Day Trip to Greek Island of Samos

Ancient Ephesus Tour with Pottery-making Demonstration

Ephesus is one of those places that brings history to life. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of this ancient city on a guided tour. The archaeological site is so well preserved that it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in its streets 2,000 years ago.

Ancient Ephesus 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.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.'

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

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 we make our way to the main event. 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, a 13,000-seat theatre and the thermal baths – known as Cleopatra's pool due to her reputation of eternal youth. A dip is extra but well worth forking out for the experience of bathing in an oasis scattered with Roman artefacts. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to CYDD, a charity that helps in the education of underprivileged children in Turkey.

Izmir City Tour & Aquarium

Thanks to its sweeping harbour, seafront eateries and palm-lined pier, Izmir Town is known as ‘the beautiful waterfront'. Explore Turkey's third-largest city with a tour that has it all. You'll tour all the top sights, take a ferry ride across the bay, explore Izmir's aquarium, and even get to indulge in that favourite Turkish pastime, shopping.

Selçuk & Şirince Tour

There's lots of sightseeing and little travelling in this history-steeped tour to Selçuk and Şirince. You'll visit a Byzantine basilica and castle, discover one of Turkey's prettiest villages, enjoy a wine tasting and even try your hand at pottery painting.Head inland to Selçuk and immerse yourself in its layers of history. There's a guided visit to the ruins of the sixth century Basilica of St John and the partially restored Ayasuluk Fortress, which stands on a hill overlooking the town and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World. Hop back on the coach and make the short journey to Şirince, a former Greek village barely touched by the sands of time.After an authentic Turkish breakfast, there's a guided walk through windy cobblestone streets fringed by whitewashed homes and cypress trees. Enjoy a local wine tasting and then visit a ceramic workshop, where you can observe artisans at work and paint your own souvenir pottery.

Kusadasi Shopping Trip

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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.

Päiväretki Samokselle

Lyhyen merimatkan päässä Kusadasista on kreikkalainen Samoksen saari. Vietä päivä omaan tahtiisi joko Vathyssa tai Pythagoreiossa. Paluulautta, verot ja edestakaiset kuljetukset Kusadasissa sisältyvät hintaan.Riippuen päivästä, pysähdyt joko joko Vathyssa tai Pythagoreiossa, ja voit viettää päiväsi kuten haluat. Vathyssa voit vierailla kuuluisassa arkeologisessa museossa, ostella matkamuistoja pääaukiolla, kuljeskella mukulakivikaduilla ja nauttia saaren elämänrytmistä. Voit myös kävellä hevosenkengänmuotoisen lahden ympärillä sijaitsevaa vilkasta laituria pitkin, joka on täynnä tavernoita ja kahviloita.Jos suuntaat Pythagoreioon, voit rentoutua läheisellä pikkukivirannalla, kierrellä viehättävässä satamassa tai mennä Samos-hotellin kattouima-altaalle – valinta on sinun. Päivän jälkeen palaat varhain illalla lautalla takaisin Kusadasiin.

Ephesus at night tour

Ephesus comes alive under the stars on this evening tour. Stroll through the ancient city with your expert guide, who'll lead you down marble streets while sharing stories of the Roman Empire's glory days. Finish up at the digital museum, where history gets a high-tech twist. As you follow your guide through the UNESCO-rated ruins, the evening light adds an extra ambiance to the ruins that you don't get during a daytime visit. You'll weave your way around before arriving at the star attraction – the Library of Celsus. In its heyday, this showstopper was the third-biggest library in the Roman Empire that once housed over 12,000 scrolls. Next, wander through ancient shops and houses, imagining what life was like thousands of years ago, before reaching the Grand Theatre. This massive amphitheatre used to seat up to 24,000 spectators, and it's believed St Paul, one of Jesus' apostles, used to preach here. Finally, you'll head to the digital museum for a chance to check out its interactive exhibits. Watch Ephesus' past come to life with 3D reconstructions, which offer a glimpse of Roman daily life and what the Temple of Artemis might've looked like in its prime.

Kusadasi Quad Safari Tour

Off-road quad bikes are the ultimate way to explore remote spots. You'll blaze a trail on this quad excursion to nearby swamps and dirt trails. Your expert guides will give you a safety briefing, and a quick driving demonstration and test, before leading you into the countryside. From here, you're on the home stretch – a high-speed run back to the camp that splashes through streams and bounces over hills.