Silversea Luxury Cruises A KUSADASI

Embrace the ancient beauty, sites and treasures of Ephesus during a full-day tour of this spectacular old city.

Home of the Virgin Mary

Depart the pier for the drive out of Kusadasi, and towards Bulbul Mountain to see the house that some claim to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is said to have come here in the company of St. John towards the end of her life, around 40 A.D. The site remained undiscovered and unvisited for 1,800 years until being described in visions by a German nun who had not previously seen nor visited the house. Each year, Christians and Muslims who honour 'Meryemana' as the mother of a great prophet make religious pilgrimages to the site. Beneath the house is a fountain where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors. From here, re-board your coach and continue on for the drive to Ephesus.

Ephesus

In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

Celsus Library

During your walking tour, see the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Greek Theatre and Temple of Hadrian

Next, proceed to the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith. Your archaeological tour continues with a visit to the Temple of Hadrian, built in the 2nd century A.D. in the name of the Emperor.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

After Ephesus, a visit is made to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Basilica of St. John

Your last stop is at the nearby Basilica of St. John, one of the most significant religious monuments of its time. Built in the 6th century to replace the small basilica at the site of St. John's Tomb, the church signifies a major move from the ancient Roman cults to Christianity. Much of the basilica was constructed using materials from the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Following your tour of Ephesus and surrounding area, proceed for a relaxing open buffet lunch served at one of the best 5 star hotels in Kusadasi. At the end of the lunch, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship or remain in town for shopping and return to the pier at your leisure.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking (approximately 2 km/1.25 miles), and uneven ground at the archaeological site. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests in wheelchairs. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and conservative attire is required at the House of Virgin Mary.

Explore the archaeological treasures of Ephesus and its unique terrace houses during a scenic and informative full-day visit to this ancient city with lunch.

Depart the pier for the visit to the Ephesus and meet your expert guide.

Ephesus

After Istanbul's Sultanahmet area, the ruins of Ephesus are the most-visited landmarks in all of Turkey. The city ranks among the world's most beautiful classical cities, on par with Rome and Athens in scope, quality and feel. In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

Walking Tour

Your guided walking tour commences at the Magnesium Gate, and proceeds downhill at a leisurely pace through Ephesus' marble streets. Along the way, your guide points out historically-significant sites, including the gymnasium, Temple of Hadrian, Upper Agora, Roman Baths, and more.

Terrace Houses

Next, continue on to the recently-renovated Terrace Houses, which are the focus of this tour. Built during the reign of Augustus on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, they were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians until the 7th century A.D., according to evidence from excavations. The houses on the upper slopes are reached via steps, and constructed so that the roof of one house forms the terrace of the house above it. All were peristyle, featuring a pool in the centre, with the rooms arranged around the pool. There was running water to the houses, either from a fountain or along the side. These restored houses are finely-decorated with marble floors, and walls adorned with exquisite mosaics and frescoes.

Celsus Library

Your last stop is the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Greek Theatre

Just a short walk away is the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Your last stop is at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the short drive to a local restaurant to relax and enjoy lunch before making the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to be taken directly to the ship, or remain in town for a carpet demonstration, shopping and return to the pier at your leisure.

Discover one of the world's most beautiful ancient cities during this scenic and memorable half-day excursion to Ephesus.

Depart the pier in Kusadasi for the scenic drive to the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus, or 'Efes'. En route, pass through the countryside dotted with orchards of fig trees and rural Turkish villages.

Ephesus

After Istanbul's Sultanahmet area, the ruins of Ephesus are the most-visited landmarks in all of Turkey. The city ranks among the world's most beautiful classical cities, on par with Rome and Athens in scope, quality and feel. In ancient times, Ephesus hosted St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary.

Ephesus was an important Greek trading city of Ionia. Later, it became Rome's provincial capital and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The massive foundation of the Temple of Diana can still be seen here today after 3,000 years. In the 60s A.D., when the city supposedly had a population of nearly 150,000, St. Paul lived here for three years and wrote one of his most famous epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians.

Celsus Library

During your walking tour, see the exquisite Celsus Library. Built in 135 B.C. by a son in homage to his father, this magnificent library is lavishly decorated with facades, columns and sculptures. The library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts, making it one of the largest in the ancient world and second only to the library in Alexandria, Egypt.

Greek Theatre

Next, proceed to the spectacular Greek Theatre. Originally built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, the theatre was later expanded to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 100 feet (30 metres) above the orchestra, St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.

Temple of Hadrian

Your archaeological tour continues with a visit to the Temple of Hadrian, built in the 2nd century A.D. in the name of the Emperor.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Your last stop is a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases two wonderful statues of Artemis and 25,000 artefacts unearthed in this historic ancient city.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship, or remain in town for shopping or an optional carpet presentation before returning to the pier at your leisure.

Available exclusively to our esteemed guests, Silversea is pleased to present this private evening concert inside the ancient city of Ephesus - one of Turkey's most famous and best-preserved sites of antiquity.

After an early dinner onboard, coaches will be ready to take you to Ephesus, an approximately 20-minute drive from the port. Arriving at the entrance of Ephesus, guests will proceed on foot through a wide marble road to one of the largest libraries of the ancient world. Between 12,000 and 15,000 scrolls were housed in the grand Library of Celsus in the Roman city, Ephesus. Designed by the Roman architect Vitruoya, the library was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a prominent Roman general and politician who was a great lover of reading.

In these dramatic settings, you are treated to the wonderful music of famous composers, such as Vivaldi, Boccherini, Mozart, Bach and Faure, which take on a special meaning in the spellbinding atmosphere of Ephesus. Refreshments served during the concert will further enhance the special mood of the evening.

At the end of the performance, make your way back to the coaches and conclude this magical evening with the return drive to Kusadasi and the ship.

Please note: This programme is only available to Silversea guests. This exclusive programme involves moderate walking over uneven and inclined surfaces. Guests with limited mobility or guests that utilise a wheelchair should speak to the Shore Concierge staff onboard to request assistance accessing the concert venue at Ephesus. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a sweater or a jacket for cooler temperatures at night. Operation of this programme is dependent upon favorable weather conditions and is subject to last minute cancellation should weather become a factor. Although this programme requires a minimum number of participants to operate, the space on this tour is limited and we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore Kusadasi at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kusadasi at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Begin your morning with a stop at the local Fish Market where you will have the opportunity to choose your own fresh fish that will be prepared for you for lunch. Afterwards, take a pleasant drive through the Turkish countryside towards the small town of Selcuk. Along the way, enjoy a brief photo stop at the remains of the Artemis Temple, where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World lies in ruins.

Following a short orientation tour of the town of Selcuk, a pleasant drive brings you to Sirince Village. Home today to just over 800 permanent residents, the name of Sirince means "loveliness." Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, this traditional Ottoman village (a former Greek Village) produces some of its own potent wines, which you will probably be invited to try as you walk the cobbled, well-preserved streets lined with half-timbered mansions. Here, enjoy some free time at your leisure to explore this lovely village and if you're up for it, you may as well try some of the local fruit wine produced in this village. Though be warned that a little wine may loosen you up for a sale when a local woman invites you into her house to look at the lace that is produced here in abundance.

After the visit, travel back to Kusadasi. Lunch is served at one of the best fish restaurants in town where you will be served the fish you picked in the morning as the main course.

At the conclusion of your tour, you may return back to the ship or remain in town for a carpet demonstration, shopping and self-exploration.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of activity and walking is at the discretion of the guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but not those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are recommended to wear seasonal clothing, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. The tour sequence may vary.

Depart the pier for the drive out of Ephesus, towards Bulbul Mountain to see the house believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary.

Home of the Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary is said to have come here in the company of St. John towards the end of her life, around 40 A.D. The site remained undiscovered and unvisited for 1800 years until being described in visions by a German nun who had not previously seen nor visited the house.

Each year, Christians and Muslims who honour 'Meryemana' as the mother of a great prophet make religious pilgrimages to the site. Beneath the house is a fountain where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors. From here, re-board your coach and continue on for the drive to Ephesus.

Ancient Ephesus

Leaving the House of the Virgin Mary, resume your drive to Selçuk and the upper entrance of Ephesus, Turkey's most celebrated site of antiquity, and among the best places in the world to experience a step back into Roman times.

As you follow your guide down the marble-paved Curetes Street and Sacred Way, experience a step back into Roman times. View the remains of civic buildings and temples. Admire the splendid façade of the Celsus Library and the impressive tiers of the Grand Theatre.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the ship, or remain in town for shopping and return to the pier at your leisure.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking at Ephesus (approximately 1.5 km/0.9 miles) , mainly on uneven ground and with some steps to climb. This programme is not recommended for guests that utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and conservative attire is required at the House of Virgin Mary. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this tour.