EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
Experience the best Ephesus has to offer on this comprehensive full day guided tour. This Kusadasi shore excursion takes you to the most noteworthy and popular destinations available. Learn about Ephesus’s stunning history, visit incredible landmarks, and enjoy local cuisine before visiting a popular shopping area to witness a carpet demonstration. This Kusadasi guided tour is ideal for history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for an immersive cultural experience at a low price.
Begin your professionally guided tour of Ephesus with a comfortable 30 minute drive to The House of the Virgin Mary. Learn the spectacular story behind this historic structure, discovered in the 19th century following reported visions by a Catholic nun who had never seen the building. A book was published after her death, and years later her descriptions were followed, leading to the prominent site being discovered. The building became an officially declared holy shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896 and has developed into a popular place of pilgrimage, receiving visits from several popes. Check out the “Wishing Wall,” a noteworthy spot where pilgrims have tied their personal wishes, dreams, and goals on paper or fabric to a scenic wall.
From The House of the Virgin Mary, travel to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible history. Built in the 10th century BC, this ancient city contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. Famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this destination has plenty of sights to offer the eager eye. Pass by the Library of Celsus, built in 125 AD, where an extravagant entrance once lead to nearly 12,000 scrolls.
Another highlight is The Baths of Scholastica, an area used by former citizens to bathe, socialize, and discuss current events and important daily topics. The most grandiose attraction in Ephesus is The Great Theater, a massive 25,000 seat venue. Sixty rows of seats spanning three sections face a striking 60 foot stage. The theater was once used for concerts and plays as well as religious, political, and philosophical discussions. Most interestingly, gladiator and animal fights were also held there. Enjoy a few other notable highlights before moving forward with your tour.
The next stop on your Kusadasi guided tour is The Basilica of St. John, a marvelous church built in the 6th century AD. It is speculated the evangelist St. John spent his last living years around Ephesus and was buried on a nearby hill. Three hundred years after his death, a small chapel was constructed over his grave. Several hundred years after that, Emperor Justinian transformed that small chapel into a marvelous Basilica. Built almost entirely of brick and stones, the structure is an extremely rare find among the architecture of its time. Six beautiful domes cover the cruciform-style building, making this a stunning photogenic landmark.
Up next on your tour is the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Two divided sections in this museum (archaeological and ethnographical) contain interesting artifacts from the Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman time periods. Discover magnificent coins and sculptures, elegant mosaics, and numerous statues of Mother Goddess Artemis.
After the museum, head to the Ephesus Park for a savory lunch, which is included in your tour price. Enjoy a mixture of hot and cold appetizers, seasonal salads, a main course, and Turkish pastries with dessert and fresh fruit. Water, tea, and coffee are also provided. Additional snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the Ephesus Park.
Your comprehensive Kusadasi guided tour closes with a return trip to your starting point. You have the option to end your tour in a vibrant shopping area, where an interesting Turkish carpet demonstration takes place. Additionally, you can explore the variety of shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leatherwear, and copper goods. If you prefer to return to your port instead of remaining in the shopping area, advise your professional guide, and you will be returned directly to your port.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
