Ephesus, Turkey - Mediterranean Cruises

Wonder at the magnificent sites of Didyma and Miletus and Ephesus on this full day tour with luncheon.

Explore the ancient site of Miletus, once the most important city and principal port of the Ionian league, a group of cities established and reputed as the most developed cities of their age. The original city was destroyed by the Persians in 494 BC and a new town rebuilt according to the principles of Hippodamus.

Another highlight is the classical site of the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, dating back to the 6th century BC. Legend has it that upon the arrival of Alexander the Great, the dry fountain of prophecy gushed to life and the oracle announced Alexander to be the son of Zeus. As a result, Alexander ordered the building of a new superb temple, which can still be seen today.

Luncheon, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer, will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the Temple of Apollo.

Visit the magnificent site of the Ancient City of Ephesus with a guided walking tour taking in the highlights of The Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theatre, Library and Fountain of Trajan. The tour will end in downtown Kusadasi with an optional visit to a carpet shop to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture. Those not wishing to visit the carpet shop may return directly to the ship.

Note: There is approximately three hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground. Please watch your step at all times and due to the nature of the sites, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The order of highlights on this tour may vary to avoid congestion.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Ephesus.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 12 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

Ephesus and Highlights - There is approximately two hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The removal of any pieces from the site is strictly forbidden.
Please refer to KU1001 for a full description of this tour.

An excellent way to become acquainted with this historic site is on foot armed with a lightweight iPod® and a detailed map.

Enjoy a walking tour of the historic sights of Ephesus, the audio player is yours alone, so you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like at each spot. Since there are no schedules to keep, you are free to either follow the suggested route or set out on your own adventure.

Your stereo iPod® allows you to listen to all the facts and descriptions of this incredible site, simply consult the customised map to find each location and then go to the indicated number on the player for a detailed description of the site and its history.

Become aquainted with areas of Ephesus such as; the Odeon, Agora, Domitian Square, Trajan’s Fountain, Temple of Hadrian as well as the most beautiful structure in all of Ephesus, the Celsus Library, which was built in the 2nd century and was the third largest library in the ancient world.

After your exploration is complete reconnect with your guide who will meet you at the lower gate to accompany you on your way back to the town. Here there will be an optional shopping stop with an educational presentation on the history of carpet-making and time to enjoy just browsing through the sprawling town of Kusadasi.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1½ miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines and steps. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Insect repellent is also recommended in July and August. Guests are recommended to watch their step at all times. An iPod with earbuds, a customised map of the walking route, return transportation, guidance/escort and a bottle of water are also included. Please present photo ID when picking up your iPod®. Ideally, participants will be familiar with iPod® technology prior to booking this tour, but a brief explanation of the equipment will be provided at the time of its delivery.

Ephesus, once the glorious Roman capital of Asia Minor, is the site where St John and the Virgin Mary spent their last days.

Enter the magnificent site of the Ancient City of Ephesus at the Magnesia Gate. Whilst Ephesus is now deserted and in ruins, the past glories come to life as the impressive array of temples, agoras, porticoes and fountains come into view. Of particular interest are the Odeon, the Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theatre.

Built over a 2nd century tomb believed to hold St John the Evangelist, St John's Basilica was once topped with eleven domes and rivalled Istanbul’s St Sophia Basilica in scale. The church is now in ruins, but there are many frescoes, mosaics and columns that attest to the glory that once marked this holy place.

The scenic drive, past countryside cultivated with olive groves, vineyards, tobacco and cotton plantations, will come to life as your guide takes you to the former site of the Temple of Artemis for a memorable photograph stop.

The tour will end at a carpet shop in downtown Kusadasi. This is an optional visit to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture. Those not wishing to visit may wish to explore independently or return directly to the ship.

Note: There is approximately two hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The removal of any pieces from the site is strictly forbidden.

Designed for those who prefer less walking, this tour showcases the amazing sites and includes local refreshments.

Your scenic drive will take you through the colourful town of Kusadasi, along the coast, and to the side gate of Ephesus, which allows easier access. View the ruins of Agora in Ephesus from a distance and take in the breathtaking panoramic sight of the Great Theatre, where St Paul the Apostle preached.

Continue to the Statue of Virgin Mary on the upper hill of the ancient city of Ephesus, where there will be opportunity to take photographs enroute. This is the site where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life and was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.

A stop will be made at the Temple of Artemis, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus. Here, you will be escorted through the nine exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city.

Upon your return drive to Kusadasi, visit a local Turkish Ethnic Handicrafts Centre for refreshments and snacks. Relax and enjoy the hospitable welcome of the locals whilst learning about Turkish arts and culture, especially weaving styles, handiwork and symbols.

Note: There is a maximum of one hour of walking in total on this tour mostly around the Archaeological Museum. Please note that Ephesus is only viewed panoramically from outside and the visit of the open-air museum of Ephesus is NOT included. Please note that the House of Virgin Mary will NOT be visited, but the statue will be viewed en-route.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Ephesus.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

People Carriers will take up to 4 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

Turkish Delights - There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over slippery and cobblestoned ground. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour includes extensive walking over uneven terrain and some climbing through the ruins. The tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Drinks with luncheon are excluded; Euros, Sterling and US Dollars are accepted for the purchase of drinks. Please refer to KU1013 for a full description of this tour.

Discover the lifestyle of the locals at the picturesque Sirince Village, and sample some local fruit wines.

Your scenic drive through the countryside takes you to the Sirince Village, which is an old Orthodox settlement on the top of a mountain, famous for vineyards and peach trees.

The village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture from the 1920’s. As you stroll around the village, take the opportunity to observe village life and purchase some traditional souvenirs and handicrafts. The narrow streets are home to women selling crafts and olive oil. You will have the opportunity to visit a local house, where you can see the characteristic exterior and the traditional interior.

After exploring Sirince, you’ll visit one of the wine houses for a tasting of the homemade fruit wines. The tour will finish in downtown Kusadasi with an optional visit to a carpet shop to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture. Those not wishing to visit the carpet shop may return directly to the ship.

Note: There is approximately 1¾ hours of walking on this tour over some uneven and cobblestoned ground. Comfortable shoes and a sun hat are recommended. The order of the tour may vary.

Visit the archaeological site of Ephesus, followed by a visit to an Orthodox village and understand how the locals live.

Ephesus is unsurpassed by any archaeological site in terms of sheer magnitude and the roots of this impressive site go back to the 13th century BC. The surviving ruins of Ephesus belong to the Roman Imperial Period, with an impressive amphitheatre, large enough to hold 24,000 people, and the well preserved and restored Library of Celsius.

Continue your tour through areas of vineyards and peach trees to Sirince Village, an old Orthodox settlement on the top of a mountain. Today, the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture from the 1920’s. You will have the unique opportunity to observe village life and purchase some traditional souvenirs and handicrafts. The narrow streets of the village are home to women selling crafts and olive oil.

Visit a local house, where you can see the characteristic exterior and the traditional local interior. Sip a cup of refreshing Turkish apple tea, whilst learning more of the Turkish way of life. The tour will end in downtown Kusadasi with an optional visit to a carpet shop to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture. Those not wishing to visit the carpet shop may return directly to the ship.

Note: There is approximately two and a half hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground. The removal of items from the site of Ephesus is strictly forbidden. Comfortable walking shoes and a hat are recommended. The tour will end at a carpet shop next to the terminal building. This is an optional visit to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture. Those not wishing to visit the carpet shop may return directly to the ship.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Ephesus.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

People Carriers will take up to 4 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

Ephesus and Highlights - There is approximately two hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The removal of any pieces from the site is strictly forbidden. Please refer to KU1001 for a full description of this tour.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Ephesus.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 12 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

Turkish Delights - There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over slippery and cobblestoned ground. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour includes extensive walking over uneven terrain and some climbing through the ruins. The tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Drinks with luncheon are excluded; Euros, Sterling and US Dollars are accepted for the purchase of drinks. Please refer to KU1013 for a full description of this tour.

Experience the highlights of this region in one day, including House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus and St John’s Basilica.

Your tour begins with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is said that Mary, accompanied by John the Apostle, visited at the end of her life. Upon reaching the City of Ancient Ephesus, the guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Highlights will include the Fountain of Trajan, the impressive Library of Celsius and the Grand Theatre.

At the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, you will be escorted through the nine exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city. Filled with attractively displayed mosaics, statuary, and impeccable artefacts, the museum exhibits several marble statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis and the harvest.

A traditional luncheon will be served in a five star hotel. Afterwards, you will visit the glorious St John’s Basilica, this once great church built over a 2nd century tomb is thought to hold the remains of St John. The tour will end at a carpet shop in downtown Kusadasi; here you may wish to make the optional visit to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture.

Note: There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over slippery and cobblestoned ground. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour includes extensive walking over uneven terrain and some climbing through the ruins. The tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Drinks with luncheon, except water are not included; Euros, Sterling and US Dollars are accepted for the purchase of drinks.