Ephesus (from Kusadasi)

Crammed with more delights than a Turkish sweetshop, Kusadasi is the gateway to the amazing archaeological site of Ephesus and nearby excavations of Didyma and Miletus.

Stroll through the city’s lively streets brimming with shops and bars. Barter for bargains in the Grand Bazaar and bag some exotic-smelling spices, pointy leather slippers or a colourful Turkish carpet. All that bargaining made you hungry? Then head to the bustling cafés and restaurants overlooking the harbour and prepare for a taste bud sensation. Devour lobster, grilled octopus and succulent sea bass finished off with a heart-jolting coffee.

Don’t Miss

Ephesus – Don’t do dusty old stuff? Don’t be fooled. Ephesus is as remarkable as ruins get! It’s one of the biggest archaeological sites of the ancient world, with an impressive two-storey pillared facade as well as 1st century public conveniences. See where Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession, and the Great Theatre where gladiators fought and Sting and Elton John more recently played.
St John’s Basilica – See the basilica built over a 2nd century tomb where St John the Evangelist is believed to lie. Legend has it that he came to Ephesus to write the fourth book of the New Testament.
Shrine Of The Virgin Mary – See the shrine visited by Pope Paul IV back in the swinging sixties. Reputed to be the house where the Virgin Mary last lived, it was seen in a vision by apious nun in the 1820’s.

Ephesus Action Ashore

• Get the low-down on the vast Ancient City of Ephesus with (from Kusadasi)a knowledgeable guide who’ll make sense of all the history and show you the best bits, from the pillared Library of Celsus to the brothel and marble-topped, 36-hole communal toilets.
• Don’t miss the Great Theatre where St Paul’s preaching against the silver-smiths nearly started a riot. Today it’s still used as a 25,000 seater music venue.
• Know your warp from your weft? You will after watching traditional carpet weaving looms in action. Magic!
• See where St John and the Virgin Mary are said to have spent their last years.