Kusadasi (Ephesus)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Kusadasi: Ancient Ephesus Tour - 7 hours
An English speaking lecturer/guide will meet the guests at the exit of the cruise pier in KUSADASI.
After a short drive to Ephesus, the guests experience their private tour of this fascinating historical site. First, a visit will be made to the remarkable Greco-Roman archeological city of Ancient Ephesus, that flourished as a prominent cultural city and seaport between 600 BC and 500 AD.
The walking tour will begin along the Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, the 4th century white marble chariot thoroughfare whose most striking sight today is the two-story Library of Celsus. Uniquely beautiful, the Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts making it the second largest library in the ancient world after the one in Alexandria, Egypt. The walk along the Royal Road also takes the visitors past the remains of some of the ancient city’s major civic buildings and temples as you move toward the Ephesus Theater from which St. Paul once preached to the Pagan Ephesians. The theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances in summertime.
Then move to see the ongoing excavations of the Greco-Roman places-the “Elite Yamac Homes of Antiquity” (Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes.
From here, the guests will proceed to the small, but distinguished and rightly famous Ephesus Museum with unique examples of the very best Greco-Roman sculpture in the world, and with an exciting new display of Medical instruments from that era.
Finally, drive up the mountainside to visit to the so-called House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus, said by some to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, where St. Paul took her for her safety away from the Pagan Ephesians.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel or to your cruise ship.
Added Value:
*Great introduction to Greco-Roman city of Ephesus' history and culture
*The tour covers the main highlights of the ancient city
Tour Duration : 6-7 hours
Tour can operate: Starting mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Partial
Physical Activity Level: High
Included: Transportation by a cheaffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums
Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses
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Kusadasi: Priene Day Tour - 7 hours
The guests will be met by a lecturer/guide at the exit of the pier in KUSADASI and drive south to visit Priene.
This ancient city is not especially large, but has an unusual intimacy and charm, in part because so many historical private houses have survived to this day. All the monuments you will see, date from the Hellenistic period, and all of them are aligned according to a strict grid-plan of the kind developed by Hippodamos, a native of neighboring Miletus. The monuments include the Temple of Zeus, a council chamber, and a small amphi-theatre. Yet Priene’s greatest treasure is its Temple of Athena, which was considered the masterpiece of the architect Pytheos who also designed the Mausoleum at Halicarnassos (Bodrum) known to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
After exploring Priene, the guests will cross the broad flood-plain of the river Maeander to continue to Miletus. This was once a major port but silt carried down by the River Meander blocked its harbor centuries ago. The ancient harbor is now several miles from the sea. The town is laid out according to a grid-plan designed by Hippodamos, which centers on three spacious agoras (marketplaces) today. The most striking features of the site today are the Baths of Faustina and the massive Roman Theatre.
A paved Sacred Way leads from Miletus to Dydima, not a classic town but rather a sacred precinct centering on a colossal Temple of Apollo surrounded by a double colonnade of no less than 108 huge columns. Work on the temple continued for 500 years, but its design was so ambitious that, when work was abandoned in the 4th C. AD, it was still unfinished. Even unfinished and in ruins, the temple at Dydima remains to be one of the most awe-inspiring antique monuments to be found anywhere around the Eastern Mediterranean.
At the end of the tour, the guests will be escorted back to their hotel or to the pier in KUSADASI.
Added Value:
*The tour covers the main highlights of Priene, Miletus and Didyma
Tour Duration : 7 hours
Tour can operate: Starting mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Transportation by a chaeffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums
Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses
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Kusadasi: The Greco-Roman City of Ephesus & the Wine-making Village of Sirince - 7 hours
At 8:30 am, an English speaking private lecturer/guide will meet and greet you outside the Bonded Area of the Kusadasi cruise pier. You will then be escorted to your chauffeur driven private deluxe air-conditioned vehicle, for a comfortable ride of about half an hour to the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus. Dating back to the 11th century B.C., it has been painstakingly excavated and restored and is one of the world’s most fascinating sites of antiquity. Ephesus flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. We will begin our private walking tour along Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, a 4th century white marble chariot thoroughfare whose most striking sight is the two-story Library of Celsus.
Uniquely beautiful, with its restored facade now the famed symbol of Ephesus, the Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts making it the 2nd largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria, Egypt. Your walk along the Royal Road will also take you past the remains of some of the ancient city’s major civic buildings and temples as you move toward the Ephesus Theater from which St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians. The theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances.
You will also visit the ongoing excavations of the Greco Roman PALACES the ''ELITE YAMAC HOMES OF ANTIQUITY'' (Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes being restored by archeologists as you visit the site.
Next visit will be to the old Greco-Turkish Village of SIRINCE, located approximately 18 miles away from the Kusadasi pier. The town itself houses about hundreds of old local Greek homes which have been superbly renovated and opened to the public.. The town also houses an authentic local market where different agricultural products are sold.
Following lunch (at your own cost) at the celebrated local Bizim Ev (meaning “Our House”) Restaurant in Sirince, you will stop by the famous wine cellar of this village, to be welcomed by the owner, and will taste his white or red wines, produced in the same style as in the old days from grapes at the vast vineyards of the Aegean Region.
You will then be returned to Kusadasi where you may explore or shop at the charming local marketplace, while your guide will escort and assist you until you wish to return to the pier to board your ship by 4 pm.
Added Value:
*Great introduction to Ephesus and Sirince
*The tour covers Ephesus and the wine-making village of Sirince
Tour Duration : 7 hours
Tour can operate: Starting mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Transportation by a chauffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums
Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses
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Ephesus Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Ancient Ephesus
- Library of Celsus
- Excavations of Terrace Houses
- House of the Virgin Mary
Your English speaking guide will meet you at the Kusadasi cruise pier for your tour in Ephesus.
You will proceed to the remarkable Greco-Roman site of Ancient Ephesus. Dating back to the 11th century B.C., it has been excavated and restored since 1870s. It is one of the world’s most fascinating sites of antiquity. Ephesus flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D.
We will start our private walking tour through Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, 4th century white marble chariot road that leads to the most striking building, which is the two-storey Library of Celsus. Beautifully restored with its restored facade now the famed symbol of Ephesus, The Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus and parchment manuscripts, making it the 2nd largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria in Egypt.
Ephesus Theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances.
You will also visit the ongoing excavations of the Greco Roman Houses of Ephesian Aristocrats (known as Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes being restored by archeologists as you visit the site. In addition to the historic monuments, your excursion will also include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely little chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus believed to be Virgin Mary’s last home.
At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to the cruise pier.
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate to Heavy
Net Price: Per Person € 201.50 based on 2 guests
Inclusions:
- Officially licensed, private guide
- Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
- Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
- Bottled water
- Welcome package
- Applicable taxes
Not Included:
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Ephesus & Sirince Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Ancient Ephesus
- Sirince
- Home-style lunch in a local village
- Visit to a wine house
Your English speaking guide will meet you at the Kusadasi cruise pier for your tour in Ephesus.
You will proceed to the remarkable Greco-Roman site of Ancient Ephesus. Dating back to the 11th century B.C., it has been excavated and restored since 1870s. It is one of the world’s most fascinating sites of antiquity. Ephesus flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. We will start our private walking tour through Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, 4th century white marble chariot road that leads to the most striking building, which is the two-storey Library of Celsus.
Beautifully restored with its restored facade now the famed symbol of Ephesus, The Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus and parchment manuscripts, making it the 2nd largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria in Egypt. Ephesus Theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances.
You will also visit the ongoing excavations of the Greco Roman Houses of Ephesian Aristocrats (known as Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes being restored by archeologists as you visit the site.
In addition to the historic monuments, your excursion will also include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely little chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus believed to be Virgin Mary’s last home.
At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to the cruise pier.
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate to Heavy
Net Price: Per Person € 188.50 based on 2 guests
Inclusions:
- Officially licensed, private guide
- Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
- Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
- Bottled water
- Welcome package
- Applicable taxes
Not Included:
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Ephesus Half Day Tour - 4 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Ancient Ephesus
- Library of Celsus
- The Library
- Ephesus Theatre
Your English speaking guide will meet you at the Kusadasi cruise pier for your tour in Ephesus.
You will proceed to the remarkable Greco-Roman site of Ancient Ephesus. Dating back to the 11th century B.C., it has been excavated and restored since 1870s. It is one of the world’s most fascinating sites of antiquity. Ephesus flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. We will start our private walking tour through Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, 4th century white marble chariot road that leads to the most striking building, which is the two-storey Library of Celsus.
Beautifully restored with its restored facade now the famed symbol of Ephesus, The Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus and parchment manuscripts, making it the 2nd largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria in Egypt. Ephesus Theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances.
At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to the cruise pier.
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate to Heavy
Net Price: Per Person € 130.00 based on 2 guests
Inclusions:
- Officially licensed, private guide
- Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
- Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
- Bottled water
- Welcome package
- Applicable taxes
Not Included:
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Ephesus 3D Experience Full Day Tour – 6 hours
Ephesus 3D tour is an extraordinary experience offering an innovative way to visit Ancient Ephesus. Our 3D virtual tour brings you inside the site with accurate replicas of Ephesus, the Celcus Library, Great Theatre and more! By using this technology, you will see reconstructed major sites of the Ancient city. During this experience, your guide will further explain 7 sites; Odeon Theatre, Curetes, Trajan Fountain, Hadrian Gate, Library of Celcus, Commercial Agora and Arcadia way with a visual show of the Ancient Romans featuring live actors! Based on cutting edge technology and the master work of artists - our virtual tour is incredibly accurate.
Our team of artists, technicians and writers create each 3D tour with a great emphasis on colors, shapes, symmetry, sizes, compositions and proportions. Every element of the Ephesus 3D virtual tour is designed to convey the true atmosphere of the site.
Tour Duration: 6 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Net Price: Per Person € 130.00 based on 2 guests
Inclusions:
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees and applicable taxes
- Transfers to/from Kusadasi Port
- Lunch at a typical Village Restaurant, included unlimited soft drinks and wine
Not Included:
- Gratuities to driver and guide
- Personal expenses
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Ephesus: Jewel of Roman Archeology - 6 Hours
Highlights:
- Temple of Artemis
- Ephesus including Marble Road, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses, Library of Celsus and Great Theater of Ephesus
- House of Virgin Mary
Tour Duration: 6 hours (approx.)
Tour can operate: (morning or afternoon, etc) Full day
Wheelchair Accessible: (Yes or No) YES
Physical Activity Level: (Light, Moderate, Heavy) Moderate
Inclusions: (include any info regarding transportation to/from the Cruise ship in this section)
- Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle
- Service of an English-speaking professional private tour guide throughout the program
- All entrance and parking fees for the sightseeing
- Complimentary beverages on vehicle throughout the journey
- All taxes and service charges
Not Included:
- Meals and beverages
- Honorary gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
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Kusadasi Port - The Glories of Ephesus (Full Day Tour)
PORT: KUSADASI
GLORIES OF EPHESUS
Full-Day Tour
Arrive in Kusadasi, you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for your full- day tour in Ephesus.
First, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
Then, you will drive to Ephesus, enter and view the Odeon Theatre, where state affairs and concerts were held. Walk down the marble walkway and visit the Hadrian Temple. It was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but greatly reconstructed in the 4th century. This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.
A special visit will be made to the spectacular Terrace Houses (Villas) located on top of the hill within the Ephesus. They have a fantastic view of the entire city of Ephesus. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated with incredible examples of mosaics and frescos. The Terrace Houses were brought to light in excavations carried out since the 1980s by a team of Austrian archeologists. Along with those in Pompeii, they constitute some of the most vivid examples of Roman domestic architecture to survive to the present.
Next, you will proceed to the Celsus Library, The library is the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building’s front staircase says that the library was build by Julius, in his father’s honor, after his death. His father, Celsus was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD. His tomb is in the library as well.
Next, visit the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where it is believed that St.Paul preached. It is still used for performances today.
Lunch recommended at a local restaurant.
Last, you will visit the Ephesus Museum is an archaeological museum in Selcuk. It houses finds from the nearby Ephesus excavation site and other ancient sites in the region. Its best-known exhibit is the statue of Artemis retrieved from the Temple of the goddess in Ephesus. Highlights include the fresco of Socrates, statues and heads of Eros, crosses, coins and the works of the 1st century AD.
At the end of your day, you will return to Kusadasi and have some time for shopping in town before you embark your ship.
Includes:
• 1 full- day of private sightseeing in Ephesus
• Licensed professional guide in English Language
• Air- conditioned luxury vehicle with a professional driver
• Entrance fees to museums and sites according to the above itinerary
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour
• Welcome package
• VAT tax
Not Included:
• Gratuities to guide and driver
• Personal expenses of the guests
• Meals that are not indicated on the itinerary
• Recommended lunch
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Kusadasi Port - A Taste of Ephesus- (Half day tour)
PORT: KUSADASI
A TASTE OF EPHESUS
Half- Day Tour
Arrive in Kusadasi, you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for your half- day of private sightseeing in Ephesus.
First, you will drive to Ephesus, enter and view the Odeon Theatre, where state affairs and concerts were held. Walk down the marble walkway and visit the Hadrian Temple. It was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but greatly reconstructed in the 4th century. This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.
A special visit will be made to the spectacular Terrace Houses (Villas) located on top of the hill within the Ephesus. They have a fantastic view of the entire city of Ephesus. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated with incredible examples of mosaics and frescos. The Terrace Houses were brought to light in excavations carried out since the 1980s by a team of Austrian archeologists. Along with those in Pompeii, they constitute some of the most vivid examples of Roman domestic architecture to survive to the present.
Next, you will proceed to the Celsus Library, The library is the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building’s front staircase says that the library was build by Julius, in his father’s honor, after his death. His father, Celsus was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD. His tomb is in the library as well.
Last, visit the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where it is believed that St.Paul preached. It is still used for performances today.
At the end of your day, you will return to Kusadasi and have some time for shopping in town before your embark your ship.
Includes:
- 1 half-day of private sightseeing in Ephesus
- Licensed professional guide in English language
- Entrance fees to museums and sites according to the above itinerary
- Private Air-conditioned VIP vehicle with professional driver
- Welcome Package
- Bottled water provided throughout the tours
- VAT taxes
Not included:
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- Personal expenses of the guests
- Meals that are not indicated on the itinerary
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Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Virgin Mary House - (Half Day Tour)
PORT: KUSADASI
EPHESUS & VIRGIN MARY HOUSE
Half-Day Tour
Arrive in Kusadasi, you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for your half- day tour in Ephesus.
First, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
Then, you will drive to Ephesus, enter and view the Odeon Theatre, where state affairs and concerts were held. Walk down the marble walkway and visit the Hadrian Temple. It was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but greatly reconstructed in the 4th century. This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.
Next, you will proceed to the Celsus Library, The library is the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building’s front staircase says that the library was build by Julius, in his father’s honour, after his death. His father, Celsus was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD. His tomb is in the library as well.
Next, visit the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where it is believed that St.Paul preached. It is still used for performances today.
At the end of your day, you will return to Kusadasi and have some time for shopping in town before you embark your ship.
Includes:
- 1 half-day of private sightseeing in Ephesus
- Licensed professional guide in English Language
- Air- conditioned luxury vehicle with a professional driver
- Entrance fees to museums and sites according to the above itinerary
- Bottled water provided throughout the tour
- Welcome package
- VAT tax
Not Included:
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- Personal expenses of the guests
- Meals that are not indicated on the itinerary
-
Kusadasi Port - Three Ancient Cities; Didyma, Miletus & Priene (Full Day Tour)
SHORE EXCURSIONS
KUSADASI
THREE ANCIENT CITIES
Arrive in Kusadasi,you will meet your professional guide at the port and drive to three ancient cities.
Your first stop will be Priene. The ancient harbor city of Priene probably changed its location when the silt of the Meander River threatened to bury it. Now it is nearly 16 km away from the sea. The original place of the city has never been found but it was probably a peninsula with two harbors. Priene was laid out on a Hippodamian system of grid plan at the foot of a spectacular cliff on mount Mycale and contained many famous examples of Hellenistic art and architecture.All the streets intersect at the right angles.
Next, visit Miletus an ancient city located near the present Akkoy at the mouth of the Buyuk Menderes (Meander) River, owed its importance to its position on trade routes. It was one of the largest cities in Anatolia with a population of between 80,000 and 100,000. Highly prosperous, it founded many colonies and was the home of the 6C BC philosophers Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Thales, the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. Miletus seems to have produced geniuses the way Aphrodisias produced sculptors.
Lunch suggested at local restaurant.
Last, you will visit Didyma. The word Didyma meant "twins" and was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis. Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo which served a similar purpose as the Delphi of Anatolia. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus by Milesians with a 19 km/12 m sacred road. However, this road may not have been constructed until the end of the 1C AD. In addition to pilgrimages made by sea, some festivals of drama, music and sports were held there every four years.
At the end of your tour, you can return to Kusadasi.
OUR PACKAGE RATE INCLUDES
- 1 full day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver in Three Ancient Cities.
- Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program.
- Officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
- Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
- Bottled water provided throughout the tour.
- Welcome Package
- VAT taxes.
OUR PACKAGE RATE EXCLUDES
- Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
- At the discretion of the guests
- Personal expenses of the guests
- Suggested lunch
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Kusadasi Port - Biblical Tour of Ephesus ( Full Day tour)
Arrive in Kusadasi ,you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for private sightseeing.
First, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
Then, visit Ephesus, famous throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis. You will first visit Odeon Theatre where the state affairs used to be held. Then, view The Temple of Hadrian is one of the main attractions at Ephesus, with a beautiful arch on the front facade and interesting reliefs of Medusa. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.
Next, you will visit the newly excavated spectacular The Terrace Houses on the Curetes street belonged to the rich people of Ephesus. Many of them were three-storied and had peristyles surrounded by rooms without windows but included frescoes and mosaics of mythological scenes. Some of the frescoes were scenes from the comedies of Menander and the tragedies of Euripides. They were luxuriously furnished private houses with fountains and central heating. Between the street and houses was a portico with a mosaic floor, behind which were shops.
Proceed to the Celsus Library is a Roman mausoleum and library built in the early 2nd century AD. The Library of Celsus was commissioned by the Julius as a mausoleum for his father, Roman governor of the Asian Provinces. It is one of the most beautifully reconstructed buildings in Ephesus, it has become an icon of the ancient city.
The Great Theatre, dates back to the Hellenistic period. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus which has the capacity of 25,000 seats. The theatre was used for concerts, plays and religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights. Marble Road, runs between the Library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred walk way.
Last, visit the Church of Mary that is a church of great historical significance located in Ephesus. It is also known as the Double Church, because it is thought one aisle was dedicated to the Virgin and the other to St. John, and the Council Church because the Council of Ephesus is believed to have been held here.
Lunch recommended at a local restaurant.
Next, you will see the Basilica of St. John,where John and the Virgin Mary went between 42 and 48 AD and lived. Three hundred years after the death of Saint John, a small chapel on the Ayasuluk Hill was constructed over his grave in the 4th century AD. This church was replaced in the 6th century AD by a huge basilica built by the Emperor Justinian, the impressive ruins of which are still visible.
Last, visit The Temple of Artemis also known less precisely as Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to Artemis completed around 550 BC at Ephesus. The monument was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
At the end of your tour, you can return to Kusadasi for some shopping in town or visit one of the carpet villages along the way before embarking the ship. If you are not interested in shopping, please advise your guide that you would like to return directly to the ship.
Inclusions:
- 1 full day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver in Ephesus
- Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program.
- Officially license, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
- Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
- Bottled water provided throughout the tour.
- Welcome Package
- VAT taxes.
Exclusions:
- Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
- At the discretion of the guests
- Personal expenses of the guests
- Recommended lunch
-
Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Didyma & Miletus (Full Day Tour)
Arrive in Kusadasi, you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for private full day sightseeing.
First, visit Ephesus, famous throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis. You will first visit Odeon Theatre where the state affairs used to be held. Then, view The Temple of Hadrian is one of the main attractions at Ephesus, with a beautiful arch on the front facade and interesting reliefs of Medusa. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.
Next, you will visit the newly excavated spectacular The Terrace Houses on the Curetes street belonged to the rich people of Ephesus. Many of them were three-storied and had peristyles surrounded by rooms without windows but included frescoes and mosaics of mythological scenes. Some of the frescoes were scenes from the comedies of Menander and the tragedies of Euripides. They were luxuriously furnished private houses with fountains and central heating. Between the street and houses was a portico with a mosaic floor, behind which were shops.
Proceed to The Celsus Library is a Roman mausoleum and library built in the early 2nd century AD. The Library of Celsus was comissioned by the Julius as a mausoleum for his father, Roman governor of the Asian Provinces. It is one of the most beautifully reconstructed buildings in Ephesus, it has become an icon of the ancient city.
The Great Theatre, dates back to the Hellenistic period. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus which has the capacity of 25,000 seats. The theatre was used for concerts, plays and religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights. Marble Road, runs between the Library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred walk way.
Then, you will drive approximately 1½ hours to visit the ancient cities of Miletus and Didyma.
Lunch suggested at a local restaurant.
Next, visit Miletus an ancient city located near the present Akkoy at the mouth of the Buyuk Menderes (Meander) River, owed its importance to its position on trade routes. It was one of the largest cities in Anatolia with a population of between 80,000 and 100,000. Highly prosperous, it founded many colonies and was the home of the 6C BC philosophers Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Thales, the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. Miletus seems to have produced geniuses the way Aphrodisias produced sculptors.
Last, you will visit Didyma. The word Didyma meant "twins" and was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis. Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo which served a similar purpose as the Delphi of Anatolia. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus by Milesians with a 19 km/12 m sacred road. However, this road may not have been constructed until the end of the 1C AD. In addition to pilgrimages made by sea, some festivals of drama, music and sports were held there every four years.
OUR NET PACKAGE RATE INCLUDES
- 1 full day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver in Ephesus, Didyma and Miletus.
- Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program
- Licensed professional guide in English language.
- Officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
- Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
- Bottled water provided throughout the tour.
- Welcome Package
- VAT taxes.
OUR NET PACKAGE RATE EXCLUDES
- Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
- At the discretion of the guests
- Personal expenses of the guests
- Suggested lunch
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12/31/2026 |
12/31/2026 |
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at Civitavecchia today to transfer into Rome where you will be met by your expert local guide.
Begin your tour with a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the stadium could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to view the gladiatorial battles that lasted up to 100 days! Adjacent is the Arc of Constantine which, dating from AD 315, is a forerunner to many other Triumphal Arches around the world. Possibly even more impressive are the excavations of the vast Roman Forum where the remains of temples, streetscapes, palaces and homes can be found.
After lunch, travel across the Tiber River to the Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Residence which is estimated to contain 1400 rooms, chapels and galleries. The Museums contain an extraordinarily rich collection of precious arts, maps, sculptures and antiquities but surely the most breath-taking masterpiece is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. At the centre of the Vatican lies the vast Basilica of St. Paul, the world’s largest church where the colourfully dressed Swiss Guard can be found. The present Cathedral is a beautiful mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, formed under the hands of masters such as Michelangelo. The stunning interior is an elaborate and detailed display of marble, mosaic, gilt and bronze.
Your tour includes express entry to the Vatican Museums, past the regular lines. The Vatican requires visitors to cover upper arms and legs to below the knee.
Highlights:
- Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours
A tour designed for those who have visited Rome before, but would like to discover more of this fascinating city. Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will be waiting for you.
Take a journey back in time at the church of San Clemente as you descend down three levels and through two thousand years of history. The medieval church was built over the remains of a 4th-century basilica which, in its turn, covers older buildings from the time of the emperor Nero and a sanctuary dedicated to the oriental divinity Mithras.
In the afternoon discover how Rome evolved through the 18th-century and visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families. Believed to be the largest privately owned Palace in Rome, the Doria Pamphilj’s vast private art collection is still held here.
Your guide will also be delighted to make additional suggestions for your tour depending on your own personal interests. Alternatively, you may like to revisit some of your favourite places from your previous visit to Rome.
Highlights:
- Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history
- Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours
Travel with your driver to Rome this morning to meet a food expert for a gastronomic walking tour of the Trastevere District, so called because it lies across the River Tiber. Trastevere was once the bohemian quarter of Rome and still retains its arty edge today. Explore the bustling market and ancient maze of streets whilst discovering the essence of Italy’s best loved food with tastings of gelato, Sicilian pastries, Jewish delicacies, meats and wine.
The remainder of the day can be spent as you wish, your vehicle and driver will remain at your disposal in Rome before returning you to Civitavecchia.
Highlights:
- Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies
- Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert local guide (3 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
- Food and wine tastings
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will meet you. Begin your tour on Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world; the Capitoline Museums, originally founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. Capitoline Hill has been a seat of religious or political power throughout the centuries, making it the most important of the “seven hills” of Rome. It was here that the most important temple in town, dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods, was built. See the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter and marvel at the magnificent bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius at Campidoglio Square.
Afterwards, explore the museums, extended over two buildings; the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you can view splendid frescoes portraying the history of Rome and the Pinacoteca (Picture gallery), and Palazzo Nuovo, where you can admire the wonderful sculptures. Finally visit the ancient Tabularium whose monumental arches overlook the Forum.
Continue up along the Via Veneto to the elegant Villa Borghese, accompanied by your local expert guide and private vehicle. Surrounded by a leafy parkland, the villa was originally designed as a palace of pleasure and entertainment to house Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s incredible collection of antiquities, paintings and custom pieces. Today the collections of sculpture and paintings are among the most important in Italy. Admire the stunning Caravaggio canvases, Titian's enigmatic ‘Sacred and Profane Love’ and the striking sculptures by Bernini and Canova during this fabulous visit. Return to Civitavecchia from here.
Highlights:
- Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world
- Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Rome and the Vatican City: 8-9 hours
Full day in the Eternal city of Rome and the Vatican City
Highlights:
- Great way to see major sites of Rome in a day
- Major sites covered such as the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Vatican city
- Reservations for the Vatican museum - no waiting
*A strict dress code is enforced in St. Peter's Basilica, so please do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, skirts above the knee, or revealing clothing.
Tour duration: 8 to 9 hours
Wheelchair accessible
Physical activity : moderate with a fair amount of walking
Inclusions:
- Deluxe car or van and private English speaking guide for the day
- Entrance tickets
- Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Exclusions:
- Meals not included
- Gratuities
- Items of personal nature
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01/05/2027 |
01/05/2027 |
