Kusadasi, Turkey Shore Excursions
The following applies to all Port Adventures:
-Temperatures can get extremely high during summer. Guests are encouraged to wear hats, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunscreen lotion, and to stay hydrated. An optional umbrella to create shade is also advisable.
-Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards and currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs, food and beverages.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Archaeological Quest in St. John's Basilica and Ephesus (4 - 4.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside along a hilly drive before arriving at the remains of St. John's Basilica are, for an approximate 30-minute tour. It was once a great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died.
Concluding your tour, meet an "eccentric archaeologist and his assistants" and join them in a quest to solve the mystery of an ancient symbol. Separated in teams, you'll decipher codes and solve clues as you move around the site.
Continue with a short transfer to the entrance of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Enjoy an approximate 75-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Exit Ephesus, walking through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The sites visited include approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 50 steps. They are outdoor archaeological sites with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-The archaeologist and his assistants are actors that lead the Guests on the quest to solve the mystery.
Adult Price: $149 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $89 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Best of Ephesus (6 - 6.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 45 minutes through the verdant countryside along a hilly drive before arriving at The House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life.
Take part on an approximate 45-minute tour of the site, which was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II, in November of 2006. Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in 2007. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation.
From there, a short drive will take you to the entrance to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 90-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Next, transfer to a nearby restaurant for a delicious buffet-style lunch, during an approximate one-hour stop.
After lunch, transfer to the remains of St. John's Basilica for an approximate 30-minute tour. It was once a great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The site visits include approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps. They are outdoor archaeological sites with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-An Adults Only departure for this adventure is also available.
Adult Price: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $68 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Biblical Ephesus (8 - 8.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 45 minutes through the verdant countryside along a hilly drive before arriving at The House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life.
Take part on an approximate 45-minute tour of the site, which was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II, in November of 2006. Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in 2007. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation.
Take part in an exclusive interdenominational mass before you leave this holy site.
From there, a short drive will take you to the entrance to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 75-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
At last, visit the "Church of Virgin Mary", inside the Ephesus complex, also known as the Double Church as it is thought that one aisle was dedicated to the Virgin and the other to the Apostle John. This Church is believed to have been the meeting place of the historic Council of Ephesus.
Exit Ephesus, walking through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Next, transfer to a nearby restaurant for a "Biblically-inspired lunch" in a local handicrafts center where you will be served food cited in the Bible and dishes made in accordance with Biblical ingredients.
Have a chance to explore the effect of Christianity on the traditional local handicrafts with a short lecture by an expert followed by a carpet presentation elaborating on this influence.
Transfer to the site where the remains of St. John's Basilica are, for an approximate 30-minute tour. It was once a great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to stay in town shopping or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The sites visits include approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps. They are outdoor archaeological sites with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Lunch may include: dried fruits and seeds, natural honey, thick yogurt cheese with dill weed and garlic, shepherd's salad, goat cheese platter, Jacob's green beans soaked in olive oil, garbanzo bean paste with tahini, pottage of lentil, leeks in olive oil with mustard seed, lamb, grilled fish, fig cake and apricot.
Adult Price: $159 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $119 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Discover Kusadasi (5 - 5.5 hours)
Meet your local guide and start your walking tour to discover the town of Kusadasi and its hidden treasures.
Walk by the waterfront and arrive at Pigeon Island, located at the close-shore of Kusadasi and connected to shore with a bridge. There, you'll have the chance to see the Byzantine Castle built up on sharp rocks. Look back to city for a great panorama view and enjoy an optional walk around the "castle". During the Ottoman Empire period, the castle served as a forward checkpoint against all attacks and was originally called "Pirates Castle" by the inhabitants because of its strategic location. Once the castle was restored, surroundings were occupied by tea houses, bars and restaurants—and can be found there today. The name of the town" Kusadasi" actually comes from Pigeon Island, which, in Turkish, refers to "Bird's Island".
Leave Pigeon Island and walk toward the city center to "Kaleici" (inner castle) where you will experience the busy day of the merchants, in the heart of Kusadasi shopping.
Have the chance to visit a small house museum, which was originally constructed as a hometown hospital at the end of 19th century by Kusadasi gentry Ibrahim Zeki. Today, only a few items remain from the original construction. Standing there, is a much more recent building, which reflects the architectural influences of the Ottoman era, with local artifacts and historical pieces.
Continue your walk and pass the City Arch again on your way to a real Turkish tradition, the Turkish bath, one of the most popular experiences with all visitors to Turkey. Enjoy this relaxing optional experience at a local and traditional Turkish bath.
Regain your energy with the delicious dishes of the Aegean region, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
Finally, return to the port area, where you will have the chance to see the downtown mosque and the watch tower.
End your day with the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-This is a walking tour and includes approximately 3 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path, inclines and steps.
-Guests are advised to wear bathing suits underneath their clothing for the Turkish bath experience. An optional change of clothing can be brought as there are changing rooms.
-Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues. Venues could change or be replaced if closed for local festivities or events.
-Lunch is included and options may include chicken, meat, vegetables, salads and a soft drink.
Adult Price: $58 (ages 16 and up)
Discovery Walk in Ephesus with Audio Device (3 - 3.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Receive a lightweight iPod® and a detailed map for this self-guided walking tour that allows you to explore Ephesus at your own pace.
Receive approximately 2 hours of leisure time to explore the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by many sites including the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Follow the suggested route or set out on your own adventure, moving about the city with ease thanks to your map and audio directions. Simply consult the customized 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.
Meet at the assigned designated time and location with your tour escort and re-board your transportation for the trip back to the pier, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps, mostly at the Terrace Houses. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
Adult Price: $139 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $89 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Ephesian Modus Vivandi (6 - 6.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 150-minute guided walking tour of the open air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Visit the Terrace Houses of Ephesus inside the ancient site, which is considered as an exclusive museum located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of wealthy", these houses belonged to the important and prominent people of Ephesus. The terrace houses contain great engraving, mosaics, sections, floors, representing the life style of the rich Ephesians who used to live in these apartments. You will be given an extra ticket to visit the inner sections of these houses in which excavations still continue. The most ancient of the houses was built in the first century BC, and most of the houses were restored in the second century AD. The houses seemed plain from outside, but inside were constructed with the highest standards of their era. They are decorated with mosaics and frescoes, and they had interior courtyards in the center, with the ceiling open. The houses also had cold and hot water usage to give you an idea about the quality of life in Ephesus.
Continue your tour as you walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Travel to the remains of St. John's Basilica for an approximate 30-minute tour. It was once a great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died.
Re-board your motorcoach and head back to Kusadasi where you you are invited to join a Roman feast in Ephesian style. All Guests will be offered Roman outfits and will join lunch with "Romans and Ephesians of Ancient times". The "senator" will raise a toast to celebrate this unique day.
Conclude your feast and re-board your transportation for the trip back to the pier, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps, mostly at the Terrace Houses. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) may experience discomfort during the Terrace Houses portion of the tour and should take this into consideration.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Food and beverage items may include dried fruits, flat bread with cottage cheese and tomatoes, roman-style oven-baked breads, garbanzo salad or chick peam, green salad, beef and vegetable casserole stew, lamb, beef, chicken, fruits, nuts, fruit juice, vermicelli, wine and water.
Adult Price: $149 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $119 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Ephesus and Aquapark (7 - 7.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Walk through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Conclude your visit to Ephesus and re-board your bus for a short transfer back towards Kusadasi, arriving at an Aquapark, where you'll have approximately 4 hours of free time to soak up the sun, enjoy the more than 12 water slides and water features including a wave pool and lazy river—or catch some lunch at your own expense at the various food outlets. Note: certain water slides have height and age restrictions, following industry standards.
Conclude your trip and re-board your transportation for the trip back to the ship, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.25 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Children below 48 inches tall will not be able to participate in certain slides. Certain multi-person rides require a total combined weigh to be between 321 and 965 pounds.
-Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-Reserved lounge chairs and complimentary lockers are available.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour for the visit to Ephesus.
-Lunch is not included but available for purchase at the several food outlets.
Adult Price: $110 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $75 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Ephesus and Sirince Village (5.5 - 6 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Continue your tour as you walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Re-board your motorcoach and travel approximately 30 minutes to the village of Sirince (pronounced as she-RIN-jay), a wonderful little Aegean village of 600 inhabitants.
Enjoy an approximate 75-minute visit to the village, located on the hills at about 1,000 feet above sea level. Most of the houses in the village date from the 19th century or earlier and they were built at a time when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village. The village lies in a lovely bowl of hills surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves. Villagers make wine and olive oil and are proud of their rich history and heritage.
At the end of your tour, enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a restaurant in the village, with an opportunity to taste the homemade fruit wines.
Travel back to the Kusadasi area and, en route, enjoy a quick stop at a carpet-weaving village close to Ephesus, where you will learn about this rare and disappearing work of art with a shopping opportunity.
End in Kusadasi, where you can choose to stay in town or go back to the ship.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The tour includes approximately 2 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 30 steps. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Food and beverage items may include tomato and onion salad, local herbs with olive oil, thickened yogurt, cheese and spinach baked pastry, beef grating potato, baklava, water, tea or coffee. Other beverages and alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost.
Adult Price: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $79 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Ephesus and Sirince Village Featuring Exclusive Youth Activity (5.5 - 6 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Continue your tour as you walk through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Re-board your motorcoach and travel approximately 30 minutes to the village of Sirince (pronounced as she-RIN-jay), a wonderful little Aegean village of 600 inhabitants.
Enjoy an approximate 20-minute tour of the village, located on the hills at about 1000 feet above sea level. Most of the houses in the village date from the 19th century or earlier and they were built at a time when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village. The village lies in a lovely bowl of hills surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves. Villagers make wine and olive oil and are proud of their rich history and heritage.
Next, arrive at the Artemis Restaurant, a local historic building where today a museum and restaurant operates. Here, children will join Disney Cruise Line youth counselors and take part in a fun Turkish bracelet making activity. This 45-minute activity will give parents and opportunity to enjoy free time to explore the market, sample some fruit wines or taste some local delicacies.
Return from your leisure time and reunite with your family to enjoy a buffet-style lunch, with an opportunity to sit al fresco and enjoy the beautiful scenery, weather permitting.
Re-board your motorcoach and take the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The tour includes approximately 2 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 30 steps. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Food and beverage items may include tomato and onion salad, local herbs with olive oil, thickened yogurt, cheese and spinach baked pastry, beef grating potato, baklava, water, tea or coffee. Other beverages and alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost.
Adult Price: $139 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $79 (ages 5 to 9)
Ephesus and Terrace Houses (4 - 4.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 165-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Visit the Terrace Houses of Ephesus inside the ancient site, which is considered as an exclusive museum located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of wealthy", these houses belonged to the important and prominent people of Ephesus. The terrace houses contain great engraving, mosaics, sections, floors, representing the life style of the rich Ephesians who used to live in these apartments. You will be given an extra ticket to visit the inner sections of these houses in which excavations still continue. The most ancient of the houses was built in the first century BC, and most of the houses were restored in the second century AD. The houses seemed plain from outside, but inside were constructed with the highest standards of their era. They are decorated with mosaics and frescoes, and they had interior courtyards in the center, with the ceiling open. The houses also had cold and hot water usage to give you an idea about the quality of life in Ephesus.
Continue your tour as you walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps, mostly at the Terrace Houses. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) may experience discomfort during the Terrace Houses portion of the tour and should take this into consideration.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Adult only departure also available for this adventure.
Adult Price: $89 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $59 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Ephesus and Virgin Mary (4 - 4.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 45 minutes through the verdant countryside along a hilly drive before arriving at The House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life.
Take part on an approximate 45-minute tour of the site, which was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II, in November of 2006. Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in 2007. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation.
From there, a short drive will take you to the entrance to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance..
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.25 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Adult only departure also available for this adventure.
Adult Price: $69 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $49 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Ephesus, Didyma and Miletus with Lunch (7.5 - 8 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Re-board your motorcoach and travel approximately 45 minutes to the ancient site of Miletus, once a great Ionian port with 2 lions guarding its entrance. Miletus was the native city of several philosophers and sages. Enjoy an approximate 45-minute of the great theater of the town, which is one of the only visible sites nowadays. The structure was reconstructed in the Roman period.
Continue with an approximate 15-minute transfer to Didyma to admire the magnificent Temple of Apollo, a great monument of antiquity, during the approximate 30-minute visit. Many times looted and burnt, the sanctuary's elegant beauty is still impressive. Some of the 120 columns that remain standing allow one to visualize the full magnificence of the structure.
Next, enjoy a typical lunch in the town of "Didim" at a local restaurant, overhanging the ruins of the Temple of Didyma where you can taste the delicious dishes from the Turkish cuisine.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the approximate 90-minute trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to the sites includes approximately 3 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 50 steps. They are outdoor archaeological sites with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
Adult Price: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $69 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Exclusive Ephesus and Terrace Houses with Archaeologist Encounter (4 - 4.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned mini bus together with a maximum of 13 other Guests and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 135-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Visit the Terrace Houses of Ephesus inside the ancient site, which is considered as an exclusive museum located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also referred to as "the houses of wealthy", these houses belonged to the important and prominent people of Ephesus. The terrace houses contain great engraving, mosaics, sections and floors representing the lifestyle of the rich Ephesians who used to live in these apartments. You will be given an extra ticket to visit the inner sections of these houses in which excavations still continue. The most ancient of the houses was built in the first century BC, and most of the houses were restored in the second century AD. The houses seemed plain from outside, but inside were constructed with the highest standards of their era. They are decorated with mosaics and frescoes, and they had interior courtyards in the center, with the ceiling open. The houses also had cold and hot water usage to give you an idea about the quality of life in Ephesus.
Continue your tour as you walk through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession, and meet a local archaeologist for an exclusive insight on this fascinating career. During your approximate 30-minute meeting, you will follow him to a replica of an excavation site and learn about the techniques used, timing involved and his education background. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions about his findings and projects he's worked on.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps, mostly at the Terrace Houses. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) may experience discomfort during the Terrace Houses portion of the tour and should take this into consideration.
-Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset and a umbrella to create shade will be provided during the tour.
Adult Price: $129 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $79 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Highlights of Ephesus with Lunch (5 - 5.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 45 minutes through the verdant countryside along a hilly drive before arriving at The House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life.
Take part on an approximate 45-minute tour of the site, which was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II in November of 2006. Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in 2007. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation.
From there, a short drive will take you to the entrance to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia Gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Re-board your motorcoach and start heading back to Kusadasi. On your way, stop for an open-style buffet lunch, included in your tour.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.25 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
-Lunch options may include an open-style buffet with cold and hot appetizers, salads, hot main course options including chicken and meat, Turkish pastry specialties, desserts and fruits. Water, tea or coffees are included during the lunch. Soft drinks and/or alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost.
Adult Price: $99 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $59 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Kusadasi by Private Vehicle with Driver and Guide (4 or 8 hours)
Embark on an unforgettable excursion throughout Kusadasi and its neighboring region via private vehicle and experience the freedom of following your own itinerary at your own pace. Only one ticket (person) per vehicle should be booked.
Kusadasi is an approximate 30-minute drive to Ephesus.
Receive a private vehicle, which is air-conditioned and comes with a driver and an English-speaking tour guide.
Tour guide will rendezvous with Guests in any of the historical sites and will lead you on an eye-opening tour, providing insightful and relevant information designed with your entire family and personal preferences in mind. Please remember that the tour guide will take an extra seat out of the total capacity for the vehicle.
Need extra hours? Complete the regular booking online and email your travel agent with your name, cruise reservation number and the total number of hours you'd like.
All departures are set for an 8:00 a.m. meet time.
Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-All private vehicle bookings are non-refundable.
-Actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability. Need to accommodate a larger party? Email us at the address above and inquire for pricing for larger vehicles.
-Visiting more than one site often requires a full day.
-This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you agree to share all costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle.
-These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided up among the party.
-Vehicles and guides are extremely limited; reserve early to avoid disappointment.
-Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return it to the Port Adventures Desk as soon as possible.
4 hour mini van: $349 (up to 12 guests)
8 hour mini van $429 (up to 12 guests
4 hour sedan: 599 (up to 2 guests)
8 hour sedan: $799 (up to 2 guests)
4 hour van: $599 (up to 4 guests)
8 hour van: $699 (up to 4 guests)
Scenic Ephesus (3 - 3.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the gates of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Arrive at the Exterior Gate of Ephesus and listen to your guide, who will provide information about Ephesus (from outside), including its ancient state agora, Temple of Diana and the Terrace Houses.
Have approximately 20-minutes of free time for pictures and shopping outside of the upper gate of Ephesus while seeing the Great Theater.
Continue and after a short drive, have a photo stop at the "Statue of Virgin Mary", nearby the House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life.
Next, arrive at the lower gate of Ephesus, where one can find souvenirs and facilities as well as more information about this amazing archeological site.
Travel to the remains of St. John's Basilica for an approximate 30-minute tour. It was once a great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died.
Finally, transfer to your last stop, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. The county of great Artemis, the goddess of hunting and the chase, stood around the bay of the Meander River. This temple was once considered as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and is today considered as a holy place for pilgrimage.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance.
-Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motorcoach on their own. The Archaeological Museum is wheelchair accessible via a ramp at the entrance. However, some sections of the Museum are not fully wheelchair accessible.
-This tour is designed for Guests who have walking difficulties, are not able to handle steps or extended periods of walking or standing and who prefer minimal walking. The vehicle used on this excursion is a regular coach. This panoramic tour does not include visits/entrance to Ephesus Open Air Museum nor to the House of Virgin Mary.
-The amount of walking and standing during the free time is at the Guests' discretion. Guests should watch their step at all times in order to avoid injuries.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
Adult Price: $55 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $39 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Simply Ephesus (3 - 3.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 30 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, considered the most important archeological site in Turkey.
Begin your approximate 105-minute guided walking tour of the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.
See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats.
Walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Conclude your visit and re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship, which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to Ephesus includes approximately 1.25 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 100 steps. It's an outdoor archaeological site with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-A "whisper system" headset will be provided during the tour.
Adult Price: $65 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $39 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Turkish Bath Experience (3 - 3.5 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach or minivan and travel approximately 15 minutes to a local Turkish Bath. Also known as "hamam", which combines the functionality and the structural elements of its predecessors in Anatolia, the Roman thermae and baths, with the central Asian Turkish tradition of steam bathing, ritual cleansing and respect of water. It is also known that Arabs built versions of the Greek-Roman baths that they encountered following their conquest of Alexandria in 641. Like its Roman predecessor a typical hamam consists of 3 basic, interconnected rooms: the sicaklik (or hararet -caldarium), which is the hot room; the warm room (tepidarium), which is the intermediate room; and the sogukluk, which is the cool room (frigidarium). The main evolutionary change between Roman baths and Turkish baths concerns the cool room. The Roman frigidarium included a quite cold water pool in which patrons would immerse themselves before moving on to the warmer rooms. Medieval Muslim customs put a high priority on cleanliness, but favored running water to immersion baths, so the cold water pool was dispensed with. Also the sequence of rooms was revised so that people generally used the cool room after the warmer rooms and massages, rather than before. Whereas the Romans used it as preparation, the Ottomans used it for refreshment (drinks and snacks are served) and recovery.
Relax at the communal "hamam" during your bath, scrubbing and bubble/foam bath. During this shared cleansing ritual, "haman" attendants in traditional attire provide soothing scrubbing and foam baths.
Re-board your transportation for the trip back to Kusadasi, where you'll have the option to join the group for a refreshment stop and a brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-Guests are advised to bring a change of clothing and wear their bathing suits underneath their towels. There is a co-ed "haman" (serviced by male attendants) and a ladies-only "hamam" (serviced by female attendants).
-An optional olive oil massage is available at the end at additional cost of approximately 20 to 25 Euros per person.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
Adult Price: $55 (ages 18 and up)
Turkish Villages and Country Side with Lunch (6.5 - 7 hours)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, traveling approximately 45 minutes through the verdant countryside before arriving at the village of Sirince (pronounced as she-RIN-jay), a wonderful little Aegean village of 600 inhabitants.
Enjoy an approximate 60-minute visit to the village, located on the hills at about 1,000 feet above sea level. Most of the houses in the village date from the 19th century or earlier and they were built at a time when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village. The village lies in a lovely bowl of hills surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves. Villagers make wine and olive oil and are proud of their rich history and heritage.
Have the option to enjoy a brief tasting of the local production of fruit wines.
Continue with an approximate 45-minute ride to the mountains of Camlik where you will reach the village of Kirazli Koy. The name means "cherry village" and it is famous for growing fruit and its friendly residents.
Tour the village for approximately 45 minutes before enjoying lunch, served in one of the villagers' house courtyard who will be happy to welcome you with real Turkish coffee and friendly conversation, regardless of language barriers. While sitting on the floor, as is the custom, you will be offered warm plates of favorite household dishes as well as fresh homemade bread. After lunch, if you wish, visit the orchards and help the locals with the picking of the fruit trees.
Re-board your motorcoach and travel approximately 30 minutes to a Turkish weaving arts, carpet and handicraft village, where a carpet presentation will take place.
Conclude your visit and re-board your motorcoach for the trip back to Kusadasi.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-The visit to the sites includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking on marble ground, cobblestone, gravel path and over 30 steps. They are sites with uneven walkways, steps, inclines, and fallen ruins. This tour is not appropriate for Guests with limited mobility, including the use of walkers or limited ability to climb or negotiate steps.
-Guests are advised to wear flat and comfortable walking shoes.
-The order of tour sites and its durations may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
-Lunch options may include pan fried pastries with various fillings, meat and rice wrapped in vine leaves, grilled mixed vegetable, mixed vegetable casserole, cracked wheat pilaf, a glass of house wine or one soft drink.
Adult Price: $105 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $79 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (Ages 0 to 2)
