Admire some of the most hallowed sites in the ancient world, including a residence believed to be the Virgin Mary’s, the ruins of Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it.

Then, it’s on to revered Ephesus, a World Heritage site that may well be the best-preserved ancient city in the region. After passing the Magnesia Gate, you will behold one excavated building after another. There is the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes.

Continuing on, you will stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Built in the 6th century, the church stood over the spot where St. John is supposedly buried. Although a Mongol army destroyed the building and pillaged much of it, part of the basilica has been restored to show its scope.

A buffet lunch at a hotel in Kusadasi follows, after which you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

Observe the spectacular ruins in Ephesus, including an excavated complex of residential Terrace Houses that offer great insight into the daily lives of the inhabitants.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely ride to Ephesus, which was once the second largest city in the Roman Empire. Starting at the Magnesia Gate, you will walk past a series of excavated ruins that reveal the beauty of this venerable World Heritage site.

You might see the classical Grand Theater where St. Paul preached, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. One column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, also remains.

Across from Hadrian’s Temple on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain lie the Terrace Houses. These residences for the affluent date to the 1st century B.C. and showcase the surprisingly sophisticated Ephesian way of life known in Latin as modus vivendi. They are adorned with mosaics and frescoes, had hot and cold water, and heating pipes running beneath the floors.

The Terrace Houses line streets that form a grid by intersecting each other at right angles. The ancient Greek architect Hippodamus of Miletus, who is considered the Father of European Urban Planning, designed the plan.

Back in Kusadasi, you might spend free time shopping or stay in town longer for an enlightening carpet lecture.

Explore a collection of revealing ancient sites that include the remains of temples and residences in the city of Ephesus and a house that may have been the Virgin Mary’s.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary.

Although archaeologists date the building to the 6th century, the foundations may be from the 1st century, the time of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it. The spring is said to have healing powers.

Your next stop will be revered Ephesus, a World Heritage site that may well be the best-preserved ancient city in the region. After passing the Magnesia Gate, you will behold one renowned excavated site after another.

There is the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. One column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, also remains.

Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

Gain an understanding of the ancient world by exploring the ruins in Ephesus and then wander through the traditional village of Sirince and sample its renowned fruit wines.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland to Ephesus, perhaps the best-preserved ancient city in the region. As you meander through the painstakingly excavated ruins of this World Heritage site, you will behold one spectacular building after another.

You can expect to see the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. The ruins present a rich picture of life in the ancient world.

Nearby, you will find Sirince, a hillside village surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves. Most of the stone-and-stucco residences are painted white with red-tiled roofs, giving the village a wonderfully uniform and traditional appearance.

While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you will pause to sample some of the local fruit wine. The varieties include melon, pomegranate and kiwi, all of which are prized for their sweetness.

Back in Kusadasi, you will enjoy free time to shop for popular items such as gold jewelry and decorative ceramics. If you wish to buy a Turkish carpet, you might first attend a lecture on the subject to glean valuable information before making the purchase.

Walk through the excavated ruins in Ephesus, Turkey’s most celebrated archaeological site, and discover how the ruins bring the past vividly to life.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland to Ephesus, perhaps the best-preserved ancient city in the region. As you meander through the painstakingly excavated ruins of this World Heritage site, you will behold one spectacular building after another.

You can expect to see the Great Theater where St. Paul spent three years in the 1st century preaching the Gospel. The theater can hold 25,000 spectators, so you can imagine the scene when the house was full for momentous events.

According to written history, a large Jewish community lived in Ephesus but no synagogue has yet been excavated. However, a Jewish lamp has been found, confirming the texts that described the Jewish residents.

The Library of Celsus is another architectural highlight. The monument was constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes. It was named for the city’s Roman governor in the 2nd century.

One column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, also remains. The first temple of its size to be built entirely of marble, it was considerably larger the Parthenon. The Roman author, philosopher and military commander Pliny the Elder wrote about the temple in detail, including its measurements and furnishings.

Delve into ancient history by visiting extraordinary attractions such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the remains of the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus Museum. After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Look inside this small stone building, believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house. Continuing on, you will pass the ancient city of Ephesus and drive into the nearby town of Selcuk while the guide elaborates on their historical significance. Selcuk is home to the Ephesus Museum, whose collection includes many of the area’s prized artifacts. Unlike archaeological museums that display items chronologically, the Ephesus Museum exhibits them by theme, so you can easily concentrate on specific areas of interest. There are rooms devoted to ancient coins, artifacts from the Terrace Houses and the Temple of Artemis. The temple was rebuilt several times after being destroyed by an arsonist, damaged by invaders and torn down by a Christian mob. Its final version was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will see the temple’s lone surviving column and a few scattered remnants on the outskirts of Ephesus. Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

Experience country life in a village near Kusadasi, where you will mingle with the residents and learn about their lifestyle. You might discover how the villagers spend most days, earn livings and view the rest of the world. A meandering walk through the village will bring you to fields of fruits or vegetables. Depending on the season, you may be able to pick some fresh cherries straight from the tree. Chances are, you will work up an appetite, which will easily be appeased with a hearty Turkish breakfast, known as “kahvalti” at the local café in the village square. It typically includes cheeses, fresh vegetables like olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, spicy sausages, fruit preserves and fresh-baked bread. Before you head back to Kusadasi, you will stop at another village to have coffee at a café like a local.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mingle with the locals in a small village on the outskirts of Kusadasi.
• Learn about the villager’s rural lifestyle.
• Enjoy a hearty Turkish breakfast with country favorites such as sausage, cheeses and olives
• And Turkish coffee break at in an another small village

See some of the most sacred sites in ancient Turkey, including the house where the Virgin Mary supposedly lived and the basilica under which Saint John may be buried.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary.

Although archaeologists date the existing building to the 6th century, the foundations are much older, perhaps from the 1st century, the time of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it.

You will next stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Built in the 6th century, the church stood over the spot where St. John is supposedly buried. Although a Mongol army destroyed the building and pillaged materials, part of the basilica has been restored to show its scope.

Similarly, you will view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. Invaders also damaged it, as did an arsonist and a Christian mob. The final version of the renovated temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. All that remains is one column and a few scattered remnants.

Once you drive back to Kusadasi, you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

OVERVIEW

See the modern side of Kusadasi and a pair of landmarks built in the 17th century, this walking expedition is sure to deepen your understanding of the city. In the early 1600s, statesman and military leader Öküz Mehmed Pasha initiated building projects in Kusadasi that included the Kaleici Camii mosque and a caravanserai or roadside inn for travelers and traders on the Silk Road. Browsing these architectural treasures will provide a window to the past and a look at how life has changed through the centuries. The high-walled, square-shaped caravanserai is now a museum with archaeological artifacts, coins and porcelain dolls. The city’s shopping venues have also evolved over time. The atmospheric Carsi will remind you of a traditional covered bazaar with narrow walkways winding between seemingly endless shops and stalls. Scala Nuova Village presents a much more contemporary shopping environment with dozens of stores that sell merchandise with more familiar labels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit two shopping venues, one that resembles a traditional bazaar, the other more modern.
• Explore a 17th-century mosque and a caravanserai from the same time period.
• Discover how statesman Öküz Mehmed Pasha changed the face of Kusadasi centuries ago.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside, stopping on occasion at key attractions such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the white-washed village of Sirince.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin, which lies in a nature park. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary.

Although archaeologists date the existing building to the 6th century, the foundations are much older, perhaps from the 1st century, the time of Mary.

Continuing on, you will pass the ancient city of Ephesus and drive through the village of Selcuk while the guide elaborates on their historical significance. Nearby, you will find Sirince, a hillside village surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Most of its stone-and-stucco residences are painted white with red-tiled roofs, giving the village a wonderfully uniform and traditional appearance. While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you will pause to sample some of the local fruit wine. The varieties include melon, pomegranate and kiwi, all of which are prized for their sweetness.

Back in Kusadasi, you will enjoy free time to shop for popular items such as gold jewelry and decorative ceramics. If you wish to buy a Turkish carpet, you might first attend a lecture on the subject to glean valuable information before making the purchase.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Kusadasi, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are available and complemented by a convenient photo frame, enabling you to capture the best pictures at each selfie stop.

As you walk and ride through Kusadasi, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Sirince village
• Artemis Temple
• Claros Ancient Site
• Gazibegendi Hill
• Kusadasi city center

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Kusadasi.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Travel inland to the beautiful village of Sirince and see the nearby Temple of Artemis.
• Enjoy a panoramic hilltop view of Kusadasi before exploring the city center on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an exploration of Kusadasi's natural beauty and historical treasures. Your adventure kicks off with a hike along a section of the Efeler Yolu Cultural Route, a renowned trail stretching across 28 stages. This path meanders through verdant landscapes and a rich ecosystem, giving you a deep dive into the area's striking natural scenery. As you trek, your guide will share practical insights about the local environment and its history, showing how different civilizations have influenced the region over time. After the hike, you’ll visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, a site with a deep historical significance in ancient Ephesus. Witness the remnants of this once-grand structure as you learn about its history and importance, offering a glimpse into the past. Finally, head to Pygela Beach, a spot where you can unwind after your active morning. Take a leisurely swim or relax on the sand, enjoying the atmosphere. Then, return to the Cruise Terminal to conclude your enriching day of exploration in Kusadasi.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a two-mile hike through the Efeler Yolu Cultural Route with a knowledgeable guide.
• Learn about the area's natural scenery and enjoy the extraordinary serenity of the surroundings.
• Take a swim and relax on a nearby beach.
• Feel rejuvenated by the natural setting and the unhurried pace of the experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.