ITINERARY

• Visit to Ephesus Travel Agency will warmly welcome cruise passengers at the port's main exit gate, holding a sign with your name, and hotel guests in their hotel lobby. After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, offers an extraordinary journey into history. With roots in the Greek and Roman periods, its ancient streets—still marked by chariot wheels—connect visitors to a vibrant past. Marvel at the Great Theater, a colossal venue seating over 20,000 spectators, where gladiatorial battles once entertained crowds. Visit the Public Agora, where St. Paul preached, and explore its role as a bustling trade hub for Anatolian handicrafts, celebrated for their exceptional quality. Stroll along Marble Street to the Celsus Library, the third-largest library of the ancient world, renowned for its stunningly restored façade. Discover other architectural treasures, including the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple, one of the earliest temples dedicated to a human, and the Odeon, a venue for musical performances. Ephesus embodies the grandeur, innovation, and cultural richness of ancient civilizations, a must-visit destination in Turkey.
• Priene, an ancient Greek city on the slopes of Mount Mycale, overlooking the Meander River plains, is a remarkable blend of history and innovation. Founded in the 4th century BC, it was designed by Hippodamus of Miletus, the father of urban planning, featuring one of the earliest examples of a grid-like street layout. As a member of the Ionian League, Priene played a vital cultural and political role. It was also home to Bias of Priene, one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece, renowned for his wisdom. Key highlights include the Temple of Athena, designed by Pytheos, an architectural gem of the Ionic style, the Theater with stunning views, and the Bouleuterion, where civic decisions were made. Priene’s well-preserved ruins, combined with its historical and cultural significance, make it a must-visit destination, offering an unforgettable glimpse into ancient Greek brilliance.
• Miletus, a prominent ancient city in Asia Minor, was renowned for its philosophers, thinkers, and mathematicians, including Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, collectively known as the Milesian School. These pioneering minds laid the foundations of Western philosophy, with Thales famously regarded as one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece, celebrated for his contributions to geometry and astronomy. Miletus was not only a hub of intellectual brilliance but also a significant cultural and religious center. Its notable structures include the Sanctuary of Apollo Delphinios, dedicated to the god Apollo, and the Delphinium, a unique site for public and religious gatherings. The city’s advanced urban planning, including its grid-like layout, influenced cities across the ancient world. A visit to Miletus offers a captivating journey into the heart of ancient knowledge, culture, and architectural ingenuity, making it a must-see for history and philosophy enthusiasts.
• The Temple of Apollo in Didyma was one of the most important oracles of the ancient world, second only to Delphi in Greece. This grand temple, dedicated to the sun god Apollo, is renowned for its massive columns and intricate carvings, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Hellenistic period. Built on the site of an earlier temple, the structure you see today dates back to the 4th century BC. The temple was a major pilgrimage center, where visitors sought guidance from the oracle through cryptic prophecies. Despite never being fully completed, the temple remains a powerful symbol of ancient spirituality and engineering. Walking through its monumental entrance and standing beneath the towering columns, you’ll feel the mystique of this sacred site, where history and mythology blend seamlessly. The Temple of Apollo is a must-see highlight on your journey through Asia Minor's ancient wonders.
• At the end of your tour, we will ensure your timely return to Kusadasi Cruise Port, well before your ship’s scheduled departure. Important Note: With multiple cruise ships docking and departing at different times, we carefully monitor all schedules, confirm details with our guests, and coordinate return timings to guarantee a smooth and hassle-free experience. If the tour will not fit into the time frame of your cruise time, you will be informed. Our tours promise an on-time return to your cruise ship, so you can explore with confidence and peace of mind. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future!