Selcuk

Tours

Explore the Greek and Roman ruins of Ephesus on this half-day sightseeing tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port. Small Group Tours are departing only from Kusadasi Cruise Port. This sharing tour option is best way to visit Ephesus Ancient City, Virgin Mary House and experience delicious local lunch which is included in tour programme Transfer to Ephesus and wander among the stunning ruins with a local guide, and see sites such as the Odeon Theatre, which could seat up to 1,400 spectators in its heyday. Admire beautiful Roman statues and decorations carved into marble slabs at the Pollio Fountain. Other highlights include the Celcius Library, completed by the Romans in 117AD. Admire the building’s awe-inspiring façade of columns, statues, and intact windows. Finally, explore the Greek Temple of Artemis, to see one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

According to your tour pick up time, meet with your guide and start your day. First, visit the House of Virgin Mary. Located 6 km to the north of the ruins of Ephesus, this church was built in 6C AD on top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD. Next check out Ephesus, an archeological treasure and the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During 1C AD, Ephesus was the second largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250.000 citizens. It was in the center of the known world and played the role of a gateway between the East and the West. With its giant harbor, it was also the center of trading in antiquity. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent gives you the feeling of a time traveler. After lunch, continue to the Temple of Artemis. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage place. At the end of the tour, head back to the port.

According your pick-up time, meet with your guide and transfer to the first sight in ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open-air museum in Turkey. Ephesus contains more then 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still have the marks of ancient chariot wheels. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and the gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests to be held here. The face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus originally built in 115 to 125. You might also be able to see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, the steam Scholastica Baths, marble road, agora and the Temple of Domitian. After visiting ancient Ephesus, continue to the Temple of Arthemis. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Goddess of the Hunt. Only the foundation and one column remains of this temple which once measured 425 feet by 220 feet wide. St. Paul’s successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this temple. The city reached its Golden Age and became a good model to the ancient world in culture and art. The tour finishes at around 1:00 PM, from here you will return to cruise port.

Private & Small Group Ephesus & The House of Virgin Mary Tour. Entrances are included After greeting begin your 20-minute drive to Ephesus. Once there, begin touring the city, which is one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. As a port city, this was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them discover the Baths of Scholastica and the Library of Celsus. Encounter the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater, which are 2 of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Visit the Terrace Houses, located on the skirt of Pion Mountain. See the 6 residential units which were built on 3 man-made terraces. These houses are decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics, settled by the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. ( Terrace Houses is included in Private with Terrace Houses and Small group with Terrace Houses Options only. Not included in other 2 options. Attention Not recommended for people who has walking difficulties and acro-phobia (fear of heights).) See the House of Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus, and learn about its connection to when Mary came to Ephesus in 431 A.D. and why this area became a place of pilgrimage in 1892. Stop at the Artemission Temple, where one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world used to be. This will be the final stop on your tour before your return drive to your point of origin. ( Meeting time is differenet for each cruises. Meeting time will be given in your confirmation in max 24 hours following your reservation . Meeting time will be 30 to 60 minutes after your cruise docks )

Start with a pickup from your hotel in Izmir. Then, the discovery of Ephesus begins with the House of the Virgin Mary and a 10-minute drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Explore the city by walking on the marble streets, accompanied by a guide.  See the Odeon, State Agora, the Pretension, the Memmius Monument, the Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, and the Latrines. Choose to take an optional visit to the terrace houses for an additional cost.  After the terrace houses, carry on with your exploration with the Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadian (harbor road). Enjoy a nice lunch served in a quaint local restaurant. Visit the Temple of Artemisa and take pictures of the Mosque of İsa Bey. Enjoy free time in the old village of Sirince to discover the traditional houses, the fruit-flavored wine production, and enjoy some wine tasting.  End the day with a transfer back to Izmir airport or to your hotel in Izmir.

Disembark and meet your private guide at the Kusadasi Port. Start by driving to the House of the Virgin Mary, the place where Mary may have spent her last days, officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1986. Up next, enjoy a short drive to Ephesus to admire the cultural traditions of the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial, and early Christian periods. Discover this historic site, one of the 7 churches of revelation, by walking along the marble streets in the company of your guide. See the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domatian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, Latriens and Private House, Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadine. Head over to the Temple of Artemis and snap photos of the Church of St. John and the Mosque of Isa Bey from the best possible angle. Finally, be dropped off back at the Kusadasi Port.

Explore the stunning ruins of Ephesus on this full-day sightseeing tour from Izmir or Kusadasi, also available as a half-day option from Kusadasi for those short of time. As it is a private tour you can start at any time you like. You will also visit the small House of the Virgin Mary, where it is thought she spent her final days after St. John brought her to Ephesus following the death of Jesus. Located on Mount Bulbuldagi (Koressos), it’s a popular pilgrim site for Christians and Muslims and boasts a captivating, spiritual atmosphere. Once inside the grounds of Ephesus, wander among the ruins with your guide to see sites such as the Odeon Theatre, which could seat up to 1,400 spectators in its day. Admire the beautiful Roman statues and decorations carved into marble slabs at the Pollio Fountain. Other highlights include the Celcius Library, completed by the Romans in 117AD. The building has the most awe-inspiring façade, with columns, statues, and intact windows. Finally, explore the Greek Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and go to the Basilica of St John (Kusadasi departures only), constructed by Justinian I over the burial site of the Apostle John.

Pick-Up: Izmir Pamukkale Tour starts during the morning, when a comfortable vehicle picks you up from your hotel in Izmir. The bus will drive you towards Selcuk where a small break will take place. From Selcuk, you will continue with a different bus towards Pamukkale. Our Guides & Vehicles: You will be travelling with a comfortable, modern and fully air conditioned vehicle. During your excursion, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will be there to assist you. In addition, the guide will explain important facts for the places of interest.Once you arrive at Selcuk, a small break will be made and then you will continue with a bus towards your destination. It has to be noted that the road trip from Selcuk to Pamukkale will have an approximate duration of three hours. However, several short stops will be made in order to relax and take some photos. Pamukkale Free Time: In Pamukkale, you will have 3 hours of free time to spend according to your interests. Pamukkale has a variety of options and locations where you can enjoy your time. The ancient city of Hierapolis can be ideal for those who wish to explore the culture and the history of the place. Pamukkale is also famous for its thermal springs and the Cotton Castle.Forming one of Turkey’s most famous attractions, the Cotton Castle or the Travertines will impress you with the natural beauty that the area has. The Cotton Castle is in fact a naturally shaped white washed mountain with thermal water springs that flow into white terraces. Visitors have the opportunity to swim and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs. The location is also ideal for spectacular photos as the patios of the mountains are of unique beauty. Hierapolis Ancient City: The ancient city of Hierapolis was built during 190BC and became a famous curing centre due to its close proximity to the thermal springs. During the Roman period, the area was one of the most important spiritual and creative centres as many people were visiting the area in order to relax their body and mind. For those who are interested in sightseeing, Hierapolis is a great location to observe the ruins of the ancient settlement. Cleopatra Thermal Pool: During the 3-hour free time, you can also visit the Cleopatra Thermal Pool. The area features a big natural pool with hot springs. During the Roman period people used the pool for health and treatment purposes. You can enter the pool at an extra cost and enjoy all the associated benefits of such therapeutic experience. Return Back: Izmir Pamukkale Tour finishes during the afternoon and the bus will start on its way back. Full of great memories, relaxed and amazed by your exploration, you will arrive at your hotel in Izmir during the afternoon.

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. If you are an avid traveler and looking for more in Kusadasi, horse riding could give you that thrilling experience. You can enjoy authentic village life while you ride through the pine forest and the olive groves nearby. The Kusadasi horse safari will be an unforgettable experience. From your hotel, you will be transferred to the safari park. (between Kusadasi and Selcuk) Professional guides will give you information about the tour, the horses, and the surrounding areas. The tour guide will pick an appropriate horse for each guest and take them on a brief ride to ensure the guests are comfortable riding. The tour starts from the safari park with the guide leading, following a beautıful pıne tree surrounded traıl. After 1 hour 30 min riding in the forest, the guests ride back to the safari park where they will receive a brief feedback session about the tour, and transfer back to their hotel.

Morning: Ephesus Exploration & House of Virgin Mary Your journey begins with a pickup from Kusadasi Port, with all arrangements made according to your cruise schedule. The first stop is Ephesus, an ancient Greek city later transformed into a major Roman metropolis. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins and marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. As you walk along the historic marble streets, the grand Great Theater, where St. Paul once preached, awaits at the end, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. Next, visit the sacred Shrine of Mother Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and reflect on the site's historical and religious significance. Afternoon: Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque & Carpet Weaving Proceed to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few ruins remain, the temple’s historical importance and grandeur can still be appreciated. Continue to the historic Isa Bey Mosque, an architectural gem from the 14th century, reflecting the early Turkish and Seljuk design elements. End the tour with a visit to a carpet cooperative, where you can witness the intricate process of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. Learn about the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating these exquisite handmade textiles. Evening: Return to Kusadasi Port Finally, relax on the comfortable drive back to Kusadasi Port, reflecting on a day filled with historical insights, cultural heritage, and breathtaking ancient sites.