, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are available and complemented by a convenient photo frame, enabling you to capture the best pictures at each selfie stop.

As you walk and ride through Kusadasi, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Sirince village
• Artemis Temple
• Camlik Railway Museum
• Gazibegendi Hill
• Kusadasi city center

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Kusadasi.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Travel inland to the beautiful village of Sirince and see the nearby Temple of Artemis.
• Browse a collection of steam locomotives at an outdoor railway museum.
• Enjoy a panoramic hilltop view of Kusadasi before exploring the city center on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Walk through the excavated ruins in Ephesus, Turkey’s most celebrated archaeological site, and discover how the ruins bring the past vividly to life.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland to Ephesus, perhaps the best-preserved ancient city in the region. As you meander through the painstakingly excavated ruins of this World Heritage site, you will behold one spectacular building after another.

You can expect to see the Great Theater where St. Paul spent three years in the 1st century preaching the Gospel. The theater can hold 25,000 spectators, so you can imagine the scene when the house was full for momentous events.

According to written history, a large Jewish community lived in Ephesus but no synagogue has yet been excavated. However, a Jewish lamp has been found, confirming the texts that described the Jewish residents.

The Library of Celsus is another architectural highlight. The monument was constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. It was named for the city’s Roman governor in the 2nd century.

One column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, also remains. The first temple of its size to be built entirely of marble, it was considerably larger the Parthenon. The Roman author, philosopher and military commander Pliny the Elder wrote about the temple in detail, including its measurements and furnishings.

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside, stopping on occasion at key attractions such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the white-washed village of Sirince.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary.

Although archaeologists date the existing building to the 6th century, the foundations are much older, perhaps from the 1st century, the time of Mary.

Continuing on, you will pass the ancient city of Ephesus and drive through the village of Selcuk while the guide elaborates on their historical significance. Nearby, you will find Sirince, a hillside village surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Most of its stone-and-stucco residences are painted white with red-tiled roofs, giving the village a wonderfully uniform and traditional appearance. While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you will pause to sample some of the local fruit wine. The varieties include melon, pomegranate and kiwi, all of which are prized for their sweetness.

Back in Kusadasi, you will enjoy free time to shop for popular items such as gold jewelry and decorative ceramics. If you wish to buy a Turkish carpet, you might first attend a lecture on the subject to glean valuable information before making the purchase.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an exploration of Kusadasi's natural beauty and historical treasures. Your adventure kicks off with a hike along a section of the Efeler Yolu Cultural Route, a renowned trail stretching across 28 stages. This path meanders through verdant landscapes and a rich ecosystem, giving you a deep dive into the area's striking natural scenery. As you trek, your guide will share practical insights about the local environment and its history, showing how different civilizations have influenced the region over time. After the hike, you’ll visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, a site with a deep historical significance in ancient Ephesus. Witness the remnants of this once-grand structure as you learn about its history and importance, offering a glimpse into the past. Finally, head to Pygela Beach, a spot where you can unwind after your active morning. Take a leisurely swim or relax on the sand, enjoying the atmosphere. Then, return to Kusadasi Carsi, where you’ll have some free time to explore the local shops or grab a souvenir before wrapping up the day.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a two-mile hike through the Efeler Yolu Cultural Route with a knowledgeable guide.
• Learn about the area's natural scenery and enjoy the extraordinary serenity of the surroundings.
• Take a swim and relax on a nearby beach.
• Feel rejuvenated by the natural setting and the unhurried pace of the experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

See some of the most sacred sites in ancient Turkey, including the house where the Virgin Mary supposedly lived and the basilica under which Saint John may be buried.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary.

Although archaeologists date the existing building to the 6th century, the foundations are much older, perhaps from the 1st century, the time of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it.

You will next stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Built in the 6th century, the church stood over the spot where St. John is supposedly buried. Although a Mongol army destroyed the building and pillaged materials, part of the basilica has been restored to show its scope.

Similarly, you will view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. Invaders also damaged it, as did an arsonist and a Christian mob. The final version of the renovated temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. All that remains is one column and a few scattered remnants.

Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

Embrace the ancient beauty, sites and treasures of Ephesus during a full-day tour of this spectacular old city.

Home of the Virgin Mary

Depart the pier for the drive out of Kusadasi, and towards Bulbul Mountain to see the house that some claim to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is said to have come here in the company of St. John towards the end of her life, around 40 A.D. The site remained undiscovered and unvisited for 1,800 years until being described in visions by a German nun who had not previously seen nor visited the house. Each year, Christians and Muslims who honour 'Meryemana' as the mother of a great prophet make religious pilgrimages to the site. Beneath the house is a fountain where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors. From here, re-board your coach and continue on for the drive to Ephesus.

Ephesus

In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

Celsus Library

During your walking tour, see the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Greek Theatre and Temple of Hadrian

Next, proceed to the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith. Your archaeological tour continues with a visit to the Temple of Hadrian, built in the 2nd century A.D. in the name of the Emperor.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

After Ephesus, a visit is made to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Basilica of St. John

Your last stop is at the nearby Basilica of St. John, one of the most significant religious monuments of its time. Built in the 6th century to replace the small basilica at the site of St. John's Tomb, the church signifies a major move from the ancient Roman cults to Christianity. Much of the basilica was constructed using materials from the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Following your tour of Ephesus and surrounding area, proceed for a relaxing lunch served at one of the best 5 star hotels in Kusadasi.

At the end of the lunch, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon your arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship or remain in town at your leisure.

Discover one of the world's most beautiful ancient cities during this scenic and memorable half-day excursion to Ephesus.

Depart the pier in Kusadasi for the scenic drive to the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, or 'Efes'. En route, pass through the countryside dotted with orchards of fig trees and rural Turkish villages.

Ephesus

After Istanbul's Sultanahmet area, the ruins of Ephesus are the most-visited landmarks in all of Turkey. The city ranks among the world's most beautiful classical cities, on par with Rome and Athens in scope, quality and feel. In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary.

Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

During your leisurely tour, enter the ancient site from the easy accessible Lower Gate.

Greek Theatre

Admire the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.

Celsus Library

During your walking tour, see the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Your last stop is a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship, or remain in town at your leisure.

Discover one of the world's most beautiful ancient cities during this scenic and memorable half-day excursion to Ephesus.

Depart the pier in Kusadasi for the scenic drive to the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, or 'Efes'. En route, pass through the countryside dotted with orchards of fig trees and rural Turkish villages.

Ephesus

After Istanbul's Sultanahmet area, the ruins of Ephesus are the most-visited landmarks in all of Turkey. The city ranks among the world's most beautiful classical cities, on par with Rome and Athens in scope, quality and feel. In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary.

Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

Celsus Library

During your walking tour, see the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Greek Theatre

Next, proceed to the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.

Temple of Hadrian

Your archaeological tour continues with a visit to the Temple of Hadrian, built in the 2nd century A.D. in the name of the Emperor.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Your last stop is a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship or remain in town at your leisure.

Discover one of the world's most beautiful ancient cities during this scenic and memorable half-day excursion to Ephesus.

Ephesus

Depart the port for the scenic drive to the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the greatest outdoor museums in Turkey and perhaps in the world. Although now in ruins, it was originally founded by the Carian and Leleg native peoples. Magnificent vistas wait including Odeon Theatre, Hadrian Temple, the glorious Celsus Library façade, Terrace Houses and the Grand Amphitheatre. The Odeon Theatre had a seating capacity of about 1,500 seats. Built in 150 A.D., it was primarily used for small plays, concerts and official public ceremonies. The Hadrian Temple was dedicated in 118 AD to both Hadrian and to the goddess Artemis; it underwent reconstruction in the 4th century. This impressive Corinthian-style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of the Ephesians, the head of Medusa on the porch would protect the city from invaders and enemies.

Terrace Houses

Next, continue on to the recently-renovated Terrace Houses. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated with incredible mosaics and frescoes. The Terrace Houses were discovered in excavations carried out since the 1980s by a team of Austrian archaeologists. Along with those in Pompeii, they constitute some of the most vivid examples of Roman domestic architecture to survive today.

Celsus Library

The library is the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building's front staircase states that the library was built by Julius, in his father's honor, after his death. His father, Celsus, was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD; Celsus' sarcophagus is buried beneath the library.

Great Theatre

In the 1st century AD, it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where it is believed that St. Paul preached. It is believed to be the largest theatre in the ancient world.

At the end of the tour, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly onboard or to remain in town at your leisure.

Explore the archaeological treasures of Ephesus and its unique terrace houses during a scenic and informative full-day visit to this ancient city with lunch.

Depart the pier for the visit to the Ephesus for a special visit with an Archaeologist that will take you through the site and also explain how the Terrace Houses excavation was found and uncovered to its beauty today. There is a still ongoing excavation that you will be able to watch inside as the Archaeologist will explain what they are doing.

Ephesus

After Istanbul's Sultanahmet area, the ruins of Ephesus are the most-visited landmarks in all of Turkey. The city ranks among the world's most beautiful classical cities, on par with Rome and Athens in scope, quality and feel. In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

Walking Tour

Your guided walking tour commences at the Magnesium Gate, and proceeds downhill at a leisurely pace through Ephesus' marble streets. Along the way, your guide points out historically-significant sites, including the gymnasium, Temple of Hadrian, Upper Agora, Roman Baths, and more.

Terrace Houses

Next, continue on to the recently-renovated Terrace Houses, which are the focus of this tour. Built during the reign of Augustus on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, they were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians until the 7th century A.D., according to evidence from excavations. The houses on the upper slopes are reached via steps, and constructed so that the roof of one house forms the terrace of the house above it. All were peristyle, featuring a pool in the centre, with the rooms arranged around the pool. There was running water to the houses, either from a fountain or along the side. These restored houses are finely-decorated with marble floors, and walls adorned with exquisite mosaics and frescoes.

Celsus Library

Your last stop is the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Greek Theatre

Just a short walk away is the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.

Church of Mary

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 harbour 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.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Your last stop is at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the short drive to a local restaurant to relax and enjoy lunch before making the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return direclty to the ship or remain in town at your leisure.

Available exclusively to our esteemed guests, Silversea is pleased to present this private evening concert inside the ancient city of Ephesus - one of Turkey's most famous and best-preserved sites of antiquity.

Ephesus, Odeon Theatre, Exclusively Live Concert

After an early buffet dinner onboard, coaches will be ready to take you to Ephesus, an approximately 30-minute drive from the port. Arriving at the upper entrance of Ephesus, guests will proceed to the Odeon Theatre. Enjoy cocktails in the magical surroundings of the ancient theatre, that was once used for important official meetings. You will have the opportunity to see the beautiful Grand Theatre completely illuminated for this special evening. After cocktails take a seat on the stone steps as the Romans once did. The concert will begin with music from the Izmir Chamber Orchestra, which will bring this magical evening alive. There will be a short intermission and then the finale to end an evening full of memories.

At the end of the performance, make your way back to the coaches and conclude this magical evening with the return drive to Kusadasi and the ship.

Available exclusively to our esteemed guests, Silversea is pleased to present this private evening concert inside the ancient city of Ephesus - one of Turkey's most famous and best-preserved sites of antiquity.

Ephesus, Library of Celsus, Exclusively Live Concert

After an early buffet dinner onboard, coaches will be ready to take you to Ephesus, an approximately 30-minute drive from the port. Arriving at the entrance of Ephesus, guests will proceed on foot through a wide marble road to one of the largest libraries of the ancient world. Between 12,000 and 15,000 scrolls were housed in the grand Library of Celsus in the Roman city, Ephesus. Designed by the Roman architect Vitruoya, the library was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a prominent Roman general and politician who was a great lover of reading.

In these dramatic settings, you are treated to the wonderful music of famous composers, such as Vivaldi, Boccherini, Mozart, Bach and Faure, which take on a special meaning in the spellbinding atmosphere of Ephesus. Refreshments served during the concert will further enhance the special mood of the evening.

At the end of the performance, make your way back to the coaches and conclude this magical evening with the return drive to Kusadasi and the ship.

Available exclusively to our esteemed guests, Silversea is pleased to present this private evening concert inside the ancient city of Ephesus - one of Turkey's most famous and best-preserved sites of antiquity.

Ephesus, Odeon Theatre, Exclusively Live Concert

After an early buffet dinner onboard, coaches will be ready to take you to Ephesus, an approximately 30-minute drive from the port. Arriving at the upper entrance of Ephesus, guests will proceed to the Odeon Theatre. Enjoy cocktails in the magical surroundings of the ancient theatre, that was once used for important official meetings. You will have the opportunity to see the beautiful Grand Theatre completely illuminated for this special evening.After the welcome cocktails the concert will begin with music from the Izmir Chamber Orchestra, which will bring this magical evening alive. There will be a short intermission and then the finale to end an evening full of memories.

At the end of the performance, make your way back to the coaches and conclude this magical evening with the return drive to Kusadasi and the ship.

Our focus during this S.A.L.T Experience will be on Aegean Cuisine which is influenced by olive oil culture. Olive oil happened to be the master of Aegean cuisine instead of butter during former civilizations passed through the region. The notable difference in local gastronomy is growing all over and the positive affect of the olive oil culture has been taken seriously in the area. This class of dishes generally called zeytinyagli (with olive oil) originates from the Aegean region and means 'Food cooked with olive oil'.

Arriving to the farm; a short introduction by Mrs. Gursel Tonbul about her organic farming story.

Next the visit of the Olive Oil Museum; You will be informed about olive and olive oil culture also olive oil production systems by passing through 2500 years of time tunnel from 500 BC to 2000 AC You will witness that not only in cooking but also in other purposes for health, hygiene wellness, beauty and sports olive oil had been and still being used.  In the end the visit will be enriched with an olive oil tasting ceremony by Mrs Tonbul. As being the producer she will give you some hints about how to differ a good quality of olive oil from the defective ones.

Continue with a short visit to the farm to explore its daily works. If the nature is generous to us due to the season you may be lucky for picking and tasting some fruits from the trees. You will visit the ladies workshop where local home art products are being produced with organic agricultural ingredients coming from the fields and fruit plantations.  

Observe the preparations for your lunch of the day.

While waiting lunch, you will have a vinegar tasting. Mrs. Tonbul is known for her variety of delicious vinegars with combinations you may never have heard before.   

After lunch you will have free time to walk around the recreation areas of the property or go on chatting with Mrs. Tonbul or if you like you can visit the farm store where the organic products of the farm produced by the ladies are sold.

Your experience comes to an end after your transfer back to the port with wonderful memories of the day; learning, participating, and tasting the Aegean Cuisine. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, you will have some free time for self-exploration and shopping before returning to the ship.

Explore Kusadasi at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kusadasi at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Depart the pier for the drive out of Ephesus, towards Bulbul Mountain to see the house believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary.

Home of the Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary is said to have come here in the company of St. John towards the end of her life, around 40 A.D. The site remained undiscovered and unvisited for 1800 years until being described in visions by a German nun who had not previously seen nor visited the house.

Each year, Christians and Muslims who honour 'Meryemana' as the mother of a great prophet make religious pilgrimages to the site. Beneath the house is a fountain where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors. From here, re-board your coach and continue on for the drive to Ephesus.

Ancient Ephesus

Leaving the House of the Virgin Mary, resume your drive to Selçuk and the upper entrance of Ephesus, Turkey's most celebrated site of antiquity, and among the best places in the world to experience a step back into Roman times.

As you follow your guide down the marble-paved Curetes Street and Sacred Way, experience a step back into Roman times. View the remains of civic buildings and temples. Admire the splendid façade of the Celsus Library and the impressive tiers of the Grand Theatre.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship or remain in town at your leisure.

This wheelchair accessible Kusadasi shore excursion allows you to travel back in time as you explore the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus firsthand. Visit the impressive Great Theater, admire the magnificent Library of Celsus and visit the Home of Virgin Mary.

Home of the Virgin Mary

Your first stop of the day will be the historic House of Virgin Mary. This archaeological site is believed to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life. The humble little house with an intriguing history now serves as a small chapel.

Ancient Ephesus

You will get a chance to explore of what used to be one of the largest Mediterranean cities in the first century BC. See the most magnificent structure in Ephesus, which is the breathtaking Great Theatre. This was first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century BC, but it was enlarged and formed to its current style during the Roman Period. It is the largest Theatre in Anatolia with a capacity of 25,000 seats. Throughout time, it was used not only for concerts and plays but also for religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights.  While here, you will also see the Theatre Gymnasium which used to house lobbies, warm bathing pools, recreation rooms and halls for training.

Celsus Library

During your tour, see the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Following your visit, re-board your accessible van for the return drive to the port.