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Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
with Princess Cruises


Sample Tours & Shore Excursions
Ephesus, St. John's Basilica & Virgin Mary Shrine Tour

    Enter the Magnesia Gate and explore ancient Ephesus on a guided walking tour. See the major sites and visit the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. The 6th century cathedral was built over the tomb of St. John the Apostle. Travel to a shrine in the Solmissos Mountains that is recognized as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.
  • WHAT YOU VISIT
    Ephesus - Enter through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. Your route takes you past the Odeon Theater, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. The theater had seating for 24,000, which was the site where it is believed St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, and is used today for a local spring festival.
    Basilica of St. John - Built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John the Apostle, the Basilica, now in ruins, once rivaled St. Sophia in size. See the remaining graceful columns and mosaics of the Basilica as you take in the panorama of the rural Selcuk countryside and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
    House of the Virgin Mary - The Vatican has recognized this small house in the Solmissos Mountains as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found when the ruins of the house were first discovered.
  • SHOPPING At the conclusion of your tour you will have the opportunity to attend a demonstration on the art of Turkish carpet weaving. You may choose to participate with your guide or take a stroll through town on your own and return to the ship.
  • WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY From Kusadasi, you travel north to Ephesus, passing the Byzantine fortress at Selcuk and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. The drive to the House of the Virgin Mary is long and winding but with great vistas of the valley. After your tour, return to Kusadasi, where you may either choose to take in a carpet exhibition, or shop on your own in the bazaars. Walk back to the ship at your leisure.

Ruins Of Miletus & Didyma Tour

    Explore the ruins of two ancient Anatolian cities. In Miletus see a vast Roman theater and the well-preserved baths of Faustina, named after the wife of Marcus Aurelius. Visit the massive Temple of Apollo in Didyma – steps lead up to 103 Ionic columns, some still pointing up to the sky.
  • WHAT YOU VISIT
    Miletus - These ancient ruins lie on a hill near the Aegean Sea. Explore the ancient theater, built circa 4th-century B.C. The theater could accommodate over 15,000 spectators. Visit the well-preserved Bath of Faustina, named after the wife of Marcus Aurelius, who ordered their construction.
    Didyma - In antiquity, Didyma was connected to Miletus by a sacred road. Visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, one of the largest temples from the Helenistic Period. Despite extensive construction, the temple was never fully completed.
  • SHOPPING
    At the conclusion of your tour you will have the opportunity to attend a demonstration on the art of Turkish carpet weaving. You may choose to participate with your guide or take a stroll through town on your own and return to the ship.
  • LUNCH
    A buffet lunch, featuring Turkish delicacies and accompanied by local wine, will be served at a local restaurant.
  • WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
    From the pier, drive through countryside dotted with vineyards, olive orchards and cotton plantations to Miletus and Didyma. Your tour ends at Kusadasi, a short walk from the ship. Join your guide for a carpet exhibition or browse the bazaars on your own before returning to ship.

Dilek National Park & Picnic

    Travel to the Dilek Peninsula, one of Turkey’s scenic national parks. Spend the afternoon at Kalamaki Beach. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch, relax on a sun bed, and drink in views of the island of Samos.
  • WHAT YOU VISIT
    Dilek Peninsula National Park – The Dilek Peninsula is a land of river valleys, pine and chestnut forests, and dramatic seaside cliffs. Your scenic drive travels through the heart of the park to Kalamaki Beach. A short walk leads to a rocky beach with crystalline water. Sun beds, umbrellas, and towel service are provided. Stroll the beach, sunbathe, or relax and enjoy the surroundings. The island of Samos lies one mile off the coast.
  • LUNCH
    Waiters serve a gourmet picnic lunch at tables set amidst a grove of pine trees. Sample the local white wine with your meal.
  • WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
    Board your air-conditioned motorcoach for the approximately 30-minute drive to Dilek Peninsula National Park. On your return to Kusadasi you have the opportunity of remaining in town to view a carpet-weaving demonstration or to shop on your own in the bazaars. Walk back to the ship at your leisure.


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