Ephesus Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from Izmir

Nat Geo Day Tour: Moderliga ikoner: Artemis, Jungfru Maria och en lokal borgmästare

Vandra genom tiderna och utforska den okuvliga andan hos kvinnor som har format samhället från antiken till idag, här i Turkiet. Förbered dig på att bli imponerad av den grekiska gudinnan Artemis makt och lär dig hennes historia när du passerar platsen för hennes stora tempel. På museet tillbringar du tid i galleriet som är tillägnat de lokala gudinnorna och som skildrar Artemis utveckling. Beundra två stora statyer av Artemis från Efesos och en modell av templet som det såg ut under den period då det ansågs vara ett av den antika världens sju underverk. Du får också chansen att följa i Jungfru Marias fotspår och besöka det hus som tros vara där hon bodde och slutligen dog. Inspirerad av en artikel i National Geographic kommer din guide att diskutera Marias roll som ”den mest kända kvinnan i världen” och reflektera över hur kvinnans roll är avgörande för samhället i dagens Turkiet. Njut av exklusiv tillgång till Earth School, ett initiativ som grundades av Selçuks borgmästare själv. Detta projekt understryker hennes engagemang för att vårda sitt samhälle och främja hållbart jordbruk och du får möjlighet att träffa lokalborna som är involverade. En medlem av borgmästarens team kommer att följa med dig och ge insikter i hur detta initiativ förändrar lokala liv och landskap. Sista stoppet är en restaurang med fokus på hållbarhet där du tillsammans med personalen får plocka växter på området och avnjuta en speciell lunch med mat av högsta kvalitet och vänlig service.

Nat Geo Day Tour: De antika mosaikerna och konstverken i Efesos

Den antika staden Efesos är en av de mest besökta klassiska platserna i världen. Från 800-talet f.Kr. till 300-talet e.Kr. blomstrade staden under grekiskt och sedan romerskt styre. Idag är det en historisk skattkammare i ett anmärkningsvärt välbevarat skick med tanke på dess höga ålder, och det är lätt att föreställa sig det dagliga livets liv och prat för länge sedan när du vandrar genom ruinerna.Ditt äventyr börjar med en utflykt till det interaktiva museet, som ingår i din entrébiljett. Förundras över de terrasserade husen, som vanligtvis inte ingår i Efesus-turerna. Bland korridorer och innergårdar, som en gång var hem för välbärgade efesier, får du en känsla av den överdådiga livsstilen på den tiden. I dessa hus bodde några av världens rikaste familjer, och de eleganta detaljerna förflyttar dig tillbaka i tiden när du beundrar de slående mosaikerna och freskerna som pryder väggarna.Din guide leder dig sedan längs Efesos marmorgator där Sankt Paulus, Kleopatra och Alexander den store en gång vandrade. Ett besök i Celsus bibliotek, ett av de enda kvarvarande exemplen på ett bibliotek från romarriket, och amfiteatern som kunde rymma 24 000 åskådare, är andra höjdpunkter på denna rundtur.Se kulturbevarande i aktion på Art Ceramic Centre där traditionella keramikmetoder fortfarande är mycket levande. Titta på en keramikdemonstration och prova sedan på att måla kakel som skapats av lokala hantverkare, båda upplevelserna är exklusiva för National Geographic-resenärer. Turen avslutas med en provsmakning av regionala fruktviner, en lokal specialitet.

Ancient Ephesus tour with pottery-making demonstration

Ephesus brings the past to life. This tour combines the ancient city with a visit to a typical ceramics factory for a glimpse into traditional pottery making. First up, you'll relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of Ephesus on a guided tour. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says "the archaeological site is so well-preserved that it's easy to imagine you are walking in the footsteps of the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in the streets 2,000 years ago."Crammed with temples, relics and religious statues, you'll walk the marble streets as your guide explains their history. A star attraction is the Insta-perfect Library of Celsus – a feat of classical architecture that once housed the brightest scholars of the day and more than 12,000 scrolls of age-old wisdom. Strolling between the column-lined avenues, you'll peep into crumpled shops and houses en route to the Grand Theatre – a colossal amphitheatre where St Paul once preached. There's a museum here, too, which you'll walk through during your visit. It's digital exhibits are designed to help you imagine what life was like in Ephesus during its heyday. We'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods. Gökhan adds "Cini ceramics are a traditional Turkish art form. Look out for the popular tulip and carnation motifs – the tulip symbolises the unity of God, while the carnation represents nature and renewal."

Full-day guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with lunch

A natural masterpiece combines with ancient ruins for this full day tour. You'll head to Pamukkale – which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – as well as the adjacent city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-for-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. Muzaffer, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties'.On arrival, you'll stop by the Pam Hotel for a spot of lunch, before soaking in their thermal pools. Next, prepare for a sight to behold, Pamukkale's natural springs solidified into chalk-white stalactites and cliffs long ago, resulting in a winter-like wonderland of petrified tiers and pools. People have bathed here for thousands of years, including Roman emperors. Follow in their footsteps and bathe in one of the thermal pools or simply make your way to the top and drink in the magnificent views.Next up is the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. You'll have free time to explore its well-preserved ruins, including ancient streets and an epic 13,000-seat theatre. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to the TUI Care Foundation.

Ancient Ephesus guided tour with House of the Virgin Mary

The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, "The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world."Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city. While you're here, you'll also walk through the museum, where digital exhibits help to bring the place to life by showcasing what Ephesus could've looked like in its heyday. You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says "I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd."

Sites & Bites: Sirince tour, St John’s Basilica and Turkish meze

History fans and foodies, listen up! This guided tour to Sirince is all about getting to grips with the area's main landmarks, as well as sampling some of the local cuisine. This activity ticks off everything from castles and temples to meze and ice-cream. Plus, you'll have a guide with you throughout the trip, so expect lots of insider info and stories on top of the sightseeing and food tasting.You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to your first stop, St John's Basilica in Selcuk. On the way, you'll get a glimpse of other big-name attractions in this part of Turkey, including the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. You might have a chance to hop off the coach and snap some pics. If not, you'll get a good look at them from the window as you drive by. Your guide will be on board, too, and they'll share stories and info related to everything you'll see. After some time to look around the exterior of the basilica, you'll wind your way through countryside lanes to Sirince.When you arrive in the village, you'll sit down for breakfast. You'll have a chance to try some authentic Turkish meze dishes, like stuffed vine leaves, gozleme pancakes and bazlama round bread. Then, it's time for a guided walk through the city. Your guide will tell you what life's like here, and they'll point out all the leading landmarks. It's a laidback walk, so you'll have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs, as well, and you'll also be treated to some ice-cream. After your walk, you'll wrap things up at the restaurant you had breakfast in for a fruit wine-tasting.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

The terraced, vanilla-white pools of Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a looker from any angle on the ground. But, they hardly come close to the views of the area from above. That's what this guided outing is all about, seeing Pamukkale in all its glory with a bird's-eye view from a hot air balloon. Aydin, one of our local guides says "the thermal springs at Pamukkale are spread across four square miles, so it can be really tricky on the ground seeing them in one go. When you're up in a hot air balloon, you get to see every inch of them."Your hot air balloon ride is scheduled at sunrise, to make sure you get the most dramatic view of Pamukkale possible – be prepared for a very early start to the day. The early wake-up call is well worth it, though, because the pools really sparkle and shine when the morning light hits them. You'll be in the air for about 45 minutes, so there's plenty of time to take in the view and snap some pictures while you're soaring. When you come back down, you'll head to a restaurant for a buffet breakfast. When you're fuelled up, you'll head with your guide to the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, whose ruins now serve as an open-air museum. Artifacts have been found here that date back to the Iron Age over 3,000 years ago, but it's most famous for its Greco-Roman remnants, including what's left of the Temple of Apollo, a 15,000-seater amphitheatre and one of the largest necropolises in Turkey. After your visit, you'll stop for lunch before driving back to your accommodation.

Izmir city tour and aquarium visit

Thanks to its sweeping harbour, seafront eateries and palm-lined pier, Izmir is known for its beautiful waterfront. This full-day guided tour takes you through the top sights of Turkey's third-largest city. Take a ferry ride across the bay, visit Izmir's aquarium, and meander through the markets. You'll kick your sightseeing off with the historic clock tower at Konak Square, a beloved symbol of Izmir, made from white marble. Our expert local guide, Ahmet, says "the clock tower isn't just a timekeeper, it's a storyteller narrating tales of Izmir's past."Next up, you'll wander over to Kizlaragasi Hani, a lively marketplace buzzing with local vendors and artisans. There's time for you to get a good look at the stalls here, which are packed with goods, from handmade crafts to traditional Turkish delight. Then, head over to Hisar Mosque, one of the city's oldest and largest. You'll learn about its history, importance and religious practices. You'll also get the chance to quietly appreciate its peaceful interior.Afterwards, meander through the colourful Kemeralti Bazaar, where you can haggle for souvenirs or just take in its vibrant atmosphere. Finally, hop on a ferry from Konak to Karsiyaka harbour – you can get a good look at Izmir's skyline from here. Round the tour off at Westpark Mall. Izmir's biggest retail outlet boasts an aquarium, too. Entry is included, so you can choose to spend the afternoon in the shops or seeing shoals of exotic fish, sharks, stingrays and more.

Kusadasi 4x4 safari tour

Forested mountains and sea-framed peninsulas are the backdrop to this scenic 4x4 drive. Tour the beautiful rural countryside inland from Kusadasi by rugged 4x4, taking in the charming mountain villages of Çamlık and Kirazlı, followed by an afternoon of sand surfing on Pamucak beach.

Kusadasi Horse Riding Safari

Exploring your surroundings by horse is a fun and natural way to discover the Turkish countryside. Take a few hours on this horse-riding excursion from Kusadasi to get back to nature at a sedate pace, with a refreshing sea swim along the way.