Kusadasi, Turkey

Stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, one of the eastern Mediterranean¿s largest Roman archaeological sites, with this four-hour excursion. Discover the many treasures of Ephesus, one of Turkey¿s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, built in the 10th century BC. After a 30-minute transfer from the port, the two hours and 15 minutes guided tour begins at Magnesia Gate, before heading downhill to the Vedius Gymnasium with its courtyard surrounded by columns, the 2nd-century Odeon theatre (which formerly hosted social events), the Fountain of Trajan, and the ornate columns and arches of the Temple of Hadrian. Admire the intricate details of the Library of Celsus and the excellent acoustics of the ancient city¿s amphitheatre, an incredible building first constructed around 250 BC, which once held almost 25,000 spectators. After the visit, enjoy a 15-minute transfer to local shops featuring carpets, leather goods, and Turkish delights, where you will have 45 minutes to explore. The tour concludes with the 15-minute transfer to the port and your ship.

Important Information: The visit to Ephesus is entirely on foot and involves walking on uneven terrain. Some areas are steep and irregular, while others consist of slippery marble surfaces. We strongly recommend wearing flat, comfortable footwear - high heels are not suitable. Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site, offering no protection from rain or intense sun. For your comfort and safety, we advise wearing lightweight cotton clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Alternatively, you may wish to bring a sun umbrella. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. This tour in unsuitable for guests using a wheelchair. The entrance ticket to Ephesus site (40 Euro per person) is included in the price of the tour.<-p>

Explore the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, site of holy pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world, on this five-hour excursion. Even though the Catholic Church has never officially acknowledged the authenticity of the House of the Virgin Mary, many pilgrims believe that the mother of Jesus lived in the house for a number of years and even spent her final days here. After a 45-minute coach transfer from the ship, spend another 45 minutes exploring this holy site, which was visited by Pope Paul VI and Pope Benedict XVI. The house (which is now a chapel) is composed of stones dating back to the Apostolic Age, with a statue of the Virgin Mary in its central space. Continue to another essential historic site, after a 15-minute drive, the ruins of Ephesus, and discover why the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend two hours exploring areas such as the wonderfully preserved amphitheatre, which once held around 25,000 spectators and still boasts impressive acoustics. Afterwards, walk the ruin-strewn Marble Road to admire the Library of Celsus and its columns, as well as Hadrian¿s Temple, a Corinthian-style structure with intricate reliefs. After the visit, enjoy a 15-minute transfer to local shops featuring carpets, leather goods, and Turkish delights, where you will have 45 minutes to explore. The tour concludes with the 15-minute transfer to the port and your ship.

Important Information: The visit to Ephesus is entirely on foot and involves walking on uneven terrain. Some areas are steep and irregular, while others consist of slippery marble surfaces. We strongly recommend wearing flat, comfortable footwear - high heels are not suitable. Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site, offering no protection from rain or intense sun. For your comfort and safety, we advise wearing lightweight cotton clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Alternatively, you may wish to bring a sun umbrella. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. This tour in unsuitable for guests using a wheelchair. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. The entrance ticket to Ephesus site (40 Euro per person) and the House of Mary (13.50 euro per person) are included in the tour price.<-p>

Soak up some sun on the beach of a hotel during this excursion, with a duration varying from five to six hours in total. Grab a towel and swimwear and get ready to kick back and do little else, except perhaps sipping a cocktail. Shift down a gear for a day and enjoy a change of pace in this relaxation-focused excursion. Arrive at a local hotel following a 30-minute transfer from the ship, and ¿ after a short brief ¿ revel in a generous four hours of free time (or five hours depending on the time your ship stays in Kusadasi) to do as much or as little as seems appropriate. Take a dip in the sea, read a book or sunbathe in peace. Return to the ship fully rejuvenated via a 30-minute drive.

Important Information: this tour operates from May until the end of October and depends on weather conditions. We recommend wearing swimming suit and bringing a towel, a hat, sun lotion and sunglasses. Drinks and meals available at the hotel but not included in the price of the tour. A sunbed for each guest and 1 parasol for each 2 sunbeds is included. It is strictly forbidden to bring any drinks or food from outside.<-p>

Explore some of the most important historic and religious sites in the vicinity of Kusadasi on an excursion lasting six hours and a half in total. After a 45-minute coach transfer, enjoy 45 minutes at the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by Catholic pilgrims to have been the place where the mother of Jesus spent her final years. The house (which is now a chapel) is composed of stones dating back to the Apostolic Age, with a statue of the Virgin Mary in its central space. Relax on a 15-minute transfer drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Spend one hour and a half exploring areas such as the wonderfully preserved amphitheatre, which once held around 25,000 spectators and still boasts impressive acoustics. Afterwards, walk the ruin-strewn Marble Road to admire the Library of Celsus and its columns, as well as Hadrian¿s Temple, a Corinthian-style structure with intricate reliefs. Another 15-minute transfer moves the excursion to a local restaurant for a one-hour lunch break, before a short drive to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Here, spend 30 minutes investigating a large collection of relics from the ancient city, including the statue of the Greek goddess Artemis. After the visit, enjoy a 15-minute transfer to local shops featuring carpets, leather goods, and Turkish delights, where you will have 45 minutes to explore. The tour concludes with the 15-minute transfer to the port and your ship.

Important Information: The visit to Ephesus is entirely on foot and involves walking on uneven terrain. Some areas are steep and irregular, while others consist of slippery marble surfaces. We strongly recommend wearing flat, comfortable footwear - high heels are not suitable. Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site, offering no protection from rain or intense sun. For your comfort and safety, we advise wearing lightweight cotton clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Alternatively, you may wish to bring a sun umbrella. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. This tour in unsuitable for guests using a wheelchair. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. The entrance ticket to Ephesus site (40 Euro per person), Ephesus Museum (8 euro per person) and the House of Mary (13.50 euro per person) are included in the tour price.<-p>

Adventure your way through this six-hour excursion, which moves between traditional local neighbourhoods by open-air 4X4-vehicle and with an English assistant. Following a 25-minute transfer from the ship and a 30-minute safety briefing, begin this exciting trip in a sturdy 4x4-vehicle, which undertakes a 20-minute drive to the small village of Bahcecik, followed by a 40-minute drive through the neighbourhoods of Yeniköy and Cinar. This is a chance to sample the road less travelled - quite literally - and get a glimpse into traditional village life, as well as witness the beauty of the surrounding natural landscapes. This is the case during the 15-minute stop at Sultaniye Village s Mountain Peak on route to Kirazli village (taking another 25 minutes). A 45-minute stop will then be made at Kirazli village for a full Turkish refreshment enjoying some local delicacies and sipping a cup of tea. The next 25 minutes include the time to reach an eye-catching, golden-coloured statue of the Virgin Mary and the short stop here. Located close to the Upper Gate of Ephesus, this statue was placed there by the Mayor of Selçuk to draw attention to the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. Next, another short transfer (15 minutes) takes you to a local Turkish delights shop, where you will have 30 minutes to explore. The last segment of the itinerary includes a 25-minute drive to reach Pamucak beach where you will have a chance to do off-road on the sand and have a break for swimming (total of one hour). The tour concludes with the 25-minute transfer back to the port.

Important Information: Guests need to be aged between 7 and 60 to take part in this tour. All participants will be requested to sign a waiver, but they don t drive the vehicle. The tour is unsuitable for guests with back-neck problems and pregnant women. The tour is conducted by an English assistant only. This tour is available from May to October and is subject to weather conditions. It is advisable to wear swimming costumes and bring sunscreen and a beach towel. Since the vehicles are open, it is advisable to bring a scarf to cover your eyes from the wind during transfers.Please return audio guide equipment in perfect condition to avoid a ¿53 charge for any damage or loss.<-p>

Immerse yourself in Turkish rural traditions during this four-and-a-half-hour excursion to Kirazli Village, featuring organic farming insights and local cuisine. Begin your experience discovering Turkish rural life and cuisine in the village of Kirazli, with a 30-minute coach transfer from the port. Situated on a plateau completely surrounded by mountains, the village has opened up to the world thanks to a project initiated in 2005 by the KAYED association that combines organic farming with the protection of biodiversity. Supported by the United Nations, the project combines the surrounding fertile soil with innovative techniques, the creation of vegetable drying ovens using solar energy to the point of becoming Turkey s first market operating under the name KIRAZLI TRADITIONAL VILLAGE LOCAL PRODUCTS MARKET. Once you arrive at the village, you will immediately immerse yourself in the daily life of its inhabitants with a short stop at the cafeteria to enjoy Turkish coffee and tea and then free time for a total of 45 minutes. The next two hours will give you an insight into the lifestyle of its inhabitants. You will visit the farm located in the courtyard of the restaurant, taste many traditional local dishes and find out what daily life is like on the organic farm. The villagers will be happy to give you all the information you need to understand their way of life. You will learn about fruit picking and organic farming and, if you wish, you can become a picker yourself. Depending on the time of year, the harvest includes cherries, grapes, pears and plums. Before leaving the village, stop and buy local products such as olive oil (specially certified), organic jam, organic dried fruit and more. Next, enjoy a 15-minute transfer to local shops featuring carpets, leather goods, and Turkish delights, where you will have 45 minutes to explore before the tour concludes with the 30-minute coach transfer to the port.

Important Information: snacks will be served as single portions for every 4 guests and consist of seasonal products. Drinks are not included and must be paid for on site. This tour is not recommended to guests who have allergy to insects.<-p>

Set off for a bike tour along Kusadasi¿s scenic coastline, taking in Guvercinada Island, Avoid Beach, Sevji Beach and Kusadasi old town.

Excursion details<-strong><-p>

Set out on an enriching journey as you pedal along the picturesque Kusadasi coastline, following the lead of our onboard bike leaders who will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the tour. Your ride begins with breathtaking views of Guvercinada Island, a landmark known for its impressive Ottoman castle, which once served as a defence point against pirates. Take a moment to admire the island¿s unique position, connected to the mainland by a causeway, and appreciate its storied past.<-p>

Continue your adventure along the seafront towards Avoid Beach, where the tranquil atmosphere and clear waters invite you to pause and soak in the natural beauty, or perhaps capture a memorable photograph. The journey then leads you to Sevji Beach, a popular local spot known for its long stretches of sand and unspoilt surroundings, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the Aegean coast in its most authentic form.<-p>

Pedal further to discover Kusadasi old town, where you can immerse yourself in the lively streets dotted with shops and cafes, reflecting centuries of history and culture. This area has been a crossroads of civilisations, with roots stretching back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Along the route, you may encounter friendly locals and fellow travellers, fostering a sense of community and shared discovery.<-p>

With all that great memories in mind you are read to ride back to your ship and enjoy the rest of your day.<-p>

Important Information:<-strong> This bike tour can be booked using two different codes: BK1 for regular bikes and BK2 for e-bikes- both experiences will ride together on the same route, with identical duration, highlights, and cycling pace for the entire group. Minimum age for participation is 9 years old. The distance covered on this biking tour totals approx. 36 km with a 250 m gain in elevation. Before joining this excursion, you¿ll need to fill out and sign a safety waiver form, which our bike leaders will provide. You won¿t be able to take part in the tour without completing the waiver. Children who are at least 155 cm tall are welcome to take part in this tour with the parent s-guardian s written consent. Comfortable sports attire and closed shoes are recommended. Sun protection and a reusable water bottle are useful. The tour is suitable for guests with moderate fitness. Please respect the local environmentally conscious ethos by minimizing waste and avoiding single-use plastics. The itinerary may vary depending on weather and local conditions.<-p>