Ting å gjøre i Kusadasi

Nat Geo Day Tour: Efesos' antikke mosaikker og kunsthåndverk

Den antikke byen Efesos er et av de mest besøkte klassiske utgravingsstedene i verden. Fra 800-tallet f.Kr. til 300-tallet e.Kr. blomstret byen under gresk og deretter romersk styre. I dag er den en historisk skattekiste som er bemerkelsesverdig godt bevart, alderen tatt i betraktning, og det er lett å forestille seg det travle og livlige hverdagslivet for lenge siden når man vandrer gjennom ruinene.Eventyret begynner med en omvisning i det interaktive museet, som er inkludert i inngangsbilletten. Opplev de forunderlige terrassehusene, som vanligvis ikke er med i programmet på utflukter til Efesos. Blant korridorene og gårdsplassene, som en gang var hjem for velstående efesere, får du en fornemmelse av datidens overdådige livsstil. Disse husene var bebodd av noen av verdens rikeste familier, og de elegante detaljene tar deg tilbake i tid mens du beundrer de slående mosaikkene og freskomaleriene som pryder veggene.Deretter tar guiden deg med nedover Efesos' marmorgater der Paulus, Kleopatra og Aleksander den store en gang gikk. Et besøk i Celsus-biblioteket, et av de eneste gjenværende eksemplene på et bibliotek fra Romerriket, og amfiteateret med plass til 24 000 tilskuere er andre høydepunkter på denne turen.På Art Ceramic Centre kan du se kulturbevaring i praksis, der tradisjonelle keramikkmetoder fortsatt lever i beste velgående. Her kan du overvære en keramikkdemonstrasjon og prøve deg på å male fliser laget av lokale håndverkere – begge deler er opplevelser som kun er tilgjengelige for National Geographic-reisende. Turen avsluttes med en prøvesmaking av regionale fruktviner, en lokal spesialitet.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Tyrkias banebrytende kvinner - Artemis, Jomfru Maria og en lokal borgermester

Reis i tid og utforsk den ukuelige ånden til kvinner som har formet samfunnet fra antikken og frem til i dag, her i Tyrkia. Forbered deg på å bli imponert av den greske gudinnen Artemis' makt, og lær historien hennes mens du går forbi stedet der det storslåtte tempelet hennes ligger.I museet kan du tilbringe tid i galleriet som er viet de lokale gudinnene, og som skildrer Artemis' utvikling. Beundre to store statuer av Artemis fra Efesos og en modell av tempelet slik det så ut i den perioden da det ble regnet som et av de syv underverkene i den antikke verden.Du får også muligheten til å gå i Jomfru Marias fotspor, og besøke huset som antas å være der hun bodde og til slutt døde. Inspirert av en artikkel i National Geographic vil guiden din diskutere Marias rolle som «verdens mest berømte kvinne» og reflektere over hvordan kvinnens rolle i dagens Tyrkia er avgjørende for samfunnet.Du får eksklusiv tilgang til Earth School, et initiativ grunnlagt av Selçuks ordfører selv. Dette prosjektet understreker hennes engasjement for å ta vare på lokalsamfunnet og fremme bærekraftig landbruk, og du får muligheten til å møte lokalbefolkningen som er involvert. Et medlem av ordførerens team vil følge deg og gi deg innsikt i hvordan dette initiativet endrer lokale liv og landskap.Siste stopp er en restaurant med fokus på bærekraft, der du sammen med de ansatte plukker planter på området og nyter en spesiell lunsj med mat av topp kvalitet og vennlig betjening.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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 Turkish Bath with Transport

Turkish baths are all about relaxation. Visit one of Kusadasi's finest Turkish bath houses, where you'll be treated to a steam room session, an invigorating body scrub and soothing foam massage. There's also the option of a traditional oil massage.

Izmir Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Kusadasi hotels

Travel in style with this full VIP service at Izmir airport. Avoid all the usual hassle as you enjoy unlimited drinks, hot and cold snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Make your wait at the airport a breeze. You'll be greeted on arrival and then have time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits. And to top it off, you'll have assistance with check-in, security clearance and passport control.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi access to a kids' area to keep the little ones entertained – allowing you to relax right up to take off.

Northern Bays Boat Tour from Kusadasi

The coastline north of Kusadasi offers fantastic scenery from the sea. You'll spend the full day taking it in on this laid-back cruise, with lunch and drinks on board, swimming stops from the boat and excursions to the beach.Board your luxury vessel at Kusadasi harbour in the morning and push out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, gliding past the coastline's coves and rugged cliffs. Head to the stunning northern bays, where you'll swim in the clear, turquoise waters from the boat – or maybe just sunbathe on the ample deck.Let your friendly crew-member row you to a nearby beach – and pick you up again in time for lunch aboard your boat. Relax on deck with a drink in your hand, as you set off again on your leisurely, sun-drenched cruise.