Please see below for a description of our exclusive Car & Driver private sightseeing. Please note that the final itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen weather conditions, closures or other reasons beyond control. Due to a limited number of vehicles in some ports, car and driver sightseeing tours are subject to availability.

Glories of Ephesus-Full Day

Meet your guide 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.

Then, visit Ephesus, famous throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis.
First, you will 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.

Your next visit in Ephesus will be the spectacular Terrace Houses (Villas) located on top of the hill within the City of Ephesus. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated with mosaics and frescos. The Terrace Houses were brought to light in excavations carried out since the 1980s. Along with those in Pompeii, they constitute some of the most vivid examples of Roman domestic architecture to survive to the present.

Next, proceed to 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.

The Great Theatre, dates back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was succesfully reconstructed, expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where St. Paul preached. Marble Road, runs between the Library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred walk way.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After your lunch, you will visit the Ephesus Museum. Many of the artifacts displayed here were found in Ephesus and other ancient sites in the region. Highlights include the fresco of Socrates, statues and heads of Eros, crosses, coins and the works of the 1st century AD. Such as glass trays and theatrical masks, and much more.

At the end of your tour, you will return to Kusadasi and have some time for shopping in town before you embark your ship.

Includes:
• 1 full- day of sightseeing in Ephesus with lunch.
• Alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages at lunch.
• 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
• 18% VAT tax
 

**Shoreside experience by private car operated by SeaSong Tours

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.