House of the Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus (Duration: Half Day) (KUS-01)
Adult price: 89.00€ - Price of a child: 64.00€
We say that with cruises "every moment is a destination" and that "every destination is a wonder". This is not just a figure of speech. In some cases it is literally true. Thus, with our visit to Ephesus we are transported to the site of the fourth of the Seven Wonders. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. He is now in Turkey. It was famous for the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders, completed around 550 BC. The temple, with more than 100 marble columns each 17 meters high, took 120 years to complete and gave the city the name "Servant of the Goddess". Only one pillar, found during an excavation in the 1870s, remains standing at the site.
As with many places in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus changed hands many times over the centuries. However, it remains one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in the region. You will be in awe of this incredible historic building, while the ruins you will explore still give a glimpse of Ephesus' former grandeur. Among the must-see attractions are the iconic and instantly recognizable Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Gate of Magnesia, the Agora, the Conservatory, the Houses of the Patricians, the Great Theatre, Hadrian's Temple and the House of the Virgin Mary.
A legend states that the Virgin Mary spent her last years here, following the desire expressed by Jesus to his beloved disciple, Saint John the Evangelist, to take care of his mother. Many consider this to be her last home and it has become a place of pilgrimage.
In 1957 the Vatican formalized this recognition. Three Popes have visited this place. Another reason why Ephesus is important in Christianity is that the Apostle Paul lived, preached and wrote extensively here, including his Epistle to the Corinthians. Ephesus is one of the largest, most fascinating and most glorious open-air archaeological museums in the world. This excursion will surely be unforgettable. At the end of our tour we have time for a little shopping. Choose from carpets, jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs.
-Moderate hiking: moderate physical activity, such as walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. May not be suitable for passengers with mobility impairment
-Includes visits to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered
-Panoramic natural scenery
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-Cultural experience: the tour includes arts, architecture, history and religion
Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages - Hellenistic and Roman Era (Duration: Half Day) (KUS-02)
Adult price: 79.00€ - Price of a child: 59.00€
A fascinating journey through some of the most important and defining periods of Greek, Roman and Christian history that we hope will leave you spellbound. This wonderful city, located in the hills outside of Kusadasi, is an amazing outdoor archaeological wonder founded by the Greeks around 2000 BC. Ephesus, dedicated to the goddess Artemis, was one of the most important cities of the ancient world. The temple built in her honor was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It had more than 100 marble columns each 17 meters high and gave the city the name "Servant of the Goddess".
Only one pillar, found during an excavation in the 1870s, remains standing today. We will see the Agora, the Conservatory, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved Central Street of the Barbers, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan's Fountain, Hadrian's Temple and the Houses of Korisos, where the rich families of ancient Ephesus lived. Only 13 percent of Ephesus has come to the surface so far. The findings from the excavations so far are in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in the city of Selcuk. At the end of our tour we have time for a little shopping. Choose from carpets, jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs.
-Moderate hiking: moderate physical activity, such as walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. May not be suitable for passengers with mobility problems
-Cultural experience: tour includes arts, architecture, history and religion
-Shopping with an experienced guide
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-On this excursion it is recommended to bring a bottle of water with you
Adventure, Diving and Fun at Adaland Water park (Duration: Half Day) (KUS-06)
Adult price: 49.00€ - Price of a child: 34.00€
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
A watery world of adventure awaits visitors at Adaland, an option that contrasts a bit with our more sedate tours. If you are looking for some adrenaline and excitement, this experience is specially designed for you. This is Turkey's largest water theme park and one of the largest and best in Europe. On an area of 10,000 square meters, you will find slides, wave pools, waterfalls and tracks, with facilities and games for all ages. Thrilling 'big rides' include Screamer, Black Thunder and Anaconda. The names say it all.
If you prefer something more relaxed, there's boating on the 300m-long calm river inside the park, while at Treasure Island, younger visitors can slide down the 25m-long Pirate Tunnel or balance on the Lily-Pad Raft Walk. There are more than 20 routes for the whole family. You will also find a children's pool, a jacuzzi pool with slides, a wave pool and an activity pool. Small guests have their own separate areas.
-Adventure and fun
-Suitable for families traveling with children
-We recommend bringing a swimsuit and towel
Ancient Ephesus and Palaces (Duration: Half Day) (KUS-07)
Adult price: 89.00€ - Price of a child: 64.00€
Every step we take in ancient Ephesus brings us closer to the Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian era. We will enjoy a truly extraordinary experience in one of the most important and complete classical cities of Europe, even though only a part of it has been revealed. We pass through the Gate of Magnesia and wander through the Agora, the Conservatory, the magnificent and restored Library of Celsus, the marble-paved Main Street of the Barbers, the Baths of Scholastica, the Great Theater, Trajan's Fountain, the Houses of the Patricians, the Rectory and the temple of Hadrian.
Across from the temple of Hadrian, at the foot of the Bulbul hill and in the covered part of the archaeological site, protected from the heat and natural phenomena, are the Houses of Korisos or Epavlei. Here lived the rich families of ancient Ephesus. These residences are kept in excellent condition, especially their interior decoration. The oldest houses that have been uncovered date back to the 1st century BC, were built on two floors and had hot and cold water and heating systems, with clay pipes under the floor. In fact, the houses were built according to an urban plan in which the streets intersect at right angles.
Ephesus, which became the second largest city in the Roman Empire, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and the magnificent temple built to honor her took 120 years to complete. It is one of six of the seven wonders of the ancient world that have long been lost. At the end of our tour we have time for a little shopping. Choose from carpets, jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs.
-Hiking with a high degree of difficulty: high physical activity for an extended period of time. Recommended only for people in good physical condition
-Cultural experience: the tour includes arts, architecture, history and religion
-Shopping with an experienced guide
-On this excursion it is recommended to bring a bottle of water with you
Ancient Ephesus & Miletos (Duration: All day) (KUS-08)
Adult price: 94.00€ - Price of a child: 64.00€
It's a really exciting day. We leave the port of Kusadasi heading for Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia. It is an amazing wonder in the hills above the Aegean and one of the largest and most important open-air archaeological museums in the world. There was also one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Artemis.
Ephesus was founded by the ancient Greeks around 2000 BC. It was the richest of the Ionian cities and developed into one of the main cultural centers of the Mediterranean. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The temple built in her honor took 120 years to complete. Ephesus later became the second largest city in the Roman Empire and is rivaled only by Phoros and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe. However, only 13 percent of Ephesus has come to the surface.
We wander through the Conservatory and the Rectory, walk past the marble colonnades of Koureton Street to visit Trajan's Fountain, Hadrian's Temple, the Baths of Scholasticia and the amazing mansions. Nearby is the impressive, and almost completely reconstructed, Library of Celsus and the Agora. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where Saint Paul once preached, housed up to 24,000 people. Today it hosts concerts and other performances. On the way we will make a stop to buy souvenirs, rugs, jewelry, leather, etc. and enjoy a light lunch. Next, we head to the ancient coastal city of Miletus, another one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Ancient Greece and one of the first to mint coins. Homer mentioned Miletus in the Iliad and Paul preached here on his way back to Jerusalem. There are many well-preserved ruins here, including the Temple of Apollo and a Byzantine church.
-Moderate hiking: moderate physical activity, such as walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. May not be suitable for passengers with mobility problems
-Cultural experience: tour includes arts, architecture, history and religion
-Includes visits to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered
-Shopping with an experienced guide
-On this excursion it is recommended to bring a bottle of water
Exciting Buggy Safari Ride (Duration: Half Day) (KUS-10)
Adult price: 62.00€ - Price of a child: 0.00€
LIMITED AVAILABILITY: FOR 10-20 PEOPLE
A visit to Kusadasi is all about Ephesus, right? Not exactly. A buggy safari might not have been on your schedule, but it's another one of our off-the-beaten-path experiential options. Enjoy an exciting ride on the natural terrain while admiring the beauty and diversity of the landscape. Get behind the wheel, strap in and feel the wind in your hair as we literally go off the beaten track. You will be given full safety instructions, put on a helmet and set off with an experienced guide on an easier route.
Once you gain confidence, you'll head out into tougher and more challenging terrain, through forests, swamps, dirt roads, streams and mud, spotting wild animals and admiring stunning views of the Aegean. The buggies are comfortable, safe and easy to drive and manoeuvre, while your driver will be close to you. The itinerary may also include a stop at a local beach for a swim or some relaxation.
All vehicles and routes are inspected on a weekly basis, ensuring safe and comfortable use. It's a great choice and something very different, but be warned. You might get muddy or dusty, or both! But know that it is worth it.
-Easy Walk: walking on a smooth surface
-Adventure and fun
Ancient Civilizations with a Specialist Archaeologist (Duration: Half Day) (KUS-11)
Adult price: 89.00€ - Price of a child: 0.00€
Sometimes you visit a place and almost rub your eyes because you can't believe you're there. We consider Ephesus to be such a destination.
Every step we take brings us closer to the incredible cultures of the Greeks, Romans and Ottomans. Here once stood one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis.
Our visit to Ephesus is the quintessential experiential journey and we are proud to show it to you accompanied by a qualified archaeologist-guide as we feel, see and touch ancient history. A wonderful experience that you will keep inside of you forever. Ephesus is one of the most beautiful classical cities in the world. Saint John and the Virgin Mary visited it and here Saint Paul wrote one of his most famous letters, the Epistle to the Ephesians.
Starting at the Magnesian Gate, we leisurely walk downhill through the marble-paved streets of Ephesus, passing historically important sites such as the gymnasium, Hadrian's Temple, the Upper Agora and the Roman Baths. Opposite the temple of Hadrian, at the foot of the Bulbul hill and in the covered part of the archaeological site, which is protected from the heat and natural phenomena, are the Houses of Korisos or Epavleis.
Here lived the rich families of ancient Ephesus. These residences are kept in excellent condition, especially their interior decoration. The oldest houses that have been uncovered date back to the 1st century BC, were built on two floors and had hot and cold water and heating systems, with clay pipes under the floor. We then arrive at the amazing Library of Celsus, built in 135 BC. and is richly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 papyrus manuscripts, and was one of the largest in the ancient world.
Nearby is the impressive Greek theater, with a capacity of 24,000 people. From here Saint Paul preached to the people, begging the people to abandon the worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith. Only the foundations and a small part of the magnificent Temple of Artemis remain in Ephesus, but the feeling of being in front of one of the Seven Wonders is very special.
-Hiking with a high degree of difficulty: high physical activity for an extended period of time. Only recommended for people in good physical condition.
-Shopping with an experienced guide
-Cultural experience: the tour includes arts, architecture, history and religion
-On this excursion it is recommended to bring a bottle of water
