Kusadasi deluxe Turkish bath with transport

Nat Geo Day Tour: Tyrkias moderlige ikoner: 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 Efes Village of 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. Det blir anledning til å smake på tradisjonell tyrkisk hjemmelaget snacks og drikke, tilberedt av medlemmer av den lokale kvinneorganisasjonen.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Izmir City Tour & Aquarium

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.

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.

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.