Pick-Up from Bodrum Port

Upon arrival at Bodrum Cruise Port, meet your professional English-speaking guide and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Sit back and enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through pine forests, olive groves, and traditional Turkish villages as you make your way to Selçuk, the gateway to ancient Ephesus. Your guide will share insights about the region’s history and daily life along the way.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Step into the heart of antiquity at Ephesus, one of the most magnificent cities of the ancient world and once a major center of trade and early Christianity.
Walk along its marble-paved streets and explore breathtaking landmarks, including:

• The Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece and ancient symbol of wisdom.

• The Great Theatre, which once seated over 25,000 spectators and where St. Paul preached.

• The Temple of Hadrian and the Fountain of Trajan, showcasing exquisite Roman craftsmanship.

• The Agora (Marketplace) and Roman Baths, testaments to daily life in a cosmopolitan city.

Your guide will reveal fascinating stories about emperors, philosophers, and merchants who once thrived in this vibrant metropolis.

Fun Fact: Ephesus was once home to over 250,000 inhabitants — making it the second-largest city in the ancient Roman world.

Temple of Artemis

Next, visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Although only a few columns remain today, this site once housed a massive temple dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and fertility.
Your guide will describe its glorious past — a sanctuary of art, devotion, and commerce that drew visitors from across the ancient world.

Highlight: See the surviving foundations and imagine the temple’s full grandeur, once four times larger than the Parthenon in Athens.

Traditional Turkish Lunch

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local countryside restaurant near Selçuk.
Savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional Aegean specialties — from grilled meats and mezes to homemade desserts.

Local Handicraft Center (Optional Stop)

Before your return, visit a traditional handicraft workshop, where artisans demonstrate ancient techniques of carpet weaving or ceramic making.
This is a great opportunity to learn about Turkish artistry and take home authentic souvenirs.

Return to Bodrum Port

After a fulfilling day of exploration, relax on your return drive to Bodrum Port. Your guide will ensure you return in plenty of time to rejoin your cruise ship, carrying with you unforgettable memories of ancient Ephesus.