Kusadasi

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. Just a half hour drive from the port, Ephesus is where Christian preachers, including St. Paul and St. John, often visited. St. John addresses this city in his Book of Revelation and preached in the Theater of Ephesus. Even one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, is located here.

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Discover Ephesus With An Expert
Tour Code: KSA-001
Duration: 4 hours
Retail Value: $229.00
Price: $89.00

Journey back in time to ancient Turkey during this spectacular guided tour of the ruins of Ephesus.

Depart the pier for the morning drive by mini-coach to Ephesus, one of the most important and well-preserved ancient sites of Asia Minor.

Ephesus dates back to the 3rd century BC, and has always played a significant role in science, culture and the arts. In 1989, Ephesus Museum archaeologists focused on the ruins of Ephesus' earliest settlement. The enclosure for archaeological remains at Ephesus elegantly reconciles historic conservation with accessibility for visitors.

Upon arrival, you will be met by archaeologist Cengiz Icten, a noted expert who participated in the Ephesus excavations and other important digs throughout Turkey. Together, you will discuss and explore the finds collected from Ephesus and the terrace houses.

Next, a visit will be made to the Ephesus Museum's Hall of Artemis to view exhibits of works, statues and architectonic fragments found during the excavations of the Temple of Artemis and other locations in Ephesus. From here, you will continue on to see the ruins, including the grand amphitheater; one of Ephesus' most impressive buildings. You will then visit the 2nd-century Library of Celsus before exploring the ruins of the Scholastic Baths, Odeon, Lower Agora and State Agora.

Your tour will conclude with a visit to the terrace houses located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, and opposite the Hadrian Temple. Built for wealthy citizens, the homes' interiors were constructed with the highest standards of their day, and featured mosaics, frescoes and interior courtyards with open ceilings.

Following your tour, you will re-board your mini-coach for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants. Although you will not visit newly-excavated areas, you will visit parts of Ephesus not located on the tourist route, nor seen during regular site visits. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for this tour, which involves mostly downhill, extensive walking on uneven surfaces, and many steps to climb inside the terrace houses area of Ephesus. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off in town, as the buses are not allowed to return them to the Cruise Ship Terminal parking lot. There will be a short walk from the drop-off point in town back to the Kusadasi Terminal Building.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.